Take a break from it all and indulge in the ultimate escape. Go Sailing. Be one with the seas, catch the sunrise, and delight in an ocean view. As the Earth is made up of 70% water, there are naturally a lot of Sailing locations. 

But what is it that makes for a top sailing destination? The scenery, weather, sailing conditions, facilities, food, and culture. All these things have been taken into account when making these articles.

In this section, we will talk about some of the Best Sailing Destinations In The World.

Caribbean Sailing

The Caribbean is a group of islands that are full of fun, color, and vibrant cultures. Surrounded by Central America, North America, and South America, it boasts thousands of islands with numerous white sand beaches, breathtaking scenery, and diverse aquatic life. The Caribbean also offers very favorable yachting conditions, making it one of the must-see Sailing destinations in the world.

Caribbean Sailing is getting more and more popular not only to sailors but also to families who are looking for a nice, kid-friendly getaway. Even if you have not tried Sailing, you can still be able to experience it in the Caribbean. It is wise and more convenient to ask for the help of a reputable travel agent who will take care of everything. They will attend to whatever specific needs you may and anything you will need for your Sailing vacation.

Chartering a Boat

There are a lot of travel agencies that can take you to different islands and destinations. Those are perfect for Sailing and are known for their crystal blue waters and varied coral reef. The British Virgin Islands, French West Indies, the islands of Lesser Antilles, and Turks and Caicos are only some of the islands most frequented by Sailing aficionados.

When choosing a charter, you can rent a boat and sail it by yourself if you have the experience and skills to cruise in the Caribbean. Otherwise, go for a boat with a skipper or a set of the crew who will do all the boating tasks for you, though obviously having your own skipper comes with a higher price. You can also go for a yacht complete with crew. This is more expensive because of the added features such as more spacious boats, multiple cabins, or gear and equipment for various water activities. 

With so many agencies offering charter yachts and boat rentals, make sure to check which companies provide satisfactory customer service.

Basics for Sailing In The Caribbean

The Caribbean offers the best Sailing conditions from January to March. The Caribbean Sea offers tranquil waters, making Sailing a serene experience. If you want to set sails in more challenging conditions, go Sailing at the Atlantic Ocean.

Caribbean Sailing is definitely a must-try. Whether you want to go on your own or render the services of travel agents and charter companies, the beautiful islands of the Caribbean will surely make your vacation a memorable one.

Bahamas Sailing

The Islands of the Bahamas could be that tropical paradise one can ever dream of—superb adventure and seclusion. Crooked Island, Conception Island, Big Farmer’s Cay, Ragged Island, Rum Cay, Exuma, and Great Sayle Cay are some of the uniquely named islands in this area. But more so, the 100,000-square mile archipelago, which launches 50 miles from the Florida coast and its islands spreading close to 700 miles. Nearly reaching Haiti, is famous for the outstanding feel of the first-rate Sailing experience.

The Bahamas offer exceptionally delightful Sailing adventures. Its 700 islands provide stunning waters and ostensibly never-ending range of deserted cays unreachable by any way apart from swimming. Dropping anchor at some distant stretches surrounding the popular Bahamas islands is permitted, allowing the unlimited enjoyment of the sunny, soundless swimming and snorkeling far-off the shore.

Sailing Events

Many non-competitive Sailing events could also be observed in the Bahamas. Hence, boat aficionados and even those simply interested ones laze around in the spirit of amity. Likewise, Sailing in the Bahamas might not be done personally. One may ask someone else to sail as he cruises in a glass-bottom boat through the day or dances on a dinner cruise under the brightness of the stars. Chartering a fully crewed boat for some days is also an option.

Apart from the leisure Sailing that the Bahamas presents, it is also known for the competitive Sailing events that it hosts. A regatta is an excellent and challenging activity, whether taking on the passive-watcher side or as a participant. 

Usually, during late summer, every major island of Bahamas launches its regular regatta. The finest noted are those to be found in Long Island, Freeport or Lucaya, Exuma, and the Nassau or the Paradise Island. The Annual Grand Bahamas Sailing Regatta is held every June and is one of the most popular events for boating enthusiasts.

Basics for Sailing in The Bahamas

When sailing in the Bahamas, one must note that hundreds of square miles of the waters are shallow. Except for the east coast of the island strings. They deepen rapidly and even reach hundreds and even thousands of feet. It should also be remembered that tides rarely exceed three feet. However, yachts drawing more than five feet may only be able to sail a few of the shallowest channels close to high tide.

To achieve a smooth Sailing adventure, the direction of the wind should also be considered. The Easterly winds are the customary winds on the island, and the consistency of the wind is interrupted only by sporadic North winds. They extend down from the United States during the winter months as well as the summer months’ tropical depressions. 

Entering shallower harbors like Exumas and Abacos, coming from deep water, may really get complicated and risky, especially on the outgoing tide and the Easterly winds exceeding 15 knots.

Hawaii Sailing

Sailing enthusiasts often engage in ocean adventures and partake in Sailing expeditions around the innumerable destinations of the world. Great skill and loads of experience are most needed in this leisure-sport experience, especially when hauling an extensive trip and Sailing in one’s own vessel. 

Among the gorgeous Sailing venues around the globe are the stunning waters of Hawaii. Indeed, Hawaii Sailing would, for some, be an ultimate fancy. Hawaii also offers the thrilling yacht chartering Sailing option, which could be the most rewarding vacation alternative, despite being highly-priced.

Hawaii Sailing presents the opportunity to discover the exceptional features of the islands’ beauty without the need for a tight itinerary. Sailing in Hawaii could be the perfect substitute for an inter-island cruise.

Things to do in Hawaii

Hawaii travelers are often in small groups. Hence the enjoyment of snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Hiking, and swimming could really be maximized. Hawaii also offers a cruise island Sailing vacation, which has a loose itinerary wherein the ship captain takes visitors to the best and unrivaled highlights of the islands. Including splendid coral reefs and marine life adventure.

The typical Hawaiian cruise Sailing tour lasts from two or three days to a weeklong vacation exploring the Oahu, Kauai, Big Island, and Maui islands. Along with Honolulu and Waikiki Beach ports, Hawaii Sailing is famous for Catamarans. They take visitors to crystal clear waters with thousands of marine creatures forming the renowned underwater rainbow of vibrant colors.

Sailing in Hawaii would not be completed without the morning or afternoon dolphin and snorkeling experience. Hawaii resorts offer travel packages inclusive of Sailing along the coastlines of the islands, which are the trademark realm of dolphins. 

Sailing in Hawaii Basics

These trips allow the visitors to experience being near to dolphin pods playing alongside the boats. One of the best Hawaii Sailing encounters is seeing the dolphins jump, splash and spin around marvelously. Seeing green sea turtles swim by languorously. Seeing whales cracking the ocean surface is also another rewarding experience.

Indeed, Sailing gives the magnificent perspective of seeing the islands of Hawaii different from the vision seen from the land. Dropping by the Molokini Crater should not be forgotten. It is one of the largest attractions on the island of Maui and a popular Hawaii Sailing stop. Big Island tours, on the other hand, offer Sailing by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and experiencing the astounding Mount Kilauea view, together with its bordering lava beds from the offshore.

Without a doubt, Hawaii Sailing is an outstanding vacation alternative, unveiling the finest and paramount assets of the islands.

US Sailing

Are you having visions of sparkling seas, sunlit decks bathed with the softest of a sunset’s hues, and the feel of a cool ocean breeze on your upturned face? 

Chances are, you’ve been bitten with the Sailing bug. If the only glitch to your Sailing plans is that perfect Sailing destination, then fret no more! Below are some of the best Sailing locations to head to within the United States. Single out one and be assured of a beautiful Sailing cruise you’re not apt to forget for a very long time.

  • Florida – This is considered as the boating and Sailing capital of the United States. It proudly offers gorgeous weather, exciting Sailing destinations, friendly community, and a lengthy Sailing season. Some highly recommended areas are the Florida Keys and the Biscayne Bay in Miami.
  • Chesapeake Bay – This offers favorable Sailing conditions from April through September. The scenery surrounding its waters is extremely beautiful, combining natural elements such as forests, rocks, and marshes. Its undisturbed coastline is rated one of the highest among the more southern Sailing locations.
  • San Francisco Bay Area – A favorite among many sailors due to its world-class Sailing conditions, it offers magnificent scenery right out of the marina and excellent steady winds. The Sailing season here typically extends from May to November.
  • New England – A tad chillier than most of the country’s Sailing destinations. New England Sailing season is shorter than its counterparts. It is usually from May to November only. If you do decide on this location, brace yourself for stunning sceneries of lovely forests that reach the height of their beauty during the summer and autumnal seasons, truly a sight to behold.
  • Southern California – A feast of strong winds, majestic sun, and fantastic natural beauty; what more could you ask for? Well, a yearlong season, for one. Southern California is a Sailing location definitely worth checking out, especially in the summer when the Sailing conditions are at their best.
  • New York Area – Within this remarkable location are lush forests and winds suited well to accommodating sailors out to have a good time. Some areas which are worth trying out are Hudson River and Long Island Sound. Plan accordingly, as its Sailing season only spans from about May to September only.

It’s time to give in to the call of the sea, get on board that boat, and have a memorable Sailing trip, traversing the exquisite waters the United States has to offer.

Mediterranean Sailing

A great destination for all sailors. It has everything, stunning coastlines, towns and villages, and calm and warm waters. 

  • Croatia: A great destination since it is a little more untouched than the others. It is perfect for a sailing trip around eight days. You can start from Dubrovnic and go to Split and vise Versa. You will have the opportunity to stop and some amazing islands like Mljet, Korcula, Hvar, and Vits. 
  • Greece: My personal favorite and very popular sailing destination. You can sail for as long as you want since it has around 1,200 to 6,000 (depending on the minimum size taken into account). I would suggest something between 8 and 15 days, depending on the islands you would like to see. The majority of people will visit Santorini and Mykonos and maybe Naxos, Paros, Syros, and so on. Some more off the beaten track islands that absolutely stunning are Serifos, Oinousses, and many others. If you are cruising the Ionian islands, you should definitely visit Zakynthos, Ithaka, Leukas, and Corfu. It is possibly one of the cheapest places to sail to which is an added bonus too. 
  • Turkey: Also pretty popular but, of course, not as popular as Greece. A lot of people sailing in Turkey use Gulets. Gulets are traditional Turkish sailing ships. You can sail from Bodrum to Fethiye and stop in many beautiful places along the way. These places include Datca, Marmaris Dalyan, Gocek, etc. 

You will probably visit these Mediterranean destinations during the European summer or warmer seasons. These months are from May to October. 

Top Sailing Destinations In The World – Conclusion

Honestly, there are many other places to sail to like New Zealand, French Polynesia, Seychelles, Thailand, Galapagos, etc. The world is a beautiful place and with the wind’s power, you can start discovering it.

Sailing holidays can get quite pricey, so strap your budget accordingly. There are various factors to consider in a Sailing vacation, especially if you’re going to man the sails yourself. There are a lot of resources available, so make sure that you plan your trip accordingly.

So what are you waiting for? Give yourself that much-awaited vacation and sail across the Earth’s horizons.