{"id":44485,"date":"2024-01-29T09:30:23","date_gmt":"2024-01-29T14:30:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/?p=44485"},"modified":"2024-01-29T13:35:51","modified_gmt":"2024-01-29T18:35:51","slug":"20-best-cruising-and-sailing-destinations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/20-best-cruising-destinations\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 20 Cruising Destinations for Your Bucket List"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wondering what the best sailing destinations in the world are? Whether you\u2019re planning a sailing charter vacation or a journey on your own boat, these 20 sailing destinations are part of many sailor\u2019s bucket lists. From the isles of Greece to Australia\u2019s Whitsunday Islands, the colorful Caribbean to dramatic Patagonia, these locations offer something for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caribbean<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"windward <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Windward Islands, Caribbean<\/span>\n Cate Brown<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Windward Islands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tropical rainforests, barrier reefs, secluded anchorages: In the Windward Islands, you\u2019ll get a taste of all that the Caribbean has to offer, and plenty of fine trade-wind sailing to boot. For sailors, there are multiple choices for your Windward Islands adventures, and from any of them, you can choose to make your sailing vacation as laid-back or as challenging as you\u2019d like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Leeward <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Leeward Islands, Caribbean<\/span>\n Bob Grieser<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Leeward Islands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Leeward Islands are full of cruising hot spots, with much to offer to sailors, making passing through the Caribbean. lush scenery, vibrant reefs and a laid-back vibe make for the ultimate sailing destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Lesser <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Lesser Antilles, Caribbean<\/span>\n Cap’n Fattty Goodlander<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Lesser Antilles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Lesser Antilles, in the Eastern Caribbean, are among the best charter destinations on the planet. Why? Diversity and conditions. The winds, seas and harbors in the Lesser Antilles are nearly ideal 99 percent of the time, and landfalls are perfectly spaced. In many of the most popular chartering waters, destinations are 30 to 40 miles apart \u2014 or less. This means you can get up at a reasonable hour, have a thrilling sail, and still manage to clear customs by happy hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Cuba, <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Cuba, Caribbean<\/span>\n David Gillespie<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Cuba<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cuba is one of those mysterious destinations for US-based cruisers: close, intriguing, but seemingly out of reach. In 2017, when regulations were a bit more relaxed for cruisers, Cruising World hosted a rally to the island nation. The verdict? Cuba is everything we expected, and so much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

USA, Canada and Atlantic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Bahamas <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Bahamas, Atlantic<\/span>\n David Gillespie<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Bahamas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The islands of the Bahamas are a cruiser\u2019s playground \u2014 clear water, colorful communities and great sailing. The Bahamas offer endless islands to sail between and explore; from the Abacos to the Exumas, each island is unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Inter <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Intracoastal Waterway, USA<\/span>\n Tom Zydler<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Intracoastal Waterway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Those with a mast height under 64 feet can also take advantage of the beauty and convenience of the Intracoastal Waterway on their trip north or south through the East Coast. While navigating the ICW requires lots of motoring, when conditions are good, the sailing is spectacular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Cuttyhunk <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Southern New England, USA<\/span>\n Paul Rezendes<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Southern New England<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cruising through Long Island Sound, anchoring in the Great Salt Pond of Block Island, exploring the coast of Cape Cod \u2013 there are endless opportunities to enjoy a romp through Southern New England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"great <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n The Great Lakes<\/span>\n Fred Bagley<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

The Great Lakes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some of the best freshwater cruising in the world, the Great Lakes offer endless opportunities for exploration. Each lake offers unique cruising grounds, ports and conditions, from uncharted rocky inlets on the Canadian shores, to bustling cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"bermuda\" <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Bermuda<\/span>\n Danny Greene<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Bermuda<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For as long as ocean-going sailors have been sailing the North Atlantic, Bermuda has been the crossroads and a popular race destination. But Bermuda is so much more than just a waypoint\u2014it\u2019s also a wonderful cruising destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Nova <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Nova Scotia, Canada<\/span>\n Ida Little<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Nova Scotia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Packed with geologic and cultural history, the beautifully quiet coast of Nova Scotia is a nature lovers dream. Spruce trees, granite, grasses, sea, seals and terns, there is no shortage of excitement here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Europe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"greece\" <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Greek Isles, Mediterranean<\/span>\n Lefteris Papaulakis\/shutterstock<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Greece Isles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The sailing can be challenging, but the landfalls \u2014 full of history, diverse towns and tasty cuisine \u2014 are worth it. Greece boasts thousands of islands, spread across an enormous geographical area stretching from the Aegean to the Ionian sea. Four of Greece\u2019s five island groups are prime cruising areas: the Cyclades, the Saronic Islands, the Ionian Islands and the Dodecanese. Each group has its own unique character and charm, making each one worth exploring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

South Pacific<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Fiji, <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Fiji, South Pacific<\/span>\n Tor Johnson<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Fiji<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cruising yachts from all over the world come to Fiji to anchor in the crystal-clear waters of the South Pacific. This Pacific crossroads is a refreshing break, with world-class snorkeling, beach combing and hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"marquesas\" <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Marquesas, French Polynesia<\/span>\n Zoonar\/Uwe Moser<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Marquesas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Smack dab in the middle of the South Pacific, the remote and untamed Marquesas are an unforgettable sailing stop \u2013 if you can get there. The topography of these young islands \u00adreflects the dawn of time; the exquisite drama of the islands\u2019 violent, volcanic origins has not yet been smoothed and worn, with towering peaks rising above anchorages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read <\/a>More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Tasmania, <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Tasmania, Australia<\/span>\n Mike Litzow<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Tasmania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tasmania offers world class cruising, friendly, welcoming people, and a rich sailing history. The beautiful anchorages are uncrowded and private, and the sailing is world class. Just ask anyone who has ever sailed a Sydney Hobart Race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"whitsunday <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Whitsunday Islands, Australia<\/span>\n Kelly Watts<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Whitsunday Islands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pristine white sand beaches begging for footprints; the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park just waiting to be snorkeled; and our charter catamaran tugging on her mooring lines, ready to set sail. Who could resist such a tempting welcome from the Whitsunday Islands? Not us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Southeast Asia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Phang <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Phang Nga Bay, Thailand<\/span>\n Cap’n Fatty Goodlander<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Phang Nga Bay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Towering rock sculptures rise out of the water in Thailand\u2019s Phang Nga Bay, providing a surreal backdrop for cruising. Anchor among the hongs and hope into a dinghy for an unforgettable experience exploring hidden caves and uncovering secrets from the 10,000 year history of the bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Africa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"cape <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Cape Town, South Africa<\/span>\n Oone van der Wal<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Cape Town<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From the blustery southeaster that can blow 45-60 knots for days on end, the \u201ctable cloth\u201d on Table Mountain, to the waterfront with all its great seafaring tales and bars and the beaches of the suburb of Clifton, Cape Town has it all. The weather is like Southern California; you can stay active in the great outdoors year round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"madagascar\" <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Madagascar, Africa<\/span>\n Michelle Elvy<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Madagascar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Madagascar is a true cruising gem. Its culture is a delightful convergence of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, as evidenced by the gourmet French meals, baked goods, m\u00e9lange of rum drinks, vibrant materials for both traditional and modern dress, and the combination of French and local Malagasy language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

South America<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Chile, <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Chile, South America<\/span>\n Somira Sao<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Chile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cape Horn archipelago conjures images of heroic voyages through inhospitable landscapes and harsh, raw conditions, the true beauty Chile is that it\u2019s remote enough to be pristine, but not isolated enough that you feel completely cut off from the rest of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antarctica<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Antarctica\" <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Antarctica<\/span>\n Skip Novak<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Antarctica<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cold, unforgiving and a challenge for even the most seasoned sailor, there isn\u2019t quite any place on earth like Antarctica. Just ask anyone who has been, though, and you\u2019ll find that the journey to the bottom of the world was unforgettable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From Caribbean hot spots, to quiet anchorages at the bottom of the world, these are some of the most beautiful sailing spots on the planet.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":29155,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"BS_author_type":"BS_author_is_guest","BS_guest_author_name":"Cruising World Editors","BS_guest_author_url":"","hydra_display_date":"January 29, 2024","hydra_display_updated":true,"arc_story_id":"67UHFJQTNM3C6XSHVYJIEOC6OQ","arc_website_url":"20-best-cruising-destinations\/","arc_subtype":"right-sidebar","arc_exclude_from_feeds":false,"sponsored":false,"sponsored_label":"Sponsored Content","sponsored_display_label":false,"post_right_rail":true,"post_right_rail_ad_1":true,"post_right_rail_ad_2":true,"post_right_rail_ad_3":false,"post_right_rail_ad_4":false,"post_right_rail_recirc":true,"fixed_anchor_ad":true,"post_top_ad":true,"post_off_ramp":true,"post_taboola":false,"labels":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":"","ad_settings_ads_on_this_page":true,"ad_settings_automatic_ad_injection_into_the_content":true,"ad_targeting":"","sponsored_image":false,"sponsored_url":"","social_share":true},"categories":[162],"tags":[216,355,281,196,633,205,317,434,701,349,1156,1133,709,481,1127],"class_list":["post-44485","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destinations","tag-africa","tag-australia","tag-bahamas","tag-caribbean","tag-cuba","tag-destinations","tag-europe","tag-fiji","tag-french-polynesia","tag-greece","tag-leeward-islands","tag-new-zealand","tag-south-africa","tag-southeast-asia","tag-windward-islands"],"acf":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44485","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44485"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44485\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44485"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44485"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44485"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}