Sailors from all over the world love to visit the Antilles Sailing Destinations, a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. It offers a variety of experiences for sailing aficionados because of its pristine waters, breathtaking scenery, and favourable winds. There is something for everyone, from discovering quiet coves and beaches to island hopping and sampling regional cuisine.
Sailing in the Antilles gives you the chance to visit a variety of locations, each of which has its own appeal. The islands provide a variety of anchorages, whether you like to sail a sailboat, yacht, catamaran, or bluewater sailboat. The region is renowned for its consistent trade winds and quiet waves, making it the perfect place for both inexperienced and seasoned sailors to sail.
Top 12 Antilles Sailing Destinations
We’ll look at seven of the top Antilles Sailing Destinations in this article. These locations provide a variety of experiences for sailors of all levels, from the lush woods of Dominica to the French elegance of Martinique. Set sail towards these amazing Antilles sailing destinations by hoisting your sails and setting your course.
To discover more about various sailboats, yachts, and catamaran types you can check out this Sailboat Data page. You may discover comprehensive details on different sailboat models and their performance here, making it easy for you how to pick the best boat for your requirements.
St. Maarten/St. Martin
Sailing enthusiasts frequently travel to St. Maarten/St. Martin because of its handy position in the northeastern Caribbean. For sailors, the island has a number of marinas and anchorages, such as Simpson Bay Marina and Oyster Pond Marina. With almost 150 berths, Simpson Bay is one of the Caribbean’s biggest marinas, whilst Oyster Pond offers a more quiet and tranquil environment.
Sailing is only one of the numerous activities available for sailors in St. Maarten/St. Martin, who can also go snorkelling at Creole Rock, check out the island’s casinos and nightlife, and go beach hopping at some of the island’s many beautiful beaches, like Orient Bay and Maho Beach.
Antigua
The best sailing conditions in the Caribbean may be found in Antigua, which is referred to as the “Sailing Capitol of the Caribbean.” English Harbour and Jolly Harbour are two of the island’s many protected bays that are ideal for mooring sailboats and catamarans.
In addition, Antigua hosts a number of yearly sailing competitions, such as the world-famous Antigua Sailing Week, which takes place in April. Sailors can take part in a variety of races and regattas, as well as take in live entertainment and beach parties, during the event.
Grenada
Due to the abundance of nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon in Grenada, it has earned the nickname “Spice Isle”. The island’s calm waters and protected bays make it a favourite sailing destination. Prickly Bay and Saint. George’s Harbour are two well-liked anchorages for sailors.
Grenada offers sailors a variety of activities in addition to sailing, such as hiking through the island’s rainforests, touring the spice plantations, and diving at the renowned Underwater Sculpture Park.
British Virgin Islands
The protected bays and tranquil waters of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) make them a well-liked Antilles sailing destinations. The marinas and anchorages found on the islands include The Bight at Norman Island and Nanny Cay Marina.
Island hopping is a big part of sailing in the BVI, and visitors can visit Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke among other islands. The islands are particularly well-known for its beach bars, which sailors frequently visit to unwind and mingle after a day at sea.
St. Lucia
A little island in the eastern Caribbean is called St. Lucia. The island’s breathtaking beaches, luxuriant rainforests, and volcanic peaks are well renowned. Rodney Bay and Marigot Bay are two of the most well-liked anchorages for sailors.
St. Lucia provides sailors with a variety of activities in addition to sailing, such as exploring the island’s many natural landmarks including the Sulphur Springs volcano and the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens. Another well-liked activity is snorkelling, and the island has a number of dive sites.
Martinique
In the eastern Caribbean, there lies a French island called Martinique. Beautiful beaches, beautiful rainforests, and a strong cultural history are some of the island’s most well-known features. Le Marin, Saint-Pierre, and Fort-de-France are some of the most well-liked anchorages for sailors.
A variety of activities can be had when sailing about Martinique, including discovering the island’s natural beauty and dining at waterfront establishments that provide French cuisine. The annual Martinique Cata Raid, a catamaran race that takes place in February, is another opportunity for sailors to take part.
Dominica
A rough island called Dominica can be found in the eastern Caribbean. The island is renowned for its waterfalls, hot springs, and rainforests. Sailors frequently use Roseau and Portsmouth as anchorages.
Seeing the animals and natural beauty of Dominica while sailing around the island is a truly unique experience. Also, sailors can go hiking to Boiling Lake, go swimming at hot springs, and go snorkelling at Champagne Reef.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
A group of islands known as St. Vincent and the Grenadines can be found in the southern Caribbean. The islands provide a variety of sailing activities, from island hopping to discovering quiet beaches and coves. Sailors frequently use the anchorages at Bequia, Canouan, and Tobago Cays.
Also, sailors can take part in the well-known Bequia Easter Regatta, which is held in April. Live music, beach parties, and a number of races and regattas are all part of the event.
Guadeloupe
Eastern Caribbean island Guadeloupe is a French territory. Beautiful beaches, beautiful rainforests, and a strong cultural history are some of the island’s most well-known features. Pointe-à-Pitre, Saint-François, and Deshaies are a few of the most well-liked anchorages for sailors.
A variety of experiences can be had when sailing around Guadeloupe, from taking in the island’s natural beauty to dining at waterfront eateries. Moreover, sailors can take part in the Route du Rhum, a yearly solo transatlantic race that travels from Saint-Malo, France, to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe.
Barbados
A little island in the eastern Caribbean is called Barbados. Beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and a vibrant cultural history are some of the island’s most well-known features. Sailors frequently use Carlisle Bay and Bridgetown as anchorages.
A variety of experiences can be had while sailing about Barbados, including discovering the island’s natural beauty and taking in its culinary and cultural attractions. Moreover, sailors can take part in the Mount Gay Round Barbados Race, an annual sailing competition that draws competitors from all over the world and is held in January.
Anguilla
The island’s breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear waters are well-known. Road Bay and Sandy Ground are two of the most used anchorages by sailors.
A variety of activities can be had when sailing throughout Anguilla, including discovering remote coves and beaches and dining at waterfront establishments. Moreover, sailors can take part in the yearly Anguilla Regatta, a sailing competition that takes place in May and draws competitors from all around the area.
St. Kitts and Nevis
The twin-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis is situated in the eastern Caribbean. The islands are renowned for their beautiful beaches, historical attractions, and thick jungles. Sailors frequently use the anchorages at Pinney’s Beach, Charlestown, and Basseterre.
A variety of experiences can be had when sailing around St. Kitts and Nevis, from taking in the natural beauty of the islands to touring cultural landmarks like Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park. Moreover, sailors can take part in the annual Nevis Yacht Club Regatta, a sailing competition that comprises numerous races and regattas every August.
Best Time to Sail in Antilles
In the Antilles, the dry season, which lasts from December to May, is the ideal time to go sailing. The trade winds are at their most regular during this period of sunny, dry weather. The normally calm seas make for easy sailing and perfect conditions for swimming, diving, and snorkelling.
In the Antilles, the summer months of June to November are regarded as the rainy season, with higher humidity levels and a chance of hurricanes and tropical storms. While some sailors still opt to sail during this time, it’s crucial to monitor weather forecasts and be ready for unforeseen changes in the weather.
It’s important to note that certain of the Antilles’ islands have unique microclimates and weather patterns. For instance, the Leeward Islands, such as Antigua and St. Kitts, tend to be drier and less lush than the Windward Islands, which include Dominica and St. Lucia. Before setting sail, it’s generally a good idea to investigate the local weather patterns.
Visit our sailing destinations page for some incredible ideas and places to explore if you’re feeling motivated to organize your own sailing holiday. Start preparing for your upcoming sailing excursion right away with Ocean Wave Sail!
