10 Of The World's Best Sailing Destinations & 10 Overrated Ones
To Sail Or To Skip?
From epic fjords of Norway to remote Indian Ocean islands, the world is full of breathtaking sailing destinations that offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences. However, it's not without its flops; whether they're overpriced, overcrowded, or just plain boring, some spots aren't worth the hype or the time and effort it takes to get there. After all, life is too short and the world is too big to sail to overrated places. Here are 10 of the world's best sailing destinations and 10 over-hyped ones to skip.
1. British Virgin Islands
Although the British Virgin Islands are expensive, most sailors say those idyllic landscapes are worth every penny. Calm waters with steady trade winds make sailing here a joy.
2. French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a vast area of over 100 islands spread over 2,000 kilometers of ocean. A paradise for sailors, it offers crystal clear waters full of sea life, volcanic peaks, coral reefs, and consistent trade winds.
3. Saint Lucia
With Martinique to the north and the Grenadines to the south, Saint Lucia is perfectly located for island hopping in the Caribbean by sailboat. The island itself features the iconic Piton twin volcanic peaks, modern shops for provisioning, and breathtaking waterfalls nestled within its vast rainforests.
4. Antigua
Antigua is easily one of the top sailing destinations in the Caribbean, offering calm cruising on the west side of the island and more advanced sailing on the windward eastern coast. The island is rife with protected coves, picturesque beaches, and a dedicated sailing community that gathers for Antigua's world-class sailing events.
5. Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a country made up of islands off the west coast of Africa. Sailors enjoy cruising between the islands, each of which is totally unique from the other. A thriving sailing community, reasonably priced marinas, and a vibrant culture can be found here.
6. Croatia
Sailors flock to Croatia to explore the Dalmatian coast, attracted by the crisp blue waters and warm climate of the Adriatic Sea. Sailing here is usually calmer than in the swelly Mediterranea,n and modern marinas and interesting historic towns dot the coast.
7. Norway
Norway may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of sailing destinations, and indeed, it's a far cry from the tropical island-hopping cruise you would have in the Caribbean. However, the country's jaw-dropping fjords, surreal midnight sun, and abundant wildlife offer one of the most unique and wonderful sailing experiences in the world.
8. Guadeloupe
A little off the beaten path, Guadeloupe is a delightful French Caribbean island that's much less crowded than the likes of Martinique. The French influence means you can stock up on excellent cheese, wine, and bread, and the island offers beautiful volcanic peaks, waterfalls, coral reefs, and sandy beaches.
9. The Seychelles
The exotic and stunning Seychelles remain relatively untouched by tourism, offering a unique sailing experience for those who venture out there. Its remoteness means there's more limited infrastructure, but the peace, serenity, and mind-blowing beauty are hard to beat.
Christian Cacciamani on Unsplash
10. Phuket
Phuket, Thailand, is an internationally-renowned sailing destination, and for good reason. The limestone islands offer spectacular scenery, culture, and food, and the area's protected waters allow for smooth cruising.
Now that we've talked about the world's best sailing destinations, let's go over some of the overrated ones you can take off your list.
1. Martha’s Vineyard
While Martha's Vineyard is known for its East Coast charm, some sailors say its overcrowded moorings and high costs spoil the experience. The currents and tides can make for a challenging sail, and the area caters more towards tourists than cruisers.
2. The Amalfi Coast
While the iconic cliffside villages are beautiful, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most-visited areas, making it heavily crowded, especially in the peak season of July and August. Marina fees are high,h and it can be tricky to find a spot. What's more, the area can be treacherously windy with high currents and rocky coastlines, making it a stressful sailing experience for some.
3. St. Tropez
St. Tropez in Southeastern France is full of the glitz and glam of the Mediterranean jet-set lifestyle. Unless that's your thing, most sailors say the area is more about luxury and style than quality sailing and adventure. It's overpriced, overcrowded, and lacks the variety that makes other French Riviera destinations worth visiting.
4. The Bahamas
While the crystal blue waters and abundant marine life of the Bahamas make it worthwhile for some, the crowds and high costs are enough to turn many sailors off. Because the Bahamas largely cater to tourism, the area lacks cultural richness, and a mix of low winds and strong currents can make for a frustrating cruising experience.
5. Miami
Miami offers world-class nightlife and luxury but its busy ports full of party boats, jet skis, and cruise ships don't exactly impress the majority of the sailing community. What's more, Miami waters are some of the most polluted in the US.
6. Mykonos
The Greek island of Mykonos has become a global hotspot for luxury tourism, and its harbors can be packed with yachts, especially during the summer. While the surrounding waters of the Mediterranean Sea are beautiful,theyt can often be treacherously swelly, making for an unpleasant sailing experience.
7. Ibiza
One of the foremost party destinations in Europe, Ibiza is more of a nightlife spot than a sailing destination. The island's coastline is packed with superyachts, and it's extremely expensive and noisy.
8. Intracoastal Waterway
The Intracoastal Waterway is a network of inland waterways traversing the US from Boston to Texas. Many sailors find it to be overcrowded and boring as speed limits, bridges, and locks restrict high-speed sailing.
9. Venice
While Venice is known for its romantic charm and historic landmarks, sailing through the narrow, congested canals can be a nightmare. The city's tight regulations, overcrowded and expensive marinas, and hordes of tourists are a headache for sailors to deal with.
10. Monaco
While the French Riviera offers some amazing cruising, many opt to skip Monaco as it's another style-over-substance type of sailing destination. The city is crowded, overpriced, and doesn't offer much by way of adventure and exploration.
