Sailing is such an amazing experience and something you must do at least once in your life. You can see exotic places, feel the wind in your hair, drop anchor in idyllic bays or deserted islands, go swimming, take part in adventure sports or just kick back and enjoy food, drink and scenery in the great outdoors.

If you are a total beginner and new to the idea of going sailing, there are tours available to book all around the world. Or if you have experience and qualifications, you could consider a catamaran charter. It's fun, easy and comfortable, not to mention that it's quite a luxurious feeling, being the captain of your own ship so to speak.

A catamaran tour or charter is perfect for sailing with friends, a special someone, your entire family or with total strangers on an organised excursion. Since it's so easy to manoeuvre you can manage great even though you might not have that much experience. All that is left for you to is to decide on the destination.

To get your imagination going and help narrow down your options, here is our list of top rated sailing destinations. 

 

1. Croatia

Croatia partly consists of a myriad of fascinating, beautiful, charming little islands. Each with its unique composition and traditions.

Visit one of the larger islands, Hvar, where the beaches are fabulous, luxury is plenty and the cities are incredible. The water around the island is spectacular and since it's one of the bigger islands, space is no issue. 

Island hopping among the Croatian islands is truly magical and make sure to visit at least Vis, Brač or KrK as well. 

 

2. Greece

Speaking of island hopping when on a catamaran charter, if Croatia is bliss then Greece is in a league of its own.

Regardless of if you rent a catamaran charter for spending time soaking up the sun, if you want to cast your anchor and hit one of the party towns or you're a history buff looking to explore, Greece has an island for it all. 

Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Kos, the list is endless and you could spend weeks simply trading one island for the next and never be disappointed. It's truly a once in a lifetime experience. 

 

3. The French Riviera

If you are looking for luxury while on your catamaran charter then you simply have to set sail for the French Riviera. There is no other alternative. Really.

From the picture-perfect beaches of Antibes to the old tow of Nice and not to forget the movie glamorous city of Cannes, the French Riviera holds treasures that are unbelievable. 

Feast on oysters and delicious wine all the while soaking up the sun, if decadence ever had a name it would be the French Riviera. 

Once you have seen the beautiful southern coast of France you will understand why this is one of the most beautiful places to sail in Europe. 

 

4. The Caribbean

Most have heard of the Cayman Islands but there are so many more destinations to explore while chartering a catamaran in the Caribbean.

St. Barts, Aruba, British Virgin Islands, Jamaica and Barbados are all great contenders. Beautiful beaches, stunning water, excellent cuisine as well as adventure around every corner makes for a perfect combination.

Although prices in the Caribbean aren't the cheapest, the places, snorkelling, diving and beaches will leave you spellbound.

 

5. The Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Australia is an incredible destination with world famous attractions like the Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef but one of the most spectacular locations is the Whitsunday Islands located in Queensland.

The Whitsundays are as stunning as they look, comprising of 74 islands and look like probable nowhere you have ever been before. Expect stunning white sandy beaches, corals, turquoise waters, marine animals and breathtaking scenery.

Short and long term guided tours and independent options are available and the only issue might be time, as in you might not have enough of it. 

 

6. The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are the most unique locations on our list, and offer scenery, wildlife and nature unlike many other places on earth.

A sailing trip here is your chance to see see somewhere totally different untouched by civilisation. You can also get to see giant tortoises, sea lions and iguanas. 

Charles Darwin once said "I look forward to the Galapagos with more interest than any other part of the voyage." “The natural history of this archipelago is very remarkable: it seems to be a little world within itself.”

The Galapagos will leave a lasting impression.

 

Other Places to Consider

  • Zanzibar
  • Seychelles
  • Bay of Islands, New Zealand
  • Balearic and Canary Islands, Spain
  • Turquoise Coast, Turkey
  • Italy
  • Thailand
  • French Polynesia
  • Corsica
  • Fiji
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
  • Cuba
  • Montenegro
  • Malta

 

A catamaran charter or tour is such an amazing option. If you are looking for new horizons to explore, a catamaran charter to any of the destinations mentioned here is the perfect place to start. Bask in the luxury of deciding on a whim where to head next and make sure to really enjoy the journey as well as the destination. 

Have you ever been sailing? Do you have any tips for places we missed off our list? Let us know in the comments section below.