Someone once said, “You haven’t truly lived until you’ve sailed.” Though no one can tell you how to live your life, being surrounded by crystal clear waters as you drift along Necker Island doesn’t sound like a bad way to spend your Sunday afternoon.
The beauty of sailing doesn’t lie in its novelty or its glamour. No matter how many times you set sail, no two experiences are alike. Every trip is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see new sights and explore places that you only read about or saw in a Leonardo DiCaprio movie. And each experience carries a charm that’s different from the one before it.
If you want to make your first sailing trip a BIG ONE, any of these three destinations should be on your bucket list:
Windward Islands
If you want to experience everything the Caribbean has to offer, you just have to go. The trip would ideally start in Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, or Grenada. If you’re after a little adventure, you can head out and sail as far north or south as possible, or you can go for a one-way charter from St. Lucia to Grenada. If you had something more relaxing in mind, you could stay close to the coastline and harbor-hop along the shore.
St. Lucia has excellent anchorages, and if you’re stopping overnight, you need to see the Pitons, the rock spires on the island’s southern tip. Grenada’s south coast has deep indentations that make for a superb anchorage. You could spend a week exploring these gems or sail north to Carriacou and move on to the southern Grenadines.
Fiji
This list wouldn’t exist without Fiji. With over 333 islands, all enveloped in dazzling turquoise waters, sandy beaches, rich coral and marine life, and unique underwater caves, there is no shortage of pleasure and awe. Surfers, divers, and sailors are in love with the place, and for good reason.
The people, as it happens, are just as lovely. Fijians are known for being friendly and warm, whose universal greeting is “welcome, friend.” If you love people as much as you love sights, Fiji welcomes you.
Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay, to put it simply, is an unspoiled paradise. Sandwiched between Phuket and the Malay peninsula, the bay possesses a kind of beauty that belongs only in postcards. Unlike other loved destinations that have been marred by tourism development, this bay remains untouched and pristine as ever, thanks to conservationists who’ve worked hard to keep it that way.
It’s most famous for its towering rock formations that go up to 300 meters in height, enhanced by lush green foliage. These magnificent structures are dotted across the vibrant azure waters. Feel free to admire the small ones from afar, and explore the larger formations if you dare. There are networks of caves and distinct rock formations that might delight you.
Whether you’re planning to charter a boat or journey on your yacht, any of these three sailing spots will make the adventure all worth it. From the islands of Windward to the rock sculptures of Phang Nga Bay, these locations have something waiting for you.
