Sailing is a great way to relax and enjoy different types of scenery. It involves propelling a vessel through open waters using wind power and the sails. For centuries, sailing has also been used for transportation, exploration, and recreation.
Today, sailing is still a popular way to travel, and there are many well-known sailing destinations in the world. Each destination has something to offer, ranging from crystal clear waters to fjords.
Here are our top picks for the best sailing destinations in the world from secluded tropical paradises to unique rock formations jutting out of the sea, these destinations promise to captivate and inspire. So pack your sailing essentials and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!
The Greek Isles
Location: In the Aegean Sea, off the coast of Greece
Why it is one of the best sailing destinations: The islands are well known as the best sailing destination for their great weather, beautiful scenery, and sheltered harbors
Greek Isles are among the best sailing destinations in the world, with their clear turquoise waters, pristine beaches, lovely harbors, and breathtaking landscapes. They are every sailor’s dream. The sailing conditions are also ideal, with gentle winds and plenty of sheltered anchorages. Whether you’re an expert sailor or a complete newbie, the Greek Isles are a perfect destination to sail.
There are many islands to explore, dotted with picturesque villages, white-washed houses, and ancient ruins. They range from 1200 to 16000 in number. Therefore, whether you want to party in Mykonos, relax on Santorini, or explore the ruins of Ancient Greece, the Greek isles offer something for everyone. Crete, situated at the southern edge of the Aegean Sea, is the largest Greek island in terms of both area and population. Besides, the people are nice and cordial, with numerous locations onshore to taste Greek hospitality.
Greek cuisine boasts an incredibly rich and diverse array of foods, with flavors that change with the seasons and geography, reflecting thousands of years of tradition. From the unique fried cheese appetizer, Saganaki, to the classic souvlaki, the Greek Islands offer an endless smorgasbord of mouth-watering dishes.
The best time to visit the Greek islands, like Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu and Kefalonia (Argostoli), is in October when the weather is still warm and the crowds are few.
French Riviera
Location: Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Southeast of France
Why it is one of the best sailing destinations: French Riviera offers warm weather, gentle winds, and sheltered and well-equipped ports and marinas
The French Riviera is a coastal location in the Mediterranean that offers a sailing experience like no other. It’s renowned for its beautiful scenery, fabulous weather, and great sailing conditions.
For centuries, the French Riviera has been one of the best sailing destinations in the world. This is due to its pristine sandy beaches, active nightlife, and plenty of ports and marinas where you can moor up and enjoy the local facilities.
You can choose to visit from Menton, Antibes, La Colline du Chateau, Nice, Old Town, Nice, Cannes, Èze and Monaco. Menton is a beautiful coastal town with fewer crowds, featuring nearly empty beaches in the off-season, boutique-filled alleyways, exceptional gardens, quality Italian cuisine, and over 316 days of sunshine a year, making it an ideal day trip destination. In February, it hosts the Lemon Festival, celebrating its citrus-producing heritage.
In addition, The French Riviera offers a diverse range of sailing options. One can sail along the coast, exploring the lovely beaches and coves, or head out to the open sea around the islands of Corsica and Sardinia.
The months of April-May and September-October are the best months to visit the French Riviera.
French Polynesia
Location: It is an overseas collectivity of France and its only overseas country.
Why it is one of the best sailing destinations: It comprises 121 geographically dispersed islands and atolls stretching over more than 2,000 kilometres
French Polynesia is categorized into five groups of islands:
- The Society Islands archipelago, which includes the Windward Islands and the Leeward Islands
- The Tuamotu Archipelago
- The Gambier Islands
- The Marquesas Islands
- The Austral Islands
Sailboats departing from Tahiti and Moorea can take you for a ride, or even to the late Marlon Brando’s island of Tetiaroa. However, the finest sailing experience can be found among the Leeward Islands of Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora, and Huahine. Sailing among the Leeward Islands is first-class.
Raiatea serves as the hub for charter yacht sailing in French Polynesia, with several rental companies available, including The Moorings, a highly regarded American company.
Raiatea shares a lagoon with its rugged sister island, Tahaa, which features long bays that provide numerous picturesque anchorages. You can sail all the way around Tahaa without leaving the lagoon.
Between the months of June to September is considered the best time to visit French Polynesia because the weather is at its driest and the temperatures aren’t too warm.
The Grenadines
Location: Located in the Southern Caribbean Sea, between Saint Vincent and Grenada islands
Why it is one of the best sailing destinations: They are one of the best sailing destinations in the world due there stable trade winds, beautiful beaches, and sheltered bays.
They extend over a distance of 90 km, from the Island of London Bridge in the south to Bequia in the north. The site’s natural boundary roughly corresponds to the Grenadine Shelf, which is about 50 meters deep and drops sharply into the Tobago Trough. The Grenadines are worth considering if you’re looking for a world-class sailing destination. The Grenadines is also famous for its numerous cultural attractions, distinctive black sand beaches, luxurious all-inclusive resorts, and stunning islands, are a group of 32 scenic islands in the Southern Caribbean Sea.
These islands are well-known for having some of the best sailing conditions in the Caribbean, with steady trade winds and sheltered waters. In addition to being one of the best sailing destinations in the world, the Grenadines are also well known for their stunning scenery, with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush green vegetation.
The islands are popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. They also have numerous hiking paths running through the heart of the islands. The best time to visit St Vincent and the Grenadines is between February and April, which are the driest months.
Zanzibar Island
Location: Located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania
Why it is one of the best sailing destinations: The island has warm weather, steady trade winds, crystal clear waters, and diverse marine life
The Zanzibar archipelago is located off the coast of Tanzania, in east Africa, and is among the best sailing destinations in the world. The islands provide excellent sailing conditions, warm weather, steady trade winds, and many sheltered anchorages.
The islands are also popular tourist attractions and are well known for their beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and coral reefs, which protect them from the open sea. You’ll delight in the clear, turquoise-blue water, shallow sandbars ideal for wading, and numerous small, nearly deserted islands that are rarely visited by tourists. Also known as the Spice Island, the stunning island of Zanzibar is rich in culture and history, boasting pristine white-sand beaches with palms swaying gently in the sea breeze. This combination makes Zanzibar a fantastic destination for both exploration and relaxation.
You can visit a number of islands and beaches like Prison Island, Nungwi beach, Page beach, Kendwa beach and more. At the enchanting Zanzibar Islands, you can immerse yourself in turquoise waters and bask on sun-kissed beaches. Encounter unique wildlife and wander through lush nature reserves. Uncover the rich history behind majestic sultan palaces and other fascinating landmarks. Embark on a sensory journey through the spice trade’s storied past and indulge in the vibrant flavors of Swahili cuisine, a delightful fusion of traditional dishes and fresh seafood delights.
The Zanzibar Islands not only promote sailing activities but safari and cultural tours can also be made. You can plan your trip to Zanzibar Islands via Tanzania Tourism. The best time to visit Zanzibar is during the archipelago’s dry season, from July to September, which is a very popular time to travel.
British Virgin Islands
Location: Located in the Caribbean Sea, East of Puerto Rico
Why it is one of the best sailing destinations: Their gentle trade winds, relaxed atmosphere, clear waters, and sheltered bays make them a great sailing destination
The British Virgin Islands are a group of islands in the Caribbean offering one of the best sailing destinations in the world. Although Hurricane Irma devastated the region a few years ago, these islands are bouncing back as great sailing destinations.
The clear turquoise waters, gentle trade winds, and sheltered anchorages make it a sailor’s heaven. At the Little Harbour on Peter Island you can see the bottom of the ocean and turtles and rays swimming beneath you. The sailing conditions in the British Virgin Islands are perfect for both beginners and experienced sailors.
The trade winds blow steadily from the East, providing nice and dependable sailing conditions. The sheltered harbors and anchorages provide cover from the occasional gust.
Additionally, there are more than 40 islands to explore, each with its distinct character. The best time to visit the British Virgin Islands is between April and May, when the weather is dry and the trade winds aren’t as cool in the evening.
The Whitsunday Islands
Location: Found in the Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland, Australia
Why it is one of the best sailing destinations: The islands offer great weather, steady winds, breathtaking scenery, and white sandy beaches
The Whitsunday Islands, also known as Australia’s version of paradise, is a chain of 74 magnificent tropical islands located between the coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef.
The Whitsunday Islands are among the best sailing destinations in the world for various reasons. First, the islands have some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world: crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning white sand beaches.
Second, the islands have excellent weather all year, making them an ideal sailing destination at any time of year. However, Winter is typically the most ideal time to enjoy everything the Whitsundays has to offer. With low rainfall, water visibility for snorkeling and diving is excellent, and you may also have the opportunity to see humpback whales during their annual migration from Antarctica, which occurs between July and September.
Further, the Whitsunday Islands offer a wide range of activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and island exploration. There are also numerous restaurants and pubs to choose from, thus making the Whitsunday Islands an ideal area to unwind and enjoy a sailing lifestyle.
The Galapagos Islands
Location: Found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Ecuador
Why it is one of the best sailing destinations: They provide an excellent climate, unique wildlife, and a beautiful scenery
The Galapagos Islands are found in the Pacific Ocean, about 620 miles from the coast of Ecuador. The islands occur on the equator and thus experience very little change in temperature throughout the year.
These islands offer a variety of sailing conditions, ranging from sheltered bays to open-ocean passages. As a result, they are one of the best sailing destinations in the world.
The Galapagos Islands also offer breathtaking landscapes, volcanic peaks, and stunning sandy beaches. Unique plants cover these islands and are home to a wide range of animal species.
The optimal time to explore the Galápagos Islands is from December to May. Although the islands are fantastic to visit throughout the year, these months provide temperatures between the low 70s and mid-80s, creating ideal conditions for hiking and wildlife spotting.
The Canary Islands
Location: Located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Africa
Why it is one of the best sailing destinations: They provide all-year-round warm weather, gentle winds, and crystal-clear waters
The Canary Islands are a group of seven volcanic islands off the Northwest Coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. The Canary Islands are well-known for their mild climate, all-year-round sunshine, gentle winds, and crystal clear waters. This favorable climate and location make the islands among the best sailing destinations in the world.
In addition, there are many different sailing areas around the Canary Islands, each with unique features. For instance, the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the most popular sailing destinations. Tenerife is known for its strong winds and large waves, while Gran Canaria is more sheltered with gentle winds.
The best times to visit the Canary Islands are spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November).
Ocean Insights: Hear From Our Experts
By Rida Nasir
Researcher and Conservationist, with an MSc in Environmental Science
Although a beautiful activity, sailing does have an environmental cost. Popular sailing destinations, such as the Greek Isles and French Polynesia, face increased tourism pressure, which can lead to habitat destruction, waste generation, and pollution in fragile marine ecosystems. Anchoring in sensitive areas, such as coral reefs, can cause direct damage, while increased boat traffic can disrupt local wildlife and contribute to water pollution. To mitigate these effects, sailors should practice sustainable sailing by avoiding sensitive areas, using eco-friendly products onboard, and being mindful of waste disposal. Sailing provides a unique opportunity to explore the world’s natural beauty, but it is essential to maintain a balance between enjoyment and preservation to protect these pristine environments for future generations.
FAQs
What are the best activities to do while sailing in these destinations?
There are many fun activities to do while sailing in these destinations. However, some of the most popular ones include exploring the islands, snorkeling, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying the stunning scenery.
What are the best times of year to sail in the Caribbean?
The Caribbean is a beautiful place to sail, and the best times of year to sail here are from December to April. During this time, the warm weather and the trade winds make for excellent sailing conditions. Many events and festivals also take place during this time, thus a great time to visit the Caribbean.
What are the factors to consider when choosing a sailing destination?
Although there are several factors to consider when choosing a sailing destination. The most important ones include wind strength, wavelength, and weather conditions.
What time of the day is best for sailing?
The best time of the day for sailing depends on factors such as the weather and the tides. But generally, during the daytime, when the weather is calm and the tides are low, it tends to be the best time to sail.
Which is the safest ocean to sail?
The Pacific Ocean is generally considered the safest ocean to sail due to its size and several large landmasses border it. This means that there are more options for safe harbor and shelter in the event of bad weather or other problems.
