The Top 7 Boating Destinations in the Caribbean

Engaging in various water activities is a must if you visit or live in the Caribbean. Its beautiful, pristine beaches and seas beckon everyone to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, and other sports.

Enjoying these water activities and sports is part of the unequivocal Caribbean lifestyle. However, if you want to delve into the region’s unique way of living that effortlessly combines fun and relaxation, you also have to try boating.

The many islands, beaches, and docks make the Caribbean the perfect region to experience boating. And although all countries here are the ideal spots for this recreational activity, some places stand out more than others.

If you’re wondering which Caribbean countries are the best spots for boating and other similar activities which include sailing and yachting, read the top seven below:

1. Antigua and Barbuda

This nation is considered the sailing capital of the Eastern Caribbean and for various good reasons.

First, Antigua and Barbuda has 365 beaches. Although exploring all of them may be a feat that is likely hard to achieve, visiting as many as you can via a boat will be fun and definitely an adventure.

Many of the country’s top attractions can be reached by boating, too. These include Nelson’s Dockyard, Stingray City, Cades Reef, and the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.

Lastly, there are several sailing and boating events that take place here annually. The most popular are the Antigua Sailing Week and the RORC Caribbean 600, a yachting race that begins in Antigua and passes through 11 islands.

These events also make Antigua and Barbuda a boating paradise.  

2. St. Lucia

This Caribbean country is another excellent destination for boating, yachting, and sailing enthusiasts.

Exploring St. Lucia by boat or yacht is a must since this country is surrounded by clear, azure waters and amazing scenery. Because of this, you will be delighted by all the sights you’ll see while relaxing in your vessel.

Some of the must-visit attractions you can visit here by boating are Marigot Bay, Rodney Bay, and Pigeon Island National Park.

Additionally, St. Lucia hosts some of the most famous yachting events in the Caribbean. These include the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), the Mango Bowl Regatta, and the St. Lucia International Billfish Tournament.

3. Grenada

The country’s picturesque pristine seacoasts also make it a popular destination for avid fans of boating and yachting.

Its most popular beaches, which are also amazing boating spots, include Grand Anse Beach, Morne Rouge Beach or BBC Beach, La Sagesse, and Levera Beach.

However, if you want to experience sailing and mooring in Grenada, you have to head to Dragon Bay, Carriacou, Union Island, and Prickly Bay.

Grenada is also known for its annual Sailing Week. This seven-day event is packed with races, parties, and other activities that will delight not only boating enthusiasts but also locals and visitors.

4. St. Kitts and Nevis

This beautiful island paradise is another country that boasts of pristine waters, fascinating underwater marine life, and picturesque landscapes.

Some of St. Kitts and Nevis’s world-famous beaches are Cockleshell Bay, South Frigate Bay, Turtle Beach, and White House Bay. These coastlines are also excellent and popular boating destinations here.

Nevis also hosts a unique annual sailing event: the Booby Island Regatta. It is a festival that celebrates sailors and skippers of all ages and proficiencies. Anyone can enter the race, regardless of the type and size of their boat.

The festival also has a variety of other fun activities and events that take place on water and land.

5. Dominica

Although Dominica does not have that many well-known beaches as its neighbor nations in the Caribbean, it is still a country worth exploring and visiting by boating or yachting.

The country’s most popular anchorages include Prince Rupert Bay, Toucari Bay, Marceau Bay, Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve, and St, Joseph Beach.

Dominica’s sea waters are teaming with thriving exquisite reefs and unique formations. As such, sailing on these waters is a must-try experience.

The rivers and swamps of Dominica are worth exploring by a boat or kayak as well. The Indian River, which was featured heavily in the popular Hollywood film “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” is one of these inland waterways you should definitely visit.

6. St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Consisting of 32 islands, this country is another favorite of boating and yachting enthusiasts. After all, discovering these different isles is best done aboard a boat.

The best vessels to use for boating here are catamarans, monohulls, and bareboat.

Some of the islands that you have to include in your boating or sailing itinerary are Mustique Island, Charlestown Bay, Mayreau, and Port Elizabeth.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines also hosts the Bequia Easter Regatta and the Canouan Regatta, events that feature model boat, boat, and yacht races. They also host a lot of other fun activities that include concerts, competitions, and even beauty pageants.

7. British Virgin Island

When you are in the Caribbean, it would be hard not to associate sailing with the British Virgin Island. After all, this country is considered the premier destination for boating and yachting enthusiasts.

The primary reason behind this is that the country enjoys consistent winds and there are small distances between islands. As such, each isle can be explored by boating.

The most popular anchorage points in the British Virgin Island are Deadman’s Bay, Salt Island, Cooper Island, and the Little Harbour and Great Harbour in Jost Van Dyke.

If you want to visit the Virgin Gorda Baths, which is the most famous landmark in the country, you have to dock at the northern shore of Virgin Gorda.

The country also hosts the British Virgin Islands Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival at the Royal BWI Yacht Club, two events that celebrate the spirit of sailing and boating. Aside from several races, there are other fun events you can join and witness during the celebrations.

Boating is definitely an important part of the Caribbean lifestyle. It is for this reason that this region is a popular destination for tourists. It is even a much-desired prize in raffles and competitions and items in auctions.

If you are a boating and sailing enthusiast, you can enjoy this fantastic water activity anytime if you gain Caribbean citizenship. By becoming a citizen of one of the countries that have a Citizenship by Investment Program, you can own a home, visit any of the islands in this region, and enjoy the perks of being a resident.

AUTHOR BIO:

Kal Kennard is a Partner at Citizens International, a white-glove specialist firm offering private client services necessary for citizenship investment into the Caribbean, North America and Europe. Based in the Caribbean for the past 15 years, she is an experienced consultant who works directly with many professional partners and advises clients worldwide.