Why is the Caribbean good for sailing? Caribbean sailing trips

Why is the Caribbean good for sailing? Find out everything about sailing in the Caribbean: itineraries, ports, yacht rental options & other useful information. We are happy to help! Sailing in the Caribbean is a dream of many sailors. The beautiful sea, the trade wind and the pleasant waters are ideal for a sailing vacation, not to mention the fact that navigating amongst the many islands here is quite exciting. The ports and islands in the Caribbean are ideal for those who love adventures, beautiful sights, and hotness.

• What is the best month to sail the Caribbean?
• Where to sail? – ports and islands
• Sail in the Caribbean! Caribbean sailing trips – itineraries
• Caribbean sailing vacation in the BVI
• Sailing the caribbean islands – Martinique
• Caribbean sailboat excursions in Antigua
• Sailing vacations in the Caribbean: The Bahamas – for experienced sailors
• Caribbean sailing holidays in US Virgine Islands

What is the best month to sail the Caribbean?

The best time to sail is the dry season, from December to April, when the skies are clear and rainfall is minimal. Caribbean sailing offers pleasant weather for most of the year, with warm average temperatures of 25°C to 30°C. The northeast trade winds provide a steady breeze, which allows for smooth sailing.

When not to sail in the Caribbean?

The period to avoid sailing in the Caribbean typically falls during hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Tropical storms and hurricanes are more common during this period, creating unpredictable and potentially dangerous sailing conditions, with high winds, rough seas, and challenging and less predictable sailing conditions.

Is sailing in the Caribbean easy or hard?

Sailing in the Caribbean is generally accessible to all levels of sailors, but the difficulty depends on the season and location. The region offers steady trade winds and mostly calm seas, making it ideal for beginner and intermediate sailors. However, certain areas can be challenging due to coral reefs, unpredictable weather patterns, and hurricane season. For more experienced sailors, navigating the open waters between the islands can be an exciting challenge. Volcanoes can create a similarly exciting and dangerous situation, many of which are active in the region. Choosing the right season and route significantly affects the ease of navigation.

Is the Caribbean a rough sea?

The Caribbean is generally known for its calm waters, especially during the dry season (December to April), thanks to constant trade winds and minimal storms. However, the sea gets rougher during hurricane season (June to November), when tropical storms and strong winds can create challenging sailing conditions. Some areas, such as inter-island channels, experience stronger currents or rough seas. In general, the seas are manageable for most sailors, but conditions vary by season and location.

Where to sail? – ports and islands

Most islands in the Caribbean region have their own port. If you arrive on a boat, you can expect a fine infrastructure on the touristically frequented place. Let’s see some ports!

Marsh Harbour

The town Marsh Harbour can be found on one of the Caribbean islands; its port may be an ideal choice for sailors. We can find everything we possibly need on the island; there is a post office, a laundromat, different shops, and so on.

Antigua

Antigua belongs to the Lesser Antilles; its capital is Saint John. Its ports used to be the British base of the Northern Caribbean region and are a UNESCO world heritage site. The port is popular amongst water enthusiasts, and as a result, it has a central role.

Nanny Cay BV

Nanny Cay Marina is the port of the British Virgin Islands. We can dock 200 yachts here, and there are two hoists – with a capacity of 50 and 70 tons – that we can use. If you decide not to spend the night on the boat, there are several great hotels and accommodation opportunities to choose from. Interestingly, there is even a dockyard operating on the island.

Pointe a Pitre, Guadalope

Pointe a Pitre is the largest city and economic centre of Guadaloupe. The city is very popular because of its buzz, and due to the presence of the international airport nearby. If you visit the place, you should definitely see the Pointe Noire shore segment where you can witness the migration of the sperm whales. It’s important to note that there is an outdoor market near the port where you can choose from interesting tropical fruits and gifts.

Martinique

Martinique, an island with a territory of only 1100 km2, belongs to France; the capital is Fort-de-France. Since it’s part of the European Union, the official currency is the Euro. The island went through several changes during the past few years. The developments serve the requirements of both tourists and sailors. The place is recommended for families as well, as they have established many child-friendly beaches.

Sail in the Caribbean! Caribbean sailing trips – itineraries

Caribbean sailing vacation in the BVI

Sailing in the Caribbean is an unforgettable adventure that you must try. The Virgin Islands are a great choice for beginner sailors, as the beautiful islands can be accessed within a short distance. We have prepared a plan for a 7-day-long trip, during which the family can relax. Parham Town can be found on one of the Virgin Islands, on Tortola. This is where our trip starts. Here you can replenish your supplies that will serve you well during your trip. The capital of the island, Road Town is only 8 kilometres from here, so once you’re in the area, it’s also worth visiting. If you are ready to go, you should visit one of the fine beaches in the northern part. Smuggler’s Cove, Long Bay, Cane Garden Bay, Brewer’s Bay, Josiah’s Bay, and Lambert beach can all be found there.

Day 1. Parham Town – Peter Island

9.43 km (5.86 nm)
The port of Peter Island is fairly small, which makes it the most expensive port of the Virgin Islands. Despite the price, it’s still worth docking here, as the beach is fabulous. The classic Caribbean atmosphere is guaranteed in the Dead Man’s bay, where you can enjoy the beach with palm trees and cocktails.

Day 2. Peter Island – Salt Island

4.87 km (3.03 nm)
On the third day, our destination is Salt Island. The island got its name from the salt distillers in the middle region. You can anchor on the northwestern side of the island. Here you will find a charming little beach where you can relax. The island is popular amongst scuba divers. In 1867, a steamer called Rhone sank at Dead Chest island while trying to escape a hurricane. The wreck is lying 9-24 meters deep in the sea today.

Day 3. Salt Island – Cooper Island

2.38 km (1.48 nm)
There is an opportunity to dock more than three dozens of yachts at Manchionel Bay at Cooper Island. Get yourself a buoy, and head to the beach! The coral-coloured sand and the palm trees are a great sight. Hobby photographers will love the place due to the beautiful landscape.
There are awesome restaurants and bars on the beach. You should try them before going to bed on your boat.

Day 4. Cooper Island – Virgin Gorda (Spanish Town)

11.33 km (7.04 nm)
The island called Virgin Gorda is 10 kilometres long and 1-4 meters wide, and it can be found only 5miles from Cooper Island. The Bath National Park, which is the most beautiful shore segment on the island, is located in the southwestern region. Its uniqueness comes from the fact that there are giant round-shaped granite rocks on the beach, forming exciting little caves. We can only dock here temporarily during the day, but it’s worth going on a short trip on these weird shores as well.

Day 5. Virgin Gorda – Beef Island

10.21 km (6.34 nm)
The last day of our trip is Beef Island, the shape of which reminds us of a lying bull. Marina Cay is located opposite Scrub Island; 30 buoys are available for sailors here. Tourists love the red English phone booth at the port. Since this is the last day of your trip, you should spend it on the beach swimming and doing watersports.

Day 6. Beef Island – Jost van Dyke, Great Harbour

24.25 km (15.07 nm)
As the name suggests, Great Harbour is the largest harbour on Jost van Dyke. The area is well-protected thanks to the high mountains. The depth of water is between 5 and 9 metres. We can anchor or use the mooring balls. There are many bars, restaurants, churches and shops ashore, and we can go scuba-diving at an amazing reef nearby.

Day 7. Jost van Dyke, Great Harbour – Road Town – Parham Town

30.9 km (19.2 nm)
Road Town is the capital of Tortola and the sailing centre of the British Virgin Islands. We can enter the port through the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Road Harbour has several yacht marinas providing full service and accommodation. We can find Road Reef Marina, Fort Burt and Wickham’s Cay I and II here; Road Reef Marina and Fort Burt are on the western side, while Wickham’s Cay is on the north. There are over 120 berths and downtown Road Town can be found nearby.

After you have docked at Parham Town, it’s worth making a short trip to one of the national parks on the island, Mount Healthy, where you can admire a mill used to process sugar. Read more about what to do in Tortola, Tortola sailing, or Tortola boat rental
More BVI sailing itineraries

Sailing the Caribbean islands- Martinique

Day 1. Martinique – Grande Anse d’Arlet 30,10 km (18,70 nm), Day 2. Grande Anse d’Arlet – Saint-Pierre 29,22 km (18,15 nm), Day 3. Saint-Pierre – Roseau, Dominica 67,01 km (41,64 nm), Day 4. Roseau, Dominica – Portsmouth, Dominica 31,58 km (19,62 nm), Day 5. Portsmouth, Dominica – Wavine Cyrique Falls 56,07 km (34,84 nm), Day 6. Wavine Cyrique Falls – L’Œil Bleu 112,71 km (70,03 nm), Day 7. L’Œil Bleu – Plage des Salines – Martinique 21,89 km (13,60 nm)

yacht charter Martinique

Caribbean sailboat excursions in Antigua

Day 1. English Harbour – Nonsuch Bay 18, 24 km (11, 33 nm), Day 2. Nonsuch Bay – Low Bay (Barbuda) 55, 26 km (34, 34 nm), Day 3. Low Bay – Coco Point (Barbuda)18, 41 km (11, 44 nm), Day 4. Coco Point – Dickenson Bay 52, 91 km (32, 88 nm), Day 5. Dickenson Bay – St.John’s 6, 34 km (3, 94 nm), Day 6. St.John’s – Jolly Harbour 13, 56 km (8, 42 nm), Day 7. Jolly Harbour – Carlisle Bay – English Harbour 20, 13 km (12, 51 nm).

More Antigua sailing holidays

Sailing vacations in the Caribbean: The Bahamas – for experienced sailors

Day 1. Nassau (Palm Cay / ONE Marina) – Highbourne Cay (Highbourne Cay Marina) 57, 29 km (35, 60 nm), Day 2. Highbourne Cay – Bells Cay and its surrounding – Compass Cay 59, 28 km (36, 84 nm), Day 3. Compass Cay – Staniel Cay – Great Guana Cay – Safe Harbor Marina 48, 04 km (29, 85 nm), Day 4. Safe Harbor Marina – Emerald Bay Marina 49, 73 km (30, 90 nm), Day 5. Emerald Bay Marina – Farmer’s Cay (Little Farmer’s Cay Yacht Club) 58, 66 km (36, 45 nm), Day 6. Farmer’s Cay – Warderick Wells Cay – Shroud Cay (dock at Highbourne Cay) 97, 99 km (60, 89 nm), Day 7. Highbourne Cay – The wonderful Atlantis – Nassau 72, 59 km (45, 10 nm)

More Bahamas sailing tours

Caribbean sailing holidays in US Virgine Island

Day 1. Saint Thomas – Red Hook 8,06 km (5,01 nm), Day 2. Red Hook – Hull bay 14,49 km (9,00 nm), Day 3. Hull bay – Culebra 39,51 km (24,55 nm), Day 4. Culebra – San Juan 94,54 km (58,74 nm), Day 5. San Juan – Loiza 27,47 km (17,07 nm), Day 6. Loiza – Fajardo 30,80 km (19,14 nm), Day 7. Fajardo – Brewers Bay – Saint Thomas 81,00 km (50,33 nm)

bareboat charter USVI

The Caribbean region is a real paradise for sailors that everyone has to visit to try what sailing in the Caribbean is like. The cosy ports and islands in the Caribbean attract many tourists, but they still provide a wonderful experience for your family and friends. Find more yacht rental Caribbean, private yacht charter Caribbean, crewed yacht charter Caribbean, bareboat yacht charter Caribbean, catamaran charter Caribbean, last minute yacht charter Caribbean, sailboat charter Caribbean,motor yacht hire Caribbean, luxury catamaran charter Caribbean, bareboat catamaran charter Caribbean, bareboat motor yacht charter Caribbean, Caribbean sailing yacht charter bareboat, sailing holidays Caribbean skippered, luxury motor yacht charter Caribbean, luxury sailing yacht charter Caribbean, crewed catamaran charter Caribbean, bareboat catamaran charter Caribbean, last-minute yacht charter Caribbean
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