Imagine this experience; after weeks of preparation for your big day, you and your partner are planning on living your honeymoon on your boat or chartering one. Many sailors have decided to set sail and spend their honeymoon on a boat. This romantic experience can be for many the ultimate honeymoon. But, for others, it might be expensive. Or, they just prefer to do a road trip or take the plane for their honeymoon. In this article, we’re going to list the pros and cons of a honeymoon sailing holiday and share some information and recommendations to help you plan your dream honeymoon. So, keep reading!

Honeymoon Sailing

Getting married is for some people one of the most important moments in their lives. It is also a kind of excuse to leave it all behind and experience a dream honeymoon. First of all, you have two options to choose from. The first one is chartering a sailboat and the second one is taking your own boat. Both options involve traveling, sunshine, sea, and romance!

The great thing here is that there are plenty of honeymoon sailing destinations to choose from. And, with nobody on board, just you and your partner, experiencing a romantic sailing honeymoon is the best way to sail anywhere you choose. If you choose the chartering option and you want to simply relax without having any concerns about sailing you can try a romantic skippered charter. This can be done with an elegant sailboat, a catamaran, or a luxurious yacht. In any case, with so many options in the charter yacht market, you will definitely find the sailing voyage that is tailored to your needs.

What’s worth mentioning here is that marriage is similar to sailing. Meaning that it can be calm and enjoyable sailing. But, other times it can get stormy, uncomfortable, and a test for your limits. For instance, strong winds and rough weather conditions can be predicted but they’re not always that easy to control. However, the solution lies in adjusting the sails or trying a different tack.

And if you chose to do your sailing honeymoon with your own boat then keep in mind to carefully plan your anchorings and moorings. This will mostly depend on your voyage and the route you’re going to take. Bear in mind that your sailing boat will be a place of safety in case something unexpected occurs. In any case, a sailing honeymoon is a grand adventure that leads to new discoveries about yourselves and the world, as you set off into the expansive, unknown blue!

Or, maybe you’re thinking of proposing during a sailing voyage? Well, you’ve probably chosen one of the most romantic ways to accomplish it. Proposing in uncommon places with the backdrop of the ocean is something that will surprise your partner. The intimacy of a boat, the freedom of the sail, and romance will stimulate both your and your partner’s senses. Just picture this: the astonishing moonlight that dives into the blue ocean, or rising over the hills and mountain ranges. And then, flame-red sunsets over the seas, secret coves, remote anchorages, and evenings on the water under an expanse of starlight. This will definitely be unforgettable for both of you!

Chartering a Sailboat

By creating an itinerary that matches your needs you benefit from the freedom of choice in terms of preferences and budget. Specialized yacht charter companies can talk through your wishes and plans and will help you arrange your voyage the way you want it. For instance, you and your beloved one might be experienced sailors and in no need of hiring a skipper. You might also be experienced sailors but you just prefer to relax on board. So, as you see everything’s possible for your sailing honeymoon.

So, if you’re not an experienced sailor, consider chartering a skippered yacht. This way, a professional skipper will be at the helm so you both can just sit back and relax. Bear in mind that a chartered yacht is a self-catered option, so you would need to purchase provisions en route. However, dining out each night and strolling around the city or village you’re going to visit is obviously something you want to do.

In addition, in case you don’t want to assume any duties and just enjoy your sailing honeymoon, and if your budget permits that, you can book a hostess along with the skipper. Choosing a luxury or just a simple yacht charter for your honeymoon can be one of the most romantic experiences for a newlywed couple. You will be able to explore secluded bays and coves, enjoy nature and visit new destinations every day. If your budget and time allow it, you can also combine sailing to multiple destinations. Popular destinations include Amalfi, Maldives, Phuket, the Meditteranean, the Caribbean, and the French Riviera, among others. Every place offers something unique and charming so it is up to you to decide where you want to set sail.

Your first important voyage together has to be perfect and carefully planned beforehand! A charter yacht company can arrange that for you so that you will be able to relax, swim, sightsee and sail away into the high seas. With so many honeymoon destinations to choose from, what you also need to decide is to find a charter and a boat that suits you and your partner. A suitable yacht company will help and guide you through this process, offer personal advice, and ensure that your honeymoon meets your needs. Meaning that you might want to charter a luxury catamaran in the French Riviera, a motor yacht in the Virgin Islands, or a sailboat in the Med, you’ll be able to do so!

Why Choose a Sailing Honeymoon? Pros

Obviously, honeymooners have many options when it comes to planning and preparing the sailing voyage. Choosing a sailing honeymoon to enjoy the first happy days of marriage is by far the most romantic thing for many. And what would be the best is having your own sailboat and an already cruising experience. But, as aforementioned, for this special occasion, you might desire something more shimmering and luxurious. Or, something more elegant and simple. In any case, just the idea of passing your honeymoon onboard is what matters the most. And let’s now see the main reasons for why choosing a sailing honeymoon:

• Countless Destinations: One of the greatest benefits of a sailing honeymoon is having multiple choices. You and your partner can visit multiple places, world-class historic sites, national parks, and natural wonders. And it’s up to you to decide where to hop on and off of your floating home.
• Unique Adventure: Sailing vacations allow you to travel to untouched landscapes, ports, coves, islets, and islands. You will design your voyage which will be based on what you want to visit and experience. This means that you can plan a sailing honeymoon that takes you to all the sites, beaches, and ports you want to visit.
• Intimacy: On a sailboat, you get the ultimate in privacy. You enjoy strolling around the city or village, dine out, but then you get back to your sailboat and retire away from the bustle. So, there are also different options to choose from even for this matter. Do you wish to enjoy privacy all day? You can do so! Do you wish to explore the port and city all day? You can also do it!
• Comfort: Charter yachts can offer everything. From luxurious and grand catamarans to simple large sailboats. Also, you can benefit from different amenities. Apart from having a skipper, chef, or hostess, you can also choose a yacht with a jacuzzi, and many other incredible onboard amenities

In addition, you can also choose a sailing honeymoon on a catamaran. In general, two-hull boats offer more advantages in terms of comfort, stability, and space. It’s also easier to sail in shallow waters, coves, and bays. Some of the advantages of sailing with a cat include:

• Spaciousness: Catamarans have dual hulls, and that equals more space for everyone aboard. You and your partner can enjoy a stateroom all to yourselves, away from other guests or crew. Furthermore, cats offer more space above and below the deck for guests and crew. You might also want to invite some friends along during your sailing honeymoon. So, sailing with a cat means having room for everyone.
• More Stability and Less Floating: The two-hull design maximizes stability on the sea. Cats are built differently than monohulls and there is little floating on waves. The movements are rather upside-down, and there’s also less tilt in comparison to the monohulls.
• Mobility: Catamarans are generally faster than sailboats. Moreover, the shallow draft of a cat allows anchoring in shallower waters which means you can be closer to the beaches you visit. And, in almost all cases, you don’t need to go around stowing things or using bungee cords to keep them in place, the moment you decide to set sail. On a cat, most things tend to stay in position even in moderately rough seas.

Why a Sailing Honeymoon Can Be a Bad Idea? – Cons

• Seasickness: Even though it’s not that common, but if you and your partner have a delicate stomach or experiencing motion sickness consider carrying some medicines with you. You can buy a pair of seasickness bands, Dramamine, or ask your doctor for a Transderm Scop prescription, a patch worn behind the ear.
• Budget: In case you’re chartering a yacht or a sailboat for your sailing honeymoon it is likely that the whole package will cost you an arm and a leg. Especially, if you charter a skippered yacht with a hostess and a chef. The budget will mostly depend on your sailing destination, type of boat, and your preferences. But most chartering companies tend to raise their prices when it comes to a sailing honeymoon.
• Additional costs: Walking tours, dining out, hiring a tour guide, shopping, nightlife, and engaging in activities are the most common additional costs that might come up during your sailing honeymoon. And especially if you’re sailing to touristic destinations such as Florida, the Caribbean, or the French Riviera, these costs are more than likely to be extremely high. Keep in mind that the season in which you choose to do your sailing honeymoon plays a crucial role when planning your honeymoon.
• Countless Options and Countless Offers: With so many options, offers, companies, and sailing destinations you might find it extremely difficult to make a choice. For this reason, it’s advisable to plan beforehand your sailing honeymoon and gather all offers that interest you. Like this, you’ll compare them and find the one that suits you best.
• Luxury: Yes, this might be a disadvantage if you’re not keen on overcrowded places, high-end restaurants, and extreme prices. You might want to do a tranquil sailing honeymoon in remote destinations and engage in ecotouristic activities. So, if you’re that type of a person it’s better to take your own sailboat, if you have one, plan ahead and take your partner to live the dream on your own. If you don’t own a sailboat, then there are specialized chartering companies that offer this kind of packages at a reasonable cost.

Best Sailing Honeymoon Destinations

The Caribbean

The Caribbean is one of the most popular and romantic sailing destinations. The region offers unique and breathtaking landscapes that attract visitors from all over the world. Escaping and discovering the white-sand beaches, coves, marine wildlife, and crystal clear Caribbean waters will enchant both you and your partner. Just keep in mind that depending on what season you’re sailing, the Caribbean waters and islands might be crowded. Let’s see some of the most popular sailing romantic destinations in the Caribbean Sea:

• St. Martin: St. Martin along with the British Virgin Islands are the most popular sailing destinations in the Caribbean. Your vacation there will be paradisiacal as the place has many unspoilt beaches and romantic deserted spots towards Anguilla and around its offshore islets. You can benefit from many activities such as diving among the natural reefs, discover tropical fish around St. Kitts, and drop your anchor at St. Barths for some shopping and fine dining. Swimming and snorkelling are also very popular activities in the shimmering waters of its bay. Lastly, don’t miss sailing to St. Martin’s surrounding islands, like Ile-Tintamarre, that offer remote, secluded anchorages, hidden coves and vibrant reefs.
• British Virgin Islands: The British Virgin Islands is the perfect couples sailing destination. There are approximately 25 islands that offer warm weather and steady trade winds all year-round. Tortola is the well-known capital of the Caribbean and of course amongst the most popular sailing destinations. When discovering and sailing around the British Virgin Islands, you’ll find sheltered harbours, unspoilt beaches, and secluded anchorages. Bear in mind that as the BVI tend to be really crowded throughout the year, you have to be prepared for not being able to find tranquillity at all times. However, due to the vastness of the archipelago, there are numerous solutions that will allow you to just relax and enjoy the scenery with your beloved one.
• The Bahamas: The Bahamas consist of more than 600 islands and are located in the Lucayan Archipelago. They’re well-known for their sheltered harbours, untouched beaches, and hospitable people. There are many protected territories there forbidding fishing and hunting activities, which is great and tells a lot about their culture. Meaning that they respect and protect biodiversity and the local ecosystem. You can benefit from other activities such as diving, snorkelling and flora/fauna observation. Explore the ocean and meet with sea turtles, friendly nurse sharks and colourful fish. Even though the Bahamas are a tourist destination they attract many responsible tourists as well. Enjoy yourself by swimming side to side with the swimming pigs and observe the three-foot iguanas on the white-sand beaches that dot the Caribbean islands.
• Grenadines: St. Vincent and the Grenadines are a chain of small islands and have begun to attract visitors at a slow pace. The Grenadines offer less bustle and more remoteness. So, if you want just to relax, explore and enjoy your sailing honeymoon then this is the place to be. Visit the islands of Carriacou, Union, Bequia, Mustique, Mayreau and Canouan and explore the Tobago Cays marine park. Keep in mind that Tobago Cays are the most touristic and expensive place in Grenadines. However, there are numerous anchorages where you can find peace and tranquillity almost everywhere. Don’t miss tasting the local cuisine that will make your mouth water!

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Destinations in the Caribbean

The Meditteranean

The Mediterranean, a place of romance, deep blue, seagulls, and sun. From the Greek Aegean and the Ionian Islands to Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, and the South of France, your sailing honeymoon there will be unforgettable and filled with joy and peace. And so, which destinations are best for honeymooners? Let’s discover them:

• Sicily: Pull the plug of the hustle and bustle and experience the rhythms of nature, feel the blowing of winds and currents while staring at the most beautiful bays and waters. The Sicilian coastline measures a total length of 1152 km. Its capital, Palermo, lies on a bay on the north coast. From Milazzo (Messina) to the Vulcano Island, take a taste of the Aeolian Islands, or visit Palermo, Mondello and Capo Gallo. Sicily is an island with a mountainous landscape and is the home of Mount Etna – the tallest, largest, and most active volcano in Europe. Its north and east coasts are made up of high cliffs with many bays and sandy beaches. Heading south and the beaches become longer, offering several choices for remote anchorings.
• Croatia: The astonishing landscapes of Croatia’s coastline combined with the Dalmatian Mountains, will take your breath away. The coast’s numerous Old World villages and towns, like the walled city of Dubrovnik and the seaside Split, make Croatia a unique lover’s destination. Sail around the Dalmatian Islands, taste the specialties, and if you’re a party person then take your partner and explore nightlife as well! The Croatian Islands offer the opportunity to do this. A new paradise island destination each day, secluded anchorages, and pristine beaches waiting to be discovered. 
• South of France: The Cote d’Azur is amongst the most romantic destination in all of Europe. For hundreds of years, many spend their honeymoon or holidays in the South of France to enjoy luxury and elegance. If you’re keen on a luxurious sailing honeymoon vacation then the South of France is just for you: one-of-a-kind food and wine, wonderful beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and plenty of luxury spas, resorts, and restaurants to choose from.
• Greek Islands: The Greek Islands… Whichever destination you choose, or all of them, you will definitely be enchanted. The Ionian Islands, Crete, Cyclades, Sporades Islands, and the Dodecanese Islands – all with their different and unique characteristics. Incredible natural beauty, rich culture and history, archaeological sites, mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine, and so many secluded anchorages and deserted beaches. Furthermore, the people are so welcoming there that will make you feel like being at home and share their stories with you. As newlyweds, you will find tons of incredible opportunities to explore, relax and enjoy in Greece.
• Sardinia: The capital of Sardinia is Cagliari in the south. Then, the old town of Cagliari, Castello, situated on a hill from which you can see amazing views of the entire Gulf of Cagliari. Sardinia is well-known for its stunning landscapes in all of Europe, with mountains, sheer cliffs, and aqua-marine coves around every corner. A perfect destination for hikers, bikers, and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Sardinia is also popular for its chic and classy residents and for its gastronomic delights. If you choose to sail along Sardinia’s coastline don’t miss sailing to the magnificent La Maddalena Islands. A collection of small islands with secluded anchorages and sandy or pebbled beaches; home to the National Marine Park. For honeymooners, the island is a sailing paradise!

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Destinations in Europe

Tahiti and the South Pacific

Lying between Hawaii in the north, and New Zealand in the south, hundreds of islands make up dozens of island groups, offering numerous sailing opportunities. The vastness of the Pacific ocean is characterized by diversity and offers great tradewinds that favor cruising. In addition, the wealth of friendly cultures and the immensity of ecosystems and biodiversity are worth exploring. You can engage in many different activities from diving and snorkeling to wildlife observation. And, of course, sailing around the islets and exploring the hidden coves, blue lagoons, and coral reefs. The abundance of marine and wildlife favors ecotourism and ecoutouristic activities. The wonderful sunsets and paradisiacal landscapes make the South Pacific islands the ideal location for a romantic getaway. So, whether you’re chartering a catamaran or have your own sailboat, get ready to live the best sailing honeymoon!

• Fiji: An island nation located in the South Pacific occupying an archipelago of over 300 islands. There you’ll find a multi-cultural blend of Melanesian, Polynesian, Indian and Chinese, along with European colonial history. The main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are home to the majority of the population. So, this allows many more secluded and less crowded Fiji islands to be explored. The lush green volcanic mountains surrounded by the tropical waters from the basic characteristic of the Fiji islands. And the remoteness means that the Fijian people have retained a somehow non-commercial view on life. This makes Fiji one of the friendliest places on earth. 
• Tahiti: The alluring and remote French Polynesian islands were among the last places on Earth to be settled by humans. Today, the year-round mild trade winds and favorable climate make Tahiti a year-round sailing destination. A Tahitian sailing honeymoon isn’t just a coastal cruise. Many of French Polynesia’s islands spread tens or hundreds of miles apart. Experienced ocean sailors will have the opportunity to sail along the calm waters of the South Pacific. Benefit from island-hopping, meet with welcoming inhabitants, and traditional island communities. The dramatic volcanic scenery and marine wildlife will impress you. If you want to, you can find a local tour guide that will show you around the place and its secrets. Raiatea, located in the center of French Polynesia, is surrounded by countless isles and islands of the South Pacific. Sheltered from swells but open to the strong trade winds, Raiatea’s lagoon offers great sailing and a relaxing honeymoon. It’s one of the must-see places and great anchorages there. Explore the reefs that surround Raiatea and Taha’a and meet with Polynesia’s abundant marine life.
• New Caledonia: New Caledonia, located in the Southwest Pacific, is the third-largest island there and amongst the top destinations that favor ecotourism, wildlife, and adventure tourism. On both water and land, there is a unique abundance of flora, fauna, and marine life. With one of the world’s largest lagoons to visit and an extremely large barrier reef surrounding the main island of Grande Terre, New Caledonia offers so many activities to benefit from while enjoying your sailing honeymoon.
• Society Islands: With 120 islands and atolls stretching over 1,200 miles in the South Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia has a close relationship with the sea. Part of the French Polynesian Islands and characterized by a great year-round climate. Also, crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches make the Society Islands a great destination to relax during your sailing honeymoon. Aside from the breathtaking beauty of the unique blue-green lagoons, one of the biggest attractions of this region is also the friendly nature of its people.  If you’re looking for adventures, organized snorkeling and numerous trails on land make the place a paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts. If you’re looking for tranquility, then palm tree-lined beaches and cascading waterfalls are what you need.

The Bottom Line

Wherever you choose to go, you can tailor your honeymoon according to your needs and preferences. For example, if you want to combine your sailing honeymoon with scuba diving, fishing, and other watersports activities you can arrange that with s simple online search. Or, maybe do you want to explore a country’s culture, civilization, and history? It’s also possible! Also, many yacht charter companies provide a licensed tour guide that will show you around and accompany you for sightseeing. Or, maybe you just want to chill out, explore nature’s wonders and enjoy your sailing honeymoon to its full. Whatever you want to do it’s possible to make it happen!