For those who aren’t ready to give up warm weather, blue skies, and beaches, Dream Yacht Worldwide is sharing its top destination recommendations for an endless summer by sea – some of which may be less obvious and under-the-radar for American travelers.
Here’s a round-up of three destinations great for exploring by sail boat this fall. Think: access to small ports and coast lines, opportunities to discover local culture, and a sense of freedom, accessibility, and adventure that no other vacation can provide to chase the summer sun.
The Seychelles offers one of the world’s finest sailing grounds, with picture-perfect tropical islands, sandy beaches and imposing granite rocks polished by the relentless waves of the Indian Ocean. Average temperatures in the Seychelles are warm all year-round at between 79ºF and 82ºF. The best time to visit for sailing the Seychelles is during the season transition in April/May and October/November when the water visibility is optimal at 98ft – perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving.
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.
Sail Belize and enjoy its calm waters, favorable trade winds and a network of 450 isolated cayes sitting in the tropical Caribbean Sea. The best time to visit Belize is from late November to mid-April, during the dry season. Warm temperatures, sunny skies and access to top attractions can be experienced at this time of year.
Travelers definitely want to take time out to see the Mayan ruins and explore the world’s second longest unbroken barrier reef which, with its diverse underwater ecosystem, is a renowned snorkeling and scuba destination.
Sailing in Belize can include a stop at the Blue Hole Natural Monument or a trip to Glover’s Reef, Lighthouse Reef and Turneffe – three atolls offering the chance to swim among 500 species of fish and 100 types of coral, as well as rays and dolphins. Sailing in these open waters during your Belize yacht charter will require a local skipper.
The South Pacific island of Tahiti and the neighboring islands of French Polynesia may be the closest you will ever come to paradise on earth. Part of the Society Islands, Tahiti is bursting with exciting marine life, emerald volcanic peaks and vivid exotic flowers, making it the perfect destination for a yacht charter.
The best time to visit Tahiti is between April/May and September/October.
Tahiti boasts some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, all of which you can explore on your Tahiti yacht charter – from green-topped mountains and perfect white sand beaches to calm aquamarine seas and protected turquoise lagoons.
Dream Yacht travelers can begin their Tahiti sailing vacation on the island of Raiatea to explore its archaeological remains and impressive lagoon, then head to Motu To’opua under the familiar peaks of Bora Bora. It’s the perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Take a trip to Huahine while sailing Tahiti’s islands and visit the small village of Fare, where you will find a warm Polynesian welcome. Browse the boutiques and get a bite to eat in the small restaurants.
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.
