sailboat for caribbean cruising

The Best Boat for Caribbean Island Hopping (Type and Size)

When you're planning to get out cruising and you've decided on a season (or more) in the Caribbean, the question always comes down to "what's the best boat?" And the answer isn't just "it depends," even though everyone's situation, finances and skills are different. There are a few important things to consider about this lifestyle and journey.

The best boat for Caribbean island-hopping has space for you and your crew, good storage for food and water, is seaworthy, and comfortable at anchor. Some good monohulls include the Bavaria 32, Beneteau 331, and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS. For catamarans, consider the PDQ 36, Manta 40, and Leopard 44.

On this page:

Criteria for caribbean island hopping boats, island hopping vs. bluewater cruising, what you want in your island hopper, a few good island boats.

This is a broad list, and there are many boats that could meet these criteria. Read on for a few examples of some great boats, while we get into more detail about what you do and don’t need to bounce up and down the Windward and Leeward islands and through the Bahamas.

The best boat for Caribbean island-hopping meets the following criteria:

• It has adequate space for you and all the people and pets you plan to have on board.
• There is plenty of storage for food and water (storing it or making it) to carry you through islands with fewer services.
• It is seaworthy, comfortable, and safe. Note that speed is not a top priority, nor is the ruggedness you'd look for crossing oceans.
• It is comfortable to live on at anchor, including the stability and airflow through the boat.
• You can afford to buy, operate, own and maintain it.

What size boat do you need to sail the Caribbean?

There's no hard and fast rule about size, it comes down more to personal preference and budget. You can meet the above criteria with a thirty-foot boat or a sixty-foot boat. Practically speaking, there isn't much below thirty-two feet with the space and comfort for long term living, even for one. A couple should start looking around thirty-six feet. You can get away with less, but it may be tight living with your gear and stores.

What's the best boat type to travel the Caribbean?

You want something that is comfortable and sea-kindly, the specific type - catamaran or monohull - is less important than the boat's handling and living characteristics. Sailing "down island" is often into the trades, so there can be upwind days and bumps and lumps. You want something with enough comfort and protection to handle that. If your budget is tight, a smaller monohull will get you more boat and carrying capacity than a catamaran.

What size sailboat to sail to Bahamas?

The same general guidelines apply for the Bahamas as the Caribbean, with one general exception - draft. Much of the Bahamas is quite shallow, with many reefs flats. If your primary sailing time will be in the Bahamas, you want something which is comfortable at anchor and offshore, but also which doesn't draw too much. When you start looking for shallow draft boats over forty feet, most of what you find are swing/lifting keels, full keels, or catamarans.

If you read our article Sailing Time Between All Caribbean Islands , you'll see that there are no passages between islands in the Windward and Leeward chains that are more than a single overnight. Many of them are day sails. So if you buy your boat in the Caribbean and never leave the eastern Caribbean, you won't need to do any passages longer than an overnight.

Bluewater Toughness

Contrast that with blue water sailing and passage making. If you're headed across the Pacific or sailing back to the continental U.S., you will be offshore for a week or two at a time, even a month or more at a stretch for some slower boats crossing the vast Pacific.

You can't wait for a break in the weather on those trips, you leave and get the weather that happens. The boat needs to be tougher, and it needs more safety gear and equipment. A lightly built boat won't be happy pounding into chop for days on end or riding out a massive storm.

And you also need supplies, provisions, and spares for months, including fresh water if you don't have a water maker or a good catchment setup.

Island Hopping Comfort

Your island hopping needs are a lot less. With short trips, you can wait for not only good weather, but near perfect weather to move. Why put up with bad weather at all when you only need to wait a few days when your next stop is only six or eight hours down island?

And you're not that far from provisions or spares. Every populated island has food. Though the specifics of what is cheap and available varies, you will never starve or be far from something.

Spares are similar; while it is best to have a spare on hand to keep from getting stuck, the major sailing centers like St. Martin, Martinique and Grenada can get you most of what you need, and get it to you no matter where you are.

And the sailing distances are short, so you don't need a ton of speed (though speed is always nice), and you do not need an incredible motoring range.

Working from our list in the first section, there are a few things you want in your Caribbean cruising boat.

Living Space & Amenities

Your boat does not have to be big, it just has to be big enough. Cruising couples have different needs than families or solo sailors, and this is one of those "it depends" answers that is unique to each captain and crew. Living on a boat for months or permanently is a big change from land-bound life, and there is a tendency to think you need more boat than you do. We're used to space in houses, and having basements, attics and great big pantries.

You won't have the storage you were used to, but you need storage for:

• Food and supplies for a while. You won't need months, but it is wise to stock up on something when you find it, because you never know what the next island won't have. A separate freezer is very handy for this.
• Clothing...but not as much as you think. You'll be living in t-shirts, shorts and sandals most of the time. Most of those are pretty small, and you can pack a lot more clothing when you don't have to worry about bulky coats or dressy clothes.
• Water toys and fun. Snorkels, fins and masks for everyone on the boat, and diving gear if you are into it. But you may want to have a SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) or a kayak, especially if you have kids.

Fresh water is available everywhere, but it's not always free and it's not always good quality. A water maker is expensive and finicky, but a big convenience since you won't have to pay for water or move the boat to top up. If you don't have a water maker, lots of tankage and a good filter is nice to have.

Living systems like hot water and a shower make a big difference to your daily quality of life. While you'll be in the water a lot, you need to get the salt off. If you're not in a marina, it's not so easy to get a freshwater shower unless you have your own.

Comfort and Seaworthiness

Although you don't need a doughty passage maker to pop between islands, you still want something that is safe and comfortable to move. If you don't like the way your boat feels and handles at sea, you will be much less likely to move around. You don't want that.

Comfort and safety are more important than speed, and there's no need to get a rocket ship of a boat unless you have the money to burn on it.

Comfort at Anchor is Key

Three primary factors go into being happy at anchor in your boat.

• How she moves at anchor
• Airflow through the boat
• Confidence in your ground tackle

A light boat which rocks and rolls with every passing wake will not be a happy boat to spend lots of time at anchor, and there are a lot of open roadstead anchorages which are unprotected from some wind shifts. Monohulls with deeper drafts, fuller keels, or larger beams will not snap and roll in waves like light boats with low ballast. And catamarans barely move at all until it gets pretty lumpy.

The airflow on most boats is optimal when the boat is facing straight into it, as you will be in most anchored or moored situations. This is one reason we prefer to be at anchor; tied to a dock you don't get the same breezes.

But a boat with poor ventilation in the tropics will not be a comfortable boat. You won't want to rely on air conditioning for several reasons (the biggest is that you need to run a generator or be on shore power), so you will need on breezes to keep you comfortable. This applies inside your boat and in the cockpit.

Our blue water cruiser was comfortable enough in the islands, but her hatches opened aft for safety, hampering air flow, and we have a hard dodger. Neither of these were great features for an island-hopping only boat and I'd think twice about them if I wasn't planning a lot of blue water sailing.

Ground tackle is something you can upgrade. So it's not mandatory that the boat you pick has great ground tackle, as long as you can upgrade it if needed. You should have an all chain rode, and with that you’ll want a powered windlass if your boat is larger. That is a pretty big upgrade if a boat doesn't have one already, and not every boat has capacity (space, wiring, power) for the upgrade

Affordability

The cost of buying a boat and owning a boat are two different things. A boat may be cheap to buy, but expensive to own, or it could be the opposite. Or worse...it could be both expensive to buy AND expensive to own and operate.

Older boats and ex-charters have the advantage on purchase price. They will be cheapest to buy, and there are usually lots available. But there is always a risk they will be more expensive to own, at least initially if you have to do upgrades, modernizations and repairs. If you look at one, make sure you get a thorough survey and factor in the work you will need to bring the boat to the standard you want.

Newer boats will have a higher cost of entry, but require fewer upgrades and lower maintenance the first few years. But being newer or brand new is not a guarantee against problems.

But the most important thing to remember is that most boat services are charged by the foot, and those charges are not affected by what you paid for the boat or how old it is. It costs the same to haul and put bottom paint on a thirty-year-old boat as it does for a two-year-old boat the same size. So avoid the temptation to buy a lot more boat because it's older and cheap.

The charter companies get a few things right about the boats they pick for their fleets. They choose newer production boats which cost less up front, and they keep them simple to use and maintain. Production monohulls like Beneteau, Jeanneau, Bavaria, and Dufour (among others) are great solutions for this type of sailing. On the catamaran side, Lagoon, Fontaine Pajot and Leopard are popular choices.

When thinking of budgets, remember there are three factors that go into the price: the age , size , and condition of the boat. Expensive boats are new, big, and in great shape. If your budget is more limited, you'll need to consider something older, smaller, or in need of a bit of work.

And a word of caution on buying boats that are in the Caribbean. There are good deals to be had, but there are lots of storm-damaged boats at aggressive prices. They are project boats, and you will need to do a lot of work on them and they may have hidden flaws. There are also many boats sold out of charter fleets. These are mostly solid boats, but they may have more wear and tear for their age compared to privately owned boats, and many have deferred maintenance you will need to look for.

• Beneteau 331
• Beneteau Oceanis 390
• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS
• Dufour 500 Grand Large
• Fontaine Pajot Orana

This list is just a starting point; there are so many good boats to choose from. And you may also find many perfect boats from smaller builders and less well-known designs. If it's in your budget, you can even head to the islands and charter a similar boat to see for yourself how good it will be.

Leave a comment

You may also like, sailing time between all caribbean islands (tables & tips).

A season in the Caribbean - what a dream vacation or a plan for a sabbatical! Or if you're a full-time cruiser, a lifestyle. But where to go and when? How long does …

The Sailing Seasons Around the World (with Map)

Sailing Route from Florida to the Virgin Islands (with Map)

How Much Sailboats Cost On Average (380+ Prices Compared)

Own your first boat within a year on any budget.

A sailboat doesn't have to be expensive if you know what you're doing. If you want to learn how to make your sailing dream reality within a year, leave your email and I'll send you free updates . I don't like spam - I will only send helpful content.

Ready to Own Your First Boat?

Just tell us the best email address to send your tips to:

• » Diamant
• » Lyra
• » Vela
• Itineraries
• » Planning Guide
• » Sailing Guide
• » Hotels
• » Transfers
• » Boarding Instructions
• » FAQs
• » Solo Sailors
• » Love for Sail Rewards
• » Group Discounts
• » Specials
• » Theme Cruises
• » Weddings
• Sailing Schedule

If you’re looking for a sailing vacation ruled by the sun, moon, and tides, you’ve found it!

Island Windjammers offers six, ten, and twelve-night sailings aboard our classic clipper ship Vela, schooner Diamant, and sailing yacht Lyra! Vela hosts twenty-six guests, Diamant accommodates ten guests, while our new addition Lyra has room for eight. This is small ship cruising at its finest.

Our Island Girls are fully-crewed and feature air-conditioned cabins, private bathrooms, portholes, and all modern comforts.

Your Captain sets the course. Each day is a new adventure. Free your mind from schedules, and savor each moment as the crew hoists the sails, the trade winds fill the canvas, and you set off to your next secret island destination.

There’s no rush. You’ll have plenty of time ashore to explore vibrant villages, sip rum at quirky beach bars, or laze the days away on pristine beaches.

Even the nights are magical. Shipmates gather on deck to dance, share a joke or tell tales of the day’s adventures. Lean on the rail, and steal a kiss under a canopy of stars.

Live in the now, and breathe it all in. This is island life--and you’re living it!

ALWAYS ON ISLAND TIME

CARIBBEAN YACHT CHARTERS

1249 boats available for bareboat or crewed charter

Yachts from professional fleet operators in Caribbean

Free cancellation of reservation without obligations within 4 days

Most popular boats For rent in CARIBBEAN

Dufour 530 - 4 cab. sailboat charter (2022)

Rent a boat Bali 4.4 - 4 + 1 cab. (2024) in Bahamas

Catamaran Lagoon 50 (2022) for rent in USVI / US Virgin Islands

Oceanis 62 sailboat charter (2017)

Rent a boat Lagoon 42 - Premium A/C (2023) in St Vincent and the Grenadines

Catamaran Lagoon 50 - 6 + 2 cab. (2020) for rent in BVI / British Virgin Islands

Bali Catspace catamaran charter (2023)

Rent a boat Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 - 4 cab. (2023) in USVI / US Virgin Islands

Sailboat SUN ODYSSEY 389 (2021) for rent in Martinique

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 (Quintet) - 5 + 1 cab. catamaran charter (2018)

Top destinations in caribbean for boat rental.

490 boats for charter

from €1,193 per week

245 boats for charter

from €1,364 per week

THE BAHAMAS

145 boats for charter

from €1,689 per week

US VIRGIN ISLANDS (USVI)

117 boats for charter

from €1,693 per week

102 boats for charter

from €1,432 per week

79 boats for charter

from €1,368 per week

• Guadeloupe 67 boats in Guadeloupe 67
• Antigua 51 boats in Antigua 51
• St. Vincent 31 boats in St. Vincent 31
• St. Lucia 28 boats in St. Lucia 28
• Puerto Rico 7 boats in Puerto Rico 7

Types of boats available for rent in Caribbean

Catamaran charter

950 catamarans available for rent in Caribbean, form €1,229 for 1 week charter. Ideal option for group of friends or family vacation.

Sailboat charter

There are 230 sailboats available for charter in Caribbean, prices start from €1,111 per week. Most budget friendly option for a vacation.

Power boat charter

45 powerboats available in Caribbean for rent, starting from €1,729 per week. Bareboat or crewed options available for sailing vacations.

Trimaran charter

10 trimarans available for rent in Caribbean, with prices from €3,230 per week. Great option for skippers looking for performance boats.

Gulets charter

Currently not available for charter in this country. Check other boat types.

Houseboat charter

Yacht charter types available in Caribbean

Bareboat charter, crewed yachts, by the cabin charter, skippered boats, cost of boat rental in caribbean.

Average yacht charter cost in Caribbean starts from €1,111 per week. Graphic below represents fluctuation of charter prices in Caribbean during the year, based on a sample of 50 boats ranging from 40 to 50-foot. This graphic shows months with lowest prices during the year as well high season when prices are above average. Before booking the boat at lowest rate, please check sailing conditions as usually best prices are during off season.

Caribbean Yacht Charter Reviews with 12knots

Gary Ziegler

“A mega thank you for your excellent service!”

A search on the internet produced the 12 Knots operation. With apparent quality staff and experience along with the best price on a bareboat monohull influenced me to book a boat with them. We were not disappointed. Correspondence was timely, courteo…

Alberto Goosen

“Thanks for arranging everything”

Hi Grigory, thanks for checking in! It was awesome! Boat great condition and the charter company very professional! Thanks for arranging everything. We are planning two trips next year, maybe you can help: 1. 2 week trip St. Vincent / Grenadines with…

United States

“Everything was fine”

Every time I ordered a boat using 12 knots everything was fine. Every question was answered, support provided.

Brian Whitehurst

“Great service”

Great service. Great Charter. Will use again.

“This was our first bareboat charter”

This was our first bareboat charter and we had a lot of questions. Julia and Grigory were great at walking us through the process and connecting us with a skipper. The boat was fabulous, and Raffaele is a talented skipper. Happy to say we had a wonde…

“Thank you and your team so much for arranging everything”

Dear Grigory, I have been wanting to write you since I got back. Thank you and your team so much for arranging everything. Everything turned out as planned and we had an unforgettable trip! There were some unexpected surprises along the way…. but tha…

Sailing Around Windward and Leeward Islands of the Caribbean

The  Caribbean covers a huge region of widely spread islands 2,000 miles (3,218 km) long.

The larger ones have become sovereign countries with broad range of amenities for sailors, while the smaller ones still preserve its untouched rural charm and tranquility.

From the western tip of Cuba to the Leewards in the east, then south to the top of South America and along Venezuela’s north coast – this chain of islands has created a hook-like shape around the Caribbean Sea. Location like this is always an enticing bait for sailing - perfect climate and  array of diverse cultures, customs, cuisines and experiences, water sports and an unlimited number of other attractions.

Planning sailing vacations in Caribbean, you may wish to consider these groupings of the islands as points of your itinerary, as they contain many popular cruising areas and harbor stops. There is no doubt that in the scope of Caribbean bareboat or skippered yacht charters  both groups have their charms and countless reasons to explore, which definitely makes it a great sailing destination.

Caribbean yacht rentals

12 Knots offers eleven yacht charter bases in the Caribbean region, each with unique individual character, providing sailing experience for everyone, from a novice to an experienced sailor. This region comprises more than 700 hundred islands and islets, so you can choose Caribbean sailing vacations with shot and easy hops or more challenging passages.

Taking Caribbean sailing vacations, you will find warm and steady trade winds in picturesque surroundings; discover plenty of great bars and authentic cuisine!

It’s up to you, choosing between the Leeward Caribbean islands with short and easy hops with line-of-sight sailing and the Windward with more challenging open water passages. Wherever you go, you will return home relaxed, refreshed and ready to start planning your next Caribbean sailing adventure.

The Windward islands

Windward Islands located at the southern end of the Caribbean island chain and stretch for over 300 miles to the south-eastern end of the Caribbean Sea. The Windward Islands are simply called so due to their position as they are exposed to the northeast trade winds. For experienced sailors, it can be right choice to sail among the four main islands: Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenada. They lay far apart each other allowing open ocean sailing and while steady easterly trade winds, make passages north or south easy. With constant 12 to 25 knots wind, Caribbean sailing is among best in the world. Night anchorages in peaceful and protected areas give sailors freedom to explore and soak up British and French island culture. The islands of St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenada  were British colonies until they gained independence during the 1970s. Martinique is still an overseas department of France.

The climate of the Windward Islands is definitely a marine one.

When tropical heat reaches its peak, steady trade winds and daily sea breezes come to rescue.

Typically, dry and wet seasons go hand in hand here. Although the priority of more rainfalls is given to the eastern side of the islands mainly due to the prevailing north-east trade winds there.

The islands east of Puerto Rico were called “Windward Islands” by the Spanish, while the islands south of Puerto Rico were named as “Leewards “. And Dominica positions itself right on the border line between the Windward and the Leeward Islands.

Long time ago some of the islands used to be French colonies, subsequently gained its name as The French Antilles.

The population of the Windward Islands is mostly of African origin, with some exceptions of Chinese and Caucasians. The present day Windward Islands will welcome tourists with upscale resorts, stunning beaches and pleasant sunny weather.

After cruising through the Windward Islands, you may wish to set sails to the Leeward Islands.

The Leeward islands

The Leeward islands are located on the eastern edge of the Caribbean Sea and form the northeastern boundary between Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean, extending from Puerto Rico to the Windward Islands, forming part of the Lesser Antilles chain.

Although 700 miles long stretch of these magnificent isles mostly constitute the whole body of the Leewards, it provides the abundance of enjoyment: quaint fishing spots, ancient ruins and delicious authentic cuisine.

Blessed with balmy temperatures all around the year, The Leeward Islands are called leeward because they're away from the wind or downwind (in the "lee"). Leeward group of Caribbean islands includes: the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Saint Martin, Saint-Barthelemy, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Barbuda, Antiqua, Redonda, Montserrat and Guadeloupe.

One of two "sister islands", St Kitts and Nevis, provides a brilliant Caribbean experience, from their picture-perfect beaches and volcanic mountains to friendly locals and layers of history to explore. For the water sport lovers, there are numerous aquatic activities that include fishing, diving, windsurfing and surfing.

St.Kitts and Nevis

Switch from sailing to inland for a change and St.Kitts and Nevis will deliver the most exceptional hiking in the Caribbean. The dormant volcano of Mount Liamuiga is considered to be the toughest to climb. And with the experienced guide you may even try to descend in its crater!

The unspoiled landscape of dry littoral forest and rainforest will present memorable show of fauna and flora. Many plants are of culinary and medical use, and some even used in black magic, as informative guides would point out its botanical value.

The wild life-lovers will not be disappointed with variety of different types of exotic animals.

Actually, the Great Salt Pond has become famous for its largest habitat of green velvet monkeys.

St. Kitts and Nevis will keep you captivated with majestic view of huge conical shells, remains of old sugar mills, along with some other plantation ruins, built in the 18 th century.

Back to water activities, and tourists will be pleased with what these two island can offer: deep-water fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving and more.

Then in order to satisfy your growing appetite visit two popular restaurants: Carambola and the Shipwreck Bar and Grill to enjoy its delicious local meals.

A yacht charter in the Caribbean Leeward Islands offers sailors an unrivalled remarkable experience. Enjoy tropical landscapes, pristine palm-lined beaches and azure waters — all the joys of marine life.

Sailing over the Leeward Islands may have all the pleasures to offer: the Tropical rainforests, glittering coral reefs, and luxury sand beaches. That’s probably why most of the known tourist resorts on these islands play a critical role in their economy, as do banking and fishing. Many of them also rely on their status as a tax haven to promote offshore financial services as a source of government revenue. But there is much more to discover in the Leeward Islands. These Caribbean islands provide great variety of yachts for charter and pleasant sailing vacations. Most of the Leeward Islands are located close to each other with moderate winds from 10 to 15 knots and rather low wavers. BVI is the most popular area for Caribbean charters either bareboat or luxury crewed vacations. This is the right place for the novice sailor’s easy passages in line-of-sight sailing.

The climate of the Caribbean Leeward Islands can be described as tropical, but much drier than in Windward Islands. Though the climate does vary from island to island and can even be different in different parts of the same island. Rainfall increases with elevation and in more southerly latitudes. In some cases trade winds look like refreshing tonic to the tropical heat. There is minor seasonal variation, although the second half of the year, the wet season, is slightly warmer and rainier. The best time for sailing in the Caribbean may be the first half of the year. At this time the temperatures usually range between 81°F (27°C) and 95°F(35°C). Annual rainfall averages about 40 to 50 inches (1016 to 1270 mm). Keep in mind, that nearly every island had been severely damaged by hurricane activity in its recent history.

English is the most widespread language all around the islands, plus many of the people speak French and Dutch on the St Martin Island. Both English-based and French-based Creole are also spoken. The prevailing currency is The East Caribbean dollar. But St Martin is odd man out again, circulating the Netherlands Antilles guilder in the Dutch area and the Euro in the French region. Nevertheless, the US dollar is widely accepted throughout the islands.

If you eager to take part in sporting activities, then you may be pleased to know that cricket is widely played and followed in the former British territories. Besides, as in the rest of the Caribbean, music is also always a big part of local life. Enjoy the magical sounds of calypso, soca, steelpan, reggae, salsa and jazz — all of the mentioned has their adherents.

During your Caribbean yacht charter, you may wish to participate in some major holiday celebrations, including the St Kitts Christmas, New Year carnaval, the annual music festival, as well as Anguilla’s Emancipation Day and Culturama festival on August 1st.

The culture of the Leeward Islands is varied by different influences, including French, Dutch and West Indian. Due to that sailing around the Leeward Islands provides a wonderful choice of cuisine and some great restaurants to satisfy your affection for the finest dishes. By the way, the island of Anguilla offers true gastronomic feasts. When sailing in the Caribbean Leeward Islands, be sure to try freshly caught lobsters with a glass of wine.

Sailing the Caribbean With 12 Knots

So, while planning a Caribbean charter it is highly recommended to decide on how many islands you would like to visit in a given time frame. Research Caribbean boat rentals and determine which island you would like to have as a starting base. Then you can plan an itinerary for the week or ten days, taking into consideration distances between the islands and activities you would like to have, like island tracking, scuba diving, snorkeling, volcano hiking, or even shopping.

12 Knots team will give you plenty of useful information not only on the bareboat charter in Caribbean, but also itineraries, places of interest and peculiarities of each island.

Taking a yacht charter in the Caribbean is just a perfect combination of sailing and relaxation, authentic culture and a range of water sport activities. In a few words, this area may always offer something for everyone in these amazing islands’ surrounding.

Frequently Asked Questions about yachting in Caribbean

How much does it cost to rent a yacht in caribbean , how many boats are available for rent in caribbean , what are the main yacht charter bases in caribbean , what boats are available for charter in caribbean .

• Mediterranean
• South Pacific & Oceania
• South-East Asia
• Indian Ocean
• Northern Europe
• Bareboat Monohulls
• Bareboat Motor Yachts
• Bareboat Catamarans
• Crewed Yachts
• How our services work
• Multi-Database Searching
• Boat Charter Price Guidelines
• Free Charter Guide
• About Sail Connections
• Client Charter Reviews

Sail the Caribbean

• Location Guide
• Sample Cruise

Color and Contrast: the Complete Sailboat Vacation

Simply the perfect place to take a bareboat or skippered sailing holiday. Such a diverse collection of islands dotting the clear blue sea, each with its own unique appeal. Local cultures that fascinate and entertain, offering a welcome that keeps charterers returning to these waters year after year. With its 7,000 Islands and 28 Island nations, reliable trade winds and long sailing season, the Caribbean is a region that offers an endless amount of holiday enjoyment.

At Sail Connections, we work with all the best charter operators in the Caribbean, sorting through all the available boats and presenting all the best options to suit your vacation plans. Some of our operators offer extra services that are unique to their destinations. We personalize your proposal and give you the benefit of our knowledge and local contacts, to deliver a fabulous sailing holiday wherever there's a boat to charter in the Caribbean. 

Charter Sailing in the Caribbean

The Caribbean's numerous islands give you so many fabulous places to explore, so many diverse cultures to experience, that the permutations for planning a sailing charter are simply too numerous to list. The sailing distances between territories can be very short, and there are countless yacht charter bases scattered across the region. That opens the door to all manner of opportunities – from a seven-day sail around one distinct island nation to a multi-week one-way charter that takes in a wide variety of cultures and geographical features.

The Caribbean yacht charter season is busy from November through July. The peak season is mid-December to March, when winter escapees from North America and Europe arrive in their greatest numbers.

The hurricane season arrives late July and can last until early October, although storms here are rare and tend to deflect northwards towards the USA rather than hit the Caribbean. These months have their advantages in that they are the least costly for chartering, particularly in the British Virgin Islands. At that time of year it is in fact more likely to encounter light winds than it is storms.

As with many yacht charter locations, the shoulder season can be the best time to charter a yacht. In the Carribean that's from April to July. There are less shore-based visitors then, yet you can expect settled and sunny weather with warm, steady breezes prevailing.

We have access to over 30 charter bases in the region, from where you can take a sailboat vacation like no other. We select from the best boats available and guide you into the ideal sailing adventure that matches your interests and level of experience. The sailing options here are just about endless. Hopefully these pages will help you on your way to your much-anticipated Caribbean sailing holiday.

Regional Map of the Main Charter Sailing Areas

A one-way cruise: martinique to grenada, there are quite simply countless itinerary options for sailing the caribbean. for many charterers a downwind cruise offers the crew conditions for maximum enjoyment. so here's a sample north to south course plan that gives you the prevailing breeze abaft. .

Waterfront at Fort de France, Martinique's largest town

Sailing from Martinique to Grenanda you can expect winds primarily from the northeast, especially around peak season either side of Christmas. Sailing this course involves short stretches of open water, with a stiff and steady breeze on your aft quarter. That makes for quick passages with most enjoyable sailing to a choice of Islands, whether it be for a lunch stop and a snorkel, or an overnight stay.

The eastern Caribbean islands that form a distinctive arc on the map are collectively the Lesser Antilles, a mixture of soverign states and territories governed by various powers. A trip along some of this chain exposes the voyager to a wide variety of cultures and customs in places that all sit in the idyllic picture-postcard surroundings of the movies and travel brochures. 

Starting in Martinique and sailing south, you are exploring the Windward Island group of the Antilles.

Wildlife viewing at its finest in the Tobago Cays

Like most of this group, Martinique was orginally colonised by France, and French flair is still in evidence there today. Martinique offers excellent on-shore facilities for the visitor, and is a popular base for boat charters. The island is mountainous, but with plenty of white sandy beaches to enjoy, especially in the south.

The next island is St Lucia. It's some 30 nautical miles to Rodney Bay on St Lucia's northwest, so to get there requires an early start. There are several top spots to visit down the island's sheltered western coast. Take time out to investigate Les Deux Pitons.

Another long but relaxing sail to St Vincent and the Grenadines, so-named because of their joint French and British colonial history. St Vincent has its Blue Lagoon that you'll probably overnight in, while the Grenadines island group, some of which confusingly belong to Grenada, provide numerous anchoring options.

Happy charterers enjoying their time ashore in the Grenadines

The Grenadines stretch all the way to Grenada, your final port of call, making this part of the voyage very convenient for a leisurely sail. Call in at one of the uninhabited Tobago cays for a real taste of desert island living, if only for a few hours.

Once offshore Carriacou you are in Grenadan territory. Grenada, like St Lucia & St Vincent and the Grenadines, is now an independent member of the British Commonwealth, but with historical French influence. This is the 'Island of Spice' where nutmeg and mace production are important to the economy. As is tourism, and there is plenty to entertain you before concluding your vacation and departing these fabulous sailing waters.

Once you have experienced all the pleasures of sailing the Caribbean, chances are you'll be back one day for more.

The Best Caribbean Charter Sailing Destinations

British Virgin Islands

US Virgin Islands

Puerto Rico & Spanish Virgin islands

Cayman Islands

St Martin, St Barts, Anguilla, St Kitts & Nevis

Antigua & Barbuda

Martinique, St Lucia & The Grenadines

Latest Blog Posts

Sailing charter versus resort stay: comparing the costs

A sailing holiday frequently combines with a land-based resort stay. How many nights aboard charter boat and how many nights onshore, or foregoing one or the other due to cost, is often a discussion point. So we did an exercise on the price comparisons between boat and resort. The cost benefits of a sailing holiday are clear

Charter catamarans for modest sailing holiday budgets

Here we highlight some smaller catamarans finding favour with our charterers in the Mediterranean and elsewhere. Robert is our expert evaluator when it comes to helping you select the right boat for your sailing charter, and the following is his personal take on recent introductions to the charter boat market.

The popular Bali Catamaran in all its variations

The Bali catamaran, designed and built specifically with chartering in mind, has become so popular that it’s been hard to keep up with all the new models, hard to spot which one has just the right size and amenities to perfectly fit your group's sailing holiday charter needs. We can help you there.

The value of after-charter destination and boat reviews

At Sail Connections we offer a personal service based on long experience in the business and close attention to what's happening in the destinations we offer. We have also sailed a large number of those places, and can often speak from personal experience.  But we can't be everywhere.

Chartering in Turkiye: feedback we just have to share

Turkey is one of those charter destinations that doesn't fail to pleasantly surprise. We're always delighted when we receive such good reports as we did recently from a New Zealand client.

The Sail Connections Guarantee

One contact - every option - advice you can trust.

• Matching any competitive offer
• Sourcing boats with discounts available
• Personalising our proposal just for you
• Qualifying the operator as well as the boat
• Advising without bias based on 25+ years of experience
• We do more than just book yachts!

We will match any discount website offer on charter boat price, and still provide our customary high level of service.

The Essential Guide to Sailing Holiday Charters

The Sail Connections Essential Guide to Bareboat and Crewed Sailing Holiday Charters is jam-packed full of useful tips for getting the most out of your next boat charter. And it is FREE to download.

Enquire about a charter...

For a personal proposal structured to meet your needs, with advice on all aspects of your sailing charter.

Discover Paradise in St Vincent & the Grenadines

Premier Sailing School offered weekly

Bareboat or with a Captain - the choice is yours !

Welcome to Barefoot Yacht Charters

The Barefoot Lifestyle – No Shoes, No Stress, No Mess

Neptune Fleet

Discover the epitome of seafaring indulgence with Barefoot Yachts’ Neptune fleet, meticulously outfitted and maintained for discerning adventurers. Our luxury comfort yachts redefine relaxation, boasting opulent amenities and spacious layouts, ensuring an unrivaled at-anchor experience. Immerse yourself in tranquility and luxury as you cruise the pristine waters of the Grenadines. On the other hand, our luxury performance fleet stands as a testament to superior sailing, designed to thrill and delight enthusiasts seeking exhilarating voyages. Sail with precision, power, and grace, embracing the wind and waves like never before, reveling in the exciting sailing conditions for which the Grenadines are famous. Barefoot Yachts, a boutique family-owned charter company, invites you to savor the finest in nautical luxury.

Viewfinder 2020 Bali 4.1

Ulysses Lagoon 42

Sonhos Bali 4.4

Sonder Seawind 1260

Hearts Desire Lagoon 46

Catara NEEL 43

AONYX O-Yacht 45

Navigator fleet.

Embark on a cost-effective voyage without compromising luxury aboard Barefoot Yachts’ Navigator fleet, featuring 5-year-old and older sailing yachts. Choose from our distinct categories: luxury comfort yachts, tailored for an idyllic at-anchor escape with opulent amenities, or luxury performance yachts, finely tuned to deliver thrilling and memorable sailing journeys. Experience the blend of affordability and elegance as you navigate the beautiful waters, soaking in the sunsets and salty breeze. Barefoot Yachts, a cherished boutique family-owned charter company, invites you to relish an unmatched balance of economy and indulgence on the high seas.

Willow Dew Lagoon 39

Pelican Pete Sun Odyssey 34

Lady Di Oceanis 41

Inordinate Venezia 42

Betty Blue Beneteau 50

Fully crewed yachts.

Experience unparalleled opulence aboard A Barefoot Yachts’ fully crewed private luxury yacht charter, where desires are effortlessly met by an attentive crew dedicated to pampering guests with first-class service. Indulge in delectable gourmet meals prepared by your private chef and revel in the freedom to sail on your schedule. With over 32 years of navigating the Grenadines, Barefoot Yachts offers a unique understanding of the region, ensuring an exclusive journey through these breathtaking waters, enriched by their expert insight into the cruising grounds and the vibrant local culture.

Splendido Uno Beneteau 57

Rob Roy CATANA 531

Racing fleet.

Embark on a sailing adventure of a lifetime with Barefoot Yachts’ race charters in the Caribbean! Picture yourself on the tiller of a professionally maintained, high-performance sailboat, cutting through the azure waters of the Caribbean. Experience the exhilaration of competitive racing and join the ranks of international sailors, embracing the thrill of challenging race courses set amidst the incredible beautiful of these iconic islands. Revel in post-race festivities under starlit Caribbean skies, sipping fine local rums and dancing to the rhythm of this vibrant paradise. Unleash your inner competitive sailor and experience some of the best grand prix racing events in the world, with Barefoot Yachts.

SALT FISH J 24

HAPPY Melges 20

SMILE (#212) Melges 20

GONE C&C 30

SEAPLANE Melges 32

Kindly Scan/Click the QR code above to leave a review on Trip Advisor

The Barefoot Lifestyle

At Barefoot, our philosophy is simple and our lifestyle is sweet. Through our commitment to you experiencing your ultimate vacation, clean sailing, our use of locally produced organic provisioning and our responsible operating practices, we hope to protect and enhance your experience while improving the world we share with all living things.

Driftwood Restaurant/Bar

Driftwood Restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine with a Caribbean flair, a stunning seaward view of Blue Lagoon and an intimate, air-conditioned lounge bar. We specialize in local, organically grown fruits and veggies.

Caribbean Bareboat Sailing Charter Videos

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Cookie and Privacy Settings

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

• Cruise search
• Atlantic Coast, Azores & Madeira
• Northern Europe
• Mediterranean Sea
• Canaries & Morocco
• Caribbean – Lesser Antilles & Grenadines
• Bahamas & Florida
• Costa Rica & Central America
• Transatlantic Crossing
• Service package
• Special offer
• Private charter
• Special occasion
• SEA CLOUD II
• SEA CLOUD SPIRIT
• Fascinated by windjammer
• Low-impact tourism
• Newsletter subscription
• Feine Privathotels
• Meisterkreis

PERFECTLY STRANDED IN THE CARIBBEAN

Florida & Bahamas

Costa Rica, Panama & Central America

Dr. Peter Cressy will join this sailing.

Best Boats For Caribbean Island Hopping

September 6, 2022

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Are you planning to visit the Caribbean Island and aren't sure where to begin exploring it? Consider finding the best boat for Caribbean island hopping.

Finding a suitable mode of transport in a new environment is not the easiest. Fortunately, this does not mean missing out on excellent spots in the Caribbean. Consider scouting for a few highly-recommended boats if you want to experience the island's glory.

The best boats for Caribbean Island hopping include Beneteau 331, Bavaria 32, and the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS for monohulls, the Manta 40, Leopard 44, or the PDQ 36 for catamarans. There are several options to go for depending on your needs. Check out what works for you before booking a boat.

The secret is to know which boat you'll need for the trip. Choosing the right boat for your trip makes a whole lot of difference. Talk to experts if you are confused and ask for recommendations.

Fortunately, there are numerous fantastic options you could consider. Pay attention to what is likely to fit your needs. Consider the examples below when scouting for a great boat.

Table of contents

‍ 10 best boat for caribbean island hopping.

There are different boats one can choose to explore the Caribbean in. These boats come in different sizes and designs. They also have varied amenities and capacities.

Some boats are large with few amenities, while others are large with many amenities. Other boats may seem small but can accommodate a lot of people. Before deciding on the boat you want to get, make sure to have a list of things you cannot compromise.

The best boats are not necessarily the priciest, but those that offer you comfort during this journey. Therefore, opt for such boats if you can afford luxury and space. To better understand this, you need to check out a few boats available in the market.

Below are some popular boats you will come across for this trip. Compare and contrast, and also ask experts to help you decide.

1. Beneteau 60

This is a beautiful long boat that is about 18 meters long. It's a large cute boat with three bathrooms and three bedrooms. The size is large enough for a medium-sized family or a group of close people.

You will enjoy several games on this boat, including paddleboard, wakeboard, beach, and water ski. All these will keep you busy while on the boat. If you decide to go with these, expect to pay at least 15.000$ to $25,000 per week.

The longer you stay, the more money you will part with. Either way, it is worth it because you can go around the island.

2. Fountaine Pajot 47

This is another alternative boat with 60HP Diesel motors. This catamaran found in the virgin islands will work if you scout for something luxurious. Moreover, it can comfortably accommodate eight people making it an excellent choice for groups and large families.

You can consider it a floating hotel, seeing the number of accessories it comes with. It has four cabins and four bathrooms. As for the size, this boat is 45.9 feet long with a 25.4-foot beam.

You will feel the luxury in this boat, considering the amenities it comes equipped with. The boat has a large TV set and a modern design. You also get a barbecue, a large sunroof, and a shower on the deck.

These unique and additional amenities come at an extra cost. You have to part with from $15,000 to $26000 per week to enjoy this boat for as long as you want.

3. Fountaine Pajot 50

The pajot 50 is slightly large and roomy. You get to enjoy more space with this one even though it has similar amenities as the one before. The spacious Pajot 50 is 15.2 meters long and has four cabins and four bathrooms.

As one of the most famous catamaran models, you are assured of the best experience. The facilities and onboard menu are fantastic. Another thing you'll love about this boat is that it allows you to enjoy a peaceful journey, thanks to its 150-hp motor.

However, you should be ready to pay more. The additional space will cost slightly higher because the boat goes for $15,000 to $30,000 per week.

4. Lagoon 62

The Lagoon 62 does not differ much from the previous boats discussed above. It is a catamaran that stands 62-foot long and has 2 x 110 hp motors. As for its capacity, it has four cabins and can accommodate at least eight people.

The bedrooms on this boat come with an electric WC, a queen-size bed, and a shower. Besides that, they also have air conditioning. You will also love that the cabin crew has their cabins and bathrooms separate from the rest.

Besides the bedroom and amenities, the living area is also well-packed. It has a salon, front nets, a control bridge, and a deck. Unfortunately, to enjoy this luxurious boat, one has to pay about $22.000 to $30,000 per week.

5. Horizon 52

You already know that the catamaran boat is famous in the Caribbean and the Horizon 52 is no different. However, this boat is quite different and is motor-powered. It has a capacity of 4 people who stay in two cabins with bathrooms. The most significant difference with this catamaran is that it has no sails.

This boat will still enjoy a luxurious feel since it comes with cute luxuries such as air conditioning, an outboard dinghy, a bathtub, and so much more. It gives off intimate vibes and costs about $20,000 to $30,000 per week.

6. Sunseeker 67

This is a 67-foot-long motor boat with a 6-people capacity. The boat is designed to be spacious and intimate since it has several bedrooms, each having its bathroom. It is a fast boat and the perfect choice for adrenaline junkies who want to hop around the island.

Due to the high speeds, this is one boat that guarantees efficiency. You will cover a substantial Island round within a short time. Interestingly, you only have to get these great perks for $20.000 to $26.000 per week.

7. Leopard 58

This is another ideal catamaran boat to go for if you are many. The boat can take up to 10 people thanks to the amenity provision of five bedrooms and five baths. It also comes with extra storage for your equipment and allows you to enjoy all the water sports you may desire.

Due to its large capacity, one can easily assume that it is way out of its league. Funny enough, this boat costs only $25.000 to $28.000 per week.

8. Sunreef 60

The sunroof is a great pick for large catamaran boats. It can take up to 10 people at a go and is spacious enough for the ultimate relaxation. The boat has five cabins, all ensuite with bathrooms.

Also included are five queen-sized beds. The living room is spacious and functional since it has a gallery that opens to the front deck and bow terrace. This extension forms an excellent spot for relaxation.

This boat is also adequately equipped with massive sunroofs, fuss, a bar, and good coffee tables. This would be the ideal boat to go for if you want to enjoy the Caribbean sunset. It is not surprising that it is a little pricier since it goes from $33.000 to $35.000 per week.

9. Sunreef 68

If you are a lover of great designs and aesthetics, then this is the boat you should pick. It is magnificent and slightly larger than the one before it.

It would be best if you considered this boat a superyacht. It is 24 meters long and has a fantastic living room surrounded by long glasses covering the floor to the ceiling. The 5-bedroomed boat seems to follow a new catamaran boat concept where boats are made to stand out as stylish, modern, and very comfy.

Enjoy this massive luxurious boat for $38.000 to $45.000 per week. With the gains and comfort it guarantees, you can bet that this is a great price and a worthy treat.

10. Broward 112

This is another large boat worth looking into. With a capacity of 10 people, the boat has four bedrooms and five bathrooms. It can be great for large families and groups if you want something fancy.

It is a powerful boat that can cover a great distance. Moreover, you are less likely to feel bored since the boat is reasonably spacious and luxurious. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the cruise at a rate of $45.000 to $60.000 per week.

What Must You Consider When Choosing a Boat for Caribbean Island Hopping?

Comfort and space are important factors when choosing a boat for your Caribbean island hopping trip. However, there is more than meets the eye. Therefore, it would be best if you were looking for so much more.

Choose the Right-Sized Boat for Your Needs

The size is not cast in stone, and there are no fixed considerations. It depends on one's budget,

personal preferences, and needs. These considerations vary from one person to the next.

One person can find all they need in a 30-foot boat, while another may require a 60-foot boat. However, the size could influence the comfort of your boat. If you stay long-term on the boat, go for boats larger than 36 feet.

While it may still be possible to do with a smaller boat, it will be a struggle most of the time. Your gears and items may have to hang in there. Alternatively, you may have to force the residents to stay uncomfortably.

Consider the Amenities that Come with the Boat

The number of people you bring along will influence the amenities you need. Families and couples cruising have varied needs, so what one goes for depends on their unique dynamics.

However, ensure the boat has all the necessary amenities, such as enough beds and bathrooms.

Remember that you may live on the boat for months before returning to land. Therefore, ensure that the boat has everything you may ever need because there is no going back midway. Basic amenities are must-haves and must match the boat's capacity.

Consider the Storage

It would be best if you prioritize your storage needs because it goes hand in hand with the spacious needs. Make sure to have enough space to store your food. How much space you need for this depends on how long you may stay away from land, determining when you will replenish your supplies next.

Remember that you are less likely to make many stopovers. Carrying enough food, water, and other necessary items is safer. If possible, stock up excess so you never can tell when delays occur.

You also need enough storage to pack enough water toys. What you bring depends a lot on who is part of the trip. If the family trip includes kids, then make sure to pack both kids and adult water toys. You will need something to keep you busy as the days and nights get longer.

Additionally, store up enough fresh water. It may be true that there is plenty of fresh water, but you may not be assured of the quality and cost. Bring your own and ensure it is enough to serve you until your next stop is over.

With the many things you need to bring, it is essential to focus on getting a boat with sufficient space. Fortunately, there are numerous options when it comes to selling boats. Take time to identify a boat that perfectly suits your needs.

Sun Wind and Sea Protection

A good boat will have a good sunroof. This is important, especially if you are using a boat for the first time. The rays can be harsh, and you may end up affected negatively.

Choose a boat that offers some protection if you are concerned about this. A strong spray hood is also excellent when water splashes onto the boat. The goal is to enjoy the cruising experience without suffering, so anything enhancing your experience is welcome.

Ensure the Anchor is Comfortable

You must pay close attention to a few elements of your boat's anchor. These are:

• Airflow all through your boat
• Movement when anchored
• Ground tackle confidence

Remember that a good boat should exhibit a lot of integrity. The mentioned elements will help you ascertain this.

Usually, lightboats tend to rock and shift all the time, so you won't be excited to spend time anchored. Similarly, most roadstead anchorages are unprotected from wind shifts and hence unstable.

Instead, you may want to go for monohulls since they have deeper drafts, come with fuller

keels, and may have larger beams that don't snap or roll due to waves. Catamarans are also another excellent option since they hardly move when anchored unless lumpy.

Knowing there are several options to choose from when selecting a boat to cruise the Caribbean should give you peace of mind. Once you know which boats you may want at first glance, and the price is right, consider basic factors. Only get a boat when the most important aspects about it check out.

Best Houseboat Food

Best Houseboats For The Money

Best Houseboat Financing

Best Houseboat Cruises

About THE AUTHOR

Brian Samson

I have a deep love of houseboating and the life-changing experiences houseboating has brought into my life. I’ve been going to Lake Powell on our family’s houseboat for over 30 years and have made many great memories, first as a child and now as a parent. My family has a passion for helping others have similar fun, safe experiences on their houseboat.

Trending Now

Tips To Living On A Boat In Key West

Best Used Houseboats

Best Houseboat Marinas

Best Houseboat Fishing Trips

After spending over 30 years on houseboats, the memories and knowledge we've gained will never fade. Learn from our experiences here on LakeWizard. You can read more about us and our team, here .

©2024 LakeWizard. All rights reserved.

You can email us at [email protected]

LakeWizard.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs including but not limited to ShareASale, CJ, and ClickBank, and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Caribbean Small Ship Sailing Cruises

• Start Date Select Month May 2024 June 2024 July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024 January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025 January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 May 2026 OR, More specific start
• Easy Active
• Most Popular
• Wildlife & Safari Exploration
• Adventure Options
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Local Market Visits
• Scuba Diving
• Small Ship Cruises
• Small Ship Sailing
• Urban Exploration
• Wildlife Viewing
• Emerald Sakara
• Le Champlain
• Royal Clipper
• Scenic Eclipse
• Sea Cloud Spirit
• Seabourn Venture
• Star Clipper

Classic Yachtsman Caribbean

• Enjoy Grenada's unique aromas
• Discover Falmouth Harbour, Antigua
• Enjoy the beach in ÎIes des Saintes
• Explore lush St. Lucia Island

Windward Islands

• Explore beaches in Barbados
• See lush island of St. Lucia
• Visit sophisticated Martinique

Treasure Islands

• Visit Virgin Gorda's famous “Baths”
• Enjoy the lifestyle of Soper's Hole
• Walk the streets of Basseterre
• Relax on famous St. Barts

Leeward Islands

• Visit Dominica Island
• Snorkel at Iles des Saintes
• Sail across Rivière Salée
• Enjoy Gustavia's unique charm
• Sailing the Caribbean
• Experience a 4-masted, 30-sail ship
• Sail into lesser-known ports
• Explore wildlife, culture, and sea
• Enjoy the relaxed Caribbean pace

Barbados to Panama Christmas Cruise

• Explore Bridgetown, Barbados
• Discover Dutch colonial Curacao
• Transit the historic Panama Canal

Barbados to Panama

Panama to antigua.

• Swim in paradise in Bonaire

Westbound Atlantic Ocean Crossing

• Visit Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
• Take in the fresh ocean breeze
• Explore San Sebastian, La Gomera
• Relax on paradise beaches

Transatlantic: Las Palmas to Barbados

Transatlantic:malaga to st.maarten.

• Admire Malaga's landmarks
• Enjoy the expansive Atlantic Ocean
• Cruise across the Caribbean
• Set sail from St. Maarten
• Marvel at Bonifacio's views
• Explore charming Mahon, Menorca
• See Malaga's Moorish architecture
• Enjoy Marbella's natural beauty

Dream of A Lifetime: Transatlantic Crossing

• Follow Columbus's course
• Sail across the Atlantic Ocean
• Enjoy an offshore sailing adventure
• Observe incredible sunsets
• Discover Lisbon and its history
• Visit Safi, Morocco
• View Tenerife's mountains
• Enjoy the beaches of Barbados

Caribbean Travel Guide

• All Caribbean Trips
• Caribbean Small Cruise Ships & Sailboats
• Lesser Antilles
• Best Time to Visit the Caribbean
• Caribbean Island Guide
• Belize Sea Kayaking Tours
• Belize Snorkeling Trips & Tours
• Belize Beach Resorts
• Caribbean Luxury

Favorite Caribbean All Trips

• Bahamas Sailing Adventure
• Belize Explorer

Top Caribbean Travel Destinations

Caribbean trips by departure date.

• 2024 Caribbean trips (25)
• 2025 Caribbean trips (12)
• October 2024 (9)
• November 2024 (15)
• December 2024 (14)
• January 2025 (8)
• February 2025 (8)
• March 2025 (10)

Top Experiences in Caribbean

• Caribbean Cruises (24)
• Caribbean Beaches (10)
• Caribbean Cultural (6)
• Caribbean Land Tours (5)
• Caribbean Active (5)
• Caribbean Luxury (3)

Caribbean Trips by Duration

• 8 day trips (11)
• 15 day trips (6)

Caribbean Trips by Activity

• Caribbean small ship cruises (23)
• Caribbean snorkeling (17)
• Caribbean small ship sailing (14)
• Caribbean wildlife viewing (9)
• Caribbean hiking (7)
• Caribbean homestays (4)
• Caribbean kayaking (3)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

Click on the button to load the content from www.googletagmanager.com.

Load content

• Tailored Vacation Planner
• Cabin Yacht Charter
• Family Sailing Holidays
• Romantic Sailing Vacations For Couples
• Sailing with friends
• Greece all inclusive yacht charter
• Croatia all inclusive yacht charter
• Food & Wine Routes
• Yacht search
• Luxury sailing

Guide for the Best Sailing in the Caribbean

Sailing the Caribbean is a dream for many people. The crystal clear water, white sand beaches, and lush vegetation make it ideal for vacation. If you’re wondering which are the best Caribbean sailing routes, look no further! This blog post will discuss two of the best sailing routes in the Caribbean – one that goes through the Bahamas and one that covers The British Virgin Islands. We’ll also answer some common questions about sailing in the Caribbean. So if you’re planning on sailing in this beautiful part of the world, be sure to read on!

Guide for Sailing in the Caribbean

You can take many different sailing routes in the Caribbean, but we’ve highlighted two of the best.

Enjoy Bahamas sailing route

The first route takes place in the Bahamas. It takes place in easy sailing areas, where you can enjoy a worry-free vacation and explore sheltered harbors. Start from Marsh Harbour and you’ll have the perfect opportunity to explore the heart of the Caribbean . With Kayaking in the open shallows and virgin mangrove habitat rich in wildlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, you’ll have lots of fun on your first day.

From Marsh Harbour, you can sail to Hope Town on Elbow Cay and enjoy the view of those picturesque colored houses typical for the Bahamas. Take a moment to visit the iconic red and white striped lighthouse. You can climb to the top and take in the view that makes this one of the best Caribbean sailing routes.

After Hope Town, continue sailing to Man-O-War Cay. This is an incredible place to take the family . It is perfect for relaxing and you can take a look at many handmade boats on the island.

The next stop on this route is Great Guana Cay. This is a great place to take a break and simply enjoy seven miles long Guana Beach, explore the underwater sea park and don’t forget to dive in the sea, since this is one of the best snorkeling places and diving spots in the entire Caribbean.

Ready to sail away to the Caribbean?

Discover this tropical paradise with our exclusive yacht charters!

• Book your Caribbean trip now

The best Caribbean sailing route in the Bahamas wouldn’t be complete without Green Turtle Cay. This is a small and charming island with white-sand beaches , crystal clear waters and lovely vegetation. Stop by the Green Turtle Club for a drink or lunch and enjoy the incredible view.

From Green Turtle Cay, sail further north and explore uninhabited islands such as Ambergris Cay, Bonefish Cay and Powell Cay. Imagine your family eating excellent seafood on board and enjoying the scenery, relaxing and swimming, or lying down on the beach to catch the sun and read an exciting book.

The last stop is Treasure Cay, where you can enjoy an excellent golf course, beach bars and splendid beaches. Stop by the Abaco ceramics shop to buy souvenirs.

This is one of the best Caribbean sailing routes because it offers everyone a relaxing time, places to explore, and a fun time being together with family and friends .

Explore the British Virgin Islands by boat

The British Virgin Islands, or shorthand BVI, is also one of the best Caribbean sailing routes . We recommend Scrub Island as a starting point, where you may spend your first day relaxing in the Ixora Spa or visiting one of the three private beaches.

Start your second day early in the morning to avoid crowds on Virgin Gorda, the third-largest BVI island. There you will find famous Baths. This is a must-see stop on your journey.

The next stop is Anegada Island, the second largest island in the BVI group, a perfect location for seclusion. Spend your day there relaxing on sandy beaches with Loblolly or Cow Wreck Beach beach bars. During the night, enjoy a view of sky-colored with sparkling stars.

Guana Island will take your breath away with seven white powder sandy beaches and 850 acres of tropical forests, mountains, hills and valleys.

Jost Van Dyke is also a must-see destination if you want the best Caribbean sailing route. This quest island offers beautiful scenery, a long white bay beach and crystal waters.

Add Norman Island to your list! This is a well-known destination for cruisers and other tourists because of three water-level caves at the base of cliffs just outside the western edge of the Bight.

The last destination for the BVI and the best sailing Caribbean route is Cooper Island. Explore the caves on Norman Island before sailing to Rhone Marine Park to snorkel over the steamer wreck that sank in 1867. Head to Cooper Island and Cistern Point for snorkeling or Hallovers Bay.

How much time do you need to sail the Caribbean?

You can easily sail between the different islands in the Caribbean ; however, depending on your route and stops, it will take you anywhere from a few days to two weeks. The two best Caribbean sailing routes are 7 days long, a perfect duration for exploring and relaxing .

Can you sail through the Caribbean?

Yes! The best way to explore all hidden gems is by sailing through the Caribbean. Both previously mentioned the best Caribbean sailing routes can be modified to fit your wishes, which means that you can add some spots that you wish to visit.

Which boat is the best for sailing in the Caribbean?

This answer really depends on what you are looking for in a sailing trip. The best Caribbean sailing routes can be done with a catamaran, sailboat, or motor yacht. Sailboats offer the best value for active travelers and provide a classical sailing experience starting from 160 USD per day. The catamaran will bring a smooth sailing experience compared to the sailboat, which is perfect for bigger groups or families. Their price starts from 500 USD per day. While Motor yachts offer a more luxurious sailing experience with up to five cabins depending on their size and starting price from 500 USD per day.

What is the best part about sailing in the Caribbean?

Sailing in the Caribbean is a great way to escape and relax. With its beautiful white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, perfect climate and lush green vegetation , the Caribbean is a serene paradise waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled trip, sailing in the Caribbean can provide it all.

Is it safe sailing in the Caribbean?

Yes! Sailing in the Caribbean is a safe and enjoyable experience. With proper preparation and caution, sailing in the Caribbean can be a fantastic and worry-free way to explore this beautiful region.

Is it hard sailing in the Caribbean?

No! Sailing in the Caribbean is an excellent way for novice sailors to learn the ropes and for experienced sailors to test their skills. Sailing in the Caribbean can be an easy and fun experience with the right boat.

There is always the possibility to have a skipper and crew on board. That will allow you to really relax and enjoy the best Caribbean sailing routes.

Which to choose for sailing the Caribbean: all-inclusive or self-catered?

There are two main types of charters to choose from when sailing the Caribbean: all-inclusive or self-catered. With an all-inclusive charter, everything is taken care of for you – food and drinks. This is an excellent option if you want to relax and not have to worry about anything. On the other hand, a self-catered charter gives you more flexibility and freedom. You are responsible for all of your own food and drinks. This is an excellent option if you want to save money or have a specific type of food that you want to eat.

Both options have pros and cons, so it’s essential to decide which is best for you and your group. Ultimately, the best Caribbean sailing routes are those that best fit your needs and desires.

Are the best Caribbean sailing routes suitable for special occasions?

The best Caribbean sailing routes can be perfect for special occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary or just want to treat yourself to a luxurious vacation , sailing in the Caribbean is an unforgettable experience. With its beautiful scenery and endless activities, sailing in the Caribbean is the perfect way to celebrate any occasion.

What do you need for sailing the Caribbean?

When sailing the Caribbean, you’ll need a few essentials: sunscreen, insect repellent, hats, sunglasses, and water shoes. It’s also important to bring cash – many smaller islands don’t have ATMs or accept credit cards. And finally, be sure to pack your sense of adventure and excitement – sailing in the Caribbean is an unforgettable experience !

If you are planning to charter a bareboat in the Caribbean, the skipper must fill out a questionnaire and the sailing experience they had. There is no official sailing license necessary to have on hand. However, before making any reservations, we advise you to check all the requirements with your agent. Otherwise, we can provide you with a local professional skipper and other crew members (such as a hostess and a chef) to attend to you and make your sailing experience a holiday to remember! So there you have it – a guide to the best Caribbean sailing routes! Whether you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled trip, sailing in the Caribbean can provide it all. So what are you waiting for? Book your sailing vacation with us today!

The hurricane season in the Caribbean typically last from June to November, with its peak activity usually occurring between August and October.

The best time to sail in the Caribbean is generally during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April, as the weather is generally sunny, with less chance of rain and calmer seas.

Sailing alone in the Caribbean can be challenging due to factors such as weather, navigation, and potential hazards, so it’s essential to be well-prepared and knowledgeable about the region’s waters before embarking on a solo sailing in the Caribbean.

Share article:

Have a question.

We have answers to your questions. So don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today!

• GET MORE INFO

Feel free to ask us anything. All hands on deck. Let's sail

Thank you for sending us an inquiry, thank you so much for your enquiry.

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Caribbean sailing: Top tips from two years exploring this cruising paradise

• March 12, 2020

The Caribbean is a veritable cruising paradise. Terysa Vanderloo shares her tips from two seasons exploring the islands

Cayo Diablo is an idyllic diving spot off Puerto Rico

Rodney Bay in St Lucia was our first taste of the Caribbean and turned out to be the perfect introduction to cruising this area. There was an abundance of restaurants and bars, as well as the local village of Gros Islet a mile away. Someone from the marina told us to head over on a Friday night for the weekly Jump Up, so when the time came we duly walked down the rickety jetty towards the lights and thumping music.

The streets were thronged with people, locals and tourists alike. There were food stalls lining the street selling all manner of barbecued meat and fish, interspersed with makeshift bars groaning under the weight of jars and bottles bearing hand-written labels. We learned the hard way that purchasing one of these rum punches would ensure a headache the next morning: they were far more potent than the sweet, fruity taste let on.

Soufriere and the unforgettable Pitons of St Lucia make a spectacular welcome for cruisers. Photo: Alamy / Robert Harding World Imagery

We were thrilled with our introduction to the region, thinking that we had quickly identified the ‘real’ Caribbean. However, over the following season we came to learn that this broad term doesn’t encompass the many nuanced differences between cultures in this part of the world.

Despite their similarities, there are no two islands that are truly alike in the Caribbean. Even the French islands that we visited – Martinique, Guadeloupe, St Barth and St Martin – shared only a common language and the same supermarkets; in many other respects they were very different.

The Windward Isles

Nick was desperate to return to the Tobago Cays, which he recalled being utterly idyllic when he’d visited them during his Yachtmaster course several years previously. That had been in the low season. It transpired that the Tobago Cays are a very different place in the middle of January.

Article continues below…

Caribbean sailing tips: Chris Doyle on making the most of your time there

Chris Doyle’s is a name familiar to all Caribbean cruisers, as the author of best-selling cruising guides of the region.…

Sailing in Cuba: The joys of exploring the island by yacht

“If someone has to go to prison, I volunteer,” said new first mate, Neal, with a grin as we sat…

I did see my very first turtle there (it lazily swam around the boat, then promptly darted away as I clumsily jumped in the water for a closer look) but the anchorage was otherwise so overcrowded it was fairly unappealing. We left after just one night. Grenada, a little further south, gave us our first insight into ‘liveaboard’ culture.

There is a permanent liveaboard community in Grenada and we quickly fell into a pleasant routine of listening to the radio net in the morning, joining in with themed happy hours each evening, and I was even persuaded to go along to a group yoga class. There was always something to do and it was clear that many people made it to Grenada and then saw little point in moving on. We, however, had the rest of the Caribbean to explore.

Photo: Alamy / Chris A Crumley

Martinique proved to be a favourite. There are a variety of anchorages along its leeward coast, the most spectacular of which is surely at the foot of Mount Pelée, a volcano that towers above the tiny village on the seafront, and early last century wiped out all but two of its inhabitants when it spectacularly erupted.

The island’s French culture is evident as soon as you step off your dinghy ashore. Baguettes, pastries, wine and cheese are plentiful and there are several hypermarkets out of town for provisioning .

Nick and I spent a long and memorable morning negotiating our way by public transport to the HyperU. Giddy with the range of products at our fingertips, we bought a pressure cooker, a bread machine and filled a trolley with groceries, wine and beer, only to realise that we had no way of transporting all our goodies to the boat. One expensive cab journey and an over owing dinghy ride later, we had finally stocked Ruby Rose .

Photo: Richard Langdon / Ocean Images

Dominica was another highlight. It is easily the most spectacular island in the Lesser Antilles that we visited: a jumble of forest-covered volcanoes jut into the sky, their peaks often obscured by cloud. One Sunday evening at sunset the local families all converged on the beach where we were anchored.

Swimming in the sea with them, chatting about their lives and watching the kids take turns leaping from the pier, a background of golden-tinted jungle rising behind them, was an experience that will stay with me for a long time. It’s these low-key, everyday experiences that make this cruising life so special.

We continued north to the Leeward Islands, stopping at Les Saintes, a small archipelago of the French Antilles, north of Dominica. It has a strong resemblance to the Atlantic coast of Brittany, not least due to its architecture and excellent restaurants.

From Les Saintes we made our way to Guadeloupe and Deshaies, where it rained and the wind howled for days on end. We were going stir-crazy being stuck on board and eventually made a break for Antigua. Our punishment was enduring eight hours of being tossed around and feeling seasick before gratefully arriving in Falmouth Harbour.

Here we found many bars and restaurants of unusually high quality (the standard of food in restaurants in the Caribbean is generally not nearly as good as we’re used to in Europe, even on the French islands). We stuck around for the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, determined to get our hands on the famous ‘red hats’, given out only at the closing event.

Tickets for the final event were a challenge to get hold of, but we dutifully spent several evenings bar-hopping and ingesting large quantities of rum in order to secure our entry to the party.

After bypassing Nevis and St Kitts due to a rapidly-closing weather window, we spent several very rolly nights in St Barth’s notoriously uncomfortable Gustavia anchorage. I don’t normally ‘do’ rolly anchorages, but for St Barth I was willing to put up with a lot.

The town was extremely picturesque, and as quintessentially French as it’s possible to find in the Caribbean. We had fresh baguettes, cheap wine and fois gras daily, and enjoyed looking in all the upmarket shops.

St Maarten was a necessary stop for us as we had decided to upgrade our tender and do some other boat maintenance. We had planned on a week there, but ended up staying for three; something we were warned about the very first morning on the daily radio net. “This place has a way of sucking you in!” Mike, the net controller, cheerfully informed us.

The Caribbean is also famed for its sailing regattas. Photo: Paul Wyeth

There was a large and friendly community of liveaboards and cruisers on the island, many of whom were stopping for repairs and maintenance just like us. This meant that every evening at the local hangout Lagoonies there were always familiar faces and we used this opportunity to connect with old friends and make new ones.

The longer we spent in the Caribbean, the more the community became a part of our lives. One weekend we headed to the St John, in the US Virgin Islands, anticipating a quiet few days alone. However, it was not to be. As we picked up a mooring buoy (no anchoring allowed) we were hailed on the radio; friends of ours had seen us on the AIS and were coming on over.

They invited several couples we had never met before but followed on social media, who happened to be in the area. So five couples of a similar age converged and our plans for solitude and recovery were abruptly postponed.

Photo: Tor Johnson

What followed was a weekend that couldn’t have been better if we’d planned it: by day we went diving for lobster, hiking, and, on one particularly memorable afternoon swam with a dolphin and her calf who seemed just as excited to play with us as we were with them!

It was truly the most magical experience I’ve had while cruising. By night we’d descend on somebody’s boat, eat lobster, drink rum cocktails and be serenaded by the two guitar players and singers of the group.

These few days epitomised what we loved about cruising the Caribbean and it couldn’t have been a better end to our time there. The islands of the Lesser Antilles were varied and each had its own culture, character and distinctive beauty.

Every time we had to move on we felt the pull to stay; only our sense of curiosity and adventure kept us sailing. We were ultimately rewarded with all the friends we’ve met and the beautiful islands we’ve been privileged enough to visit.

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Best places for...

78' Ted Hood 2000, 2000

67' Simonis Voogd 67, 2004

65' MacGregor 65, 1989

60' Beneteau Oceanis 60, 2016

54' Hanse 548, 2019

54' Beneteau Oceanis 54, 2012

51' Jeanneau Yacht 51, 2017

50' Beneteau Oceanis 510, 1994

50' Beneteau Idylle, 1986

49' Hunter 49, 2008

48' Baron 48, 1990

47' Beneteau 473, 2002

46' Warwick 46, 1987

46' Beneteau Oceanis, 1999

46' Beneteau FIRST 45.6, 1984

46' Cambria 44/46, 1988

45' Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45.2, 2000

45' Freedom Yachts 45, 1993

45' Lagoon 450F, 2016

45' Lagoon 450 F, 2013

45' Gulfstar Hirsch 45, 1987

45' Hanse 455, 2018

44' Bali 4.4, 2023

44' Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44, 1992

44' Catalina Morgan 440, 2008

43' Cookson Frers Kevlar/Carbon Custom 43, 1985

42' Tartan T42, 1981

42' Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS, 2008

42' Hallberg-Rassy 42E, 1986

41' Beneteau 411, 1999

41' Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41, 2011

41' Hunter 41, 2004

40' Passport Passport 40, 1985

40' Broadblue Rapier 400, 2016

40' Dufour Performance Plus, 2008

40' Hanse 40, 2011

40' Lagoon 400 S2 Owners Version, 2013

39' Beneteau 393, 2002

37' O'Day 37, 1979

37' Sweden Yachts 370, 1998

36' Cape Dory 36 ft, 1979

35' Gemini Legacy 35, 2015

33' Dufour 335 Grand Large, 2014

28' Bristol Channel Cutter Bristol Channel Cutter 28', 1999

Exploring the Caribbean one anchorage at a time

Receive our latest articles in your inbox, featured articles, the u.s. virgin islands install 200 mooring balls throughout territory that can be paid for on-line, destination us virgin islands, a visit to the great conch mounds of anegada, latest releases.

The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands 2024 edition

Updated for 2024 The Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands is now in our warehouse and available for distribution. Updated detail and locations for the new USVI mooring initiative along with extended detail of anchorages, underwater exploration and shoreside activities are included. Includes a fold out planning chart.

Books , Cruising Guides , Featured , Guides , Our Guides

The Sailors Guide to the Windward Islands 2024 edition

Just released! The 21st edition of the Sailors Guide to the Windward Islands. After 40 years in print, this book continues to be the best selling cruising guide to the Windward Islands. Features include: aerial color photos, full color sketch charts, GPS waypoints and some of the best local information available. Martinique to Grenada.

The Cruising Guide to Abaco Bahamas 2024 edition

The 35th edition of the annually updated Cruising Guide to Abaco Bahamas is now available! The guide covers from Walker Cay to Hole-in-the-Wall plus passage information from Florida to Abaco.

Download The New Caribbean Cruising Guide Mobile App

Cruising Guide Publications is delighted to announce the long-awaited mobile app designed for Caribbean sailors and now available at both the Apple and Google App Stores.

The 2024 BVI Calendar

As you have grown to know and love, the 2024 calendar features food and drink recipes throughout the months so you can enjoy some exciting island cuisine as you view each of the beautifully reproduced photographs of the 60 islands and cays of the British Virgin Islands. It’s the British Virgin Islands at its best.

Latest Products

Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands Advertising

Advertisements

Cruising Guide to the Leeward Islands Advertising

NV Atlas Bahamas 9.3: Southeast

The Waterway Guide to Cuba

Cruising Guides

NV Atlas Cuba 10.2: Northwest, Varadero, Havana to Cabo San Antonio

NV Atlas Cuba 10.1: Northeast, Cabo Maisi to Varadero

The cruising guide to the northern leeward islands 2020-2021 edition.

Books , Cruising Guides , Guides , Our Guides

NV Atlas 16.1: Bermuda

Cruising articles & tips.

The Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) have installed 200 moorings territory-wide in the popular cruising grounds of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. The moorings help protect the underwater habitats and interrelated ecological systems of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and algal plains from anchors and anchor chains.

WHAT’S PAST IS PROLOGUE  A seven-day sailing itinerary and a nod to history as the USVI gets its charter vibe back.  The first time we …

Located on the East end of Anegada, thousand of conch shells form a burial ground or conch mound. These conch burial grounds support the fact that the Arawak people lived on Anegada thousands of years ago. Since then, fisherman have discarded the shells here for more than 200 years…

Exploring the Virgin Islands Part I: Sailing to Anegada

  Cow Bones, Shipwrecks & Lobster at Sunset In contrast to the mountainous volcanic formation of the remainder of the Virgin Islands, Anegada is comprised …

Dream. Explore. Adventure.

Our vision, here at Cruising Guide Publications, is to help sailors plan for and enjoy a safe and successful Caribbean cruise by providing the best tools and up-to-date information available on and about the various islands and anchorages of the Caribbean chain.

We have been writing guides for 42 years and strive to provide the best in class content delivered in an easy to read and understandable format, enabling the availability of the appropriate critical information when required for a safe and successful Caribbean cruise.

We remain mindful of the fragile ecology of the islands and endeavour to support local businesses in a sustainable environment for economic growth, while helping deliver a deeper appreciation for the culture and people of the Caribbean who are our island hosts as we embark on our sailing adventures of discovery.

Please note: global shipments are experiencing a postal delay of at least a couple weeks. Please see our list of European and Canadian distributors  here . Dismiss

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sailing Totem
• Charter Resources
• Destinations
• Galley Recipes
• Living Aboard
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance

10 Best Used Cruising Sailboats

• By John Kretschmer
• Updated: June 4, 2021

The appeal of offshore voyaging is difficult to explain to land people who can’t imagine life without basic human rights like copious quantities of hot water and unlimited data. It can even be challenging to explain to fellow sailors who think the notion of spending days or weeks at sea is a form of water­boarding, some kind of self-inflicted torture.

But for those of us who understand, who relish intimacy with the untamed wilderness that is the ocean and embrace self-­reliance and individual expression while accepting the ­dispassionate whims of Neptune, this is the good life.

There are two essential truths about this life: One, money does not matter. Cruising budgets and lifestyles reflect bank accounts with variously positioned commas; it’s the passages and landfalls that add up, not your investment portfolio. And two, a good bluewater sailboat — not necessarily an expensive boat, but a well-­designed, solidly built, imminently seaworthy boat that is only limited by your moxie and imagination — is the key to successful bluewater passagemaking.

So, to that second point, I’ve compiled a list of interesting and affordable cruising sailboats for serious voyaging. A list of 10 sailboats for any purpose, much less world cruising, is sure to evoke outrage from strong-minded sailors, who by nature tend to be a bit opinionated. Stand by before hurling insults my way, and let me explain. I have decided to stay away from the sailboats we know by heart, the iconic old boats that usually populate a list like this: the Westsail 32, Tayana 37, Shannon 38 and Valiant 40 (the last of which, with a bit of searching, can still be found at or just below $100,000).

My list of some of the best liveaboard sailboats is eclectic and includes a mix of well-known and obscure manufacturers, but all the boats are linked in three ways: All are top-quality vessels capable of crossing oceans. They’re affordable, although in a few cases you have to look for older models in less-than-stellar condition to stay below $100,000. Indeed, in some ways, this list of used sailboats is a function of age; most of the boats were priced at more than $100,000 when new but have dipped below our self-imposed threshold in middle age. And finally, they’re all boats that I have encountered in the past few years in far-flung cruising destinations .

Island Packet 35

Love them or loathe them, Island Packets are everywhere. To some, the beamy, full-keel, high-freeboard hull designs seem quaint, to put it charitably. To others, the robust construction standards, roomy interiors and overall user-friendliness make them the ideal cruising boat. More than most, sailing vessels are compromises, and Bob Johnson and his crew at Island Packet were brilliant in prioritizing the needs of sailors. The IP 35 was introduced in 1988 and features a huge cockpit, an easy-to-handle cutter rig with a jib boom, and a clever, comfortable interior with the volume of many 40-footers. It might not be the fastest boat upwind, but the long waterline translates to good performance off the breeze, meaning the IP 35 finds its stride in the trade winds. In all, 188 boats were built before production stopped in 1994.

Don’t confuse the IP 35 with the IP 350, which was launched in 1997 and included a stern swim step. You won’t find a 350 for less than $100,000, but you will have a choice among 35s, especially those built before 1990. With two nice staterooms, the 35 is ideal for family cruising. I know of a couple of 35s that have completed the classic Atlantic Circle passage. It’s perfect for a sabbatical cruise because it holds its value and there’s a ready market when it comes time to sell.

Prout Snowgoose 37

There’s no room for discussion: Catamarans are crossing oceans, and many sailors are choosing cats for world cruising. My last visits to the Azores and Canary Islands, the classic Atlantic waypoints, proved the point. I’m not much of a statistician, but by my count, at least a quarter and maybe a third of the boats I saw were catamarans. There would be more on this list, but they are just too expensive. Finding a quality catamaran for less than $100,000 is tough. One boat to consider is the classic workhorse multihull, the Prout Snowgoose 37.

When the Snowgoose 37 was launched in 1983, English builder Prout & Sons had already been in business for nearly 50 years. The 37 was an updated version of the Snowgoose 35, one of the most successful cruising cats ever. In 1986, the 37 was updated again; the Snowgoose Elite model included more beam and interior upgrades. These models are challenging to find for under $100,000, but it’s possible. A quick glance at yachtworld.com shows several of both models available for less than $100,000. Again, the strong dollar makes European boats an excellent value.

The Snowgoose 37 is not sexy like go-fast cats, and not roomy like modern cruising cats. It is, however, seaworthy. Of the 500 built, many have circumnavigated. Older boats have solid fiberglass hulls, and more recent models are solid glass from the waterline down and cored above. The cockpit is rather compact by catamaran standards, and the bridgedeck is solid (no tramp). Many 37s and all Elites were rigged with staysails, a big plus in heavy weather. The masthead-­rigged Snowgoose 37 can be sailed like a monohull offshore, and it’s quite nice not having a huge, roachy mainsail to wrestle with in a storm. With a 15-foot-3-inch beam for the 37 and a 16-foot-3-inch beam for the Elite, it’s easy to find affordable dockage and yards for haulouts. Most boats have three double cabins, making the Snowgoose 37 an ideal family cruiser.

The Corbin 39 is not as well known as it should be. It’s a capable bluewater sailboat cruiser with many impressive voyages logged. My Quetzal spent several weeks moored alongside a handsome 39 in Corfu that had sailed around the world, and I also spent a winter in Malta in the same boatyard as another 39 that had recently crossed the Atlantic. A canoe-stern, flush-deck pilothouse cutter, the 39 was offered with either an aft or center cockpit. Designed by Michael Dufour and constructed by Corbin les Bateaux in Canada, hull number one was launched in 1977. Built in various locations in Quebec, 129 boats were launched before a fire destroyed the deck tooling in 1982. A new deck with a larger cockpit was designed, and 70 more boats were laid up before production ceased in 1990.

The rub on the Corbin 39 is that the majority of boats were sold as kits with owner-­finished interiors. Kits varied from just hull-and-deck to “sailaway,” with everything fitted except the interior. Only 15 boats were finished at the factory. Not surprisingly, the interior quality is unpredictable, from rough-hewn lumberyard specials to beautifully handcrafted gems finished by marine professionals. The difference is reflected in the price. A nicely finished, well-equipped model from the mid-’80s typically sells for between $60,000 and $80,000.

The hull shape features a long fin keel and skeg-mounted rudder. The hulls are heavily laid up and include Airex coring. Early decks were plywood-cored, but most boats have Airex in the deck as well. Ballast is 9,000 pounds of internal lead, translating to a 40 percent ballast-to-displacement ratio. The wide flush deck is spacious, and the sleek pilothouse usually includes inside steering. Massive double anchor rollers are incorporated into the bowsprit in later models. Most boats include a double-­spreader spar, and almost all were set up as cutters. There’s plenty of freeboard, which becomes obvious below. While interior arrangements vary considerably, there’s a lot of room to work with. I prefer the post-1982 aft-cockpit 39s; they’re generally of a higher quality than earlier boats.

Cabo Rico 38

“The Cabo Rico 38 hull shape is the one in which everything came together best,” wrote Bill Crealock in his design notes. He might have changed his mind later in life, considering that the Cabo Rico was introduced in 1977 and he designed many boats after that, but few will dispute that this 38-foot cutter, built in Costa Rica, is flat-out beautiful. From the clipper bow to the sweet sheer to the abundance of honey-colored teak, the Cabo Rico 38 is a boat to inspire the most practical among us to quit their job, buy this vessel, and head for the South Pacific.

Not surprisingly, many people have done just that. Cabo Rico built 200 full-keeled 38s, with most of the production occurring in the 1980s. There’s always a selection of boats for sale for less than $100,000. Cabo Rico was an outlier among manufacturers of the time, building serious cruising boats in Central America instead of Taiwan, but quality control was always excellent. The full keel is slightly cutaway, and the rudder is attached to the trailing edge. The prop is in an aperture and totally protected, but not well suited to backing into a slip. Full-keel boats may make some younger sailors cringe, but the CR 38 has a very soft ride in rough seas and heaves to effectively. It also has a solid fiberglass hull with a layer of balsa for insulation. Sometimes it’s noted that the hull is balsa-cored, but it’s not. After about hull number 40, lead was used instead of iron for internal ballast. The deck is balsa-cored, however, and there’s a substantial bulwark. Items to be wary of are the teak decks (most 38s have them) and the fittings supporting the bobstay.

A true cutter rig, the 38 has just under 1,000 square feet of working sail area and performs better than most people suspect. The staysail was originally set on a boom that cluttered the foredeck and limited sail shape. Many boats have been converted with furling staysails sans the boom — a nice upgrade. When the wind pipes up, the 38 tracks nicely with a reefed main and staysail. I encounter 38s all over the Caribbean. They’re easy to spot; they’re the beautiful boats in the anchorage.

Tayana Vancouver 42

Ta Yang, builder of Tayana sailboats, has been building capable cruising boats forever, it seems. The Robert Harris-designed Tayana Vancouver 42 has been a mainstay of the serious cruising fleet since the day it was launched in 1979, and is still in demand today. The company built 200 boats, mostly in the ’80s and early ’90s, although a few V42s were built into the 2000s. With a bit of digging and some haggling, you can find boats for less than $100,000, but they’re likely to be older models. As of this writing, yachtworld.com has eight V42s listed, with three asking less than $100,000.

I’ve encountered the V42 all over the world, and in my yacht-delivery days, I had the pleasure of delivering a couple of 42s up the East Coast and down to the Caribbean. The double-ended hull shape with a fin-skeg underbody is stiff and seaworthy, if not wickedly fast. Considering the rugged construction, with a solid fiberglass hull and balsa-cored deck, nobody has ever accused Ta Yang of going light on its boats. Ballast is internal iron, a massive single casting that weighs in at 11,800 pounds. Ta Yang has evolved as a builder, and later models included upgrades like vinylester resin and larger Yanmar diesels.

A true cutter, the V42 has a double-spreader rig and is heavily stayed. The seagoing deck is cambered to shed water. Teak decks, with all their virtues and vices, were common; I’d look for a boat that’s been de-teaked. Like the Corbin 39, the V42 came with either a center or aft cockpit, although most boats were aft-cockpit models. The aft cockpit is deep and secure, if a bit tight due to volume sacrificed by the canoe stern. The center cockpit is cramped but offers excellent visibility. The interior is lovely, with exquisite Taiwanese joinery. Although interior arrangements vary because Ta Yang encouraged owner input, across the board, this is a friendly boat for living aboard. The aft-cockpit model includes one head and a traditional layout with excellent light and ventilation. The center-­cockpit model features a large owner’s stateroom aft.

Wauquiez Pretorien 35

The Pretorien 35 does not pay homage to tradition. The Euro-style low-slung wedge deck and flattish lines were thoroughly modern when the Pretorien was launched in 1979. Sure, there are IOR influences in this well-proven Holman & Pye design, including a slightly pinched stern, cramped cockpit, and a high-aspect, short-boom mainsail that results in a large fore­triangle. But a small main is easy to handle offshore, especially in squally conditions, and a large poled-out furling genoa provides a low-stress way to cross oceans. The test of a design is revealed long after the launch, and the Pretorien has aged brilliantly. It’s often mistaken for a Swan or Baltic. Famed voyager and author Hal Roth chose a Pretorien for his last boat.

Below the water, which is what really matters at sea, the Pretorien pushes the right buttons for serious sailing. A fine entry provides enough of a forefoot to prevent pounding in lumpy conditions, and as on the Valiant 40, the fin keel incorporates a stub to which the external ballast is fastened. The rudder is mounted well aft for excellent steering control, especially on a deep reach, and is tucked behind a narrow but full-length skeg. The Pretorien displaces 13,000 pounds, of which 6,000 pounds is ballast, translating to a stiff, seakindly boat.

The construction is superb. The solid fiberglass hull includes longitudinal stringers that stiffen the panels and encapsulate the bulkheads. Tabbing and fiberglass work is first-rate throughout. Wauquiez was one of the first builders to use solid laminate beneath high-load deck fittings. The side decks are wide and, with the chainplates well inboard, easy to navigate. The interior arrangement is conventional, but ample beam amidships helps create a surprisingly spacious feel below.

There were 212 Pretoriens built during a seven-year production run, so there’s usually a good selection of boats on the used market. Today’s strong dollar makes European Pretoriens an excellent value.

Gulfstar 44

Gulfstar had a terrible reputation in the early ’70s: It was infamous for producing wide-body motorsailers with tiny rigs and chintzy Formica interiors. Company founder Vince Lazzara was adept at reading market trends and upped his game in the late ’70s and ’80s. Lazzara, who also founded Columbia Yachts, was a veteran of the production-­sailboat wars and realized that buyers were demanding high-quality boats that sailed well. The Gulfstar 44 was launched in 1978, and 105 were sold before the company started producing the Hirsh 45 in 1985.

Some mistake the G44 for a Bristol, and it has a similar profile, right down to the teak toerail and raked cabin trunk. A sleek center-­cockpit design, the hull shape features a 5-foot-6-inch fin keel, a skeg-hung rudder and moderate proportions. I know the boat well, having delivered one from Bermuda to Annapolis and another from Fort Lauderdale to Boston. It has a nice ride in lumpy seas and powers up when the big genoa is drawing on a reach. The construction is typical of the time, with solid fiberglass hulls and cored decks. Gulfstars were known to blister, and it’s likely that any 44 you find will have had an epoxy bottom job along the way — and if it hasn’t, it will need one. The keel-stepped spar has an air draft of 55 feet. Some owners have modified the sloop rig with a staysail. The cockpit is roomy, especially for a center-cockpit design, although there’s not much of a bridgedeck. All sail controls are led aft. Lazzara was an early proponent of this feature, and the boat is user-friendly overall.

The interior sells the boat. It’s nicely finished in teak, and the layout is made for living aboard. The aft cabin includes an enormous double berth with an en suite head and stall shower. The main saloon is spacious and well ventilated, although beware of the plastic opening portlights. If you are looking for a comfortable, well-built center-cockpit cruiser but can’t find one that you can afford, track down a Gulfstar 44; you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Any list of bluewater cruising sailboats must include a Robert Perry design. I could have easily put together nine Perry boats for this list. The Nordic 40 may surprise some, especially because 40 feet is an iconic length, bringing to mind such boats as the Valiant 40, Hinckley Bermuda 40, Bristol 40, Pacific Seacraft 40, Passport 40 and others. The trick is finding a 40-footer for less than $100,000. Nonetheless, the Nordic 40 and its larger sister ship, the 44, are among my favorite boats.

Based in Bellingham, Washington, Nordic produced world-class yachts during its brief production run in the 1980s. Only 40 Nordic 40s were launched between 1982 and 1987, but they’re worth seeking out on the used-boat market. The 40 features the classic double-ended Perry hull shape, with a fine entry, a deep and powerful fin keel, a skeg-mounted rudder positioned well aft, and a reverse transom. Freeboard is moderate and the sheer line is subtle, but to my eye, with its double-spreader rig and gently sloping deck line, the boat is poetry in the water.

The hull is solid fiberglass and the deck is balsa-cored, with solid laminates below loaded-up deck fittings. Original boats came with Navtec rod rigging and a hydraulic backstay, but many have been upgraded by now. Sail-control lines are led aft to the compact but functional T-shaped cockpit. The traveler is forward of the companionway, allowing for a cockpit dodger. The Nordic 40 is nimble in light to moderate breeze but can also stand up in a blow and heave to decently.

The interior is well suited to a cruising couple. It’s really a two-person boat, with a V-berth forward and large C-shaped galley aft, with plenty of counter space and a huge fridge. It includes the normal deft Perry touches — excellent sea berths, a separate stall shower and generous tankage. If you do find a Nordic 40 on the used market, be sure to take a hard look at the Westerbeke diesel and the V-drive transmission.

Pacific Seacraft 34

A handsome, nimble and capable double-ender by legendary designer Bill Crealock, the Pacific Seacraft 34 is well proven, with scores of ocean crossings in its wake.

After the boat was first launched as the Crealock 34 in 1979, Pacific Seacraft introduced a fifth model years later, a scaled-down version of the popular PS 37. Though expensive at the time, the 34 was another success story for one of America’s premier builders, and hundreds of boats were built in the company’s yard in Santa Ana, California. There is always a good selection of used boats available for less than $100,000. Another nice perk for used-boat buyers is that the 34 is back in production at the reincarnated Pacific Seacraft yard in Washington, North Carolina, providing an outlet for parts and advice. The company is now owned and operated by marine archaeologist Stephen Brodie and his father, Reid.

The 34 blends traditional values above the waterline with what was then a more modern underbody, with a long fin keel and skeg-hung rudder. A bit hefty at 13,500 pounds of displacement, the design otherwise is a study in moderation, and drawn with a keen eye toward providing a soft ride in a seaway and staying on good terms with Neptune in a blow.

The hull is solid fiberglass, and early decks were plywood-­cored before Pacific switched to end-grain balsa. The hull-to-deck joint incorporates a molded bulwark that offers added security when you’re moving about on deck, and a vertical surface for mounting stanchions.

Most 34s are cutter-rigged for versatility but carry moderate-­size genoas instead of high-cut yankees for more horsepower off the wind. Down below, the layout is traditional, but the 6-foot-4-inch headroom is a pleasant surprise. The Pacific Seacraft 34 is perfect for a cruising couple.

John Kretschmer is a delivery captain, adventurer and writer, whose own boat Quetzal , a 1987 Kaufman 47, has seen a refit or two over the years. His latest book is Sailing a Serious Ocean: Sailboats, Storms, Stories and Lessons Learned from 30 Years at Sea , also available on his website .

• More: classic plastic , DIY Sailboat Projects , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats , used boat guide
• More Sailboats

Lagoon 60 Prepares for World Premiere

Now For Sale: Leopard 45

Sailboat Review: Rapido 40

For Sale: 2002 Hylas 46

The Long Way Around

Sailing to the Land of Shrimp

Swallow Tattoos and Sailors

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

• Best listings 1st
• Price - Low to high
• Average Rating - Highest rated 1st

Need help ?

Our charter advisors are here to assist you.

An expert will find you the best offers

Top charter company. Very friendly and customer oriented

Olivier was great! From being flexible on arrival time to making sure we got back on time, everything went flawlessly. He taught us how to work the sails and how to drive the boat. We took him up on the offer to provide beverages, and that was a great addition. I speak a little French and Olivier speaks a little English, so communication wasn't an issue. What a great way to spend the day in Gaudeloupe, thanks Olivier!

The community's advice on the destination

Charter a sailboat in the caribbean with or without a skipper with samboat.

The Caribbean is a region in the Americas. It has more than fifty islands that belong to different countries such as Cuba, Dominican Republic, The Bahamas, Grenada, etc. The Caribbean is a highly visited place for its beauty and great climate. The best time to visit the Caribbean is from December to May, during these months the intensity of the heat decreases and the sun's rays are not as strong. However, it is the high season, so the prices increase. We advise you to plan well your visit to anticipate your expenses.

Many travellers who have visited the Caribbean say that there is no better way to discover its wonders than onboard a boat. Charter a sailboat to explore the islands of the region or rent a catamaran in the Caribbean to relax in the Sea. Whichever option you choose, you will enjoy an unforgettable experience. On SamBoat's website, you will find several destinations that offer affordable sailboats all year round. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the Caribbean uniquely.

Sailboat rental in the Caribbean

By renting a sailboat in the Caribbean, you have the chance to visit several islands to enjoy their beauty. Here are the best destinations for sailing in the Caribbean:

Punta Cana: has calm beaches, crystal clear waters and calm waves. It has several places to anchor your boat, most of them with sandy beaches.

Cuba: has more than twenty cays that can only be visited by boat. Don't miss the opportunity to sail in Cuba and enjoy its peacefulness.

Barbados: an island with a calm sea ideal for sailing in the western part of the island and perfect waves for surfers in the southeast. Visit Crane Beach, famous for its pink sand.

How much does it cost to rent a sailboat in the Caribbean?

The price for yacht charter in the Caribbean varies depending on the season and the country you want to rent a vessel. Below are listed some of the prices:

Puerto Rico, around 300 euros per day

The British Virgin Islands, 270 euros per day

Cuba, 250 euros per day

Martinique, 180 euros per day

St Lucia, 300 euros per day

The Bahamas, 350 euros per day

Guadeloupe, 180 euros per day

Please note that prices may increase during the high season. If you want to rent a catamaran during the high season, we recommend you to look two months in advance and start the rental process as soon as possible.

Do you need a license to rent a sailboat in the Caribbean?

Renting a sailboat in the Caribbean is a unique experience. When renting a sailboat, you should consider the regulations of the countries that are in the Caribbean.

If you want to rent a sailboat in St Barths, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico or Grenada, you do not need a licence, but you need to prove your sailing experience. To prove your sailing experience, we suggest that you have a nautical curriculum demonstrating your previous experience.

If you don't have a license or experience, you can rent any other boat from our catalogue with a skipper. Skippers are helpful, they can show you places that only locals know. Rent a boat in the Caribbean with SamBoat.

About SamBoat 

SamBoat offers a vast range of boats to hire from 60€/day. Choose from a wide selection of sailboats, motorboats, RIBs, catamarans, and canal boats. With the best offers, SamBoat helps you to find the ideal boat for the perfect vacation.

Our other types of boats

Best deals at sea.

Find the best prices for boat rentals & yacht charters with or without a skipper.

Quality control

Boat listings are checked regularly to guarantee the highest standards possible

Trusted third party

Verified third party to secure your payments and security deposits

Customer Care

A team of charter experts to help you seven days a week

Cost To Live On A Sailboat In The Caribbean

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

So, you've decided that you want to commit to living on your sailboat, and, you've chosen the Caribbean.

‍ Why wouldn't you? It's beautiful, warm, the people are friendly, the food is great, the fishing is top-notch, and their entire way of life is relaxing.

The Caribbean is an awesome place to live, especially if you are lucky enough to do so on your sailboat. There are some things you might want to consider before moving out there, though. Such as, can you afford it? The chances are you could afford a marina slip, at least if you could afford one in America. But is the marina going to be up to the standards you were hoping for? Will you even be able to afford it without working, or with reduced income. Is the Caribbean even the right place for you? This article answers all of that and more!

Table of contents

How much does it cost to live on a sailboat in the Caribbean?

Living in the Caribbean isn't quite as cheap as most people expect it to be. It isn't going to be crazy expensive, at least it doesn't have to be. You can get a pretty nice marina slip in the Caribbean for about $1000 a month. This is going to get you some security, some decent amenities, and a nice location. You could "slum it" and get a far cheaper marina slip near where the locals will dock their boats, but you aren't getting all the added pleasantries and amenities. You might also find yourself quite far out of town. To put that in perspective, a year's worth of accommodation in the Caribbean will only cost you about $12k. Far less than rent might be, and certainly far less than organizing some sort of vacation accommodation. If you choose to live in one of the smaller, for lack of a better word poorer, island nations you will find that your money goes a lot further. You could rent a luxury marina slip for just a few hundred dollars a month. The Dominican Republic is a good example of this.

You must also consider how you are going to be paying tax when you are living here. If you are only technically visiting (just a few months) and are still technically living in the US, you can avoid paying income tax in your host nation. This isn't ethically or legally wrong so long as you do only stay a few months here and a few months there. If you plan to pick one country and live there long term, make sure you register with the country. It is easiest to do this before you go but can be done locally in most cases. If you are unsure what to do, you can always give the American consulate a call. They should be able to help you out. Maintenance is also something that many people fail to consider fully before making the move.

When you move to a new country you need to find a new everything. A new doctor, dentist, mechanic, grocery store, gym, etc. This is part of the fun of moving, at least it is for most people. The problem is when you move somewhere new with a sailboat you must immediately find a good boat repair yard and storage dock. These costs vary from island to island, of course. But you will find it is generally cheaper than the US. Don't be thrown off by low prices when looking at repairs. Labor is much cheaper here. Use your gut instinct when deciding if a boat repairman seems legit. Storage is also something you will need to consider, especially if you plan on going on vacation without the boat. And, perhaps the rainy season if you plan on sticking around. A good storage facility will be about $10-$15 per foot. Much less than you might be paying in the states. (perhaps about $40 per foot).

The cost of living should drop pretty drastically. Food, liquor, and basic amenities will be far cheaper than you have likely ever seen before. But, some of the brand names "luxury" items that you may not want to live without might end up costing you an arm and a leg. Do you want Lucky Charms for breakfast? Because there is a good chance they won't have them. And if they do, they'll fleece you for as much as they can. This is how any country operates with products a select few people want and are also hard to come by. If you are a flexible person, making this adjustment shouldn't be too hard. Who knows, perhaps you'll find a new favorite!

Why would you want to live on a sailboat?

There are lots of great reasons to live on a sailboat in the Caribbean. It allows you to sail around and go where you please. The island nations of the Caribbean are all spectacularly beautiful and pretty relaxed when it comes to immigration. You will be changing countries whenever you arrive at a new island (usually), but many won't even ask for a passport on arrival. You should have one, of course. But it is nice that you can take it easy. Living on your sailboat can also give you the peacefulness and quiet you are very likely seeking. You can drop anchor anywhere you like, in any of the calmer water at least, and just relax and unwind. Living on your boat also gives you the adventure so many of us crave. Being able to explore those historic islands, following the routes of long sunken trade ships from pre-industrial Europe. What an opportunity. Something very few people can do.

Why would you want to live in the Caribbean?

There are so many great reasons for living in the Caribbean. If you have never been, the way of life can be a little hard to describe. It is a unique pace of life. People there value things differently. I think it is fair to say that they are generally more relaxed and welcoming to outsiders than most other countries. In part, because they are inherently friendly people. And also, because such a large amount of many of the island's income is reliant on tourists. Being friendly, and being safe, is of paramount importance. That's why the islands are such a great place to live. Or vacation. When you are living there, the two almost blend into one.

The Caribbean is also incredibly diverse. So many countries bustled up together with tourists from the world over has created a true cultural melting pot. If you want a chance to meet people from all over the world, this is the place to do it. Plus, you likely won't see them again. At least not often. The benefit of making friends with tourists, they are very casual relationships. This can be good or bad depending on your perspective. This also means there are endless places to eat, cuisines to try, and cocktails to sample. The islands try to accommodate everyone, this is aimed at tourists of course, but you can take advantage of it all the same.

The Caribbean is also quite reasonably priced. Everything that isn't aimed at tourists is priced for the locals, meaning it is pretty cheap. This doesn't help you with the luxury items, but the everyday essentials you are good to go. Having a good job and moving to an area where your dollars stretch further is a good way to either save money or live a life that was normally out of your means. That choice would be up to you - if it were me though, I would go for the extra savings. Maybe put that extra money towards some luxuries on the boat. Like a TV and a SatPhone or a satellite internet router.

What are some things you should know about sailing in the Caribbean?

The Caribbean is a great place to sail. The waters are normally pretty calm, the conditions are generally good, and the maritime laws are relaxed enough that you can feel at ease but strict enough that it isn't total mayhem. One thing to consider is the depth of your hull. You see, the Caribbean waters are rather shallow. At least close to the mainland. The waters are shallow and the sea bed is made of sharp shale. The chance of you scuppering yourself is quite high. This is why so many ships swap out their fin keels for a torpedo-shaped one. Or, they simply cut half of the fin off. Learning to navigate shallow waters is a good idea before you arrive. That and having a decent depth finder onboard.

You will also want to be wary of the rainy season. That is May to October for most places. The rain itself isn't a problem, so long as you don't mind being confined to your ship for a short while. The real problem is the storms. Cyclones are not uncommon. They arrive multiple times during the rainy season. If you have lived on the east coast of America, you are likely used to getting cyclones to blow in from far out at sea. Well, most of those storms make landfall in the Caribbean first. Meaning what you have seen in America is only a taste of what's to come. This is fine if you live on the island. Storm shutters, a fully stocked pantry, and a backup generator are enough to see you through the worst of it. On your sailboat though, you are at serious risk of capsizing. You may want to find a friend who will allow you to wait out the storm in their home. Or book yourself into a hotel. That will save you, but your ship is at the mercy of the storm.

Tips for sustaining yourself while living/working in the Caribbean

If you are planning on living in the Caribbean, the best advice would be to secure a remote working job (or jobs) before you go. Wages on the islands reflect the general economy. They are poor paying, to say the least. Unless you can get a high up job at one of the hotels or one of the few business firms. If you plan on moving around, from island to island, the best idea is to start your own business that can be run from home. One that doesn't need a physical presence, just a wifi connection. Having a hefty savings account before you go is the best way to ensure you have some breathing room. If you are lucky enough to have already retired, well your pension check should be enough to cover you. And then some!

Conclusion:

Hopefully, this article has given you a good idea about how much it can cost living in the Caribbean. And, how feasible living there truly is. If you don't have a source of income pre-planned you aren't ready to move. Having a nice savings account and at least $1000 a month to spend on the marina slip is a good starting point. The scale of value in the Caribbean is pretty great. Meaning, a $1000 marina in the Caribbean will be amazing. A $2000 one will be out of this world. You will get far more for your money than you would in most places in the US. If you are looking to cut costs, bring some good fishing rods with you. The fishing in the Caribbean is phenomenal. You'll have a blast. Good luck with the move, make sure you are fully prepared financially before you set sail. And remember - Don't forget your passport!

Related Articles

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

Destinations

Financial and Budgeting

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $50K

December 28, 2023

How To Choose The Right Sailing Instructor

August 16, 2023

Best Sailing Destinations In BC

June 28, 2023

Popular Posts

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

• Types of Sailboats
• Parts of a Sailboat
• Cruising Boats
• Small Sailboats
• Design Basics
• Sailboats under 30'
• Sailboats 30'-35
• Sailboats 35'-40'
• Sailboats 40'-45'
• Sailboats 45'-50'
• Sailboats 50'-55'
• Sailboats over 55'
• Masts & Spars
• Knots, Bends & Hitches
• The 12v Energy Equation
• Electronics & Instrumentation
• Build Your Own Boat
• Buying a Used Boat
• Choosing Accessories
• Living on a Boat
• Cruising Offshore
• Sailing in the Caribbean
• Anchoring Skills
• Sailing Authors & Their Writings
• Mary's Journal
• Nautical Terms
• Cruising Sailboats for Sale
• List your Boat for Sale Here!
• Used Sailing Equipment for Sale
• Sell Your Unwanted Gear
• Sailing eBooks: Download them here!
• Your Sailboats
• Your Sailing Stories
• Your Fishing Stories
• Advertising
• What's New?
• Chartering a Sailboat
• Caribbean Island Hopping
• Used Sailboats for Sale

Finding Used Sailboats for Sale in the Caribbean

Where would you seek them out, and why would you want to look for a used sailboats for sale all the way down in the Caribbean anyway?

The first part of the question is easy to answer - right here! We're not a broker so we seek no commission, nor do we make a charge for placing the ads. We only allow ads from the owners themselves - or occasionally from their appointed brokers - and yes, it's all for free!

But there are other sources of second-hand cruising yachts in the Caribbean, one of which is the yacht charter companies.

These companies update their fleets from time to time, selling off the older models.

Horizon Yacht Charters have bases on several of the Eastern Caribbean islands, and would be a good place to start looking.

Charter boats are generally optimised to maximise accommodation for fare-paying clients and, whilst being quite acceptable for Caribbean island-hopping, may not make ideal long-distance cruising boats.

Why Should I Buy a Used Sailboat in the Caribbean?

After all, it's a long way to go to look at one, and there's likely to be a lot more to choose from closer to home, but...

• Perhaps you've got time for some extended cruising in the Caribbean but are not very enthusiastic about tackling the long ocean passage necessary to get there, or
• You're looking for a bargain. Sometimes, but not always, the owner of a boat in the Caribbean has had enough sailing and is keen to sell. Maybe he hasn't got the time to sail her back home, or doesn't want to pay someone else to do it for him. That puts you in a strong negotiating position.
• You've been looking for a particular boat for a while now - and here it is!

Getting Her Surveyed

You've found a boat that looks ideal - it's time for a deep and meaningful conversation with the owner, after which you've got a decision to make. Do you...

• Make an offer subject to survey?
• Go and take a look at her yourself before walking away or making an offer subject to survey?
• Get her surveyed before deciding whether to walk away or take a look at her yourself?

Here's what I would do, assuming I hadn't decided to walk away...

• Ask at least two local professional yacht surveyors to quote for a full survey, and
• Make an assessment of the transport and accommodation costs involved in visiting the boat.

If the cost of (1.) is relatively low compared with the cost of the survey I'd download a copy of Andrew Simpson's  'Secrets of Secondhand Boats' and, armed with this most valuable assistant, go and assess her myself before deciding whether to walk away or appoint a yacht surveyor.

If the cost of (2.) is relatively low compared with the cost of making the trip I'd appoint the yacht surveyor. His report would enable me to decide whether to walk away or, after visiting the vessel, make an offer.

A Selection of Used Sailboats for Sale in the Caribbean

'Wind's Way' , a Hardin Seawolf 40

Location:  Martinique, French West Indies

Asking Price: $66,000

'BlueJacket' , a Freedom 40/40

Location:  Belize, Central America

Asking Price: $150,000

'Cabo Frio' , a Catalina Morgan 43

Location: Grenada, West Indies.

Asking Price: $65,000

'Hitchcock' , an RM1260

Asking Price: €209,000

'Natalya' , a  Jeanneau 54DS

Asking Price: $250,000

'Venture' , a  Bristol 40

Asking Price: $46,000

'Live the Dash' , a  Morgan Out Island 37

Location: St Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Asking Price:  $36,900 $33,900

'Wahoo' , a  Hunter Passage 42

Location: Grenada, West Indies

Asking Price:  $95,000 $85,000

'Revelia' , a  Cheoy Lee 47 Ketch

Asking Price:  $154,900 $125,000

'Pompoen' , a Hans Christian 34

Location: Trinidad, West Indies

Asking Price:  $42,000

'Wanuskewin' , a Catalina 42 MkII 

Location: Lucaya, Grand Bahama

Asking Price:  $105,000

'Pegasus' , a Gib'Sea 126

Location:  Curaçao, Dutch Antilles

Asking Price:  $50,000 $45,000

'Shindig' , a Custom Design Performance Cruiser

Location:  Grenada, West Indies

Asking Price:  $49,900

'Just Friends' , a Hunter 376

Location:  Puerto Rico, West Indies

Asking Price:  $70,000

'Anna' , a Bavaria 390

Location:  Trinidad, West Indies

Asking Price:  $35,000 now $28,000

more 'Anna' pics, info and owner's contact details...

'Untethered Soul' , a Vagabond 47

Location:  Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Asking Price:  $162,000 $96,000

'Freja' , a Voyager 35

Asking Price:  €35,000

more 'Freja' pics, info and owner's contact details...

'Golightly' , an Island Packet 350

Asking Price:  $88,000

more 'Golightly' pics and info...

'Music II' , a Morgan 41 Classic

Asking Price:  $97,500

'Maia' , a Moody 376

Location:  Martinique, French West Indies

Asking Price: €70,000

'Svea av Valleviken' , an Overseas 35

Location:  Grenada, West Indies

Asking Price: €89,000

'Vite & Rêves' , a Catana 401

Asking Price: €198,000

Recent Articles

Hunter Passage 450 for sale

May 18, 24 03:46 AM

Used Sailing Equipment For Sale

May 15, 24 02:04 AM

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 54 DS Sailboat

May 14, 24 11:44 AM

Here's where to:

• Find  Used Sailboats for Sale...
• Find Used Sailing Gear for Sale...
• List your Sailboat for Sale...
• List your Used Sailing Gear...

Our eBooks...

A few of our Most Popular Pages...

Copyright © 2024  Dick McClary  Sailboat-Cruising.com

Virgin Voyages cruise deal offers a month on board with Caribbean season pass

Travelers can make a cruise ship in the Caribbean their floating vacation home this summer.

Virgin Voyages is launching a Summer Season Pass on its Valiant Lady ship, allowing guests to sail six back-to-back cruises over the course of a month at a discounted price. The adults-only cruise line added the Caribbean option after seeing high demand for its season passes in the Mediterranean on Resilient Lady and Scarlet Lady earlier this year. The offers are aimed at remote workers who want a change of scenery – though you don’t have to be working to take advantage.

“We heard from travelers in North America who wanted the option to sail the stunning Caribbean and stay a bit closer to home while working in a similar time zone,” a Virgin Voyages spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

What are the terms of the Caribbean Summer Season Pass?

Passengers have the option to take their month at sea in June, July, August or September. Each option includes six back to back cruises over the following dates:

• June 7-July 5
• July 5-Aug. 2
• Sept. 4-Oct. 1

Destinations include Key West, Florida; Bimini in the Bahamas; Costa Maya, Mexico, Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos and more, though stops vary by itinerary.

Cruise booking tips: There's more to it than picking your travel dates

How much does the Caribbean Summer Season Pass cost?

The pass starts at $12,000 for up to two guests, a 25% discount compared to purchasing the cruises separately. Passholders will be booked in Central Sea Terrace cabins and get wash and fold laundry service, two specialty coffees per day, premium Wi-Fi and other perks.

Travelers can book online .

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Betting Sites
• Online Casinos
• Wine Offers

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Norwegian Cruise Line to launch a nude cruise for 2025 – and these are the rules for passengers

The ‘big nude boat’ will take passengers around private islands and long-time tourist favourites such as the bahamas, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

A specialist tour and travel company has partnered with Norwegian Cruise Line to launch a new nudist cruise to the Caribbean .

Bare Necessities, a nudist travel company that aims to “break down the barriers against social nudity and make clothing-optional vacationing a viable and acceptable option”, has teamed up with the well-known cruise operator to set up the 11-day trip, which leaves from Miami and takes in destinations including The Bahamas , St Lucia, Dominica and Puerto Rico.

The cruise, which will take place on Norwegian’s 295-foot 2,300-person capacity Norwegian Pearl , will set sail on 3 February 2025 and return on 14 February.

Prices start at $2,000 (£1,592) per person for a standard two-person cabin, rising to $33,155 (£26,400) for a three-person ‘garden villa’.

The trip is marketed as “an 11-Day adventure back to Bare-adise”, offering “a wide range of amenities to fit everyone’s style of bare cruising”. The Norwegian Pearl contains “loads of entertainment, lots of open deck space, and multiple dining options”, including 14 restaurants, 14 bars and “a large buffet area for nude outdoor dining”, in addition to a casino, spa and several “nightspots”.

“As always, it’s our pleasure to provide you with the luxury of deciding what NOT to wear”, reads a final message on the information page.

However, it isn’t an entirely clothing-free experience. Cruise rules require passengers to be clothed during the Captain’s reception and introduction, while docked in port, and at all times in the main and specialty dining rooms.

Other rules include putting a towel down before sitting “in the stateroom, pool deck, and buffet area”, as well as a ban on “being nude in front of other ships in port” and “fondling or inappropriate touching”. A message on the site urges passengers to “use common sense”, emphasising that proper cruise etiquette “is not any different from proper etiquette in any other social situation”.

In a statement to CNN , a Bare Necessities spokesperson said: “Our mission is to provide relaxing, entertaining and health-conscious vacation opportunities that offer non-threatening, natural environments where the appreciation, wonder and compatibility of nature and the unadorned human form can occur.”

The Independent has contacted Bare Necessities for comment.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

Watch CBS News

Royal Caribbean, Carnival will cruise out of Baltimore for first time since Key Bridge collapse. Here's when.

By Adam Thompson

Updated on: May 17, 2024 / 7:56 PM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE - Royal Caribbean and Carnival are getting ready to set sail out of the Port of Baltimore as the first cruise departures from the port since the March 26 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.

The Port of Baltimore announced that the Vision of the Seas, owned by Royal Caribbean, will embark on a five-night voyage on May 25 from Baltimore to Bermuda.

The Carnival Legend will depart out of Baltimore on May 26.

"Baltimore is back," the Port of Baltimore posted on social media.

"We are extremely grateful to the officials and incredible first responders in Baltimore, who've shown great leadership and resolve in this difficult time, as well as our supportive partners in Norfolk, whose rapid response allowed us to continue to deliver our scheduled sailings for our guests," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "It's been our goal to resume operations in Baltimore as soon as possible, and after working closely with local, state and federal agencies, we look forward to a successful return."

Get ready…Port of Baltimore is ready to cruise once again! @RoyalCaribbean 's Vision of the Seas will depart on May 25 for a 5-night trip from Baltimore to Bermuda! This marks the 1st cruise leaving Baltimore since the bridge incident. Baltimore is back! https://t.co/XEguEqqTOR pic.twitter.com/v7dLcDpLmA — Port of Baltimore (@portofbalt) May 15, 2024

The cargo ship Dali crashed into Baltimore's bridge in late March, killing six construction workers, halting access to and from the Port of Baltimore and knocking down the entire bridge.

The Port of Baltimore services cruise ships from Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian.

A Carnival spokesperson told CBS News the company expects a less than $10 million impact on both adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization as well as its adjusted net income for the full year 2024.   

In April, a Carnival cruise ship was expected to return to Baltimore, but after the Key Bridge collapse, it ported in Norfolk, Virginia.

Regina Ali, a spokesperson for AAA, was on that Carnival ship when the cargo ship caused the bridge collapse.

"I'm looking and I'm like, 'Wait a minute, this is in Maryland and it was so surreal,'" Ali said. 

Since then, cruise ships originally slated for Baltimore took off and  returned in Norfolk.

Adam Thompson is a Digital Content Producer for CBS Baltimore.

Featured Local Savings

More from cbs news.

New video shows up-close view of remaining Key Bridge collapse on the Dali

Dramatic video shows why Dali's removal from Key Bridge collapse site has been pushed back

Man pleads guilty to murder of Baltimore T-Mobile employee during robbery

Seize the Grey crosses finish line first at Preakness Stakes

Become a member today, It's free!

Remember me

Send my password

Celebrity cruises first-ever edge series alaska itineraries set sail.

Celebrity Cruises elevates bucket list experiences on Celebrity Edge whilst energizing communities with impact projects in Alaska

MIAMI , May 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time ever, Celebrity Edge® , the ship that introduced the revolutionary outward-facing design, calls Alaska home for the summer. Today, Celebrity Edge will embark on her maiden sailing roundtrip from Seattle on a seven-night Dawes Glacier itinerary with stops in Juneau , Ketchikan , and Skagway . Through its unique outward facing design, Celebrity Edge will offer guests an unmatched immersive experience as they take in the awe-inspiring Alaskan glaciers.

"There's no better way to see the pristine Alaskan wilderness than onboard Celebrity Edge , which was specifically designed to create a closer connection between guests and destinations," said Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. "Our elevated vacation options are redefining travel, especially in this region."

From May through September 2024 , guests can indulge in the breathtaking views of Alaska from the comfort of an Edge Series ship. The iconic Magic Carpet ® – the world's first cantilevered, floating platform, at sea – sits on the edge of the ship, creating a new way to dine, drink and connect with the destination, or watch for whales and eagles as you wake up in one of the Infinite Veranda® staterooms as the boundaries between inside and outside are erased.

Celebrity Edge will sail roundtrip from Seattle and one-way between Vancouver to Seattle on six- and seven-night journeys. Itineraries include visits to the region's top spots, with experiences in Ketchikan also known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," the Endicott Arm to spot the local wildlife including brown bears, bald eagles, sea ducks, deer, moose, and wolves, Alaska's capital Juneau and Skagway before heading to Victoria through the Inside Passage and then returning to Seattle .

Some of the features guests of Celebrity Edge can indulge in include:

• Transformational accommodations, from modern two-story Edge Villas with plunge pools to staterooms with Infinite Verandas. Blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, the Infinite Veranda takes you right to the water's edge, giving guests open air access to the sea with the touch of a button.
• The Retreat, exclusive to all suite guests, with its private restaurant, and exclusive lounge and sundeck. In addition, a dedicated team of butlers, attendants, and concierges on-hand 24/7, ensures everything is taken care of while on vacation.
• An unrivalled culinary repertoire of 29 distinct restaurants, bars, and lounges connecting guests to the destinations they will visit like never before. Globally inspired menus crafted by a Michelin-star chef bring the flavors of the world straight to the plate, providing an epicurean journey unmatched at sea.
• Unique spaces unlike anything else at sea, including The Magic Carpet - the world's first cantilevered, floating platform, soaring above the sea - and Eden - three levels of sensory experiences wrapped in glass, both offer a mix of culinary and entertainment options with panoramic views.
• Multi-use, transformative spaces to gather, such as The Grand Plaza offering a majestic, open, three-story venue inspired by the piazzas of Italy and housing incredible specialty restaurants, the popular Martini Bar, Cafe al Bacio, and the new Grand Plaza Cafe.

Celebrity's award-winning ships, Celebrity Edge , Celebrity Summit® and Celebrity Solstice® , will offer 57 sailings and an array of six- to seven-night itineraries from May to September 2024 .

Community Impact

Celebrity Cruises, as part of Royal Caribbean Group, engages port communities across Alaska through its Sea the Future commitment to sustain the planet, energize communities and accelerate innovation while delivering the best vacations responsibly. Key initiatives include:

• Grand Opening - Ketchikan Salmon Walk: In partnership with the Tongass Historical Museum, the Ketchikan Salmon Walk recently opened this summer, offering vacationers a unique opportunity to delve into the tale of the salmon migration and life cycle in Ketchikan Creek. The nearly two-mile walk is equipped with upgraded lighting and pavement, as well as engaging placards with art by renowned artists like Ray Troll , Nathan Jackson and Marvin Oliver .
• A taste of Alaska through local sourcing: Committed to fostering relationships with Alaska businesses, guests are offered access to a variety of Alaska -owned products, retailers, excursions, and experiences. Established partnerships with Skagway Spirits, Seafood Producers Cooperative and Alaska Specialty Seafood, sourcing fresh seafood and other local items across its brands. These local partnerships highlight the group's dedication to connecting with local cultures and supporting economic vibrancy while creating an authentic Alaska experience for guests.
• Renewed Commitment - Sitka Sound Science Center: The Sitka Sound Science Center's Scientists in the Schools (SIS) program enables local scientists to partner with students in K-12 classrooms to explore science and ecosystems. This initiative aims to foster a passion and appreciation for science and nature among Sitka's youth while creating a meaningful educational experience. The program incorporates classroom visits from scientists into the curriculum at each grade level in Sitka schools, creating a pipeline of scientific experiences during the entire academic career of Sitka's K-12 students. The program benefited 960 students from nine schools last year with the support of the cruise company.
• "Locals Onboard" – Voyij.com Partnership: Over the past three cruising seasons, the partnership with Skagway -based Voyij.com has driven more than $1 million in sales to local businesses in Alaska . The two teamed up in 2021 to help connect ship guests to the online marketplace where Alaska businesses, retailers and artists sell their crafts. More than 250 small businesses and artists across more than 45 communities from all regions of the state are listed on Voyij.com.

For more information and to book a sailing with Celebrity Cruises, visit www.celebrity.com , contact a trusted travel advisor, or call Celebrity Cruises on 1-800-CELEBRITY.

About Celebrity Cruises:

Celebrity Cruises delivers an elevated premium vacation experience across their fleet of ships traveling to nearly 300 destinations across more than 70 countries spanning all seven continents. Uniquely offering the intimate feel and thoughtful service of small ships, with the variety and excitement of bigger ones – guests can explore the world or get away from it for a little while. With every detail elevated beyond expectations, guests will never want to vacation any other way. An industry pioneer for 35 years, each Celebrity vacation offers experiences you won't find anywhere else aboard ships which continue to shatter industry expectations with the highly anticipated Celebrity Xcel arriving Fall 2025.

Celebrity Cruises is headquartered in Miami and is one of five cruise brands owned by Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL). Visit www.celebritycruises.com for more information, and connect with us on Instagram , Facebook or LinkedIn .

SOURCE Celebrity Cruises

Related News

@ the bell: markets hover near all-time highs, @ the bell: dow jones reaches 40,000 milestone, @ the bell: u.s. markets hit record highs, recent u.s. press releases, modular atp study of the mcrm(tm) system meets primary safety and efficacy endpoints, plug deadline: rosen, national trial counsel, encourages plug power inc. investors with losses in..., rosen, skilled investor counsel, encourages sharecare, inc. investors to secure counsel before..., featured news links, drilling approval received for new mexico lithium project, gamesquare announces formation of faze media, backed by $11m investment, xcyte digital corp. releases "xperience" subscription service.

Get the latest news and updates from Stockhouse on social media

Follow STOCKHOUSE Today