Sailing along on the crystal blue ocean would be considered to be a dreamlike holiday experience by many. This type of getaway offers the opportunity to explore new places, spend quality time with family and friends and escape the stresses of everyday life.
Here are just some of the top reasons why a sailing holiday is the perfect fit for those looking for a getaway in 2022 – 2023:
When going on a group tour or package holiday, you usually do not have a whole lot of say in where you go each day or what you do. If you are in an all inclusive hotel, you can feel as though you cannot venture too far away from your base.
However, when chartering a yacht or catamaran, you are in control of your itinerary and can pick which activities and destinations suit your budget, interests, and schedule. If you have hired a skipper from the local area, they will be able to give you some tips on the best places the locals like to visit.
Sailing has a number of benefits over other forms of travel, such as coach trips. When sailing you are more able to explore hidden gems that are not easily accessible by land.
For example, you can sail over to remote small islands and beaches with beautiful lagoons and caves.
Lastly, you can also enjoy some luxury that will give you a truly unforgettable holiday experience. In a hotel you are sharing with other guests and staff must divide their attention accordingly.
By comparison, a chartered yacht or catamaran can come with your own onboard staff that will cater to your exact requirements. These vessels are often decked out with all the latest mod cons, they may have their own bar, kitchen, entertainment spaces and sound systems.
On larger vessels you can even host your own events, an intimate onboard dining experience or a yacht party can be a particularly memorable way to celebrate a special occasion.
If you don’t have a boat yet and you’ve been planning to buy one for yourself for the longest time, then it’s time for you to start looking for yachts for sale!
Sailing holiday ideas in the Caribbean:
The Caribbean has always been the elite location for sailing holidays due to its beautiful islands, crystal clear sea and weather ideal for sailing. While the weather is generally great all year round, some months of the year are more suitable for this type of getway.
December to April is the dry season, the waters are generally very calm and ideal for watersports. Some of the northern islands will be colder during the winter season. March and April are usually best for sailing and ports may be less crowded at this time.
June to November is the rainy season and the time when turtles are nesting. September and October are described as peak hurricane season and are the top months to avoid for sailors.
One of the best destinations to visit in the Caribbean for sailing is the country of Antigua and Barbuda. These islands centre between the Caribbean sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Antigua is the most populated and there are a series of other smaller islands in the area to explore. There are plenty of charter options, there are just some options here on BorrowABoat.
When sailing around Antigua, here a six locations that are worth a stop at
- Shirley Heights
Shirley Heights is an idyllic location for watching a beautiful sunset on the island. The views of the bays beneath are breathtaking and the tourist board recommends the best time to visit here is on Sunday afternoon. At this time there will be rum served and local reggae bands playing.
- Fort Berkeley
This fort was built in the 1700’s as part of a strategic defence network with a series of cannon guns, see what remains of it today.
- Nelson’s Dockyard
An ideal stop-off for larger vessels, with top quality restaurants and lunch spots to refuel yourselves for another day of exploration.
- The Pillars of Hercules
These huge natural sandstone pillars are a natural wonder created by weathering and the rain and sea crashing against them for centuries.
- Devil’s Bridge
You will need to head ashore from one of the bays close to the bridge to access this remote natural beauty.
- Freeman’s Bay
Going snorkelling at Freeman’s Bay in English Harbour is the ideal way to begin or end your sailing trip. There is a wonderful array of marine life to see here and snorkelling is an easy way to do that, you may have the chance to watch crabs, rays, turtles and a number of tropical fish species in their natural habitat.
You can even hire water scooters for snorkelling and explore shipwrecks in the harbour.
If you are still looking for ideas of things to do on your sailing trip, an evening BBQ on Prickly Pear Island is recommended. You could also take a trip to The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda to learn more about the country’s history and hike along some of the designated trails on the main island.
