As the “Nature Isle” of the Caribbean, Dominica is a stunning sailing location that provides a variety of adventures for sailors of all skill levels. It is the ideal location to explore by water due to its luscious rainforests, soaring mountains, and undeveloped beaches. For those wishing to view Dominica’s beauty from the water, there are a variety of alternatives available, including liveaboard sailboats, novice sailboats, and everything in between. Dominica offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in living on a sailboat, learning to sail, or just searching for a new adventure while sailing in Dominica.
For sailors, Dominica is a lesser-known but stunning destination. The Eastern Caribbean island is well known for its natural splendour, which includes luxuriant jungles, breathtaking waterfalls, and an abundance of marine life. Dominica has a variety of sailing activities that are suitable for all experience levels, whether you are an experienced sailor or are just learning. There is a sailboat for every skill level, from novice to liveaboard. This idyllic tropical location gives a one-of-a-kind chance to embark on an unforgettable sailing expedition, live on a sailboat, or simply enjoy the island’s numerous attractions.
Top 9 Destinations for Sailing in Dominica
Roseau
Dominica’s capital, Roseau, is situated on the western side of the island. The climate of Roseau is typically tropical, with annual average temperatures of 25–30°C (77–86°F).
All levels of sailors can find fantastic sailing possibilities in Roseau. Beginners can hone their skills in this spot thanks to the calm waters and mild winds. Sailing experts can benefit from the area’s surroundings, which include the breathtaking Champagne Reef, Scotts Head, and Soufriere Bay.
The historic Fort Young, the Botanic Gardens, and the Dominica Museum are just a few of Roseau’s attractions. Visitors can also visit the adjacent jungle or take a bath in Wotten Waven’s hot springs.
Beneteau Oceanis 311 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i are suggested yachts for novices in Roseau. These sailboats are stable, easy to manage, and have great manoeuvrability.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth, which is situated on Dominica’s northwest coast, experiences year-round average temperatures of 25–30°C (77–86°F), which are comparable to Roseau.
For sailors of all skill levels, Portsmouth provides a range of sailing in Dominica options. It is a great place for beginning sailors because to the tranquil waters and mild winds, while seasoned sailors can take advantage of the neighbouring Cabrits National Park and the renowned Indian River.
The Cabrits National Park, the Indian River, and the Carib Indian Reservation are just a few of the attractions in Portsmouth. Additionally, visitors can unwind on one of the many isolated beaches or go for a walk along the nearby Syndicate Nature Trail.
The Leopard 45, Lagoon 450, and Nautitech 46 are three suggested liveaboard yachts in Portsmouth. These sailboats provide ample living space, cosy accommodations, and all the conveniences required for a relaxing and joyful liveaboard experience.
Calibishie
Calibishie, which lies on Dominica’s northeastern coast, experiences year-round average temperatures between 25 and 30 °C (77 and 86 °F), which is similar to Roseau and Portsmouth.
Strong gusts and rough seas present a challenge to even the most experienced sailors, but Calibishie offers a range of sailing opportunities. For those seeking a longer cruise, the surrounding islands of Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe, and Antigua also provide fantastic sailing options.
The breathtaking Hodges Bay, the Red Rocks, and the Kalinago Barana Autê cultural village are just a few of the attractions in Calibishie. A walk to the neighbouring Middleham Falls or a tour of Marigot are other options open to visitors.
Sailboats like the Beneteau Oceanis 48, Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 50, and Bavaria Cruiser 51 are suggested for seasoned sailors at Calibishie. These sailboats have top-notch performance and all the comforts you could want for a relaxing and fun sailing in Dominica experience.
Scotts Head
A little community famed for its stunning natural surroundings and abundant marine life, Scotts Head is situated in the southern region of Dominica. The climate of Scotts Head is typically pleasant, with annual average temperatures falling between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Dominica’s rainy season lasts from June to October, although even then, the island experiences plenty of sunshine and pleasant temperatures.
Due to its calm waters and picturesque surroundings, Scotts Head is a well-liked sailing location. Dolphins, sea turtles, and other kinds of fish are among the abundant marine life in the area. Exploring isolated beaches and secret coves is another possibility offered by sailing around the island.
The Champagne Reef, a popular destination close to Scotts Head, is well-known for its underwater hot springs that cause the water to bubble, and the Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve is a protected area that provides some of the best diving and snorkelling in Dominica.
Smaller sailboats like the Hobie Cat or Laser are suggested for day cruises near Scotts Head. The area’s coastline and other attractions can be explored in a fun and thrilling way with the help of these boats, which are simple to handle.
Soufriere
On Dominica’s southwest coast, the town of Soufriere is a well-liked vacation spot for divers and snorkelers. With year-round highs of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the region experiences pleasant, sunny weather. Dominica’s rainy season lasts from June to October, however it has little effect on the diving and snorkelling options nearby.
Soufriere is a well-liked location for sailing in Dominica and discovering the island’s aquatic life because of its stunning coral reefs and underwater caverns. There are additional opportunities to see whales and dolphins in the region.
The Scotts Head Pinnacle, a renowned diving location noted for its profusion of vibrant fish and other marine life, and the Dangleben’s Pinnacle, a sizable underwater rock structure that offers a distinctive diving experience, are just a couple of the well-liked attractions close to Soufriere. The Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve, a protected region with some of the best diving and snorkelling in Dominica, is also open to visitors.
Sailboats like the Beneteau or the Bavaria are excellent for diving and snorkelling near Soufriere. These boats offer roomy living quarters and space for snorkelling and diving equipment. Additionally, they have strong engines that make getting in and out of diving and snorkelling spots simple.
Cabrits National Park
On Dominica’s northwest coast, not far from the community of Portsmouth, is where Cabrits National Park is situated. Coral reefs and the well-known Cabrits peninsula are included in the 1,313 acres of land and water that make up the park. Dominica experiences tropical weather with two distinct seasons: a dry season from November to May and a wet season from June to October. Year-round, the temperature hovers about 26°C (or 79°F).
Cabrits National Park is a fantastic place to sail because it has many of safe anchorages and calm waters for cruising. Around the park, there are also a number of diving and snorkelling spots where you can witness vibrant corals and marine life. You can also walk through the rainforest, paddleboard or kayak through the mangrove forests and see the ancient Fort Shirley.
For those who enjoy the outdoors and learning about the past, Cabrits National Park has a lot to offer. Explore the ruins of Fort Shirley, which the British built in the 18th century, or go to the top of the Cabrits peninsula for panoramic views of the park and the ocean. Additionally, the park features a number of beaches, notably Purple Turtle Beach, which is well-known for swimming and tanning.
A small sailboat or catamaran is perfect for exploring Cabrits National Park. The shallow waters of the park are navigable by sailboats, and they can anchor in safe nooks. With additional room and stability, a catamaran makes it possible to transport kayaks and paddleboards. Lagoon 380, Leopard 40, and Bavaria Cruiser 37 are a few suggested sailboats for touring Cabrits National Park.
Salisbury
A little community called Salisbury may be found on Dominica’s west coast, close to Roseau, the country’s capital. Beautiful beaches, whale watching excursions, and fishing expeditions are among the village’s top draws. Salisbury experiences year-round mild temperatures and tropical weather, with a rainy season from June to October.
In Salisbury, sailing in Dominica is a well-liked pastime with many of charter firms providing day trips and fishing excursions. Whales, dolphins, and marlin are among the numerous marine species that frequent the waters near Salisbury. Additionally, you can sail to close-by islands like Martinique and Guadeloupe or tour Dominica’s shore.
Salisbury is an excellent location for water sports including diving and snorkelling as well as beach relaxation. The area is home to a number of stunning beaches, including Macoucherie Beach and Salisbury Beach. You can also go to Roseau, a small town with a bustling market, colonial buildings, and the renowned Botanical Gardens.
It is advised to use a larger sailboat or catamaran for fishing and whale-watching excursions. A successful fishing excursion requires a boat with a cosy cabin, a large deck, and fishing gear. The Beneteau Oceanis 41.1, Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440, and Lagoon 450S are a few suggested sailboats for fishing and whale-watching excursions in Salisbury.
Top 5 Sailboats for Beginners
You should look for a sailboat that is appropriate for beginners if you’re new to sailing in Dominica and intend to visit Dominica. In Dominica, the following five sailboats are excellent choices for inexperienced sailors:
- Catalina 22 – The Catalina 22 is a well-liked option among novices because of its stability and simplicity of operation. It’s a great option for lone sailors because it’s very compact and manageable by one person.
- Hunter 27 – With its straightforward rigging and cosy cockpit, the Hunter 27 is another excellent choice for beginners. Additionally, it’s a little bit bigger than the Catalina 22, giving it a fantastic option for families or small parties.
- The MacGregor 26 is a multipurpose sailboat that may be used for both cruising and racing. It is simple to transport and launch due to its lightweight construction and trailer-friendly dimensions.
- The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 349 is a larger sailboat that is excellent for novice sailors who desire a little more comfort and room. It is a well-liked option for chartering in Dominica because it is furnished with contemporary features and simple-to-use technologies.
- Beneteau Oceanis 30.1: For novice sailors looking to cruise the waters off Dominica in luxury and style, the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 is a roomy and accommodating sailboat. It’s an excellent option for individuals who want to live aboard and tour the island at their leisure because it is outfitted with the most up-to-date safety and navigational tools.
Visit our sailing locations page for some incredible ideas and places to explore if you’re feeling motivated to organize your sailing holiday. Start preparing for your upcoming sailing excursion right away with Ocean Wave Sail!
