Boating Archives : TRAVEL/FOOD

Skip the vacation house rental, get out on the water!

Top misconceptions about renting a yacht.

Dream Yacht Worldwide (DYW), one of the world’s leading ocean tourism companies, is making sailing and sea travel accessible to all around the globe. With personal sailing trips continuing to gain popularity in 2023, the company offers the most destinations and one of the largest and most diverse sailing, yacht, and boating fleets in the world – an opportunity for groups of family and friends to get out of a traditional house rental and out on the water.

Here are the top misconceptions or concerns DYW hears often when travelers consider booking sailing charters:

Myth: Sailing is difficult and for experienced sailors only.

This is a common misconception but is far from being accurate. If you can enter a boat, you can sail. Sea trips are for everyone, no experience is necessary when you book a skippered charter, which allows travelers to enjoy the quality time together and not have to worry about sailing skills.

Those traveling with experienced sailors can take advantage of Dream Yacht’s bareboat options.

Myth: Tight quarters.

Families are typically relieved to know that Dream Yacht Worldwide offers spacious catamarans that fit up to 12-14 people comfortably. Many catamarans have cabins that have their own private bathroom as well.

Myth: It is all about the sea.

The sea is the medium, you can actually visit many places and discover areas on land that you cannot access without travel by water. Chartering a boat is an excellent way to discover lesser known areas. Dream Yacht operates in 52 destinations worldwide, with a fleet of more than 900 monohulls and catamarans. There is something for every type of traveler in destinations across the globe.

Myth: Charter trips are boring.

Charter trips can be as exciting and as full of adventure as travelers prefers. It is a unique experience and it requires a certain adventurer mindset. There are many water sports and team-building activities that groups can participate in, plus plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind on board. It allows travelers to see the world from a different perspective.

Wondering what type of yachting vacation is for you?

Check out the options here from Bareboat to Crewed Charter.

Explore three stunning under-the-radar destinations by the sea

Adventure, Beaches, Boating, Family Excursions, Ocean

May we suggest the following:

Instead of the Maldives, visit Seychelles

Dream Yacht Worldwide began its first yacht charters in the Seychelles. And for good reason, as it’s one of the most beautiful places on the planet, comprising 41 of the earth’s oldest granite islands and 74 low-lying reef islands which embody the phrase ‘tropical paradise’. On a Seychelles yacht charter, travelers can snorkel among the treelike corals on Coco Island, or at stunning St. Pierre islet, where rugged granite rocks merge with lush tropical vegetation.

An unmissable highlight on any yacht charter in the Seychelles is a visit to the scented vanilla plantations at Union Estate on La Digue, one of the most beautiful islands in the region. While for nature lovers, there’s bird watching at Aride Island and the rare Aldabra tortoises at Curieuse, a protected island where you can observe these gentle giants.

There are also the larger islands of Mahé and Praslin to explore. Here, you’ll find stunning landscapes, relaxed island hopping and plenty of opportunities to swim in the reefs.

Instead of the French Riviera, explore New Caledonia

Dream Yacht Worldwide was the first company to offer sailing charters in this exciting cruising ground, and now have an extensive fleet operating from its base at Port Moselle in Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia.

New Caledonia is home to the world’s largest lagoon, a beautiful and unique natural aquarium covering over 9000 square miles, and one of the most remarkable and beautiful sailing destinations. The archipelago is also home to one of the world’s most extensive reef systems, with a diverse range of healthy coral and marine life, including whales, turtles and tropical fish.

Nouméa is a cosmopolitan city which feels much like the French Riviera. Colorful waterfronts are lined with bars, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs, and it’s an ideal place to stock up on superb French gourmet food and wine. The city is within easy reach of the south lagoon, where you can sail Îlot Maître, Île des Pins, Île Ouen, Îlot Brosse and Ilot Kuaré.

Instead of Sicily, check out Sardinia

The island of Sardinia is off Italy’s west coast in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Sardinia sailing adventures begin from Dream Yacht Worldwide’s base in Olbia on the northeast coast. From there, it’s an easy sail to the Maddalena Archipelago and the glamorous Costa Smeralda – Sardinia’s most coveted sailing areas.

Well known for their miles of craggy coastline, the world-famous Emerald Coast and the Maddalena Archipelago National Park and Marine Reserve are the places to find superb beaches and scenic coves. Travelers can swim, snorkel and take in stunning sunsets in the solitude of these largely uninhabited islands.

Many enjoy boutique shopping in the super-exclusive ports of Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo, where travelers can mix with the international jet set. With a wide choice of dining options, from local trattoria to fine dining, it is recommended to sample the local cuisine during a boat charter in Sardinia, especially the amazing fresh seafood found on the coast.

About Dream Yacht Worldwide

Dream Yacht Worldwide, one of the world’s leading ocean tourism companies and a pioneer in making sailing and sea travel accessible to all around the globe, is making it easier for all to explore lesser-known destinations by sea plus some of the world’s favorite ocean vacation spots.

Offering sailing vacations in over 50 destinations, and with a fleet of more than 900 monohulls and catamarans, Dream Yacht Worldwide has sailing experiences available in almost every corner of the world including popular destinations like the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, but also under-the-radar destinations to discover. No sailing experience? No problem – just add a skipper or book a cabin cruise and enjoy a private stateroom in one of the company’s modern catamarans.

Since 2018, the company’s catamaran charters with skippers to assist with sailing have more than doubled (+133%) in select destinations like the Mediterranean. Due to demand and industry research pointing to an increase in Marine tourism, Dream Yacht Worldwide will launch 150 news boats in the coming season of which 80% are catamarans. The company will continue to offer sea travelers the option of crew support including a variety of skipper and hostess offerings to support sailors and non-sailors of all skill levels.

Trendy Bloomington Indiana is the ultimate fall destination

Boating, Breweries, Distilleries, Farm-to-Table Restaurant, Uncategorized, winery

Bloomington, Indiana is bursting with autumn adventures, fall flavors, and some of the best ways to enjoy fall foliage. Here’s how to enjoy autumn adventure by water, land, and even air.

Though it might be hard to convince some people of this, Bloomington in the fall when the leaves turn jewel shades of garnet, tangerine quartz, and tourmaline (or red, orange, and yellow) is more than college football. Here in this college town where Indiana University’s campus melds into the historic downtown, there are seasonal festivals and flavors, cool, crisp weather, wineries, distilleries, and breweries as well as an amazing selection of ethnic restaurants including not one but two Tibetan eateries. In all, Bloomington, Indiana is a one stop shop for all the fall feels.

Here’s how:

On the water: Monroe County boasts three lakes, and each takes on a magical, majestic air and outdoor adventures during autumn. The rolling hills filled with orange, red, and yellow-leaved trees reflecting in the water is a breathtaking experience every visitor should check out during the fall season. Seasonal activities include boat rentals allowing visitors to cruise for the best fall foliage view. There’s also seasonal biking, fishing, hiking, campgrounds and more.

In the air: Nothing beats a fall foliage view from the top. While Bloomington is one of the Midwest’s top birding locations, nothing beats a bird eye’s view of the beautiful earth below. Bloomington is home to three popular hot air balloon companies including SkyVista Ballooning which offers a unique and customizable hot air balloon ride experience for everyone embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. For those who prefer to use their feet for a view from the top can climb the 133-step Hickory Ridge Fire Tower and snap a photo of the fall-toned tree tops. An autumnal view of Monroe County like no other. Nature lovers and avid hikers will be amazed by the Hoosier National Forest during fall.

Speaking of balloons, Bloomington is home to several seasonal festivals including the 10^th annual Kiwanis Indiana Balloon Fest; Lotus World Music & Arts Festival; Hilly Hundred Bicycle Tour, and more.

On land: Indiana University, one of the most stunning college campuses in the country, shows off its colors in the fall (on the football field and campus). Be sure to attend a fall football game and/or take a trip to the campus.

Fall foodies enjoy all the season’s best flavors throughout town such as Apple Pie Wine at Oliver Winery, Oktoberfest at Upland Brewing Co, pumpkin pancakes at Village Deli, a Jack-O-Lantern Latte (made with local Dillman Farms pumpkin butter) over at Hopscotch Coffee, and so much more (there are over 350+ restaurants in Bloomington!).

And because fall season is also spooky season, for those interested in the other kind of “spirits” Bloomington is a great destination for Halloween vibes. Graduate Bloomington Hotel, a pet friendly place to stay, has a room dedicated to the hit Netflix show Stranger Things and if that’s not creepy enough, Bloomington offers cemetery hikes and tours with more Halloween activities to be announced soon. Mystery lovers will enjoy Indiana University’s Lilly Library Sherlock Holmes in 221 Objects exhibit on display now through December 16.

Cruising River St. Joe

Boating, Lake Michigan, Uncategorized

Located at Eagle Point Marina in St. Joseph, Michigan, Nia’s Pontoon Rentals offers boating opportunities on both the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan. Available for full or half day rentals, in certain cases animals are welcomed aboard.