The Caribbean
Warm trade winds, turquoise waters and palm-fringed islands make the Caribbean one of the world’s great sailing destinations. A Caribbean yacht charter offers an extraordinary variety of cruising, from secluded anchorages and white-sand beaches to lively waterfront towns, colourful local culture and exceptional restaurants. Sail between the islands at your own pace, discovering the sheltered bays of the British Virgin Islands, the volcanic landscapes of the Windward Islands or the relaxed charm of the Grenadines. With reliable winter sailing conditions, warm temperatures and countless islands to explore, sailing in the Caribbean offers the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation and freedom on the water.
Antigua
White-sand beaches, turquoise waters and steady trade winds make Antigua one of the Caribbean’s classic sailing destinations. An Antigua yacht charter offers easy line-of-sight sailing between sheltered bays, beautiful beaches and lively waterfront villages, with plenty of secluded anchorages to discover along the way. Explore historic English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard, swim in the clear waters of the island’s many coves, or sail across to neighbouring Barbuda for its famously unspoilt beaches and wildlife. With warm weather, reliable sailing conditions and more than 300 beaches to explore, sailing in Antigua is an ideal choice for a relaxed Caribbean yacht charter.
Sailing season: November through April
Direct flights from the UK and short transfer times at the other end make Antigua the best Caribbean Sailing destination for young families!
The Bahamas
Clear turquoise water, endless beaches and some of the Caribbean’s finest shallow-water cruising make the Bahamas a remarkable yacht charter destination. There are two distinct sailing areas to consider: the Exumas, a spectacular chain of remote islands and cays known for secluded anchorages, sandbars and exceptional snorkelling, and the Abacos, where sheltered waters, charming settlements and easy island-hopping create a more relaxed cruising experience. A Bahamas yacht charter offers warm winter weather, outstanding visibility and remarkably varied sailing, from exploring uninhabited cays and swimming with abundant marine life to enjoying the welcoming character of the islands’ small harbour communities.
Sailing season: November through June
Belize*
A wild Caribbean coastline, hundreds of tropical cayes and the second-largest barrier reef in the world make Belize an exceptional destination for adventurous sailors. A Belize yacht charter offers easy access to pristine coral reefs, deserted islands and crystal-clear waters, with world-class snorkelling and diving often just a short swim from the boat. Sail between the palm-fringed cayes, explore the vibrant marine life of the Belize Barrier Reef, or head ashore to experience the country’s distinctive mix of Caribbean, Central American and Mayan influences. With warm temperatures, sheltered cruising grounds and remarkably untouched scenery, sailing in Belize offers a more remote and adventurous alternative to the better-known Caribbean yacht charter destinations.
Sailing season: November through June
The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest coral reef system in the world, making Belize the top Caribbean sailing destination for diving!
British Virgin Islands
Sheltered waters, steady trade winds and a string of beautiful islands make the British Virgin Islands one of the Caribbean’s easiest and most rewarding sailing destinations. A British Virgin Islands yacht charter is ideal for exploring at your own pace, with short passages between islands, protected anchorages, white-sand beaches and excellent snorkelling. Sail from Tortola to the dramatic Baths on Virgin Gorda, drop anchor in the quiet coves of Norman Island, or head to Jost Van Dyke for a relaxed beachside atmosphere. With reliable winter sailing conditions, straightforward island-hopping and a wealth of bays and anchorages to discover, sailing in the British Virgin Islands is an excellent choice for both first-time and experienced charterers.
Sailing season: November through June
Cuba
Unspoilt coastlines, turquoise seas and a rich blend of Caribbean and Spanish culture make Cuba a fascinating destination for a yacht charter. A Cuba yacht charter offers the chance to explore secluded beaches, coral reefs, mangrove-fringed islands and quiet anchorages far from the busier Caribbean cruising grounds. Sail along Cuba’s northern or southern coast, discover the remote cayes of the Jardines de la Reina, or combine time on the water with the music, architecture and character of historic Havana. With warm temperatures, abundant marine life and a coastline that remains relatively undeveloped, sailing in Cuba offers a distinctive Caribbean experience for those looking to explore somewhere less familiar.
Sailing season: November through April
Grenada
Known as the Spice Island, Grenada combines lush tropical scenery, beautiful beaches and some of the Caribbean’s most rewarding cruising. A Grenada yacht charter offers a relaxed mix of sheltered bays, volcanic landscapes, colourful waterfront towns and excellent snorkelling, with the island also providing a natural gateway to the quieter islands of the southern Grenadines. Explore the lively streets and waterfront of St George’s, anchor in the sheltered bays of Grenada’s south coast, or sail north towards Carriacou and Petite Martinique. With warm winter weather, steady trade winds and a less crowded feel than some of the Caribbean’s better-known sailing grounds, sailing in Grenada is an excellent choice for a relaxed island-hopping adventure.
Sailing season: October through June
Guadeloupe
Lush rainforest, dramatic volcanic landscapes and beautiful Caribbean beaches give Guadeloupe a character all of its own. A Guadeloupe yacht charter combines rewarding sailing with French-Caribbean culture, excellent food and a wonderfully varied coastline. Explore the sheltered bays and mangrove waterways of Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, snorkel around the Îles des Saintes, or sail further afield to Marie-Galante for quiet beaches, traditional villages and a slower pace of life. With warm winter temperatures, reliable trade winds and a fascinating mix of French and Caribbean influences, sailing in Guadeloupe offers an appealing alternative to the more familiar Caribbean charter destinations.
Sailing season: November through May
Martinique
Volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, sheltered bays and a distinctly French-Caribbean character make Martinique one of the most diverse sailing destinations in the Caribbean. A Martinique yacht charter combines easy island cruising with excellent beaches, colourful fishing villages and some of the region’s best food and rum. Explore the lively waterfront of Fort-de-France, anchor beneath the dramatic slopes of Mount Pelée, or sail south through a string of beautiful bays towards the Anses-d’Arlet and Sainte-Anne. With warm winter weather, reliable trade winds and a blend of French sophistication and Caribbean culture, sailing in Martinique offers a wonderfully varied cruising experience.
Sailing season: December through May
St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines
Dramatic volcanic peaks, lush green islands and turquoise Caribbean waters make St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines an exceptional sailing destination. A St Lucia and Grenadines yacht charter takes you through some of the Caribbean’s most spectacular scenery, from the iconic Pitons and sheltered bays of St Lucia to the unspoilt islands and secluded anchorages further south. Sail between Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and the Tobago Cays, stopping to snorkel vibrant reefs, swim from deserted beaches and enjoy the relaxed character of each island. With warm winter weather, steady trade winds and outstanding island-hopping, sailing in St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines offers a perfect balance of adventure, natural beauty and laid-back Caribbean life.
Sailing season: December through May
Saint Martin
Two cultures, beautiful beaches and a lively Caribbean atmosphere make Saint Martin a superb base for exploring the northern Leeward Islands. A Saint Martin yacht charter gives you easy access to the French and Dutch sides of the island, as well as nearby Anguilla, St Barths and St Kitts, with plenty of secluded bays and excellent restaurants along the way. Enjoy the French-Caribbean character of Grand Case, explore the lively waterfront of Philipsburg, or sail across to neighbouring islands for a change of scenery. With warm winter weather, reliable trade winds and a wealth of nearby cruising options, sailing from Saint Martin is an excellent choice for an island-hopping Caribbean yacht charter.
Sailing season: October through June