best sailboats for cruising the caribbean

Best Boats for Cruising the Caribbean: A Comprehensive Guide to Nautical Adventures and Vessel Selection

Imagine gliding through crystal-clear waters, feeling the warm Caribbean breeze on your face as you explore stunning islands and hidden coves. Have you ever dreamt of embarking on a nautical adventure but felt overwhelmed by the sea of boat options available? Picture finding the perfect vessel that matches your cruising style, allowing you to create unforgettable memories at sea.

Navigating the vast selection of boats for cruising the Caribbean can be daunting, but fear not! In this article, we’ll guide you through the top choices, helping you find the ideal boat to suit your needs. Whether you seek luxury, speed, or comfort, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to set sail on the journey of a lifetime with the best boats for cruising the Caribbean.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the Caribbean cruising lifestyle is crucial due to its vibrant culture, turquoise waters, and warm breezes.
• Different regions in the Caribbean offer varying sea conditions, with the eastern side having calmer waters and the western side providing more excitement.
• Selecting the right boat type depends on preferences – monohulls for classic charm, catamarans for stability and space, and powerboats for luxury and speed.
• Key features to look for in a Caribbean cruiser include hull design, sail plan, rigging, on-board comfort, and essential amenities.
• Popular boat models recommended for Caribbean cruising are the Jeanneau 54, Lagoon 450, and Sea Ray Sundancer 320, each offering unique features for an unforgettable voyage.
• Budgeting for a Caribbean cruiser involves considering initial costs ranging from $20,000 for used monohulls to ongoing expenses like marina fees, insurance, fuel, and maintenance, ensuring a smooth sailing experience within budget.

Understanding the Caribbean Cruising Lifestyle

When it comes to cruising the Caribbean, understanding the lifestyle of this tropical paradise is crucial. The vibrant culture, turquoise waters, and warm breezes make it a dream destination for sailing enthusiasts. Let’s delve into the key aspects that define the Caribbean cruising experience.

Weather and Sea Conditions

In the Caribbean, you’ll encounter a maritime climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. The region experiences two primary seasons: the dry season from December to April and the wet season from June to November. During the wet season, be prepared for occasional rain showers and the possibility of tropical storms.

The sea conditions in the Caribbean can vary depending on the area you’re cruising. The eastern Caribbean generally has calmer waters, ideal for beginners and those seeking a more relaxed sailing experience. In contrast, the western Caribbean may have stronger winds and currents, offering a bit more excitement for seasoned sailors.

Popular Cruising Routes and Destinations

The Caribbean boasts a vast network of cruising routes, each offering its own unique attractions. One popular route is the Eastern Caribbean itinerary, including destinations like the British Virgin Islands, Saint Martin, and Barbados. These islands are known for their stunning beaches, lush greenery, and vibrant local culture.

If you’re looking for a mix of history and natural beauty, the Southern Caribbean route is worth exploring. Destinations like Aruba, Curacao, and Grenada offer a blend of colonial architecture, pristine diving spots, and colorful marine life.

For those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Western Caribbean route beckons with stops in Honduras, Belize, and Mexico. Here, you can explore ancient Mayan ruins, dive in crystal-clear waters, and soak up the laid-back Caribbean vibe away from the crowds.

Understanding the weather patterns, sea conditions, and popular cruising routes in the Caribbean is essential for planning a memorable nautical adventure. Whether you prefer serene waters or thrilling sailing experiences, the Caribbean offers something for every type of sailor. Embrace the laid-back island lifestyle, set sail on azure waters, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this enchanting region.

Types of Boats Ideal for Caribbean Cruising

When choosing a boat for your Caribbean cruising adventure, it’s essential to consider the types of vessels that best suit the region’s unique characteristics. Each boat type offers distinct advantages to enhance your experience, whether you prioritize comfort, stability, speed, or luxury. Below are three common boat types ideal for cruising the Caribbean:

Monohulls: The Classic Choice

Monohulls are the traditional sailboats known for their timeless design and elegant appearance. They offer excellent performance under sail, allowing you to navigate the Caribbean’s diverse waters with ease. Monohulls are ideal for those seeking a classic sailing experience, where the wind propels you through the turquoise blue sea. Their single hull design provides a sense of connection with the water, creating an authentic and immersive sailing experience.

Catamarans: Stability and Space

Catamarans are known for their stability and spacious layouts, making them a popular choice for Caribbean cruising enthusiasts. With two hulls connected by a wide deck, catamarans offer a smooth and comfortable ride, minimizing the effects of waves and providing a stable platform even in choppy waters. The generous deck space and multiple cabins make catamarans perfect for families or groups, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the stunning Caribbean scenery in comfort.

Powerboats: Speed and Luxury

For those looking to cruise the Caribbean in style and with speed, powerboats offer a luxurious and swift option. Powerboats provide the convenience of swift travel between islands, allowing you to explore multiple destinations in a shorter time frame. With luxurious amenities and powerful engines, powerboats combine comfort and speed, offering a unique cruising experience for those who appreciate modern elegance and efficiency on the water.

Selecting the right boat type for your Caribbean cruise depends on your preferences, budget, and desired experience. Whether you opt for the classic charm of a monohull, the stability of a catamaran, or the luxury and speed of a powerboat, each vessel promises unforgettable moments as you sail through the picturesque waters of the Caribbean. Enjoy your nautical adventure and embrace the beauty of this tropical paradise from the deck of your chosen boat.

Key Features to Look for in a Caribbean Cruiser

Hull design and construction.

When selecting a boat for cruising the Caribbean, pay close attention to the hull design and construction. Look for sturdy fiberglass hulls that can withstand the tropical waters’ challenges and potential impacts. Fiberglass is a popular material due to its durability, light weight, and resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for extended journeys in the Caribbean’s varying conditions. A quality hull design ensures stability and sea-kindliness, providing comfort and safety during your cruising adventures.

Sail Plan and Rigging

The sail plan and rigging of a boat are crucial aspects to consider for a Caribbean cruiser. Opt for a sail configuration that suits your sailing style and comfort level. Sloops with a single mast are common for their simplicity and ease of handling, while ketches or yawls offer versatility with multiple masts. Ensure the rigging is in good condition to handle the Caribbean’s trade winds effectively. Adequate sail area and efficient rigging are essential for maximizing sailing performance in the region’s diverse wind conditions.

On-Board Comfort and Amenities

Enhancing your Caribbean cruising experience involves prioritizing on-board comfort and amenities. Look for boats equipped with spacious cabins, comfortable berths, and functional layouts to ensure a relaxing voyage. Amenities such as well-equipped galleys, ample storage space, and modern navigation systems contribute to a luxurious and convenient sailing experience. Consider features like air conditioning, generators, and watermakers to enhance comfort during extended stays at sea. Choosing a boat with the right balance of comfort and functionality ensures a pleasurable and unforgettable Caribbean cruise.

Top Recommended Boats for Cruising the Caribbean

Monohull models to consider.

When selecting a monohull for cruising the Caribbean, prioritize models that balance comfort, stability, and performance. Look for vessels with a well-designed hull that can handle the varying sea conditions of the region. Opt for sail plans that include efficient rigging setups for easier handling and greater control. Consider boats with ample below-deck space for storage and comfortable living quarters.

Some popular monohull models favored for Caribbean cruising include the Jeanneau 54, known for its spacious interiors and excellent sailing performance. The Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 is another top choice, offering a blend of luxury and functionality ideal for extended voyages in the Caribbean waters. The Bavaria Cruiser 46 stands out for its modern design, comfortable amenities, and reliable construction.

Catamaran Models to Consider

Catamarans are a favorite choice for cruising the Caribbean due to their stability, spaciousness, and shallow draft. When considering catamaran models, focus on vessels with wide beam designs for enhanced stability and ample deck space for relaxation. Look for models with efficient sail plans and modern rigging systems to make sailing in the Caribbean breeze a joy.

Popular catamaran models well-suited for Caribbean exploration include the Lagoon 450, favored for its luxurious interiors, large windows offering panoramic views, and comfortable outdoor lounging areas. The Leopard 40 is another top pick known for its sleek design, ease of handling, and versatile layout that caters to both relaxation and entertainment needs. The Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 is highly regarded for its high-performance sailing capabilities, spacious cabins, and innovative design features.

Powerboat Models to Consider

For those preferring powerboats for cruising the Caribbean, prioritize models that offer a balance of speed, fuel efficiency, and comfort. Look for vessels with sturdy hull designs capable of handling open waters with ease. Opt for powerboats with comfortable seating arrangements, efficient navigation systems, and ample onboard amenities for an enjoyable cruising experience.

Leading powerboat models ideal for Caribbean adventures include the Sea Ray Sundancer 320, renowned for its luxurious cabins, sleek design, and smooth cruising capabilities. The Boston Whaler 350 Realm is another top recommendation, offering a perfect blend of fishing, cruising, and watersports features, making it versatile for various activities in the Caribbean. The Pursuit S 378 Sport stands out for its high-performance engines, spacious layout, and exceptional stability, ensuring a comfortable and exhilarating journey across the Caribbean seas.

Budgeting for Your Caribbean Cruiser

Initial purchase costs.

When budgeting for your Caribbean cruiser, the initial purchase costs can vary depending on the type, size, and condition of the boat you choose. For entry-level options, you might find used monohulls starting around $20,000, while new models can range from $100,000 to $500,000. Catamarans are typically more expensive, with used ones starting around $50,000 and new models going from $300,000 to over $1 million. Powerboats are also available, starting at around $30,000 for used models and going up to several hundred thousand dollars for new, high-end options.

Ongoing Maintenance and Operating Expenses

Once you’ve purchased your Caribbean cruiser, it’s essential to consider the ongoing maintenance and operating expenses. These costs can include marina fees, insurance, fuel, regular servicing, repairs, and upgrades. Marina fees in the Caribbean can range from $500 to $2,000 per month, depending on the location and facilities. Insurance costs typically amount to 1% to 2% of the boat’s value annually. Fuel expenses can vary significantly based on usage but may average around $1,000 to $2,000 per month for regular cruisers. Routine servicing and repairs can add up, so budgeting around 10% of the boat’s value annually for these expenses is advisable. Upgrades and renovations should also be factored in, with costs varying based on the extent of the work needed.

By carefully planning for both the initial purchase costs and ongoing expenses of your Caribbean cruiser, you can enjoy a smooth sailing experience in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean.

Safety Considerations for Caribbean Cruising

When cruising the Caribbean, ensuring you have the right safety measures in place is paramount to enjoy a worry-free journey. Be well-prepared with the essential safety considerations to make your Caribbean cruising experience safe and enjoyable.

Navigational Equipment

Equipping your boat with the necessary navigational tools is crucial for safe navigation in the Caribbean waters. Here are some key navigational equipment items you should have on board:

• GPS System : A reliable GPS system helps you accurately determine your position, making navigation easier, especially in unfamiliar waters with changing sea conditions.
• Radar : Radar technology aids in detecting nearby vessels, landmasses, and adverse weather conditions, enhancing your situational awareness and overall safety.
• Depth Sounder : A depth sounder provides real-time information about water depth, crucial for avoiding underwater hazards and ensuring smooth sailing.
• Navigation Charts : Always carry updated navigation charts of the Caribbean to plan your route, identify dangers, and navigate safely to your destinations.

Communication and Emergency Gear

Effective communication and emergency preparedness are vital for your safety at sea. Here are some essential communication and emergency gear items you should have on board:

• VHF Radio : A VHF marine radio allows you to communicate with other vessels, seek assistance in emergencies, and stay informed about weather updates and maritime traffic.
• EPIRB : An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon is a must-have device for sending distress signals and your precise location to search and rescue authorities in case of emergencies.
• Life Raft : Having a properly equipped and maintained life raft on board ensures that you and your crew have a safe means of evacuation in the event of a serious emergency such as abandoning ship.
• First Aid Kit : A well-stocked first aid kit is essential to treat minor injuries and provide initial medical assistance until professional help can be reached.

By having the right navigational equipment and communication tools on board, as well as being prepared with emergency gear, you can navigate the Caribbean waters safely and enjoy a memorable cruising experience.

You’ve now explored a range of boat options for your Caribbean cruising adventure, each offering unique features to match your preferences. Understanding the region’s culture, weather, and sea conditions is crucial for a memorable experience. Whether you prefer luxury, speed, or comfort, there’s a perfect boat waiting for you. Consider your budget, maintenance costs, and safety measures to ensure smooth sailing throughout your journey. With the right vessel and preparation, you’re all set to embark on an unforgettable Caribbean cruising experience. Happy sailing!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular boat choices for a caribbean nautical adventure.

Luxury: Consider high-end brands like Sunseeker and Azimut for premium cruising comfort. Speed: Opt for sleek performance boats such as Sea Ray or Fountain for thrilling rides. Comfort: Look into spacious cruisers like Beneteau or Jeanneau for relaxed voyages.

What factors should I consider when choosing a boat for Caribbean cruising?

Hull design: Select deep-V hulls for stability in rough seas and planing hulls for speed. Sail plan: Choose between sloops for simplicity or ketches for versatility. Rigging: Go for easy-to-handle rigging systems like fractional rigs. Amenities: Prioritize features like air conditioning, water makers, and spacious cabins for added comfort.

How much does it cost to purchase a boat for Caribbean cruising?

Used monohulls: Start around $20,000 for budget-friendly options. New catamarans: Can exceed $1 million for top-tier luxury models. Prices vary based on age, condition, brand, and included amenities.

What ongoing expenses should I budget for when owning a boat in the Caribbean?

Marina fees, insurance, fuel, servicing, repairs, and upgrades are common costs. The expenses fluctuate depending on the boat’s value, size, age, and intended usage.

What safety equipment is essential for a safe Caribbean cruising experience?

GPS systems, radar, depth sounders, and navigation charts aid in safe navigation. Communication gear like VHF radios, EPIRBs, life rafts, and first aid kits enhance emergency preparedness.

Hi, I'm Richard, a passionate traveler and cruise enthusiast. With over a decade of experience exploring the world's oceans, I've developed a deep love for all things related to cruising. Whether it's luxury liners or intimate river cruises, I enjoy sharing my insights and tips to help others plan their perfect getaway. When I'm not sailing the seas, you can find me writing about my adventures or planning my next voyage

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The Ultimate Guide to Caribbean Island-Hopping

See recent posts by Lilly Graves

Ever dream of visiting multiple islands in the Caribbean on the same vacation, without sharing space with hundreds (er, thousands) of cruisers who are on the same ship and trip? You’re off to a good start. The close proximity of the Caribbean islands makes it the perfect base for a freedom-filled island-hopping adventure with various activities, cultures, and island vibes to choose from. From golden sandy beaches and water sports to barefoot restaurants and rum shops, this famously laid-back Caribbean lifestyle is ideal for a tailor-made trip—and there are several itineraries ranging from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy. Below we’ve listed four Caribbean island-hopping itinerary ideas, along with some tips and tricks. 

Caribbean Island-Hopping Itinerary #1: Use Public Ferries

Though not technically part of the Caribbean (it’s actually part of the North Atlantic), the Bahamas exudes everything you think of when dreaming of a Caribbean vacation. The island group is comprised of more than 700 stunning subtropical islands as well as thousands of cays. Of course, having your own boat or prop plane to explore the Bahamas is the best-case scenario, but if you’re not part of the one percent, we’ll give you a transportation option that is easy-peasy and won’t break the bank: the public ferry.

Nassau: Begin your adventure in the country’s capital, Nassau, 184 miles from Miami. This bustling capital city hub provides a nice mix of city and island life, as well as Bahamian culture and lifestyle. You can either stay a night or two on this island (New Providence) or head to neighboring Paradise Island—home of the Atlantis mega-resort and its gigantic waterpark, as well as a handful of other properties. If you don’t stay on Paradise Island, make sure to head across the bridge, which charges a nominal fee, and spend some time on Cabbage Beach. This is one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand for a reason.

Harbour Island: Now that you’ve seen two of the country’s more popular islands, next, take a morning ferry from Nassau to Harbour Island, via BahamasFerries.com, where you’ll find small island charm and long stretches of soft pink sand. There are some wonderful boutique hotels here that offer easy access to the beach. You can also spend time wandering through the quiet streets looking for pastel-hued cottages and unique architecture with nothing more than the occasional chicken and golf cart in your path.

Eleuthera: Since Harbour Island is located just off a much bigger island—Eleuthera—you can head there next, by water taxi (a short and cheap ride) to finish the trip in the pineapple capital of the world. Locals say that the Gregory Town pineapple claims to be the sweetest on the planet, and it is believed that the Bahamas was the first country to produce the fruit. While here, visit the Glass Window Bridge—a thin pathway connecting the rough Atlantic Ocean and the calm waters of the Bight of Eleuthera for striking photo ops. From here, take the ferry back to Nassau.

Exuma: You can finish the trip in Nassau (that’s four key islands) or continue the journey (optional) through more remote areas of the Bahamas. For instance, take another ferry from Nassau to Georgetown (Exuma Island), or jump on a 40-minute commercial flight to Great Exuma, via Bahamasair . Either way, the Exumas consists of 365 islands and is known for swimming pigs, nurse sharks, colorful fish, coral reefs, and other marine life, as well as boating excursions, on-island tours, and miles of rarely-visited beaches—in other words, plenty of Caribbean activities to keep you busy for days.

Our Bahamas Hotel Pick : The Cove at Atlantis

Caribbean Island-Hopping Itinerary #3: Book Through a Tour Operator

For the easiest island-hopping itinerary, book through a tour operator. Sure, this alleviates some of the adventure factors of planning your own trip, but you’ll still be on your very own multi-island vacation without the cruise ship crowds. Check out companies like Abercrombie & Kent, G Adventures , or the U.K.-based company Tropic Breeze for various sailing excursions and options.

One affordable G Adventures sailing trip ($1699 at the time of publishing) buys an unforgettable eight-night trip sailing around St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Since resorts are generally so expensive year-round, sleeping on a catamaran keeps costs low AND allows easy access to hidden coves, isolated beaches, and snorkeling sites. Oh, and the cook makes fresh Creole cuisine for a taste of island life every night. Yum.

Our St. Lucia Hotel Pick: Sugar Beach, A Vicer oy Resort

Caribbean Island-Hopping Itinerary #3: Plan your Own One-Way Adventure

So you consider yourself a savvy trip planner and want to create your own Caribbean island-hopping itinerary? That can be tricky. Finding direct flights between Caribbean islands can either be difficult, expensive—or both, but there are options. This sample itinerary allows you to see four French Caribbean islands, accessed with affordable, direct, one-way flights—in one fell swoop.

St. Martin: You’ll arrive first at St. Martin, an island divided between the French Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We recommend staying on the French side due to its romantic restaurants, charming boutiques, and sandy beaches (the Dutch side, where you’ll fly into, is known as the party side).

St. Barts: After a few days on St. Martin, hop aboard a quick 15-minute flight to St. Barts, where you’ll land on one of the shortest runways in commercial aviation. If this sounds scary, you can choose the efficient 45-minute ferry crossing from St. Martin instead. However you choose to travel, arriving at St. Barts (or St. Barths as the locals call it) will offer laid-back luxury and French refinement. Spend a few days exploring some of the 16 beaches, each with its own distinct personality, and of course chic boutiques and restaurants. (In other words, prepare to splurge a bit more on this leg of the trip.)

Guadeloupe: From St. Barts, take a one-way flight to Guadeloupe. This French territory with 12 islands offers plenty of deserted beaches and jungle hikes. The main two islands (joined by bridges) are Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, which form a butterfly shape from above.

And beyond: Depending on how much time you have, from Guadeloupe, you can access other islands like Martinique, St. Lucia, and Antigua by purchasing affordable, one-way flights on carriers like LIAT and Caribbean Airlines .

Our St. Barths Hotel Pick: Cheval Blanc Saint Barth

Caribbean Island-Hopping Itinerary #4: Charter a Private Boat

Chartering a private sailboat or yacht to enjoy a Caribbean island-hopping vacation for a small group or family is about as dream-worthy (and splurge-worthy) as it gets. Check out family operations like BlueFoot Travel for direct bookings, or Ritzy Charters , which acts as a community marketplace for yacht and sailboat charters. You can browse a dizzying array of options to choose your perfect boat and crew with photos and reviews. It’s like booking your own private cruise.

The British Virgin Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands are some of the top places to sail in the Caribbean, thanks to excellent trade winds, crystal-clear blue water, and intricate coral reef systems. The B.V.I. and U.S.V.I. are also a lot closer together than many other island destinations, with travel times often under an hour. Whichever locations you decide to add to your yacht charter itinerary there are plenty of exciting things to do on every island.

One eight-day sample itinerary sets sail from St. Thomas where you’ll cruise to a beach in Trunk Cay, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Offshore you can snorkel at the Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail, which has underwater signs explaining the types of sea life you may encounter. On land, hike trails leading to old sugar plantations, or visit the snack bar on the beach. From there, sail to a friendly marina in Tortola with cafes, bars, shops, and restaurants, and then continue to a chain of southern islands in the B.V.I. Peter Island, the largest of the seven, is a popular spot for yachts and has a number of beautiful beaches for water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and scuba-diving amongst the offshore reefs.

Your next stop is The Baths on Virgin Gorda, a beach full of fascinating geological formations where you can swim, snorkel, and explore until you work up an appetite. Later, on Jost Van Dyke, you’ll find some of the best places on the trip for nightlife and live music. You’ll then visit the lush landscapes of St. John’s Virgin Islands National Park, which covers nearly all of the island. Hiking trails wind their way through the vegetation and down to the pebble beaches. There are even ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks along the Reef Bay Trail. Aside from its natural and historical attractions, you can also find nice shops for souvenirs and upscale restaurants. The trip culminates back in St. Thomas where you’ll bid your crew (and new friends) a final farewell.

Our U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel Pick: Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort

Additional Caribbean Island-Hopping Tips & Tricks

When planning your own Caribbean island-hopping itinerary, make sure to stay at least two nights at each destination. Though ambitious types might want to cross as many places (and Instagram posts) off their list as possible, you’ll be missing the point. Caribbean vacations are meant to be relaxing.

Once you get a price quote for any tour or private transfer, it’s worth the effort to call around and get additional quotes. Be sure to ask about extra charges like dock, airport, and takeoff fees.

Many flights between islands could be on a prop plane. When it comes to riding in a prop plane, don’t be shy to ask about safety. Any reputable operator should have safety information readily available, and won’t mind answering questions about their pilots. Fliers should ask if the pilot (especially if there is no co-pilot) has any health issues and if the operator (or the plane itself) has had any accidents or incidents in its history.

When chartering a boat or booking a tour, do ask about customizing the itinerary. Many companies will try to accommodate your preferences.

Pack smart! When it comes to multiple car transfers, ferries, and small planes, weight matters. Don’t expect to bring two weeks of stuff for a week of vacationing in the Caribbean. If need be, consider doing some laundry by hand while you’re in one place for a few nights. You’ll travel lighter and happier!

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5 Best Cruising Sailboats In 2024

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

January 2, 2024

The appeal of owning a cruising sailboat is one that deep down almost everyone shares.

Even someone who has no intention of ever sailing can see the appeal of owning such a vessel.

So much of the appeal is tied into the possibilities , the sense of wonder that owning such a boat bestows on its owner.

‍ Whether you are making a voyage from one coast of the United States to the other or plan to make your way around the globe, a decent cruising sailboat is a must. Not all sailboats are built to withstand the high seas and high winds of the open water.

Sure, they may do well enough when hugging the coastline, but sailing far and away over the horizon is a completely different animal.

This article will help you know what to look for in a cruising sailboat and which specific boats you should look into buying. There are hundreds of great options on the market, these 5 are just some of the best.

Table of contents

What are cruising sailboats?

Cruising sailboats are ones that are designed to be used over long distances.

They are bigger, stronger, and far more stable.

If you imagine a typical small sailboat such as a wayfarer you are looking at a pretty solid boat.

Good quality, great for beginners, very safe, very affordable.

But, it is simply not going to cut it out at sea for long.

People have used the wayfarer to sail from the United Kingdom to Norway.

But, people have also done that in a kayak.

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should or that you would even want to if given the opportunity.

A cruising boat is meant to be liveable for long periods between making land.

Typically, cruising just means a multi-day trip.

In reality, it can be far longer.

Reid Stowe once sailed his self built 70-foot schooner for over three and a half years.

This is an extreme example, no one lives on their boat that long, but it gives you an idea of the possibilities.

To be able to spend so much time on a boat requires that it be of an adequate size to accommodate everything you would need.

If a sailboat is capable of housing you for a few days, technically it can be classed as a cruising sailboat .

Typically, cruising sailboats can reach speeds of ten knots.

This is needed to be able to make it from one point of land to another before supplies run out.

This is not a technical requirement to be “classed” as a cruising sailboat, just a practical one.

What makes a sailboat good for traveling long distances?

While, yes, a sailboat capable of traveling for multiple days without making land could be classed as a cruising sailboat. There are some criteria that it needs to hit to be considered a good choice. Your sailboat needs to not only be capable of making the journey but doing it safely. Here are some important things to consider when deciding if a sailboat would be suitable for cruising:

A boat that is not going to be stable is not ideal for cruising. When sailing for multiple days chances are you are going to crossing through rough seas and dangerous waters. If you don’t have a boat that can stand up to these conditions you are going to be in trouble. A good way of assessing stability is width and hull type. If a boat has a very wide, or multiple, hulls you can assume it is going to be quite stable.

The bigger the boat the better, not only for stability but for comfort. If you are going to be essentially trapped on your boat for several days it is a good idea to have as much room to move about as possible. Both in the cabin and on the deck. If you are stuck inside because of bad weather for several days every extra square foot you have is going to be a blessing. Size matters to when you consider how many people you can bring on your voyage. They don’t just require their sleeping quarters/bunk they need space to move around.

Strength matters. A strong hull will help you withstand even the roughest conditions. Some boats are built with metal reinforcing on their hulls, some aren’t. If given the choice, you would do well to choose the former. Strength doesn’t just mean material but the overall build of the boat. If a boat doesn’t have a strong mast, the sail is more likely to come down. A sailboat without a mast or sail is much more likely to capsize.

Being able to travel long distances is not only limited by the strength or sturdiness of the boat but how much storage it has. If you plan to be sailing for 7 days you will need 7 days worth of supplies. If a boat doesn’t have the storage to accommodate this, you won’t be able to make the journey. Just because a boat is larger doesn’t mean it will have more storage room.

Experience:

More than anything, what makes a sailboat suitable for cruising is having an experienced skipper. There is a big difference between sailing for multiple days and multiple hours. Make sure you are capable of making the voyage before you think about whether your boat can.

What do people find so appealing about sailing long distances?

There is such a romantic notion of being able to sail wherever you please, whenever you please. Being able to make long voyages is so much more exciting than shorter ones. The chance to cruise from country to country is such an exciting opportunity that few people in the modern era have. Sailing from country to country used to be the only way to get around. Now, everyone uses planes. Sailing brings people back to their ancestral roots in a way no other form of transport does. There may not be new lands to discover on behalf of our countries, but there are new lands to discover for ourselves. Reading about, hearing about, or watching documentaries on places is not the same as exploring them for yourself by sea.

The sense of adventure and discovery is like nothing else. Who doesn’t dream of making the journey around the world? Most people will never do it, but the dream is still there. Most of all though, long-distance cruising is exciting . The adrenaline from making the dangerous trip through open sees is truly exhilarating. Whether you are racing or cruising along at your own pace, there is always a sense of danger when out at sea. Some people love it, they crave it, but it isn’t for everyone.

Is sailing long distances dangerous?

Sailing long distances may be romantic, it may be exciting, it may be freeing, but it is also one of the most dangerous things you can do. When you are out of contact with the rest of the world, out at sea beyond the help of those onshore, the potential for danger is huge. You don’t know what will happen, you don’t know what could go wrong. No matter how experienced, how skilled, or how brave you are there is the potential for disaster. There are things you can do to improve the odds. Being a great sailor is one, making sure you have the best cruising sailboat possible is another. You don’t have to spend millions or even hundreds of thousands on getting a great sailboat. Some are far more affordable than you might expect.

What are the 5 best cruising sailboats?

There are so many fantastic sailboats out there that finding the right one might feel impossible. The choice is overwhelming, even with the above guide on what to look for in your boat there are still almost endless choices. Luckily, this article is here to help. This section will give you a good selection of cruising sailboats at various price points. Which one is best for you will likely depend on a mixture of preference and budget. While none of these boats are exactly cheap, they won’t break the bank like some of the other options on the market.

Prout Snowgoose 37

{{boat-info="/boats/prout-snowgoose-37"}}

If you are looking for a reliable sailboat look no farther than the Prout Snowgoose 37. This large catamaran makes use of its double hulls for increased width and stability. It is easy to steer, handles well, and is pretty spacious. There are more roomy catamarans on the market but none are as strong as this one. It is built to be sailed long distances in rough conditions. Its fiberglass hull makes it light and nimble all while retaining its strength. It is a slightly older model, but one that will serve you well. It is British made so finding one in the States can be a little tricky. If you do find one though you would do well to jump at the chance to purchase it.

Price: Less than $100k

{{boat-info="/boats/corbin-39"}}

The Corbin 39 is a beautiful blue water sailboat. It is a very rare boat with a proud history. Only a handful of these boats were finished to completion in the factory, the majority were sold as kits and built by the boat’s owner. Because of this method of production, this model can vary drastically on the inside. The interiors are all expressions of their owner’s creativity, and craftsmanship. This means you may want to have a proper look around inside the boat before purchasing one. The outside, especially the hull, is likely to be the same from boat to boat as they were sold as a piece. If you don’t mind potentially having to remodel the interior this might be the boat for you. The Corbin 39 is a rather large boat, the deck is huge and is perfect for transporting multiple passengers. You may have to shell out some more cash for renovations but the boat itself is second to none.

Price: $80k

Tayana Vancouver 42

{{boat-info="/boats/tayana-vancouver-42"}}

Finding one of these cruisers isn’t going to be too hard, as quite a few were made, but it is important to note they were made almost 40 years ago. Some models were made in the early 2000s, but not many. This double-ended hull cruiser is incredibly strong, it has a cast iron ballast and can withstand even the very worst weather conditions. This boat is strong, rugged, but not very quick. If you are looking for speed this is not the boat for you. The hull is fiberglass so you know you are getting a sturdy boat, but the trade-off from the iron ballast means this boat is heavy and slow to maneuver. This double sail cruiser costs anywhere from $80-$100 grand depending on how old the model you are looking at is. The older ones are a bit cheaper, at the expense of being a little worse for wear.

{{boat-info="/boats/nordic-40"}}

This 40-foot cruiser is a jack of all trades type of craft. If you are looking for a very solid middle of the pack choice this is the one for you. It does everything well but excels almost nowhere except in size. The Nordic 40 is very large for the price you are paying, so you are certainly getting your money worth here. This vessel is sturdy, strong, light and nimble. It is capable of moving very quickly and agilely through the water in a light breeze but is more than capable of resisting tougher conditions. If you are looking for a cruiser that is good for living on, not just sailing on, this could be the one for you. Its extra size means extra storage and living spaces. It has a great shower, huge fridge, plenty of counter space and decent sized sleeping quarters.

Pacific Sea Craft 34

{{boat-info="/boats/pacific-seacraft-34"}}

If you are looking for the perfect cruiser for you and your significant other, the Pacific Sea Craft 34 is just what you are looking for. It has a solid fiberglass hull and is capable of reaching decent speeds. The 34 may be slightly smaller than some of the other options but it still has plenty of storage, six and a half feet of headroom, and is simply stunning to look at. This sailboat is incredibly well designed, its 13,500 pounds of displacement make it strong and sure in the water without losing its agility.

Hopefully, you now have a good idea about what to look for in a sailing cruise boat. There are so many great options on the market, the ones mentioned above are just a good starting point. If you take the time to find the right boat for you , you won’t regret it. Buying a cruising sailboat is a huge commitment, it is important to be sure of your choice before you make the purchase. Good luck with your hunt for the perfect cruiser!

Thinking of living on a sailboat? Read up on the 10 Best Sailboats To Live In.

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In the August 2024 issue of Yachting World magazine: News Few finish a tempestuous Round The Island Race European rules are eased for cruising to France and Greece Olympic sailing…

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Caribbean sailing: Top tips from two years exploring this cruising paradise

• March 12, 2020

The Caribbean is a veritable cruising paradise. Terysa Vanderloo shares her tips from two seasons exploring the islands

Cayo Diablo is an idyllic diving spot off Puerto Rico

Rodney Bay in St Lucia was our first taste of the Caribbean and turned out to be the perfect introduction to cruising this area. There was an abundance of restaurants and bars, as well as the local village of Gros Islet a mile away. Someone from the marina told us to head over on a Friday night for the weekly Jump Up, so when the time came we duly walked down the rickety jetty towards the lights and thumping music.

The streets were thronged with people, locals and tourists alike. There were food stalls lining the street selling all manner of barbecued meat and fish, interspersed with makeshift bars groaning under the weight of jars and bottles bearing hand-written labels. We learned the hard way that purchasing one of these rum punches would ensure a headache the next morning: they were far more potent than the sweet, fruity taste let on.

Soufriere and the unforgettable Pitons of St Lucia make a spectacular welcome for cruisers. Photo: Alamy / Robert Harding World Imagery

We were thrilled with our introduction to the region, thinking that we had quickly identified the ‘real’ Caribbean. However, over the following season we came to learn that this broad term doesn’t encompass the many nuanced differences between cultures in this part of the world.

Despite their similarities, there are no two islands that are truly alike in the Caribbean. Even the French islands that we visited – Martinique, Guadeloupe, St Barth and St Martin – shared only a common language and the same supermarkets; in many other respects they were very different.

The Windward Isles

Nick was desperate to return to the Tobago Cays, which he recalled being utterly idyllic when he’d visited them during his Yachtmaster course several years previously. That had been in the low season. It transpired that the Tobago Cays are a very different place in the middle of January.

Article continues below…

Caribbean sailing tips: Chris Doyle on making the most of your time there

Chris Doyle’s is a name familiar to all Caribbean cruisers, as the author of best-selling cruising guides of the region.…

Sailing in Cuba: The joys of exploring the island by yacht

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I did see my very first turtle there (it lazily swam around the boat, then promptly darted away as I clumsily jumped in the water for a closer look) but the anchorage was otherwise so overcrowded it was fairly unappealing. We left after just one night. Grenada, a little further south, gave us our first insight into ‘liveaboard’ culture.

There is a permanent liveaboard community in Grenada and we quickly fell into a pleasant routine of listening to the radio net in the morning, joining in with themed happy hours each evening, and I was even persuaded to go along to a group yoga class. There was always something to do and it was clear that many people made it to Grenada and then saw little point in moving on. We, however, had the rest of the Caribbean to explore.

Photo: Alamy / Chris A Crumley

Martinique proved to be a favourite. There are a variety of anchorages along its leeward coast, the most spectacular of which is surely at the foot of Mount Pelée, a volcano that towers above the tiny village on the seafront, and early last century wiped out all but two of its inhabitants when it spectacularly erupted.

The island’s French culture is evident as soon as you step off your dinghy ashore. Baguettes, pastries, wine and cheese are plentiful and there are several hypermarkets out of town for provisioning .

Nick and I spent a long and memorable morning negotiating our way by public transport to the HyperU. Giddy with the range of products at our fingertips, we bought a pressure cooker, a bread machine and filled a trolley with groceries, wine and beer, only to realise that we had no way of transporting all our goodies to the boat. One expensive cab journey and an over owing dinghy ride later, we had finally stocked Ruby Rose .

Photo: Richard Langdon / Ocean Images

Dominica was another highlight. It is easily the most spectacular island in the Lesser Antilles that we visited: a jumble of forest-covered volcanoes jut into the sky, their peaks often obscured by cloud. One Sunday evening at sunset the local families all converged on the beach where we were anchored.

Swimming in the sea with them, chatting about their lives and watching the kids take turns leaping from the pier, a background of golden-tinted jungle rising behind them, was an experience that will stay with me for a long time. It’s these low-key, everyday experiences that make this cruising life so special.

We continued north to the Leeward Islands, stopping at Les Saintes, a small archipelago of the French Antilles, north of Dominica. It has a strong resemblance to the Atlantic coast of Brittany, not least due to its architecture and excellent restaurants.

From Les Saintes we made our way to Guadeloupe and Deshaies, where it rained and the wind howled for days on end. We were going stir-crazy being stuck on board and eventually made a break for Antigua. Our punishment was enduring eight hours of being tossed around and feeling seasick before gratefully arriving in Falmouth Harbour.

Here we found many bars and restaurants of unusually high quality (the standard of food in restaurants in the Caribbean is generally not nearly as good as we’re used to in Europe, even on the French islands). We stuck around for the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, determined to get our hands on the famous ‘red hats’, given out only at the closing event.

Tickets for the final event were a challenge to get hold of, but we dutifully spent several evenings bar-hopping and ingesting large quantities of rum in order to secure our entry to the party.

After bypassing Nevis and St Kitts due to a rapidly-closing weather window, we spent several very rolly nights in St Barth’s notoriously uncomfortable Gustavia anchorage. I don’t normally ‘do’ rolly anchorages, but for St Barth I was willing to put up with a lot.

The town was extremely picturesque, and as quintessentially French as it’s possible to find in the Caribbean. We had fresh baguettes, cheap wine and fois gras daily, and enjoyed looking in all the upmarket shops.

St Maarten was a necessary stop for us as we had decided to upgrade our tender and do some other boat maintenance. We had planned on a week there, but ended up staying for three; something we were warned about the very first morning on the daily radio net. “This place has a way of sucking you in!” Mike, the net controller, cheerfully informed us.

The Caribbean is also famed for its sailing regattas. Photo: Paul Wyeth

There was a large and friendly community of liveaboards and cruisers on the island, many of whom were stopping for repairs and maintenance just like us. This meant that every evening at the local hangout Lagoonies there were always familiar faces and we used this opportunity to connect with old friends and make new ones.

The longer we spent in the Caribbean, the more the community became a part of our lives. One weekend we headed to the St John, in the US Virgin Islands, anticipating a quiet few days alone. However, it was not to be. As we picked up a mooring buoy (no anchoring allowed) we were hailed on the radio; friends of ours had seen us on the AIS and were coming on over.

They invited several couples we had never met before but followed on social media, who happened to be in the area. So five couples of a similar age converged and our plans for solitude and recovery were abruptly postponed.

Photo: Tor Johnson

What followed was a weekend that couldn’t have been better if we’d planned it: by day we went diving for lobster, hiking, and, on one particularly memorable afternoon swam with a dolphin and her calf who seemed just as excited to play with us as we were with them!

It was truly the most magical experience I’ve had while cruising. By night we’d descend on somebody’s boat, eat lobster, drink rum cocktails and be serenaded by the two guitar players and singers of the group.

These few days epitomised what we loved about cruising the Caribbean and it couldn’t have been a better end to our time there. The islands of the Lesser Antilles were varied and each had its own culture, character and distinctive beauty.

Every time we had to move on we felt the pull to stay; only our sense of curiosity and adventure kept us sailing. We were ultimately rewarded with all the friends we’ve met and the beautiful islands we’ve been privileged enough to visit.

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Best places for...

13 Best Cruising Sailboats in 2023 & Why They're Better

If you're interested in long-distance exploration at sea, cruising sailboats are a popular choice. The best cruising sailboats are designed to provide comfort, durability, and seaworthiness. From high-performance cruisers with heirloom-quality materials to versatile boats, there's something in this lineup for your skill level and preference. These boats have raised the bar and are set to provide memorable sailing experiences.

The best cruising sailboats are:

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54

Jeanneau sun odyssey 490, x-yachts x49, dufour grand large 460, hallberg-rassy 340, tartan 4300, island packet 420, fountaine pajot saona 47, lagoon 450f, bavaria cruiser 46.

One aspect that sets these sailboats apart is their focus on innovation and performance. Let's take a closer look at the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023 and explore what makes them stand out from the rest.

• These cruising sailboats feature spacious interiors, sturdy hulls, and versatile sail configurations.
• These sailboats are equipped with navigation and communication systems, as well as additional features such as watermakers, generators, and refrigeration systems.
• You can buy these boats for anything between $250,000 and $1.4 million or more.
• A cruiser is a type of sailboat that is generally larger and more comfortable than a racing sailboat.

On this page:

Best cruising sailboats, why these sailboats are better, the most popular cruising sailboat.

In this section, we'll explore the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023, highlighting their unique features and reasons why they stand out in the market.

Comfortable living space : A cruising sailboat should have a comfortable living space that can accommodate the crew for an extended period of time. This includes a spacious cabin, galley, head, and berths.

Seaworthiness : A cruising sailboat should be able to handle rough seas and adverse weather conditions. It should have a sturdy hull, a well-designed keel, and a balanced rigging system.

Sailing performance : A cruising sailboat should have good sailing performance, which includes speed, stability, and ease of handling. It should be able to sail efficiently in different wind conditions.

Safety features : A cruising sailboat should have safety features such as a reliable navigation system, adequate safety equipment, and a strong anchoring system.

Storage space : A cruising sailboat should have enough storage space for provisions, equipment, and personal belongings. This includes storage lockers, shelves, and compartments.

Energy efficiency : A cruising sailboat should have an energy-efficient system that can provide power for lighting, electronics, and other equipment without relying on shore power.

Durability : A cruising sailboat should be built to last and withstand the wear and tear of extended cruising. This includes using high-quality materials and construction techniques.

The Amel 50 is known for its luxurious and comfortable accommodations, and excellent seaworthiness. Its unique features include a spacious interior with modern design, an innovative cockpit layout, and a powerful yet easy-to-handle sailing system.

The Amel 50 has a unique feature called the "Amel Easy Docking" system, which allows for easy and precise maneuvering in tight spaces. It also has a unique "Amel Silent Block" system, which reduces noise and vibration for a more comfortable ride.

The Oyster 565 is known for its high-quality construction, attention to detail, and luxurious accommodations, as well as its excellent safety features. It provides you with exceptional performance and comfort. Its sleek hull design offers fast, stable sailing, while the spacious, high-quality interior ensures you'll enjoy your time onboard.

The Oyster 565 has a unique feature called the "Oyster Deck Saloon," which provides 360-degree views and adequate natural light in the living space. It also has a unique "Oyster DNA" system, which allows for customization of the boat to suit the owner's preferences.

With its cutting-edge design and performance, the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 lets you sail in style. Its chined hull, twin rudders, and easy handling make it a pleasure to sail, while the spacious, modern interior ensures your comfort on longer voyages.

The Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 has a unique feature called the "Dock & Go" system, which allows for easy and precise maneuvering in tight spaces. It also has a unique "Beneteau Smart Sailing" system, which includes a suite of electronic and navigational tools for easy and safe sailing.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 is known for its hard chine design, and excellent performance and stability. It offers innovative design and functionality. Its walk-around decks, unique cockpit layout, and high-quality interior make it ideal for cruising in comfort.

The Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 has a unique feature called the "Walk-Around Deck," which allows for easy and safe movement around the boat. It also has a unique "Jeanneau Sun Loft" system, which provides a flexible and customizable living space.

The X-Yachts X49 combines performance, luxury, and comfort. It is known for its high-performance hull design, excellent speed and stability. With its fast hull, advanced sailing systems, and plush interior, the X49 is perfect for both racing and cruising.

The X-Yachts X49 has a unique feature called the "X-Yachts Pure X" system, which includes a suite of performance-enhancing features such as a carbon fiber mast and boom, a racing-inspired sail plan, and a deep lead keel.

The Dufour Grand Large 460 provides you with both comfort and performance. It is known for its innovative design, featuring a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster for easy handling. Its spacious interior, ergonomic deck layout, and powerful sailing capabilities make it an excellent choice for long-distance cruising.

The Dufour Grand Large 460 has a unique feature called the "Dufour Easy" system, which includes a suite of tools for easy and safe sailing, such as a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster. It also has a unique "Dufour Grand Large Lounge" system, which provides a flexible and customizable living space.

Experience easy handling and modern style with the Hanse 458. It is known for its sleek and modern design, self-tacking jib, large swim platform. Its innovative self-tacking jib, efficient deck layout, and comfortable accommodation make it perfect for family cruising.

The Hanse 458 has a unique feature called the "Hanse Easy Sailing" system, which includes a suite of tools for easy and safe sailing, such as a self-tacking jib and retractable bow thruster. It also has a unique "Hanse Individual Cabin Concept" system, which allows for customization of the living space to suit the owner's preferences.

Known for its quality and craftsmanship, the Hallberg-Rassy 340 offers you comfort and performance in a compact package. It is known for its classic design, long waterline, spacious cockpit, and comfortable and practical accommodations. With its stable hull, efficient sailplan, and well-designed interior, it's ideal for long-range cruising on a smaller scale.

The Hallberg-Rassy 340 has a unique feature called the "Hallberg-Rassy Hardtop," which provides protection from the elements and a spacious cockpit area. It also has a unique "Hallberg-Rassy Quality Concept" system, which includes high-quality construction materials and techniques for durability and longevity.

The Tartan 4300 delivers a perfect balance of performance and comfort. It is known for its high-quality construction, cored hull and deck for added strength and durability. Its epoxy-infused hull provides lightweight strength, while the spacious, beautifully crafted interior ensures a luxurious cruising experience.

The Tartan 4300 has a unique feature called the "Tartan Infusion Molding Process," which allows for precise and consistent construction of the hull and deck for added strength and durability. It also has a unique "Tartan Smart Sailing" system, which includes a suite of electronic and navigational tools for easy and safe sailing.

For those who value comfort and classic design, the Island Packet 420 won't disappoint. It is known for its full keel design, excellent stability and seaworthiness. Its spacious, well-appointed interior and solid construction make it a reliable choice for long voyages.

The Island Packet 420 has a unique feature called the "Island Packet Full Foil Keel," which provides excellent stability and seaworthiness. It also has a unique "Island Packet Anchoring System," which includes a powerful windlass and a custom-designed anchor roller for easy and safe anchoring.

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 catamaran offers you the perfect combination of speed, stability, and space. Its sleek hulls and spacious, well-designed living areas make it an excellent choice for cruising with friends and family.

The Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 has a unique feature called the "Fountaine Pajot Helmsman's Position," which provides excellent visibility and control of the boat. It also has a unique "Fountaine Pajot Lounge Deck" system, which provides a spacious and comfortable living space.

Cruise in style on the Lagoon 450F, known for its spacious accommodations and excellent performance under sail. With its distinctive flybridge, comfortable cabins, and efficient sailing system, it's ideal for multi-day getaways.

The Lagoon 450F has a unique feature called the "Lagoon Flybridge," which provides excellent visibility and control of the boat. It also has a unique "Lagoon Spacious Cockpit" system, which provides a comfortable and practical living space.

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 is a versatile and stylish cruiser that offers excellent performance and comfort. It is known for its innovative design, featuring a drop-down transom for easy access to the water. Its user-friendly sailing systems, attractive interior, and practical deck layout make it an ideal choice for a wide range of cruising adventures.

The Bavaria Cruiser 46 has a unique feature called the "Bavaria Hybrid Propulsion System," which allows for energy-efficient sailing and propulsion. It also has a unique "Bavaria Smart Storage" system, which provides enough storage space for gear and supplies. Additionally, the Bavaria Cruiser 46 has a unique "Bavaria Vision" design concept, which includes a spacious and comfortable living space with plenty of natural light and ventilation.

Cruising Gear Essentials

Key features to look for

Versatile hull design.

This allows your sailboat to navigate in various conditions, making it ideal for long-distance cruising.

Efficient sail plan

By having a well-designed sail layout, your boat provides better control, handling, and propulsion.

High-quality construction

Top-quality materials and craftsmanship not only increase the boat's durability, but also enhance its performance.

Comfortable accommodations

When you spend extended periods at sea, you want your sailboat to feel like home, with adequate living space and modern amenities. For an extended sailing trip, you are going to need these 41 sailboat cruising essentials .

How they improve sailing experience

Easier boat handling.

Advanced rigging systems, self-tacking jibs, and other innovative technologies make it easier for you to manage your boat, allowing for more time spent enjoying the sea.

Increased safety

State-of-the-art navigation equipment and weather forecasting systems help you anticipate environmental changes, ensuring a safe voyage.

Sustainable power options

Many sailboats in 2023 come with solar panels, hydro generators, or hybrid propulsion options, reducing your environmental impact and providing more sustainable choices while out at sea.

Integrated connectivity

These boats boast digital systems that allow you to stay connected, monitor your journey, and update your friends and family with your adventures.

Their advantages over others

Better performance.

These boats have been designed with speed, stability, and maneuverability in mind, ensuring top-notch sailing experiences.

Longevity and value

Since they're built with high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship, these boats are certain to last, making them a wise investment.

Customization options

Many of these sailboats offer customizable features, allowing you to tailor the boat to your specific needs and preferences.

Award-winning designs

Several of these boats have received prestigious awards for their innovative features and performance, making them the ultimate cruising sailboats for any passionate sailor.

The Island Packet 420 and Lagoon 450F are the two most popular cruising sailboats known for their comfort, seaworthiness, and versatility.

The Island Packet 420 is a well-regarded cruising sailboat that has a loyal following. It is known for its spacious interior, comfortable accommodations, and good sailing performance.

The Island Packet 420 features a full keel and a cutter rig, which makes it a stable and seaworthy vessel that can handle a variety of weather conditions. The sailboat has a large master cabin, a well-equipped galley, and a comfortable salon area, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy extended periods of time at sea.

The Lagoon 450F is a popular choice for those who want to explore the world by boat. It is known for its spacious interior, stable platform, and good sailing performance.

The Lagoon 450F features a catamaran hull design, which provides a stable and comfortable platform that is ideal for long-distance cruising. The sailboat has a spacious cockpit, multiple sleeping quarters, and a well-equipped galley, making it a popular choice for those who want to travel with family or friends.

The best size cruising sailboat

The best size cruising sailboat is in the range of 40 to 50 feet. Sailboats in this size range are large enough to provide comfortable accommodations for an extended period of time at sea, yet small enough to be easily handled by a small crew or even single-handed.

Sailboats that are too small may lack the necessary amenities and space for long-distance cruising, while sailboats that are too large may be difficult to handle and require a larger crew. Ultimately, the best size cruising sailboat will depend on individual preferences, needs, and intended use, and it's important to consider factors such as comfort, safety, and ease of handling when choosing a cruising sailboat.

The safest cruising sailboat

Hallberg-Rassy 340, and Island Packet 420 are considered among the safest cruising sailboats. These sailboats are known for their sturdy construction, well-designed hulls, and reliable systems. They are also known for their ability to handle a variety of weather conditions and their comfortable accommodations. However, safety can also depend on the boat maintenance, and the skill and experience of the crew.

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Best Boats For Caribbean Island Hopping

September 6, 2022

Are you planning to visit the Caribbean Island and aren't sure where to begin exploring it? Consider finding the best boat for Caribbean island hopping.

Finding a suitable mode of transport in a new environment is not the easiest. Fortunately, this does not mean missing out on excellent spots in the Caribbean. Consider scouting for a few highly-recommended boats if you want to experience the island's glory.

The best boats for Caribbean Island hopping include Beneteau 331, Bavaria 32, and the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS for monohulls, the Manta 40, Leopard 44, or the PDQ 36 for catamarans. There are several options to go for depending on your needs. Check out what works for you before booking a boat.

The secret is to know which boat you'll need for the trip. Choosing the right boat for your trip makes a whole lot of difference. Talk to experts if you are confused and ask for recommendations.

Fortunately, there are numerous fantastic options you could consider. Pay attention to what is likely to fit your needs. Consider the examples below when scouting for a great boat.

Table of contents

‍ 10 best boat for caribbean island hopping.

There are different boats one can choose to explore the Caribbean in. These boats come in different sizes and designs. They also have varied amenities and capacities.

Some boats are large with few amenities, while others are large with many amenities. Other boats may seem small but can accommodate a lot of people. Before deciding on the boat you want to get, make sure to have a list of things you cannot compromise.

The best boats are not necessarily the priciest, but those that offer you comfort during this journey. Therefore, opt for such boats if you can afford luxury and space. To better understand this, you need to check out a few boats available in the market.

Below are some popular boats you will come across for this trip. Compare and contrast, and also ask experts to help you decide.

1. Beneteau 60

This is a beautiful long boat that is about 18 meters long. It's a large cute boat with three bathrooms and three bedrooms. The size is large enough for a medium-sized family or a group of close people.

You will enjoy several games on this boat, including paddleboard, wakeboard, beach, and water ski. All these will keep you busy while on the boat. If you decide to go with these, expect to pay at least 15.000$ to $25,000 per week.

The longer you stay, the more money you will part with. Either way, it is worth it because you can go around the island.

2. Fountaine Pajot 47

This is another alternative boat with 60HP Diesel motors. This catamaran found in the virgin islands will work if you scout for something luxurious. Moreover, it can comfortably accommodate eight people making it an excellent choice for groups and large families.

You can consider it a floating hotel, seeing the number of accessories it comes with. It has four cabins and four bathrooms. As for the size, this boat is 45.9 feet long with a 25.4-foot beam.

You will feel the luxury in this boat, considering the amenities it comes equipped with. The boat has a large TV set and a modern design. You also get a barbecue, a large sunroof, and a shower on the deck.

These unique and additional amenities come at an extra cost. You have to part with from $15,000 to $26000 per week to enjoy this boat for as long as you want.

3. Fountaine Pajot 50

The pajot 50 is slightly large and roomy. You get to enjoy more space with this one even though it has similar amenities as the one before. The spacious Pajot 50 is 15.2 meters long and has four cabins and four bathrooms.

As one of the most famous catamaran models, you are assured of the best experience. The facilities and onboard menu are fantastic. Another thing you'll love about this boat is that it allows you to enjoy a peaceful journey, thanks to its 150-hp motor.

However, you should be ready to pay more. The additional space will cost slightly higher because the boat goes for $15,000 to $30,000 per week.

4. Lagoon 62

The Lagoon 62 does not differ much from the previous boats discussed above. It is a catamaran that stands 62-foot long and has 2 x 110 hp motors. As for its capacity, it has four cabins and can accommodate at least eight people.

The bedrooms on this boat come with an electric WC, a queen-size bed, and a shower. Besides that, they also have air conditioning. You will also love that the cabin crew has their cabins and bathrooms separate from the rest.

Besides the bedroom and amenities, the living area is also well-packed. It has a salon, front nets, a control bridge, and a deck. Unfortunately, to enjoy this luxurious boat, one has to pay about $22.000 to $30,000 per week.

5. Horizon 52

You already know that the catamaran boat is famous in the Caribbean and the Horizon 52 is no different. However, this boat is quite different and is motor-powered. It has a capacity of 4 people who stay in two cabins with bathrooms. The most significant difference with this catamaran is that it has no sails.

This boat will still enjoy a luxurious feel since it comes with cute luxuries such as air conditioning, an outboard dinghy, a bathtub, and so much more. It gives off intimate vibes and costs about $20,000 to $30,000 per week.

6. Sunseeker 67

This is a 67-foot-long motor boat with a 6-people capacity. The boat is designed to be spacious and intimate since it has several bedrooms, each having its bathroom. It is a fast boat and the perfect choice for adrenaline junkies who want to hop around the island.

Due to the high speeds, this is one boat that guarantees efficiency. You will cover a substantial Island round within a short time. Interestingly, you only have to get these great perks for $20.000 to $26.000 per week.

7. Leopard 58

This is another ideal catamaran boat to go for if you are many. The boat can take up to 10 people thanks to the amenity provision of five bedrooms and five baths. It also comes with extra storage for your equipment and allows you to enjoy all the water sports you may desire.

Due to its large capacity, one can easily assume that it is way out of its league. Funny enough, this boat costs only $25.000 to $28.000 per week.

8. Sunreef 60

The sunroof is a great pick for large catamaran boats. It can take up to 10 people at a go and is spacious enough for the ultimate relaxation. The boat has five cabins, all ensuite with bathrooms.

Also included are five queen-sized beds. The living room is spacious and functional since it has a gallery that opens to the front deck and bow terrace. This extension forms an excellent spot for relaxation.

This boat is also adequately equipped with massive sunroofs, fuss, a bar, and good coffee tables. This would be the ideal boat to go for if you want to enjoy the Caribbean sunset. It is not surprising that it is a little pricier since it goes from $33.000 to $35.000 per week.

9. Sunreef 68

If you are a lover of great designs and aesthetics, then this is the boat you should pick. It is magnificent and slightly larger than the one before it.

It would be best if you considered this boat a superyacht. It is 24 meters long and has a fantastic living room surrounded by long glasses covering the floor to the ceiling. The 5-bedroomed boat seems to follow a new catamaran boat concept where boats are made to stand out as stylish, modern, and very comfy.

Enjoy this massive luxurious boat for $38.000 to $45.000 per week. With the gains and comfort it guarantees, you can bet that this is a great price and a worthy treat.

10. Broward 112

This is another large boat worth looking into. With a capacity of 10 people, the boat has four bedrooms and five bathrooms. It can be great for large families and groups if you want something fancy.

It is a powerful boat that can cover a great distance. Moreover, you are less likely to feel bored since the boat is reasonably spacious and luxurious. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy the cruise at a rate of $45.000 to $60.000 per week.

What Must You Consider When Choosing a Boat for Caribbean Island Hopping?

Comfort and space are important factors when choosing a boat for your Caribbean island hopping trip. However, there is more than meets the eye. Therefore, it would be best if you were looking for so much more.

Choose the Right-Sized Boat for Your Needs

The size is not cast in stone, and there are no fixed considerations. It depends on one's budget,

personal preferences, and needs. These considerations vary from one person to the next.

One person can find all they need in a 30-foot boat, while another may require a 60-foot boat. However, the size could influence the comfort of your boat. If you stay long-term on the boat, go for boats larger than 36 feet.

While it may still be possible to do with a smaller boat, it will be a struggle most of the time. Your gears and items may have to hang in there. Alternatively, you may have to force the residents to stay uncomfortably.

Consider the Amenities that Come with the Boat

The number of people you bring along will influence the amenities you need. Families and couples cruising have varied needs, so what one goes for depends on their unique dynamics.

However, ensure the boat has all the necessary amenities, such as enough beds and bathrooms.

Remember that you may live on the boat for months before returning to land. Therefore, ensure that the boat has everything you may ever need because there is no going back midway. Basic amenities are must-haves and must match the boat's capacity.

Consider the Storage

It would be best if you prioritize your storage needs because it goes hand in hand with the spacious needs. Make sure to have enough space to store your food. How much space you need for this depends on how long you may stay away from land, determining when you will replenish your supplies next.

Remember that you are less likely to make many stopovers. Carrying enough food, water, and other necessary items is safer. If possible, stock up excess so you never can tell when delays occur.

You also need enough storage to pack enough water toys. What you bring depends a lot on who is part of the trip. If the family trip includes kids, then make sure to pack both kids and adult water toys. You will need something to keep you busy as the days and nights get longer.

Additionally, store up enough fresh water. It may be true that there is plenty of fresh water, but you may not be assured of the quality and cost. Bring your own and ensure it is enough to serve you until your next stop is over.

With the many things you need to bring, it is essential to focus on getting a boat with sufficient space. Fortunately, there are numerous options when it comes to selling boats. Take time to identify a boat that perfectly suits your needs.

Sun Wind and Sea Protection

A good boat will have a good sunroof. This is important, especially if you are using a boat for the first time. The rays can be harsh, and you may end up affected negatively.

Choose a boat that offers some protection if you are concerned about this. A strong spray hood is also excellent when water splashes onto the boat. The goal is to enjoy the cruising experience without suffering, so anything enhancing your experience is welcome.

Ensure the Anchor is Comfortable

You must pay close attention to a few elements of your boat's anchor. These are:

• Airflow all through your boat
• Movement when anchored
• Ground tackle confidence

Remember that a good boat should exhibit a lot of integrity. The mentioned elements will help you ascertain this.

Usually, lightboats tend to rock and shift all the time, so you won't be excited to spend time anchored. Similarly, most roadstead anchorages are unprotected from wind shifts and hence unstable.

Instead, you may want to go for monohulls since they have deeper drafts, come with fuller

keels, and may have larger beams that don't snap or roll due to waves. Catamarans are also another excellent option since they hardly move when anchored unless lumpy.

Knowing there are several options to choose from when selecting a boat to cruise the Caribbean should give you peace of mind. Once you know which boats you may want at first glance, and the price is right, consider basic factors. Only get a boat when the most important aspects about it check out.

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About THE AUTHOR

Brian Samson

I have a deep love of houseboating and the life-changing experiences houseboating has brought into my life. I’ve been going to Lake Powell on our family’s houseboat for over 30 years and have made many great memories, first as a child and now as a parent. My family has a passion for helping others have similar fun, safe experiences on their houseboat.

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A Boater's Guide To Cruising The Bahamas

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Reaching paradise never comes easy. This veteran of the Bahamas liveaboard life shows how it's done.

An aerial view of the Exumas. (Photo: Onne van der Wal)

They say that no one knows the exact number of islands in the Bahamas. Some say that there are around 2,400 of them, scattered about a stunning 590-mile-long archipelago, with its closest area being, for many boats, just one day's trip from Florida. Fewer than 50 of these islands have a village or town. Most are tiny islets with rocky shorelines and white beaches hinting of pink. Each is a gem of mangrove, casuarinas, palmetto, sea grape, and coconut palms hiding curly tail lizards, hermit crabs, and birds. But it's the wonderland of the ocean that is the Bahamas' most spectacular feature, with its warm turquoise waters over much of the shallow Bahama Banks.

On a good day, cruising on the banks, you can look into those clear waters and see fish, sharks, and rays darting away from your hull's shadow as it sweeps across the bottom. Below you, grass and fan coral sway with the current. Brain coral hides exotic fish, lobster, and moray eel. Dramatic troughs leading from the shallows out to sea — such as the Tongue of the Ocean and the Northwest Providence Channel — divide the banks, the changing water colors from light turquoise to deep blue leaving even seasoned world travelers in awe.

The islands of the Bahamas lie mostly along the edges of the banks. On some of the outer islands, mail and groceries arrive by boat, and telephone and electricity in homes are relatively recent developments. While some equate the Bahamas with the cities of Nassau or Freeport, the boater's dreams tend to be of islands a bit farther off, such as Long Island, Highborne Cay, Eleuthera, Royal Island, Green Turtle, Mayaguana, Ragged Island, Crooked Island, and the Jumentos — or islands with no names at all, except as they're known to locals, such as Chicken Cay or "His and Hers."

Getting Around And About

The culture, dialect, and pace are distinctly Caribbean, yet the western waters of the Bahamas are only a little over 40 miles from Florida at the closest point. That 40-plus miles is composed of the mighty Gulf Stream, a warm and powerful river in the ocean with current rushing from south to north. Crossing it in the right conditions can be a beautiful trip. But crossing it in the wrong conditions, such as during strong northerly winds, can be dangerous and extremely uncomfortable. Pick your weather carefully, look for flat calm or gentle southerlies, and never go on the verge of a cold front or storm.

Snug all-weather anchorages are rare in the Bahamas, but when you find them, they offer camaraderie, supplies, and parties. (Photo: Onne van der Wal)

When my family and I first started going to the Bahamas many years ago, we followed a compass course and adjusted our routes to currents, wind, and waves. When we reckoned enough time had passed to raise an island, we searched the horizon. If we saw an island, we had to figure out which it was using landmarks, like clumps of trees or hills or colored cliffs. As we sailed in from deep ocean water onto to the shallow Bahama Banks, it was always a stunning moment as the depth sounder went from off soundings to 15 feet! We relied on the art of reading the colors of the water and the vagaries of the tidal currents by watching fan coral and sea grasses swaying to the flow under our boat — a fun endeavor, unless the light was poor or in our eyes.

Today, it's easier with GPS chartplotters. But you get in trouble if you rely too heavily on electronics. Sand shoals shift from year to year, and rocky bars and reefs may not be perfectly charted in the first place. A GPS fix is only as good as the chart you're relying on, and strong currents in inlets can set you onto rocks even as you watch your icon on the screen. And if your GPS equipment or the system isn't functioning well, you can get into trouble. The popularity of "crowdsourcing" doesn't necessarily work well in these waters, either; you never know the experience level of "the crowd" or the accuracy of their observations. Being a little off can put you on a reef.

Reliable guidebooks and paper charts are essential for Bahamas cruising. Otherwise, GPS waypoints extrapolated from mixed data may not be right on the spot. "Right on the spot" is critical when you're navigating an inlet that's only a few hundred feet wide with rocks and reefs around it and swells rolling in. Remember, Bahamas aids to navigation are rare and often not maintained.

Unlike the more forgiving waters of, say, Chesapeake Bay, the Bahamas are riddled with reefs, rocks, and brown bars (rocky ledges) that can quickly hole a boat, and there's no U.S. Coast Guard daily presence. There are some very good salvage firms, but the waters to which they must respond are vast. Lack of infrastructure means inconveniences and often long periods of time required for repairs. In many areas, there are few or no secure marinas or good anchorages available for storm protection. The Bahamas is mostly beautiful wilderness, so take care and navigate conservatively. To do so, you'll need the most reliable charts.

Sara and Monty Lewis began cruising the Bahamas more than 35 years ago. They produce and update The Explorer Chartbooks . Experienced cruisers swear by these Lewis charts. The waypoints provided are, they say, based on the Lewis team actually having gone to the rock, the deep part of the inlet, or the reef and recording the exact GPS reading while on site or verified with satellite photos or trusted advisers' data. Not only do they provide accurate full-color navigational charts, they also include cruising guide "need-to-know info" with informative articles and updated details on facilities and services throughout the Bahamas. (It's information from The Explorer Chartbooks that we heavily relied upon to bring you this article.)

Introducing The Bahamas By Region

Coming by boat , you'll probably get your first impression of the Bahamas from its western boundary. Here, the water and reefs are beautiful, and there are some anchorages for settled weather, as well as some marinas. Most of the small islands have rocky shores and lack good all-weather anchorages.

The Bimini Chain, a series of small cays (pronounced "keys") lies across the Gulf Stream from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. North and South Bimini and Cat Cay are settled. The mysterious stone slabs of the Bimini Road lie under nearby waters, fueling stories of Atlantis. Popular with the sportfishing fleet, Bimini has a village, several marinas, restaurants, and now a resort/casino and a Hilton Hotel.

Whether you prefer fishing Bimini's flats or heading out into the deep for bigger game, charters abound. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

To accommodate those who want to experience the beauty, often the beauty is sacrificed. Bimini has suffered, in my view, as have many of the islands, from the negatives of tourism. In recent years, many of the mangroves on the northern end of Bimini have been replaced by resort development. On the west side, an ocean-docking facility for fast ferries from Miami was built from material dredged up from the ocean bottom. But the Biminis are still accommodating as far as clearing customs and stopping to rest in a marina before crossing the banks. With the tourism have come positives — better availability of parts and goods and better communications in Bimini and other settled areas.

To the north of the Bimini Chain, separated from it by the deep Northwest Providence Channel, is the large island of Grand Bahama , with resorts and marinas. At the far northwestern end of Grand Bahama, the critically located Old Bahama Bay Marina offers shelter for boats caught by weather, as well as many amenities.

Old Bahama Bay Marina at the northwestern end of Grand Bahama offers shelter to boats caught by weather, as well as many amenities for boaters. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

Southeast of the Bimini Chain, across the Great Bahama Banks, lies the giant and mysterious island of Andros . Known as the bonefishing capital of The Bahamas, Andros's vast swamps, creeks, mangrove shallows, and miles of woods stretch more than 100 miles south to north, divided into three major sections of land connected by mangrove and tidal swamp. Scattered about are many of the famous "blue holes" of the Bahamas, some far inland from the shore, extending deep down, many connected with the ocean through a labyrinth of subterranean passages. Nearby, the recently discovered Andros Platform, a multitiered structure of huge, flat, squared blocks, remains silently under the waves, begging explanation.

With limited good anchorages, sparsely populated Andros hasn't experienced the large influx of cruising boats. The Great Bahama Banks blends with the shallows and swamp of its western shore, but its eastern shore faces the deep "Tongue of the Ocean" and has several towns with limited facilities, such as Morgan's Bluff, Fresh Creek, and Congo Town. One of the longest barrier reefs in the world guards this shore, allowing limited access. Andros, like so many other islands, is yet to be awakened, and many would say that's good.

Spiny lobster season is August through March. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

The Abacos is a great place for Bahamas exploration. While it is often considered more civilized than other areas, it's been affected less from tourism. Marinas, protected anchorages with good holding, shopping, good drinking water, restaurants, and small hotels make the area especially inviting. Many cruisers gravitate to the "Hub of the Abacos" with the towns and harbors of Man O'War, Hope Town, and Marsh Harbour. You can take short hops to different towns or anchorages across the shallow Sea of Abaco without going outside the reefs into the ocean. To the northwest of the Hub, and through sometimes-dangerous Whale Cay Passage, lies Green Turtle Cay with its several protected basins, marinas, and the town of New Plymouth with its quaint pastel homes similar to those of Man O'War and Hope Town.

The Berry Islands, known as "Der Berrys" by many Bahamians, are another expanse of small islands surrounded by shallow banks that rise from deep ocean. To the south and west of the busier Abacos, they aren't as heavily cruised because of their shallows and rolly anchorages, but this isolation makes them very attractive to some. Islands such as Great Stirrup, Great Harbor, Whale Cay, and Chub Cay rim the banks. Dinghy passages snake among white shoals and low-tide sand islands. It's easy to get lost. Only three marinas make bases for exploration. Chub Cay Marina is completely protected within an enclosed basin, recently reopened after hurricane damage, though not in full operation as of the date of this writing. Great Harbour Cay Marina also offers excellent shelter and is affordable, with more slips available for transients. In addition, the popular Berry Islands Club is also reopening its restaurant, rebuilding its docks, and fortifying its moorings after a hiatus. Always check ahead for any marina, to be sure it's currently open.

Downtown Nassau is known for its colorful architecture. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

Many tourists consider Nassau to be synonymous with the Bahamas. Not hardly. This is the capital of the Bahamas and more than half the Bahamian population lives on its island of New Providence . It has the good and bad traits of most cities, with a distinctly Caribbean flavor, though reports of violent crime are increasing. Police in white uniforms direct traffic. Horse-drawn carriages commingle with cars, jitneys, and scooters. Buildings and customs reminiscent of the British Colonial Empire blend with things modern, overlaid with a significant share of poverty.

Nassau Harbour separates the "mainland" from Paradise Island, which has luxury hotels and casinos. The northwestern entrance to the harbor is deep and jettied, with several buoys. Huge cruise liners enter, but the inlet can be dangerous in strong onshore winds.

Anchoring isn't recommended in much of the harbor because of poor holding, strong currents, fast boats, wakes, and crime issues. There are several marinas; if Nassau has to be on your cruising itinerary, many boaters select a marina on Paradise Island. The southeastern entrance channel is only around 8 feet deep in one spot where coral heads and rocky bars dictate precise navigation.

To the southeast, the Exuma Cays curve in a northwest-southeast direction. The Exumas have only a few small all-weather marinas. Most anchorages are unprotected from westerlies, so they're only good for settled weather. The few that are sheltered from westerlies are between rocky islands and plagued by swift current and scoured bottom. The islands are generally rocky with low vegetation, sparse population, and a few villages. Nevertheless, each year more and more boats visit .

Cruisers lying to moorings in the beautiful and protected Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. In many places, moorings are preferred or even required to avoid damage to the bottom and because of limited swinging room. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

They've become so popular that celebrities and other wealthy people have purchased entire islands or large portions of them. It's reported that the Exuma Land and Sea Park, once a stronghold of environmental protection, now features such private islands, and personal watercraft from mega yachts often roar up and down the pristine channels. Staged "paradise" picnics on the beaches, replete with instant tents, bars, and lounges, entertain charter parties with all their water toys. Anchorages once enjoyed by a few are now becoming more crowded.

Heading down the chain, cruisers like to stop and enjoy the out-island friendliness of the small villages of Staniel Cay, Black Point, and Little Farmer's Cay . Village restaurants sometimes announce special menus on the VHF. Small grocery stores have limited supplies, and Staniel Cay's Isles General Store has marine and general hardware as well as groceries. And the Blue Store and the Pink Store have also expanded their stock to accommodate the greater number of cruisers and vacationers.

The Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers good meals, fuel, water purified by reverse osmosis, and a nice bar as well as cottage rentals. Indeed, the entire village is open to many home rentals. Fowl Cay Resort is one of several resort islands with rental houses and cottages, and it also has a restaurant available to the public by reservation. Snorkel into Thunderball Cave off Staniel and enjoy viewing thousands of protected fish. Part of the James Bond movie of that name was filmed here.

At the southern end of the Exumas, the "mainland" island of Great Exuma is a popular boating destination with a good but busy harbor. Its George Town boasts supplies and high island civilization. Exuma Market provides dinghy docking, town water, and other services while across Lake Victoria, the well-stocked Shop-Rite is another good choice for stocking. FedEx, UPS, boat supplies, and many other helpful goods and services are available. Almost 400 cruising boats are often in its Elizabeth Harbour for the annual spring Cruising Regatta, a weeklong festival run by the cruising community in conjunction with the Bahamian community.

Heading easterly from the Exumas you'll find more islands and variety. To the north, Eleuthera is known for its oranges and pineapples. Cruisers often visit the busy village of Spanish Wells with its fishing fleet, marinas, marine railways, and supplies. Harbour Island, guarded by the treacherous reef known as Devil's Backbone, is also popular for its pink sand beaches, quaint pastel-color buildings, the historic village of Dunmore Town, marinas, fishing, and relatively upscale living. Royal Island with its enclosed harbor broods with thick foliage and the silent ruins of a large estate. Years ago, wooden sailing ships of the British Navy sought shelter here; today cruisers wait for passage to the Abacos.

Cat Island, south of Eleuthera, stretches 48 miles, offering few anchorages but high hills, farms, villages, and miles of cliff and beach. To the south of Cat lies Long Island, with dangerous reefs extending more than 3 miles off Cape Santa Maria at its northern end. Never more than 4 miles wide, it's 75 miles long and features rolling hills and cliffs, fertile soil, and farming. A popular destination is Salt Pond and Thompson Bay on the west side, from where cruisers can tour the island by car and stock up at a modern grocery. Avoid anchorages exposed to weather and seas.

Far to the south and east, the "far out islands" rise from the deep ocean floor, beyond the banks. You'll find isolated jewels such as Rum Cay and Conception Island. Sumner Point Marina at Rum Cay has been closed due to hurricane damage as of this writing. As you venture farther southeast, more spectacular little islands with limited protection beckon with even more remoteness. These include Samana Cay, where Christopher Columbus is said to have anchored; Crooked Island; Acklins Island; Great Inagua with its famous flamingo population; and Mayaguana — all beautiful islands off the beaten track.

The Jumentos chain arches 90 miles around the southeast boundary of the Great Bahama Banks and has become more popular in recent years for experienced cruisers looking to find pristine islands as they once were. Many of these islands have little all-weather protection, tricky shallows, and few replenishing and stocking opportunities, but make up for it in sweet solitude

You Can't Always Get What You Want

The Bahamas, with their overwhelming beauty and thousands of square miles of ocean wilderness, offer a wonderful boating escape from the massive infrastructure and dense civilization of the States. But what makes them compelling also makes them challenging for unprepared boaters. Go soon if you can, take good care, and tread lightly.

Bahamas Fun Facts

• The Bahamas has the clearest water in the world. Visibility while diving is often more than 200 feet!
• Fewer than 50 of the islands have a village or town.
• The Bahamas has the world's third-longest barrier reef.
• Dean's Blue Hole, west of Clarence Town, Long Island, at 663 feet, is one of the deepest blue holes in the world.
• The first place Christopher Columbus landed when he came to the new world in 1492, he named San Salvador in the Bahamas.
• The word "mainland" is used by those on small outlying islands (called the Out Islands) to describe the larger islands, such as New Providence, Grand Bahama, Great Abaco, and Great Exuma. The "Far-Out Islands" are those even farther away.
• The world's longest underwater cave system can be found in Lucayan National Park, Grand Bahama Island.
• Kalik (pronounced "click"), the beer of The Bahamas, is named after the kalikking sound of cowbells at Junkanoo, the island street parades held every December 26.
• There are only about 396,000 people in all the Bahamas, the majority on the island of New Providence where Nassau is located.
• The national sport of the Bahamas is sloop sailing.
• Bahamas comes from the Spanish baja mar, which translates to "shallow sea."

Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Chartering & Fishing

Power, sail & crewed charters.

• The Moorings (Abacos)
• Navtours (Nassau, George Town, Staniel Cay)
• Sunsail (Abacos, Nassau)

Sportfishing

• Boaters arriving on their own boats congregate around the marinas in Bimini, Nassau, Chub Cay, Boat Harbor, Highbourne Cay, and others.
• Note that fishing here is split between distinctively different offshore fishing and flats fishing (for bonefish).
• To join a sportfishing charter, search the Internet for numerous listings.
• Consider checking out one of the many fishing tournaments, listed at Bahamas.com/fishing-tournaments-2017.

Photo: Mel Neale

Anchoring Notes

• Never anchor in reef or anywhere your anchor rode may get tangled in coral.
• Leave 360-degree swing room for other boats, the shore, and reefs. Boats swing differently depending on their windage, bottom configuration, eddies, and current.
• The best bottoms consist of deep, soft white sand. You'll see these from the bow of your boat. Don't be misled by bottoms of white rock, marl, or shallow white sand over rock.
• Anchoring in grass usually results in dragging when the wind increases and damaging fish habitat.
• Nylon line can be cut by small rocks or reef. Use as much chain as your boat can safely carry.
• Don't anchor on a lee shore (the shore toward which the wind is blowing). Learn and watch the weather; plan your anchorage for 24 hours. It's not unusual for Bahamian winds to shift over that time.
• What starts as a protected anchorage could become a risky lee shore.
• Study an accurate weather forecast every day, and plan overnight anchorages accordingly.

Weather Notes

• Obtain a detailed weather forecast every day. Heed it.
• Winter cold fronts are often preceded by strong southwesterly winds and come through as a strong, precipitous westerly, then nor'wester. Then winds often clock to a nor'easter and blow hard for days.
• "Squeeze plays" between large areas of high and large areas of low pressure may set up strong winds, usually from the east, for several days.
• The Bahamas offers little good protection in hurricanes and tropical lows. Even enclosed harbors are vulnerable with so little land to weaken the effects of wind and sea. Expect little help compared to U.S. waters.

Respect The 'Rage'

If there is a strong onshore swell, many cuts between islands and reefs become treacherous. The onshore swell may be caused by local onshore winds or from a far-off storm. At sea the swell may seem insignificant, but as it mounts up in the shallow waters near the cuts, it can become deadly. These swells can be far away when you leave the safety of your harbor in the morning but dangerously upon you when you want to enter the next inlet down-island. Watch the weather locally and far out. Ask ahead for current local conditions and knowledge. If any question exists about the safety of an inlet, don't risk it.

Search And Rescue

The Bahamas government has no search-and-rescue service equivalent to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) is a dedicated nonprofit voluntary organization committed to saving the lives of distressed seamen and airmen in the Bahamas. It is funded by donations.

For boaters traveling off the beaten track, consider renting an EPIRB or PLB from the BoatUS Foundation before you go. Visit BoatUS.org for more information.

What Are Your Special Interests?

Looking to hang out with other cruisers? Consider the Hub of the Abacos. Several islands encircle the protected "Sea of Abaco" in which you can go from town to town in protected waters without going out through the reefs into the ocean. Towns include Marsh Harbour, Hope Town, Man O'War. A short hop in calm weather in the ocean fetches up Green Turtle Cay, and a trip south inside will bring you to Little Harbour, home of Pete's Pub and Foundry. There are more marinas in this area than in most other areas of the Bahamas.

Elizabeth Harbour lies near the southeastern end of the Exuma chain and has become a Mecca for cruisers with its relative protection (albeit with some open fetches) and good holding. Its bustling village of George Town is a vacation spot and an oasis of out island "high civilization," which hasn't lost its out-island charm. "In season," from December through March, there can be as many as 400 boats there, with all the potlucks and beach volleyball games you could want. The reefs guarding the entrances can be tricky; good weather and careful navigation are a must. Don't enter with a strong onshore wind or swell.

Looking for sport fishing? Alice Town on North Bimini offers several marinas, bars, restaurants, and good fishing offshore, with several tournaments throughout the year. Chub Cay, scheduled to be fully operational (after the ravages of Hurricane Mathew) has a marina in a completely enclosed harbor with restaurant, bars for bragging, and Customs. Fish offshore in the Tongue of the Ocean between the Berrys, New Providence, and the Great Bahama Banks.

Looking for remote experiences? What used to be remote may be more visited today, although features such as poor holding, little protection from wind and surge, and few provisioning opportunities still keeps the crowds away. You'll find unspoiled beauty and solitude in the Jumentos, Rum Cay (marina may not be rebuilt yet), the shallow banks of the Berrys (where people often explore by dinghy), and Conception Island. These areas have scarce protection, and require serious weather vigilance.

Looking for good diving and snorkeling? The Bahamas has the world's third-longest barrier reef. Five percent of the world's coral can be found there. Bring a light wetsuit, snorkel, mask, and fins for great snorkeling by dinghy throughout The Bahamas.

Looking for a show? Held at the end of April every year, the Family Island Regatta in Elizabeth Harbour is huge. Bahamians come from all the islands to compete, usually in traditional Bahamian boats. Also, the New Year's Day Regatta at Staniel Cay in the Exumas is fun, informal, and rollicking.

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One of the top technical experts in the marine industry, Tom Neale, BoatUS Magazine Technical Editor, has won nine first-place awards from Boating Writers International, and is author of the magazine’s popular "Ask The Experts" column. His depth of technical knowledge comes from living aboard various boats with his family for more than 30 years, cruising far and wide, and essentially learning how to install, fix, and rebuild every system onboard himself. A lawyer by training, for most of his career Tom has been an editor and columnist at national magazines such as Cruising World, PassageMaker, and Soundings. He wrote the acclaimed memoir All In The Same Boat (McGraw Hill), as well as Chesapeake Bay Cruising Guide, Vol. 1. These days, Tom and his wife Mel enjoy cruising their 2006 Camano 41 Chez Nous with their grandchildren.

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My Cruiser Life Magazine

17 Best Sailboats to Live On + What You Should Know First

Many dream of living aboard a sailboat, but finding the right one can be daunting. There are many different types, and countless manufacturers have come and gone over the years. 

Here’s a list of 17 options – a sailboat for every sailor on every kind of budget. 

Table of Contents

17 best sailboats to live on, pros of living aboard a sailboat, cons of boat life.

• Find Your Type of Boat 

Set Your Boat Budget

What size boat to pick, best liveaboard sailboats under 35 feet (< 35 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 40 feet (35–40 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 45 feet (40–45 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 50 feet (45–50 feet), best liveaboard sailboats under 60 feet (50–60 feet), want to live on a sailboat, best sailboats to live on faqs.

• Catalina 34/35
• Panda/Baba 35, Tashiba 36a
• Gemini 105MC
• Islander Freeport 36
• Passport 40
• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42DS
• Leopard 42/43
• Beneteau Oceanis 473
• Hallberg Rassy 46/48
• Leopard 46/Moorings
• Amel Super Maramu 2000
• Privilege 585

What to Know First

So, boat shopping is a challenge, to say the least. Understanding where to start and what to look for comes down to understanding what you want to do with your boat.

Here’s a look at some pros and cons of living aboard to get you started.

• Seaside living at a fraction of the cost of a waterfront home
• Ability to travel anywhere by water
• Ability to move anytime—not tied to one location/town
• Different liveaboard lifestyle options to choose from: at a dock, mooring, anchoring, cruising (traveling)—tired of one, mix it up for a different experience
• Small living space lacks storage and privacy
• Limited resources: you must meter your fuel, water, and electricity use when not at a dock
• More exposed to the elements and more affected by weather events
• Seating and furnishings are less comfortable than in a house
• Constant maintenance to keep the boat seaworthy and clean

How to Find the Best Boat to Live on Year Round

At first, you might think boat shopping is like looking for a new car. But when shopping for a car, you have a small pool of manufacturers and models to choose from. In the end, you might have five choices and already have an opinion about each maker’s quality and reputation.

Boats are different. We’re usually shopping for boats that are a decade or more old. The manufacturers may have gone out of business years ago. When you total up all the possible makes and models of each type of boat, you might have dozens of choices with brands you’ve never heard of. Yikes!

Find Your Type of Boat

There are dozens of types of boats you could live on, depending on where you want to live and where you want to take it. Most people shopping for a sailboat will choose between coastal cruisers, bluewater boats, and sailing catamarans.

Here are some of the pros and cons of these sailboat types. 

The Coastal Cruiser

• Inexpensive compared to bluewater and catamarans
• Perfect for dock living or near-shore hops
• With modifications and the right outfitting, many have island-hopped the Caribbean
• Many to choose from, and often they are lightly used
• Designs are often race-inspired and faster than typical heavy bluewater boats
• Newer, bigger boat for your money
• Often production boats have low-quality, lightweight builds

Related: Best Trailerable Sailboats

The Bluewater Sailboat

• The best bluewater cruising sailboats are capable of going anywhere
• Built to last and take anything
• Give the most comfortable ride in rough conditions
• Newer examples are expensive
• Good ones sell quickly
• Older vessels may be tired and in need of an extensive refit
• Often lack the living space that coastal cruisers have—narrower beams and transoms

The Catamaran

• Cruising cats have the maximum living space, especially cockpit dining and upper salon
• Light-filled with plenty of airflow, perfect for the tropics and living at anchor
• Larger models (40+ feet) are bluewater boats capable of going nearly anywhere
• A shallower draft than most monohulls allows for more cruising and anchoring choices
• More expensive to purchase, keep, and maintain than similar-sized monohulls  
• The most in-demand vessels, prices are high and good ones sell fast 
• Sometimes hard or expensive to find dock space and boatyards that can haul it out for maintenance

Still unsure which side of the monohull vs. catamaran debate you’re on? Try to get aboard some boats and experience the living space first-hand.

Everyone has a budget when going boat shopping, even if you’re Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk. Establishing how much you can spend on your boat is the biggest factor that will affect your decision, and it’s the backbone for all other decisions. 

You must understand just how much boat costs increase as the size of boat increases. Boats are already expensive, and the average cost of owning and buying a liveaboard sailboat varies dramatically. But when the boat gets bigger, it needs bigger hardware, lines, rigging, sails, motors…everything. And bigger means more expensive, so these costs add up fast.

And then there are your storage and boat maintenance costs, all of which are charged per foot. The marina might charge you $15 per foot/per month for a dock slip, and the boatyard will similarly charge you per foot to haul and store the boat. Divers charge per foot for bottom cleaning, as do detailers for annual compounding and waxing of the hull.

When it comes to budgeting, there are two rules of thumb. 

• Always pick the smallest boat you can comfortably live on.
• If you have an amount budgeted for your boat purchase, spend half on the boat and save the other half for outfitting and maintenance.

As you’ll see below, boats can be grouped by price and size. When you go up in size, you go up in price—often by a lot.

The size of the boat is a factor of your budget, but also of how big a boat you can handle. Most people believe this means driving it and maneuvering it, which is true to some extent. But a good training captain can teach you what you need to know to drive any size boat in just a few sessions. 

No, the size of the boat you can manage refers more to how much maintenance you want to do. The bigger the boat, the more complex and plentiful its systems. There’s more to break on a bigger boat, and more things broken means more time fixing things.

Catamarans compound this by doubling a lot of the systems. Two engines, two saildrives, two hulls to wax, two hulls to bottom paint—you get the idea.

Another factor you should consider early on is getting insurance. Yacht insurance has gotten harder and harder to get in recent years. If you’ve never owned a boat and have no experience, you might be forced to get something small (think an under 30-foot daysailor) to get some experience on before you move up. It’s also difficult because many underwriters won’t write policies for liveaboards. 

As a general rule of thumb, most people will find boats under 35 feet too small to live on full-time. Most of these vessels don’t even have standing headroom. There is often only a “wet head,” one where you take showers while sitting on the toilet.

Boats 35 to 40 feet are good for solo travelers or couples who don’t mind living in small quarters. The beds will be small and accessed only from one side, as in a v-berth or a Pullman-style berth. If there is one, the second bunk is likely only for the occasional guest. 

You’ll get better accommodations when you move up to 40 to 45 footers. The second bunk may be in its own stateroom. The main suite will have an island-style berth that can be accessed from both sides—a huge upgrade for most couples. The head will likely have a separate, enclosed shower. This size sailing yacht makes a good liveaboard sailboat for most boaters.

Boats bigger than 45 feet are best for bigger families. If you often travel with kids or guests, these are the boats for you. They’re extremely spacious and make boat living easy, but the extra maintenance and cost may not be worth it.

The List — Best Sailboats to Live Aboard

All lists, whether found in internet blogs or international sailing magazines, have issues. There’s no one list to rule them all because there are simply too many different boats out there. And everyone uses their boat differently, so the “best” for you might be a terrible choice for me. Different boats for different folks, so to say.

So, what’s the deal with this list? It’s made from personal experience of having seen a lot of boats out cruising. And it’s a list that tries to put aside the fantasies—Oysters and Gunboats are pretty in magazines, but like Ferraris, not many of us will ever own one. So let’s look at some practical boats that fill each size category. 

For every boat on this list, a dozen or more could’ve been included. Use these models to research brands and see which sizes suit your needs.

Boats under 35 feet tend to be best suited for solo travelers or couples comfortable living in small spaces. As always, coastal cruisers in this class have much more space than bluewater boats do. Catamarans in this class are also coastal cruisers—you need more length and volume to get real bluewater performance out of a cat. No matter which type of boat you’re looking at here, storage space on this size of liveaboard boat will be limited.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wilderness Of Waves (@wildernessofwaves)

Coastal Cruiser Under 35 — Catalina 34/35

If you want to move aboard, you’re on a budget, and you want the most space you can get, it’s really hard to beat an older Catalina. Starting with the Catalina 30, these beamy boats have a surprising interior volume. They make great first liveaboards.

Bluewater Sailor Under 35 — Panda/Baba 35, Tashiba 36

The famous yacht designer Bob Perry drew these Taiwanese-built boats, all tracing their lineage to the older Tayana 37 . They’re updated slightly and built by different yards, but all full keels with cutaways and built for bluewater cruising. They all have gorgeous teak joinery and are comfortable and forgiving at sea. 

Catamaran Under 35 — Gemini 105MC

The Gemini 105M and 105MC were arguably the most popular cat models ever. They’re American-built, with a single diesel engine and a narrow beam that allows them to be parked in a standard boat slip. In the US, this means many more marina choices if that’s how you roll. The boat has centerboards and kick-up rudders, so the board-up draft is a scant 18 inches—gunkholing perfection. 

While some Geminis have crossed oceans, they aren’t made for it. They have average (sometimes below-average) build quality and fiberglass work. However, they’re perfect coastal cruisers and capable of heading into The Bahamas.

The Gemini should be on your shortlist if you’re looking for a cheap catamaran .

Runner Up: PDQ 32

Are you looking for a small cat with better build quality? They didn’t make many of them, but the PDQ 32 is what you seek. It’s an attractive small catamaran with a wider beam. It came with twin outboards in wells, but the LRC (long-range cruiser) option had inboard diesels.

Forty feet is the sweet spot for most cruising couples—big enough to be comfortable and carry enough provisions but small enough that handling and maintenance are manageable. This class of boat has a lot of excellent choices in both coastal cruiser and bluewater boats, making it a good size range to find the perfect affordable liveaboard sailboat.

The catamaran group from 35 to 40 feet has a few very popular choices, but they are right on the edge of being too small for most cruisers. Counterintuitively, these cats are perfect for couples who don’t mind downsizing and traveling lightly. These shorter cats are prone to hobby horsing and don’t provide as comfortable a ride in bluewater as slightly longer cats do. 

Coastal Cruiser Under 40 — Islander Freeport 36

The Islander brand is no longer around, but these California-built production boats from the 1970s and 80s were well-built and well-liked. The I32 and I36 were very popular cruising boats designed by Bob Perry. The Freeport 36 is a before-its-time European deck salon with enormous windows. The swing-down swim platform is another bonus for a boat from this era, as are the Pullman-style berth and forepeak-located head (some layouts). If you can find one in good condition, these boats make excellent liveaboards. 

Bluewater Sailor Under 40 — Passport 40

Yet another boat from the desk of Bob Perry, the Passport 40, is a sharp-looking aft-cockpit bluewater cruiser from one of the best yards in Taiwan. They feature a long fin keel and skeg-mounted rudder. Everything about this sloop is just right for long-term cruising.

Catamaran Under 40 — Prout 38

The Prout 38 traces its heritage back to the earlier Prout Snowgoose. The boat is still being made, now under the Broadblue brand. It’s a sturdy British-built cat made for serious offshoring. While it lacks some of the open feeling that newer charter boats have, it more than makes up for it with its robust and high-quality build.

Runner Up: Leopard 40 (2005-2009)

This early L40 (don’t get confused with the newer ones built around 2020) was designed by famous multihull designers Morelli and Melvin. It’s got more of the things you might expect from your typical charter cat: a sliding salon door, galley-up layout, and a huge walk-through cockpit.

While this seems a small step up from the size of boats above, prices increase rapidly above the 40-foot mark. At this point, the boat’s gear needs to be bigger and heavier, from all the lines and rigging to each block and winch. Engines are now larger four-cylinder diesels, and there’s much more hull area to clean and paint. 

A 45-foot coastal cruiser has enough space to keep a small family happy for short trips or a couple happy for any length of time. These boats usually have island berths in a spacious master bedroom, so no more crawling over each other just to go to the bathroom! Bluewater boats in this class are a little smaller inside, making them just right for most couples doing a long-term cruise.

As far as catamarans go, the 40 to 45-foot range is the perfect sweet spot for most cruising couples. A spacious interior plus excellent seakeeping abilities make these top picks. There are tons of boat choices out there, and most of the best cruising catamarans come from this size group.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tara Smith (@minofmine)

Coastal Cruiser Under 45 — Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42DS

Jeanneau is part of Groupe Beneteau , but their boats often have a more refined finish than Beneteaus. The DS stands for “deck salon.” They feature larger windows that let in more light and have better visibility than a standard cruiser. This is especially welcome if you’re attracted to the living space in a catamaran but need something smaller and more affordable. 

The 42DS also has an enormous island berth, plus a huge twin-helm cockpit with lots of space for entertaining.

Bluewater Sailor Under 45 — Hylas 44

The Hylass 44 is regularly picked as one of the best offshore cruising boats. It’s a center cockpit boat designed by German Frers.  It has a wonderful layout with tons of living space and a large, usable galley. The aft cabin has a large island berth with an en suite head. 

Catamaran Under 45 — Leopard 42/43 (2001-2006)

These early Leopard charter cats are highly sought after on the used market. Like all charter cats, the best finds are the “owners versions” with one hull dedicated to the master stateroom with en suite head and shower. The Leopard 42, which came out in 2002, had a soft canvas cover over the cockpit and was updated to the Leopard 43 with a hardtop. 

Above 45 feet is another big price jump. For beginners, these big boats will require some training and experience before you head out on your own. 

Related: Best Boat for Beginners

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leopard 46 "Shanties" (@leopard46shanties)

Coastal Cruiser Under 50 — Beneteau Oceanis 473

This big Beneteau came with either 2, 3, or 4 staterooms. Finding the right layout is as important as finding the right boat. The two-stateroom version has enormous berths and lots of storage, perfect for couples with occasional guests or families of three. Most have the standard keel with less than a six-foot draft, making this fin keel/spade rudder boat a rare find. They were built from 2000 to 2005.

Bluewater Sailor Under 50 — Hallberg Rassy 46/48

Hallberg Rassys are well-regarded boats built in Sweden, mostly designed by German Frers. These are high-end boats of the best quality, so don’t expect to find one available cheaply. They’re gorgeous, however, and make wonderful world cruisers.

Catamaran Under 50 — Leopard 46/Moorings 4600 (2006)

If you want a big catamaran, it’s hard to go wrong with the 2006 Leopard 46. Where modern Lagoon and Leopards have tall profiles with tons of windage, this is one of the newest, largest boats that still have single-level living. It has distinctive hull chines that increase living space without increasing wetted surface and plenty of sail area for good performance. In true Leopard fashion, all lines are led to the helm for easy short-handed cruising despite the boat’s large size.

Boats in this class are borderline yachts based on their sheer size. If you were to charter these boats, they’d usually come with a crew. That size means they’re more expensive and more of a handful to manage daily. 

Coastal Cruiser Under 60 — Irwin 54

The Irwin brand is long gone, but many examples are available on the used market. They were known especially for their large center cockpit ketches, like this 54-footer. This is a spacious, big water boat that certainly meets the qualifications of most bluewater boats. They can go anywhere, but they may need maintenance and refit given their ages. 

Don’t get to lured by the low prices of these boats. You’ll have to lay out some serious cash to get one ready to cruise long-range. But if you aren’t opposed to some hard work and projecting, the Irwin can get you a lot of boat for not much money.

Bluewater Sailor Under 60 — Amel Super Maramu 2000 (53′)

Made famous by the Delos YouTube channel, the Amel is a French-built brand of high-quality bluewater boats. Today, this brand’s new models look like many others—wide sterned, flat-bottomed sloops. But the Maramus that made them famous were unique—ketch rigged and ruggedly built, designed to take a cruising couple anywhere. Electric winches were standard on everything to keep such a large boat easy to operate.

Catamaran Under 60 — Privilege 585

Privilege is the French-made catamaran that you don’t hear enough about. Unlike Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot, these are beefy cruising boats ready to take you anywhere. Their construction and fit-and-finish are first-rate, as is the joinery down below. 

Living on a sailboat is an adventure—it’s not for everyone. Finding the right boat is an important part of doing it successfully, but it’s not the only step in preparing for the lifestyle.

You should also consider checking my post on liveaboard catamaran options, to make sure you research thoroughly enough!

What makes a great liveaboard sailboat?

Everyone’s priorities for a liveaboard sailboat are different—a bluewater cruiser looking to sail around the world might pick a very different boat from someone who lives full-time dock life. In general terms, you need to find a boat that is safely capable of taking you where you want to go and has enough living space to be comfortable while doing it. 

Sailing catamarans are some of the most popular liveaboard sailboats because their living space is unmatched. Most are also bluewater-capable cruisers that can go pretty much anywhere. 

What is the best size sailboat to live on?

The size of the boat you’ll be comfortable on long term is a personal choice that depends on your personality and the number of people you’ll be traveling with. Solo travelers may be content with a sailboat around 30 feet, while most couples are comfortable on something around 40 feet. Forty-five to fifty feet is more realistic if you often have guests or kind on board. 

With all of this in mind, however, it’s really important to remember that the costs of buying and maintaining a sailboat increase exponentially with length. Getting the smallest boat you are comfortable living on is always better because that will be easier to manage and keep in the long run.

What are the negatives of living on a sailboat?

People live on their sailboats differently, so it’s difficult to narrow down the biggest negatives. Everyone struggles with the small living space that a boat affords. You’ll have to downsize your possessions to the absolute minimum you need. And getting personal space away from your spouse or family is pretty much impossible on a small boat. 

Why are sailboats so expensive?

New boats require a massive investment in time and resources to produce. The nicer the boat, the more time and skill it takes to build, which makes costs soar. Some production companies, like Beneteau, have found ways to reduce production costs and keep the price of new boats more reasonable. But these boats pale compared to other yachts in terms of overall quality. 

Older used boats can be found pretty cheaply. In fact, it’s often possible to find free or nearly-free boats that are on their way to the junkyard or dumpster. The key is understanding how much work and money it will take to get these boats ready to go again. 

Is it a good idea to live on a sailboat?

Living on a boat is an amazing way to experience seaside living or traveling the world by water. But it’s also a unique, out-of-the-ordinary lifestyle choice that’s not without challenges. 

Before you move onto a sailboat, you’ll want to research the topic carefully and talk to some folks who already to it. Many people start with occasional boating, spending a week or more onboard to try it out. With a little experience, it’s easy to see if it’s something you could do for the long term or if it’s best to keep a land house and enjoy the water occasionally.

Can you live comfortably on a sailboat?

Many people live comfortably on sailboats, but a lot depends on the size of the sailboat and your tolerance for living in a small space. Even the largest sailboats can feel cramped, while some folks love the cozy feeling of living on the tiniest boats. 

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

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Choosing the Right Size Sailboat for Caribbean Cruising

You know you want it...

Mocka Jumbies and Rum...

Sailing in the Caribbean is a dream for many people. The turquoise water, white sand beaches, and perfect weather make it an ideal vacation spot. But for some, it’s not just a vacation spot, it’s a way of life. If you’re a couple looking to cruise the Caribbean alone, you may be wondering what size sailboat is right for you.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a sailboat size. The first thing is the size of the crew. As a couple, you don’t need a massive boat. In fact, you can get away with a boat as small as 30 feet. This size boat is perfect for two people and is easy to handle.

Choosing the Right Boat for Your Sailing Adventure: Factors to Consider and Essential Equipment

The next thing to consider is the type of sailing you want to do. If you plan on cruising around the Caribbean and staying in protected waters, a smaller boat will work just fine. However, if you plan on doing some ocean crossings or sailing in rougher seas, you may want to consider a larger boat.

Another factor to consider is your budget. A larger boat will generally cost more money, so if you’re on a tight budget, a smaller boat may be the way to go. A smaller boat will also cost less to maintain and will use less fuel, which can be a big expense when cruising.

When it comes to amenities, a larger boat will generally have more space and more amenities. However, if you’re comfortable with a more minimalistic lifestyle, a smaller boat will work just fine.

Ultimately, the size of the boat you choose comes down to personal preference. A 30-40 foot boat is a good size for a couple to cruise the Caribbean alone, but if you want more space or plan on doing some ocean crossings, you may want to consider a larger boat. Whatever size boat you choose, make sure it’s comfortable, easy to handle, and fits your budget. With the right boat, you’ll be able to explore the beautiful Caribbean waters and have the adventure of a lifetime.

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> > 28-03-2012, 14:42   Boat: Carver 570 here looking for answers to some of my questions. Many of the threads start on the right path and then veer off into political discussions of sail vs . If I've overlooked a relevent thread, please point me in the right direction. Otherwise, here's my story... Some background: I'm a 44 year old father of two. My oldest son is 18 and my youngest son is almost 16. In other words, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I've done reasonably well in my career and I'd like to stop the grind at age 50 (work an alternative job on MY schedule). My wife and I would like to spend a significant amount of time cruising the when we 'retire'. Neither of us are sailors. I do own a small sailboat that my son and I play around on during the summer but our primary has always been ... and will always be ... a powerboat. Currently, I own a Regal 3060. I'm a fairly experienced boater with an active US Coast Guard '6 pack' . My plan: I'd like to my 'retirement' a few years before we actually decide to cut our lines and go cruising. The idea is to have some time to play with the boat, the ins and outs before I'm under the gun in foreign territory and/or open . Once we're ready to go cruising, I'll take/ship the boat from my home port (TN) to a South . From there, we'll over to the and start our journey. Around June 1 or so, we'll moor the boat at a marina outside the zone and back to TN until November when we resume cruising. The boat I'd like to will be in the 38-42ft range with diesels. My questions: What kind of boat do I need for this type of cruising? I have no desire to cross oceans. Our cruising will be confined to the , the US coast line, and (maybe) the Loop. If the answer is a , I'm ok with it. However, I've looked at the BoatTest numbers of several 40ft (ish) diesel-powered Trawlers and Sedan Bridge and they have similar numbers at low speeds. For example, the Swift 44 with 300HP D4 diesels gets about 2.16 NMPG at 8.1 Knots and 3.74 NMPG at 6.7 Knots. The Meredian 391 Sedan with 380HP Cummins diesels gets about 2.10 NMPG at 8.4 Knots and 3.59 NMPG at 7.2 Knots. Pretty darned similar. Will the Meredian do the same job for us (durability, sustainability, manageability, etc)? When do you cross the 'line' where you need a ? Trawlers are sturdy vessels (obviously) but you do lose some space compared to the same size Sedan cruiser. Also, they tend to be noticably more expensive -- even used. If the final answer is 'You need a Trawler', then I'm ok with it. I just don't want to pay more for something I don't need and I don't feel like I know enough to make that decision.15009.28.03.702.492.16 If any of you fine, experienced cruisers can help answer my questions, I'd really appreciate it. I'm also looking for ideas on locations to keep my boat during season (Atlantic coast of FL, of FL, GA, SC, etc). Thanks much... 28-03-2012, 16:16   will do about 9 knots under power and only burn 1-1.5 gal per hour. I guess the rub comes when you want the redundancy of two diesels.... and the room on a powerboat. I would venture that a would do what you want with similar speeds, have 4 or more double cabins and burn less . I'm not sure if your question is about fuel though? Generally my impression is that a trawler's advantage is fuel savings and maybe stability, over a planing powerboat. Probably once you get to a certain size, both a sedan and trawler are retty stable though. An acquaintance of mine has a 51 foot powerboat with Hino diesels. One year his fuel bill was $23000, and that was before the prices went so high. I guess a key question is : are you new? If so... would a sedan ordered with trawler size engines (ie; It's not gonna plane) get any worse fuel economy than a trawler? I guess at the speeds you are talking about... why do powerboats have such big engines? windage? - Elmore Leonard 28-03-2012, 17:09   Boat: Mahe 36, Helia 44 Evo, MY 37 47 PC (Powercat). They usually have two 150hp cummins engines. I have seen used ones listed in YachtWorld for $350,000. They have three and four stateroom models. My 10 day trip in the was great. We did 7.5 to 9 knots at 2000 depending on sea state. Only used one when cruising and two to or take or . Only used 46 gal for 10 days. It has three levels, so plenty of room. Oh did I say we had 8 people aboard for that 10 days. Very sweet boat. Maybe one and try it out for size.         28-03-2012, 17:20   Boat: ‘01 Catana 401 window, the big variable here as far as I'm concerned is tankage. You'll want something with enough tankage to be able to do the crossings you're considering with fuel left over. The hat tips towards trawlerish vessels for this usually, but not always. Also keep in mind that a more performance oriented vessel can get better efficiency by slowing down, but it's also harder on the engines to always operate at the lower end of their power/speed potential. As an aside, think about how you'd use the boat. Lots of or marina's? Some designs are better suited to carrying heavy ground tackle and supporting wind/solar power. Generally speaking a trawler has a fore-peak built to house chain, faster won't benefit from extra weight fwd. FWIW 28-03-2012, 17:29   Boat: 50ft powercat, light,long and low powered 47 PC (Powercat). They usually have depending on sea state. Only used one when cruising and two to or take or . Only used 46 gal for 10 days. 28-03-2012, 17:33   Boat: M/V Carquinez Coot 28-03-2012, 17:38   Boat: Mahe 36, Helia 44 Evo, MY 37 28-03-2012, 21:43   Boat: Carver 570 window, the big variable here as far as I'm concerned is tankage. You'll want something with enough tankage to be able to do the crossings you're considering with fuel left over. The hat tips towards trawlerish vessels for this usually, but not always. Also keep in mind that a more performance oriented vessel can get better efficiency by slowing down, but it's also harder on the engines to always operate at the lower end of their power/speed potential. As an aside, think about how you'd use the boat. Lots of or marina's? Some designs are better suited to carrying heavy ground tackle and supporting wind/solar power. Generally speaking a trawler has a fore-peak built to house chain, faster boats won't benefit from extra weight fwd. FWIW 28-03-2012, 21:52   Boat: Carver 570 Gardner 6lx is consistently getting 7 - 8 litres per hour at 7 knots @ (1100 RPM) 28-03-2012, 22:07   Boat: 11meter Power catamaran 28-03-2012, 23:05   Boat: M/V Carquinez Coot 29-03-2012, 00:15   Boat: 50ft powercat, light,long and low powered Dragging an unpowered prop on a dual-engine boat with an engine operating at low RPM doesn't seem to be an optimum use of one's assets. You're dragging along a lot of spare , subject to twice the engine expense, and perhaps abusing the engines. 29-03-2012, 00:18   Boat: 50ft powercat, light,long and low powered trawlers (prawns/schrimp/scallops)working on coast adjacent to GBR. 29-03-2012, 01:00   Boat: Van Helleman Schooner 65ft StarGazer you should consider if your planned schedule and voyages will allow you to wait until optimum crossing weather (between islands) or if a higher level of seaworthiness is needed in order to achieve your goals? Once the Xmas Trades kick in it can be quite lumpy all over the Caribbean, for extended periods. Are you happy to just stay put or make the usually less windy night passages with the use of stabilizers or steadying ? How far down the Caribbean Chain do you want to explore?... these are all factors to consider in choosing your design type of powerboat 29-03-2012, 01:26   Boat: 11meter Power catamaran , , Thread Tools Rate This Thread : Posting Rules post new threads post replies post attachments edit your posts is are code is are are are Similar Threads Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post John A Health, Safety & Related Gear 8 10-05-2012 18:19 surfmachine Electrical: Batteries, Generators & Solar 53 19-04-2012 17:32 DSDman Dollars & Cents 87 03-04-2012 16:09 sgtPluck Propellers & Drive Systems 11 01-04-2012 20:04 ngwalkabout Sailor Logs & Cruising Plans 2 31-03-2012 21:31 No Threads to Display. - - - - - - - Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time. Caribbean Travel Advisor Advertising Why Nassau Paradise Island Tourism Is Booming — And What’s Next for the Destination The 11 Best Caribbean Islands for Sailing, Yachting and Boating We have often said, to really understand an island you must go out in a boat and look back. Boating and Islands just go together — to really see a place and know a place you must get away from it. It gives perspective to size, topography and foliage, and when you go to land, you really explore what makes an island tick. Just ask any pirate. The best part of any island are the hidden beaches, protected coves, tiny villages and little beach bars often unreachable other than by boat. There are countless special places only boaters know about and only boaters can get to, whether on a yacht, a sailboat or a pleasure boat. These are the best Caribbean islands for boating. Because of its proximity to South Florida, it’s easy to take your boat here, whether on your own or with flotillas of boats — and once you get here,  there are 700 islands to choose from, from the Abacos chain to Eleuthera to the Exumas. This is boating paradise. If you come here without a boat, you’re not seeing the whole Bahamas. Heading to Saint Lucia? American Airlines Is Adding a New Flight.   The Pitons, the drive-in volcano, the chocolate, the floating water parks, the infinity pools.  Saint Lucia remains one of the most diverse destinations in the Caribbean, whether you’re seeking out a couples-only sanctuary in the rainforest or an authentic cacao […] Hyatt Just Opened a New All-Inclusive Secrets Resort in Punta Cana  All-inclusive resorts, pristine beaches, golf, cocktails and water sports. Punta Cana’s success as a destination isn’t a secret – it’s a tried-and-true formula that has helped turn the area into the Caribbean’s most popular destination.  What is secret is the […] In Tulum, A Different Kind of All-Inclusive Beach Resort  It’s no secret that Tulum is just about the biggest thing in travel right now now, with a brand-new airport, a wave of new hotels and sizzling tourism numbers.  But the newest resort to open its doors in the area […] A Tourism Rebirth in Dominica Volcanoes, black-sand beaches, towering mountains and sweeping waterfalls. If you haven’t been to Dominica, you’re missing out on one of the most naturally beautiful places in the whole Caribbean.  Of course, Dominica still remains something of a well-kept secret, off […] Caribbean Photo of the Week: Trunk Bay in St John, USVI The latest Caribbean Photo comes from Caribbean Journal reader Dan Walker from Massillon, Ohio, who sent in this photo of one of the Caribbean’s most legendary beaches: Trunk Bay in St John.  Have you taken a great photo in the […] St Maarten Has a Big Cruise Forecast for 2025 It’s one of the top cruise destinations in the region: St Maarten, which has been steadily seeing its numbers return to pre-pandemic levels buoyed by a stream of major cruise lines. Now, the island’s port has even bigger goals for […] Sign up for Caribbean Journal's free newsletter for a daily dose of beaches, hotels, rum and the best Caribbean travel information on the net. Click on the button to load the content from www.googletagmanager.com. Load content Tailored Vacation Planner Cabin Yacht Charter Family Sailing Holidays Romantic Sailing Vacations For Couples Sailing with friends Greece all inclusive yacht charter Croatia all inclusive yacht charter Food & Wine Routes Yacht search Luxury sailing Guide for the Best Sailing in the Caribbean Sailing the Caribbean is a dream for many people. The crystal clear water, white sand beaches, and lush vegetation make it ideal for vacation. If you’re wondering which are the best Caribbean sailing routes, look no further! This blog post will discuss two of the best sailing routes in the Caribbean – one that goes through the Bahamas and one that covers The British Virgin Islands. We’ll also answer some common questions about sailing in the Caribbean. So if you’re planning on sailing in this beautiful part of the world, be sure to read on! Guide for Sailing in the Caribbean You can take many different sailing routes in the Caribbean, but we’ve highlighted two of the best. Enjoy Bahamas sailing route The first route takes place in the Bahamas. It takes place in easy sailing areas, where you can enjoy a worry-free vacation and explore sheltered harbors. Start from Marsh Harbour and you’ll have the perfect opportunity to explore the heart of the Caribbean . With Kayaking in the open shallows and virgin mangrove habitat rich in wildlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, you’ll have lots of fun on your first day. From Marsh Harbour, you can sail to Hope Town on Elbow Cay and enjoy the view of those picturesque colored houses typical for the Bahamas. Take a moment to visit the iconic red and white striped lighthouse. You can climb to the top and take in the view that makes this one of the best Caribbean sailing routes. After Hope Town, continue sailing to Man-O-War Cay. This is an incredible place to take the family . It is perfect for relaxing and you can take a look at many handmade boats on the island. The next stop on this route is Great Guana Cay. This is a great place to take a break and simply enjoy seven miles long Guana Beach, explore the underwater sea park and don’t forget to dive in the sea, since this is one of the best snorkeling places and diving spots in the entire Caribbean. Ready to sail away to the Caribbean? Discover this tropical paradise with our exclusive yacht charters! Book your Caribbean trip now The best Caribbean sailing route in the Bahamas wouldn’t be complete without Green Turtle Cay. This is a small and charming island with white-sand beaches , crystal clear waters and lovely vegetation. Stop by the Green Turtle Club for a drink or lunch and enjoy the incredible view. From Green Turtle Cay, sail further north and explore uninhabited islands such as Ambergris Cay, Bonefish Cay and Powell Cay. Imagine your family eating excellent seafood on board and enjoying the scenery, relaxing and swimming, or lying down on the beach to catch the sun and read an exciting book. The last stop is Treasure Cay, where you can enjoy an excellent golf course, beach bars and splendid beaches. Stop by the Abaco ceramics shop to buy souvenirs. This is one of the best Caribbean sailing routes because it offers everyone a relaxing time, places to explore, and a fun time being together with family and friends . Explore the British Virgin Islands by boat The British Virgin Islands, or shorthand BVI, is also one of the best Caribbean sailing routes . We recommend Scrub Island as a starting point, where you may spend your first day relaxing in the Ixora Spa or visiting one of the three private beaches. Start your second day early in the morning to avoid crowds on Virgin Gorda, the third-largest BVI island. There you will find famous Baths. This is a must-see stop on your journey. The next stop is Anegada Island, the second largest island in the BVI group, a perfect location for seclusion. Spend your day there relaxing on sandy beaches with Loblolly or Cow Wreck Beach beach bars. During the night, enjoy a view of sky-colored with sparkling stars. Guana Island will take your breath away with seven white powder sandy beaches and 850 acres of tropical forests, mountains, hills and valleys. Jost Van Dyke is also a must-see destination if you want the best Caribbean sailing route. This quest island offers beautiful scenery, a long white bay beach and crystal waters. Add Norman Island to your list! This is a well-known destination for cruisers and other tourists because of three water-level caves at the base of cliffs just outside the western edge of the Bight. The last destination for the BVI and the best sailing Caribbean route is Cooper Island. Explore the caves on Norman Island before sailing to Rhone Marine Park to snorkel over the steamer wreck that sank in 1867. Head to Cooper Island and Cistern Point for snorkeling or Hallovers Bay. How much time do you need to sail the Caribbean? You can easily sail between the different islands in the Caribbean ; however, depending on your route and stops, it will take you anywhere from a few days to two weeks. The two best Caribbean sailing routes are 7 days long, a perfect duration for exploring and relaxing . Can you sail through the Caribbean? Yes! The best way to explore all hidden gems is by sailing through the Caribbean. Both previously mentioned the best Caribbean sailing routes can be modified to fit your wishes, which means that you can add some spots that you wish to visit. Which boat is the best for sailing in the Caribbean? This answer really depends on what you are looking for in a sailing trip. The best Caribbean sailing routes can be done with a catamaran, sailboat, or motor yacht. Sailboats offer the best value for active travelers and provide a classical sailing experience starting from 160 USD per day. The catamaran will bring a smooth sailing experience compared to the sailboat, which is perfect for bigger groups or families. Their price starts from 500 USD per day. While Motor yachts offer a more luxurious sailing experience with up to five cabins depending on their size and starting price from 500 USD per day. What is the best part about sailing in the Caribbean? Sailing in the Caribbean is a great way to escape and relax. With its beautiful white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, perfect climate and lush green vegetation , the Caribbean is a serene paradise waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled trip, sailing in the Caribbean can provide it all. Is it safe sailing in the Caribbean? Yes! Sailing in the Caribbean is a safe and enjoyable experience. With proper preparation and caution, sailing in the Caribbean can be a fantastic and worry-free way to explore this beautiful region. Is it hard sailing in the Caribbean? No! Sailing in the Caribbean is an excellent way for novice sailors to learn the ropes and for experienced sailors to test their skills. Sailing in the Caribbean can be an easy and fun experience with the right boat. There is always the possibility to have a skipper and crew on board. That will allow you to really relax and enjoy the best Caribbean sailing routes. Which to choose for sailing the Caribbean: all-inclusive or self-catered? There are two main types of charters to choose from when sailing the Caribbean: all-inclusive or self-catered. With an all-inclusive charter, everything is taken care of for you – food and drinks. This is an excellent option if you want to relax and not have to worry about anything. On the other hand, a self-catered charter gives you more flexibility and freedom. You are responsible for all of your own food and drinks. This is an excellent option if you want to save money or have a specific type of food that you want to eat. Both options have pros and cons, so it’s essential to decide which is best for you and your group. Ultimately, the best Caribbean sailing routes are those that best fit your needs and desires. Are the best Caribbean sailing routes suitable for special occasions? The best Caribbean sailing routes can be perfect for special occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary or just want to treat yourself to a luxurious vacation , sailing in the Caribbean is an unforgettable experience. With its beautiful scenery and endless activities, sailing in the Caribbean is the perfect way to celebrate any occasion. What do you need for sailing the Caribbean? When sailing the Caribbean, you’ll need a few essentials: sunscreen, insect repellent, hats, sunglasses, and water shoes. It’s also important to bring cash – many smaller islands don’t have ATMs or accept credit cards. And finally, be sure to pack your sense of adventure and excitement – sailing in the Caribbean is an unforgettable experience ! If you are planning to charter a bareboat in the Caribbean, the skipper must fill out a questionnaire and the sailing experience they had. There is no official sailing license necessary to have on hand. However, before making any reservations, we advise you to check all the requirements with your agent. Otherwise, we can provide you with a local professional skipper and other crew members (such as a hostess and a chef) to attend to you and make your sailing experience a holiday to remember! So there you have it – a guide to the best Caribbean sailing routes! Whether you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled trip, sailing in the Caribbean can provide it all. So what are you waiting for? Book your sailing vacation with us today! The hurricane season in the Caribbean typically last from June to November, with its peak activity usually occurring between August and October. The best time to sail in the Caribbean is generally during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April, as the weather is generally sunny, with less chance of rain and calmer seas. Sailing alone in the Caribbean can be challenging due to factors such as weather, navigation, and potential hazards, so it’s essential to be well-prepared and knowledgeable about the region’s waters before embarking on a solo sailing in the Caribbean. Share article: Have a question. We have answers to your questions. So don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today! GET MORE INFO Feel free to ask us anything. All hands on deck. Let's sail Thank you for sending us an inquiry, thank you so much for your enquiry. Search Used Yachts For Sale Search Boats By Brand Search Boats By Type Search By Location Search By Price What's My Boat Worth? Search Boats Just Listed Small Yachts Custom Sport Fishing Boats Finance A Boat Amer Yachts Aquitalia Yachts Cabo Yachts Century Boats French Yachts Gulfstream Yachts Hatteras Yachts Shelter Island Yachts Solaris Yachts Sunpower Yachts Sunreef Yachts Vela Boatworks Virtus Yachts Why List With United? Why Own A Boat Or Yacht? Custom Website For Your Yacht United Sold Boats Buy A Yacht With Crypto Find a Yacht Broker Near Me Search For Broker By Name Meet The United Support Team Our History Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Stuart Boat Show Miami Boat Show Palm Beach Boat Show Other Boat Shows Yachting News Yacht Closing Services River Forest Yachting Centers Search All Yachts What Is The Best Boat For Cruising To The Bahamas? By Robert Bowman | Posted On Jun 06, 2023 Updated On Mar 25, 2024 There is nothing quite like crossing the Gulf Stream from Florida and catching the first glimpse of that striking iridescent turquoise water of the Bahamas. With the Resorts World in Bimini so popular and Walker's Cay Marina re-opened, heading to the islands by boat is not the worst idea in the world. In fact, the Bahamian government recently reported that tourists arriving in 2022 were up by 233% over the same period in 2021! There's no question that social media has played a big role in educating the world in the beauty of places like Rose Island that can only be reached by boat. Whether you cruise south in the fall to spend the winter in the Bahamas or you're heading over from South Florida, selecting the right yacht for sale can make a world of difference. Opinions differ, but generally a boat for the Bahamas will perform the best if it draws 5-feet of water or less, which can limit some larger yachts and sailboats. If you're trying to determine what boat to buy for the islands, it's best to look at what actual boats are for sale on the market. So what is the best boat for cruising the Bahamas? According to the type of boats listed for sale in the Bahamas, 43% are either catamarans or center-console boats. Each of these different types offer a shallow draft for safe navigation between islands and are easy to maneuver, making them the best boats for Bahamas cruising. With an average price of $535,382 there are plenty of options at both ends of the market depending on your budget. Not far behind, luxury yachts are the next most popular boat, but have an average asking price of over $7 million. (Below: Youtube Channel 'Life By The Bow' offers tips on crossing from Florida to the Bahamas.) While purchasing a boat in the Bahamas and taking possession of it there is an option, finding the right yacht for sale in Florida may make more sense. You can have it surveyed much more easily, complete any repairs with a certified technician, and the closing process will be smoother. That being said, the United Yacht Sales team has experts on staff to assist you every step of the way from the beginning of your search, to closing and taking delivery of your boat. If buying a boat and setting sail to the islands is part of your dream, let us help. Call our main office today at 1-772-463-3131 and we'll connect you with a professional, experienced yacht broker that knows the ins and outs of cruising the Bahamas. Below are several options, in order by length, of boats we recommend for taking to the Bahamas to cruise, fish, snorkel, and explore the many uninhabited islands. "PLOTO" - 1999 FOUNTAINE PAJOT 56 SAILING CATAMARAN With a draft of 4' 5", this Fountaine Pajot 56 is quite capable of cruising the Bahamas and will offer exceptional fuel efficiency. Accommodating up to 6 guests in 3 cabins, along with a beam over 26-feet, PLOTO has the space on board for multi-night vacations. This particular sailing catamaran is configured for single-handed sailing thanks to a self-furling main and self-tracking jib. PLOTO also has all of the comforts many cruisers desire including air-conditioning, water-maker, ice machine, sound system, and more. Asking Price: $499,000 Location: Key West, Florida Search More: Fountain Pajot Boats "BLESSED" - 2021 AQUILA 54 POWER CATAMARAN If you enjoy the advantages of cruising on a catamaran, but prefer your power source to be from diesel and not wind, look no further than a power catamaran . " BLESSED " is a 2021 Aquila 54 that is equipped for private ownership, but could easily be placed into a successful yacht charter program. This boat was the winner of the Multi-Hull Of The Year award in 2022 and has an island-friendly draft of 4' 6". You can cruise comfortably at 18-20 knots or put it in fuel-efficient mode which gives you a 957 nautical mile range at 7.8 knots. Asking Price: $2,650,000 Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida Search More: Aquila Boats "JERSEY LILY" - 2013 BENETEAU 52 SWIFT TRAWLER For those of you who desire a long-distance cruising boat that can be your home on the water for weeks at a time, this Beneteau 52 Swift Trawler checks a lot of important boxes. The draft on the Swift Trawler is less than 4 feet and the twin Volvo D9 575HP engines offer quiet, efficient performance. Even better, JERSEY LILY was re-fit in 2019 with updated upholstery, refrigeration, head systems, freshwater systems, and new electronics.  Asking Price: $895,000 Location: Stuart, Florida Search More: Beneteau Yachts "HOT MIX" - 2012 CABO 44 HTX If you're coming to the Bahamas to fish, which many of the visitors do, it's hard to beat the versatility of the Cabo 44 HTX. With a draft of 3' 7" and loaded with fishing features galore, HOT MIX is the sportfish you need to see. Notable features on this Cabo include Raymarine electronics, Triple Stidd helm seats, Zipwake Trim Tab Control, built-in livewell, and much more. The popular 2-cabin layout means you can bring your closest friends along for the ride. Asking Price: $899,000 Location: Key Largo, Florida Search More: Sportfishing Boats "REELIN N DEALIN" - 2021 HCB 42 LUJO If you've ever been to Bimini on the weekend and strolled down to the marina, there's a good chance you'll see a handful of HCB Yachts tied up. REELIN N DEALIN is an excellent example of a 42 LUJO powered with triple Yamaha 425 XTO's and has a draft less than 3 feet. Capable of easily handing the normal 2-3 foot swells you encounter when crossing over, this is a great Bahamas boat to island hop and hunt big game. Asking Price: $784,900 Location: Miami, Florida Search More: HCB Yachts "KNOT APPROPRIATE" - 2017 LEOPARD 40 With as popular as catamarans are in the islands, it made sense to include KNOT APPROPRIATE in our list of best boats for the Bahamas. A feature of the boat new to the catamaran industry is the doorway from the main salon to the foredeck. This allowed you to go from the stern to the foredeck without having to go around the sides of the boat. At first other manufacturers said it was a mistake but now every manufacturer is doing it. So put Roberson and Caine down for innovation and design along with sailing performance.  Asking Price: $435,000 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Search More: Leopard Boats "DIRTY NEST" - 2012 CONTENDER 39 ST It's hard to beat a Contender center-console cruising in the Bahamas. DIRTY NEST is a newly listed 2012 Contender 39ST with brand new Mercury 400's. If you don't want it to take forever to sail your cat to the Exumas, a fast center-console might be right up your alley. Imagine cruising into the uninhabited islands from the vantage point of the Gap Tower, seeing the shadows of Tarpon cruising the flats. This boat has 4 live wells and new Garmin electronics for the serious anglers that want to fish the Bahamas. Asking Price: $410,000 Location: Miami Beach, Florida Search More: Contender Boats All of the featured boats above can be easily delivered to you on the east coast of Florida where you can provision, fuel, and set sail for your Bahamas adventure. Remember, the key things you need in the perfect Bahamas boat are a shallow draft, good visibility, good storage, and air-conditioning certainly helps. But whether you choose power or sail, fast or fuel efficient, cruising-oriented or hardcore fishing, it's entirely up to your boating plans. The United Yacht Sales team is here to assist you in your search for the perfect boat to go to the Bahamas. If you already own a boat and want to see what it's worth in today's market, please use our What's My Boat Worth form and our team will get back to you with a market evaluation. Also Read: What is the best size cruising yacht? Interesting Boating Links Worldwide yacht sales. 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Aug 16, 2024 Your Yacht For Sale Now Featured on SuperYachtTimes.com Aug 07, 2024 List Your Yacht Before The Fall Boat Show Season Aug 01, 2024 The Hot List - August 2024 Jul 15, 2024 Luxury Yachts For Luxury Buyers 78' Ted Hood 2000, 2000 65' Farr Colvic Minnenium 65, 1999 58' Leopard 58, 2014 54' Beneteau Oceanis 54, 2012 51' Jeanneau Yacht 51, 2017 50' Beneteau Oceanis 510, 1994 50' Lagoon 50, 2020 50' Beneteau Idylle, 1986 48' Baron 48, 1990 48' Custom Ketch, 1982 47' Fountaine Pajot Saona 47, 2019 47' Beneteau First 47.7, 2002 47' Beneteau 473, 2002 46' Warwick 46, 1987 46' Lagoon 46, 2023 46' Beneteau Oceanis, 1999 46' Cambria 44/46, 1988 46' Beneteau FIRST 45.6, 1984 45' Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45.2, 2000 45' Leopard 45, 2019 45' Gulfstar Hirsch 45, 1987 45' Hunter 456, 2001 45' Lagoon 450 F, 2013 44' Bali 4.4, 2023 44' Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44, 1992 44' Catalina Morgan 440, 2008 44' Najad 441, 1998 43' Neel 43, 2021 43' Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 43 DS, 2002 42' Tartan T42, 1981 42' Hallberg-Rassy 42E, 1986 41' Beneteau 411, 1999 41' Hunter 41, 2004 40' Passport Passport 40, 1985 40' Lagoon 400, 2011 40' Broadblue Rapier 400, 2016 39' Bavaria 39 Cruiser, 2006 39' Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 393, 2005 38' Dufour 382 Grand Large, 2015 37' Vision 11.3, 2015 36' Moody 36CC, 1996 35' Gemini Legacy 35, 2015 33' Dufour 335 Grand Large, 2014 32' Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32i, 2007 28' Bristol Channel Cutter Bristol Channel Cutter 28', 1999 23' Custom Traditional island sloop, 1998 BOAT OF THE YEAR Newsletters Sailboat Reviews Boating Safety Sails and Rigging Maintenance Sailing Totem Sailor & Galley Living Aboard Destinations Gear & Electronics Charter Resources Ultimate Boat Giveaway Top 20 Cruising Destinations for Your Bucket List By Cruising World Editors Updated: January 29, 2024 Wondering what the best sailing destinations in the world are? Whether you’re planning a sailing charter vacation or a journey on your own boat, these 20 sailing destinations are part of many sailor’s bucket lists. From the isles of Greece to Australia’s Whitsunday Islands, the colorful Caribbean to dramatic Patagonia, these locations offer something for everyone. Windward Islands Tropical rainforests, barrier reefs, secluded anchorages: In the Windward Islands, you’ll get a taste of all that the Caribbean has to offer, and plenty of fine trade-wind sailing to boot. For sailors, there are multiple choices for your Windward Islands adventures, and from any of them, you can choose to make your sailing vacation as laid-back or as challenging as you’d like. Leeward Islands The Leeward Islands are full of cruising hot spots, with much to offer to sailors, making passing through the Caribbean. lush scenery, vibrant reefs and a laid-back vibe make for the ultimate sailing destination. Lesser Antilles The Lesser Antilles, in the Eastern Caribbean, are among the best charter destinations on the planet. Why? Diversity and conditions. The winds, seas and harbors in the Lesser Antilles are nearly ideal 99 percent of the time, and landfalls are perfectly spaced. In many of the most popular chartering waters, destinations are 30 to 40 miles apart — or less. This means you can get up at a reasonable hour, have a thrilling sail, and still manage to clear customs by happy hour. Cuba is one of those mysterious destinations for US-based cruisers: close, intriguing, but seemingly out of reach. In 2017, when regulations were a bit more relaxed for cruisers, Cruising World hosted a rally to the island nation. The verdict? Cuba is everything we expected, and so much more. USA, Canada and Atlantic The islands of the Bahamas are a cruiser’s playground — clear water, colorful communities and great sailing. The Bahamas offer endless islands to sail between and explore; from the Abacos to the Exumas, each island is unique. Intracoastal Waterway Those with a mast height under 64 feet can also take advantage of the beauty and convenience of the Intracoastal Waterway on their trip north or south through the East Coast. While navigating the ICW requires lots of motoring, when conditions are good, the sailing is spectacular. Southern New England Cruising through Long Island Sound, anchoring in the Great Salt Pond of Block Island, exploring the coast of Cape Cod – there are endless opportunities to enjoy a romp through Southern New England. The Great Lakes Some of the best freshwater cruising in the world, the Great Lakes offer endless opportunities for exploration. Each lake offers unique cruising grounds, ports and conditions, from uncharted rocky inlets on the Canadian shores, to bustling cities. For as long as ocean-going sailors have been sailing the North Atlantic, Bermuda has been the crossroads and a popular race destination. But Bermuda is so much more than just a waypoint—it’s also a wonderful cruising destination. Nova Scotia Packed with geologic and cultural history, the beautifully quiet coast of Nova Scotia is a nature lovers dream. Spruce trees, granite, grasses, sea, seals and terns, there is no shortage of excitement here. Greece Isles The sailing can be challenging, but the landfalls — full of history, diverse towns and tasty cuisine — are worth it. Greece boasts thousands of islands, spread across an enormous geographical area stretching from the Aegean to the Ionian sea. Four of Greece’s five island groups are prime cruising areas: the Cyclades, the Saronic Islands, the Ionian Islands and the Dodecanese. Each group has its own unique character and charm, making each one worth exploring. South Pacific Cruising yachts from all over the world come to Fiji to anchor in the crystal-clear waters of the South Pacific. This Pacific crossroads is a refreshing break, with world-class snorkeling, beach combing and hiking. Smack dab in the middle of the South Pacific, the remote and untamed Marquesas are an unforgettable sailing stop – if you can get there. The topography of these young islands ­reflects the dawn of time; the exquisite drama of the islands’ violent, volcanic origins has not yet been smoothed and worn, with towering peaks rising above anchorages. Tasmania offers world class cruising, friendly, welcoming people, and a rich sailing history. The beautiful anchorages are uncrowded and private, and the sailing is world class. Just ask anyone who has ever sailed a Sydney Hobart Race. Whitsunday Islands Pristine white sand beaches begging for footprints; the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park just waiting to be snorkeled; and our charter catamaran tugging on her mooring lines, ready to set sail. Who could resist such a tempting welcome from the Whitsunday Islands? Not us. Southeast Asia Phang Nga Bay Towering rock sculptures rise out of the water in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay, providing a surreal backdrop for cruising. Anchor among the hongs and hope into a dinghy for an unforgettable experience exploring hidden caves and uncovering secrets from the 10,000 year history of the bay. From the blustery southeaster that can blow 45-60 knots for days on end, the “table cloth” on Table Mountain, to the waterfront with all its great seafaring tales and bars and the beaches of the suburb of Clifton, Cape Town has it all. The weather is like Southern California; you can stay active in the great outdoors year round. Madagascar is a true cruising gem. Its culture is a delightful convergence of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, as evidenced by the gourmet French meals, baked goods, mélange of rum drinks, vibrant materials for both traditional and modern dress, and the combination of French and local Malagasy language. South America The Cape Horn archipelago conjures images of heroic voyages through inhospitable landscapes and harsh, raw conditions, the true beauty Chile is that it’s remote enough to be pristine, but not isolated enough that you feel completely cut off from the rest of the world. Cold, unforgiving and a challenge for even the most seasoned sailor, there isn’t quite any place on earth like Antarctica. Just ask anyone who has been, though, and you’ll find that the journey to the bottom of the world was unforgettable. More: Africa , australia , Bahamas , caribbean , Cuba , Destinations , europe , fiji , french polynesia , Greece , Leeward Islands , New Zealand , south africa , southeast asia , windward islands More Destinations Caribbean Cruising: Wind Woes in the Grenadines Paradise Pummeled A Guide to Cruising Paperwork Cruising Panama: Two Weeks in the Darién North Sails Parent Company Buys Doyle, Quantum Top Tools for Sailboat Cruising: Must-Have Gear for 2024 For Sale: 1984 Camper & Nicholsons 58 Sailing Avocet : A New Adventure Begins Digital Edition Customer Service Privacy Policy Terms of Use Email Newsletters Cruising World Sailing World Salt Water Sportsman Sport Fishing Wakeboarding 12 Best Boat Tours in Playa del Carmen Mexico in 2024 Trying to find the best boat tours in Playa del Carmen Mexico? This is the perfect guide for you! As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen , I’ve had the chance to try out many of the boat tours in the area. In this post, I’m sharing my top recommendations so you’ll be ready to soak up the sun and spend an unforgettable day exploring the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Playa del Carmen. ⌚️ Don’t have time to read the full article? The best boat tour in Playa del Carmen is this Beach Escape: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres tour with more than 440 5-star reviews! Without further ado, let’s review the best boat tours in Playa del Carmen , including each itinerary, tour information, booking details, and everything else you need to know. Ready to find out the best Playa del Carmen boat tour for you? Let’s get started! Top 3 Picks: Best Boat Tours in Playa del Carmen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Beach Escape: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling ✅ Uninhabited tropical island ✅ All-inclusive Isla Mujeres Luxury Catamaran and Snorkel ✅ Lunch and Open Bar ✅ Roundtrip Transportation Riviera Maya Luxury Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour ✅ Puerto Aventuras ✅ Snorkeling at Inah Reef Best Boat Tours in Playa del Carmen These are the best boat tours Playa del Carmen has to offer: ⚠️ Before we begin, it’s important to know that there is not a marina in Playa del Carmen . Boat tours will usually depart from these nearby towns: Puerto Aventuras Isla Mujeres Keep in mind this will require a bit of extra travel time (30 min—1 hour)–but it’s definitely worth it as the water and snorkeling are much better in these areas! 1. Beach Escape: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling, Breakfast and Lunch ⭐️ RATING : 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 440 5-star reviews) 🕘 DURATION : 8 hours 📍 DEPARTURE POINT: Cancun 🚐 HOTEL PICKUP INCLUDED? Yes 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here → This Beach Escape: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres boat trip from Playa del Carmen is the best boat tour in Playa del Carmen with over 440 5-star reviews! On this full-day tour, you’ll get to explore two incredibly beautiful tropical islands–Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy. Both are must-do activities in the Riviera Maya ! Isla Mujeres is a small island off the coast of Cancun known for its beautiful beaches like Playa Norte and its striking turquoise water. But the real star of the show is Isla Contoy , an uninhabited island that has the most jaw-dropping beach you’ll ever see! Best part of our trip!! The island is paradise. We saw a reef shark, huge turtles, starfish and more. 3 hours on Isla Contoy was perfect, lunch was also made for us on the island which was amazing! Great trip, great staff.. 10/10 would do it all again –Chante ( READ MORE REVIEWS ) Trust me, I’ve seen a lot of pretty beaches in Riviera Maya and Isla Contoy is simply THE best there is! The boat tour whisks you to the best snorkeling spots off Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy. You’ll also be able to hop off the boat to explore the islands, including souvenir shopping in Isla Mujeres or lounging on the beach at Isla Contoy. Plus, round-trip transportation with hotel pickup, meals, and equipment are all included so it’s a hassle-free experience. What’s included in the Beach Escape: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling, Breakfast and Lunch : Pickup and dropoff from your hotel in Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Tulum areas Boat ride to Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy Breakfast at the pier Guided reef snorkel tour at Isla Contoy National Park Several hours at Isla Contoy Free time on Isla Mujeres Freshly prepared lunch Water, soft drinks, and beer Snorkel gear Professional crew 2. Luxury Catamaran and Snorkel: Lunch & Open Bar Onboard and Visit to Isla Mujeres ⭐️ RATING : 4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 1,870 5-star reviews) 🕘 DURATION : 5 hours and 30 minutes 📍 DEPARTURE POINT: Playa Mujeres Catamaran tours are one of the best ways to explore the warm waters around the Riviera Maya, and this is one of the best catamaran tours in Playa del Carmen . The Luxury Catamaran and Snorkel Tour to Isla Mujeres begins right at the front door of your hotel. From there, you’ll embark on a calm and soothing sail from the coast to Isla Mujeres. Before you reach the charming island, you’ll stop for a quick snorkel, where you can swim and admire the tropical fish and other marine life. Amazing excursion! You get to snorkel, swim, and explore Isla Mujeres. Not to mention open bar and lunch included! They also take amazinngggg pictures for you. Definitely recommend –Capri C. ( READ MORE REVIEWS ) Once at Isla Mujeres, you can choose between a guided tour of the island or free time to discover the many things to do in Isla Mujeres on your own. This half-day tour is the perfect way to explore Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen , with an open bar and a gourmet lunch on board the catamaran. And with round-trip transportation and plenty of free time to explore the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean and the lively streets of Isla Mujeres, you’ll have the best time. What’s included in the Luxury Catamaran and Snorkel. Lunch & Open Bar Onboard and Visit to Isla Mujeres : Boat ride to Isla Mujeres Break to snorkel 3. Riviera Maya Luxury Catamaran and Snorkeling Tour ⭐️ RATING : 4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 480 5-star reviews) 🕘 DURATION : 4 hours 📍 DEPARTURE POINT: Puerto Aventuras This Riviera Maya Luxury Catamaran Tour is the perfect day trip from Playa del Carmen that includes ample time to explore the waters at Inah Reef (known as one of the best reefs near Playa del Carmen). The Riviera Maya is right on the Mesoamerican Reef , the second-largest reef in the world–making this one of the best Playa del Carmen snorkeling tours . During the cruise, you can admire the scenery, including sailing by the luxury resorts on shore, the lush and tropical jungles, isolated beaches, and the Caribbean Sea. This was one of my favorite experiences in Mexico so far! The tour guide was fun, and of course, the water was amazing. I had fun snorkeling with a great group of people. Lunch was very good, and the margaritas were delicious! Fabulous! –Rachel ( READ MORE REVIEWS ) While the highlight of this tour is the incredible views and overall experience of sailing along the Caribbean Sea, you can’t miss the snorkeling. You’ll swim with sea turtles, tropical fish, and other ocean dwellers in their natural habitat. And if that’s not your thing, you can try paddle boarding in the calm waters. What’s included in the Riviera Maya Luxury Catamaran and Snorkeling Tour : Catamaran snorkel cruise Guided reef snorkel tour Inah Reef Paddleboards 4. Luxury Sunset Sailing Cruise in the Riviera Maya with Light Dinner and Open Bar ⭐️ RATING : 4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 290 5-star reviews) 🕘 DURATION : 2 hours What better way to experience the beautiful Caribbean than with a Playa del Carmen sunset boat tour?  This Luxury Sunset Sailing Cruise is definitely one of the best luxury boat tours in Playa del Carmen and the perfect way to enjoy a beautiful Riviera Maya sunset! Amazing experience!! The drinks were great and kept coming, the staff was all amazing, and we had an amazing time! 10/10 recommend. We had so much fun and met new friends! –Kortnee ( READ MORE REVIEWS ) On the 2-hour catamaran cruise, you’ll go gliding along the coast of the Riviera Maya where you’ll get to enjoy a perfect view of the sunset behind the jungle backdrop. Plus, it includes a light snack with a tropical fruit plate, cheese, meat platter, and an open bar–setting the perfect ambiance to meet new people or enjoy a romantic evening. What’s included in the Luxury Sunset Sailing Cruise in the Riviera Maya : Pickup and dropoff from your hotel in the Riviera Maya Catamaran cruise along the coast Light snacks 🌅 Looking for a private sunset sailing? Read about my Riviera Maya sunset sailing experience for all the details! 5. El Cielo Reef by Catamaran with Beach Club ⭐️ RATING : 4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 190 5-star reviews) 📍 DEPARTURE POINT: Cozumel 🚐 HOTEL PICKUP INCLUDED? No This El Cielo Reef by Catamaran with Beach Club tour is the perfect Playa del Carmen boat tour for snorkeling lovers and a great way to see the island of Cozumel. On this boat tour from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, you’ll get to stop at three of the best snorkeling coral reefs in Cozumel: Palancar, Columbia, and El Cielo. The real highlight is El Cielo, which means “Heaven” in Spanish, and what you’ll find at this dreamy snorkeling spot that can only be accessed by boat. Visiting El Cielo in Cozumel is one of my favorite things to do in Cozumel because the water is so clear and you’ll get to snorkel with giant starfish! This was our absolute favorite excursion. The crew was friendly, professional, and fun. The snorkeling areas were in the bluest, clearest, water I’ve ever seen in my life. The sea life was beautiful. There was a photographer on board that took amazing underwater photos that we will always treasure. The chef cut up all of the fruits & veggies for fresh guacamole, pico, and ceviche during our beach stop. It truly was a PERFECT day!!! –Donald C. ( READ MORE REVIEWS ) And in addition, you’ll get to sail around the Caribbean on a catamaran and take a dip in the water, all while sipping a cold margarita and snacking on delicious, freshly-made ceviche.  And to top it off, you’ll get to stop at a beach club on Cozumel for more relaxation and fun in the sun. Note this tour departs from Cozumel so you’ll need to get from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel on your own.  But don’t worry, taking the ferry is very easy! What’s included in the El Cielo Reef by Catamaran with Beach Club : Meetup at Marina Fonatur Cozumel Guided reef snorkel at Palancar, Columbia, and El Cielo Freshly prepared ceviche Beach club access 6. 2 Hour Sunset Charter – 47′ Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya ⭐️ RATING : 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 100 5-star reviews) If you want to go all-out with a luxurious boat of your own, this 2-Hour Sunset – 47’ Azimut yacht is a quick trip that’s a bit more affordable. It’s one of the best yacht rentals in Playa del Carmen , perfect for groups of friends, Mexico bachelorette parties , or couples. This Playa del Carmen boat rental offers a complete VIP experience, including an optional Inha Reef snorkeling, paddleboarding around the open seas, complimentary cocktails, and a karaoke machine to round out the party. This was an amazing option! We were celebrating our 29th, so it was a great time. Clean boat, great amenities, loudspeaker system with Bluetooth to connect, accommodating staff. Good drinks! They took pics for us, kept the drinks coming, 2 rooms and 2 bathrooms on board. –Joiya ( READ MORE REVIEWS ) And one of the best things about private luxury yachts is the personalized tour options. You can choose from a set list of water activities based on what you’re most interested in.  Don’t like snorkeling? That’s fine–just sunbathe on the deck. Want some more activity? Go for a quick paddle board trip from the yacht. What’s included in the 2 Hour Sunset – 47′ Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya : Meetup at Puerto Aventuras Private tours with the crew for a 2-hour cruise Guided snorkel at Inha Reef Snacks and lunch Karaoke machine Bluetooth sound system 7. El Cielo, Palancar Snorkel & Beach Party Experience 🕘 DURATION : 5 hours 📍 DEPARTURE POINT: Cozumel downtown ferry pier This El Cielo, Palancar Snorkel & Beach Party Experience is another fun way to experience El Cielo and snorkeling in Cozumel . The Playa del Carmen booze cruise catamaran includes a tour around the island on a massive 65-foot catamaran–with open bar included.  You can hop in the water and swim with all the tropical fish, beautiful coral reef formations, and maybe even sea turtles! From the beginning till the end, this adventure was simply amazing. The crew was very attentive, detail oriented and made sure Everyone was safe and taken care of. The reef was breathtaking, and all stops had its perk. I didn’t want it to end. The sunset from the catamaran was the icing on the cake. This is a MUST do trip. Kudos to this company and the crew. –Zsuzsa ( READ MORE REVIEWS ) First, you’ll stop at Palancar Reef and then spend time at El Cielo. All the while, you can enjoy unlimited drinks and snacks onboard the boat and beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. This boat tour doesn’t start until the afternoon and returns after sunset. So, you don’t have to worry about getting up early like many other guided boat tours in Playa del Carmen.  It also picks you up at the Cozumel ferry pier, which is right in the center of San Miguel de Cozumel . What’s included in the El Cielo, Palancar Snorkel & Beach Party Experience : Meetup at the ferry pier in Cozumel Catamaran boat tour to Palancar and El Cielo Guided reef snorkel 8. Sailing & Snorkeling Cruise with Freshly Grilled Lunch ⭐️ RATING : 4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 135 5-star reviews) This Sailing & Snorkeling Cruise is an excellent half-day tour around the Caribbean, and a great way to spend an afternoon in Playa del Carmen. The tour is on a large catamaran, which is never over 50% capacity, so there’s plenty of space for everyone.  You can enjoy snorkeling at a nearby reef, a beautiful cruise, and even a waterslide. The captain also drags two fishing poles along the reef, so you can try out some fishing if you’re interested. We had great fun snorkeling, and the food was delicious! The crew members were fun and very friendly. We recommend you take this cruise if you’re in Playa del Carmen. –Furman ( READ MORE REVIEWS ) This fantastic, family-friendly event includes a fresh grilled lunch, drinks, and snacks. It’s perfect for families, small groups, or solo travelers looking to meet other like-minded travelers. Everything is taken care of for you by the friendly staff, from snorkel equipment to lunch and drinks, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the half day boat tour from Playa del Carmen. What’s included in the Sailing & Snorkeling Cruise with Freshly Grilled Lunch : Catamaran boat tour Possible fishing off the catamaran Snacks and freshly grilled lunch 9. Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club ⭐️ RATING : 4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 125 5-star reviews) 🕘 DURATION : 3 hours 📍 DEPARTURE POINT: Maroma Beach This Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya picks you up right from your hotel and then heads to Playa Maroma –one of the best and most exclusive beaches in Playa del Carmen . After boarding the catamaran, you’ll go to two different snorkeling spots and get plenty of time to lounge and sunbathe on the deck. It’s a large, comfortable catamaran that never feels crowded or overrun. Very excited to share this vacation with my sisters. Very nice staff who were helpful and would take time to show amazing sea animals during snorkeling. –Stacy ( READ MORE REVIEWS ) After the snorkel tour and cruise around the Yucatan Peninsula, you can choose to spend the rest of the day on Playa Maroma, with free access to Maroma Beach.  There’s no better way to finish a half-day sailing in Playa del Carmen than at one of Riviera Maya’s best beaches. What’s included in the Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club : Roundtrip transportation around the Riviera Maya Guided snorkel to two reefs Free access to Maroma Beach after the tour 10. Isla Mujeres Unlimited! Fun & Party with Transportation ⭐️ RATING : 4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 70 5-star reviews) 🕘 DURATION : 9 hours 📍 DEPARTURE POINT: Punta Sam Ferry Terminal This Isla Mujeres Unlimited! Catamaran cruise is the best option for those looking for a Playa del Carmen party boat experience. The tour departs from Punta Sam near Cancun, but they can pick you up at your hotel in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. From Punta Sam, you’ll go on a snorkeling tour at Punta Sam Reef. After snorkeling, you’ll cruise to Isla Mujeres for a few hours and get to do some of the best Isla Mujeres activities like exploring downtown Isla Mujeres or visiting the beautiful Playa Norte. It was a great day of ocean, snorkeling, and beach fun. The food and drink were good, and the crew kept us safe and entertained. –Frank ( READ MORE REVIEWS ) As one of the best tours to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen , the tour includes roundtrip transportation, a buffet lunch, an open bar, and a tequila party.  This is not a mellow tour but is advertised more for people who want a few drinks and the chance to safely get to Isla Mujeres–hopefully with a good buzz! What’s included in the Isla Mujeres Unlimited! Fun & Party with Transportation : Roundtrip transportation from the Riviera Maya Catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres Guided snorkel of Punta Sam Reef Time to explore Isla Mujeres and Playa Norte Buffet lunch Free beach club access on Isla Mujeres 11. Luxury Sailing & Snorkeling Experience from Riviera Maya ⭐️ RATING : 4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 10 5-star reviews) This Luxury Sailing & Snorkeling Experience from the Riviera Maya is a luxurious half-day tour at an affordable price. You’ll travel aboard a French-made catamaran to one of the best snorkeling spots right off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.  You’ll have plenty of time for snorkeling, and you might even catch a glimpse of a sea turtle, stingrays, or manta rays. Great boat with a great crew. The water was really blue, and we saw a lot of fish and rays. Would definitely do it again. –Richard ( READ MORE REVIEWS ) The boat also has state-of-the-art paddleboards for guests to use so that you can explore above the turquoise water. This is a relatively small tour on a luxurious boat, so you’ll have plenty of space and privacy. It’s one of the best guided boat tours in Playa del Carmen for all travelers: families, solo travelers, and couples. What’s included in the Luxury Sailing & Snorkeling Experience from Riviera Maya : Catamaran cruise Guided snorkel tour Freshly made lunch 12. Cozumel Luxury Sailing & Snorkeling with Lunch and Open Bar Onboard ⭐️ RATING : 4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 75 5-star reviews) 📍 DEPARTURE POINT: Playa del Carmen ferry to Cozumel This Cozumel Luxury Sailing & Snorkeling tour is another excellent way to travel from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, with a stop at all the best reefs and points of interest around Cozumel. You’ll hop on the ferry to Cozumel and join a fun and exciting catamaran cruise around the island.  Diego and team did a great job with our snorkeling excursion! The team made sure that we saw it all – starfish, sea turtles, coral reef, and many beautiful fish. Thank you, Diego and crew, for making this a once in a lifetime experience! –Trip Advisor Reviewer ( READ MORE REVIEWS ) The catamaran cruise stops at the best snorkeling spots in Cozumel and gives you plenty of time to relax in the sun. If you want to visit Cozumel but don’t want to deal with the hassle of planning, this is the perfect way to go about it. What’s included in the Cozumel Luxury Sailing & Snorkeling with Lunch and Open Bar Onboard : Playa del Carmen Boat Tours: FAQs Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Playa del Carmen boat trips: There is no marina in Playa del Carmen, so most Playa del Carmen boat rides leave from Puerto Aventuras, which is about 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. However, some tours also leave from Cozumel, Cancun, or Punta Maroma. The cost of boat tours in Playa del Carmen ranges from $50 USD to $500 USD, depending on the type of tour. Most large group tours will be on the lower side, while private yacht tours will be on the higher side. The number of people on a Playa del Carmen boat tour depends on the boat size, catamaran, or yacht. However, most group excursions have between 10-30 people on it. You should bring your bathing suit, a beach towel , and reef-safe sunscreen or sun protection clothes. It’s also a good idea to bring a GoPro or waterproof phone pouch if you’d like to take photos on boat cruises in Playa del Carmen. Most boat tours in Playa del Carmen are with groups of people, but some offer private Playa del Carmen boat tours. Boat trips in Playa del Carmen last between 2 and 10 hours, depending on what the boat tour involves. The boat tour will be longer if you visit other islands, like Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, or Isla Contoy. If you’re just snorkeling and cruising around, it will be shorter. Most boat tours in Playa del Carmen include an open bar. However, not all of them do. Double-check with your Playa del Carmen boat tours what they include in the price if an open bar is important to you. Conclusion: Best Boat Tours Playa del Carmen So, are you ready for an adventurous and unforgettable sail around the Riviera Maya? Fortunately, there are hundreds of different boat tours Playa del Carmen has to choose from.  Whether you’re looking to go to Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, or some of the lesser-known reefs off the Yucatan Peninsula, there’s something here for you. The Beach Escape: Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy Cruise is my top recommendation with over 440 5-star reviews!  You’ll get to visit two absolutely stunning islands and it includes roundtrip-transportation, snorkeling, and lots of fun! Regardless of your choice, you’ll surely have some unforgettable memories. After all, there’s no better way to experience the Caribbean than to spend the day on it! Best Playa del Carmen Catamaran Tours Best Playa del Carmen Yacht Rentals Best Playa del Carmen Snorkeling Tours Best Playa del Carmen ATV Tours Best Playa del Carmen Zipline Tours Best Playa del Carmen Cenote Tours Best Playa del Carmen Food Tours Best Playa del Carmen Private Tours 🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon? These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend: 🏨 Hotels : I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com . If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees! ✈️ Flights : I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates. 🚗 Rental Cars : I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent. 🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation : I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option! 🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues. 🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads. ☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen : Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list ! Regular sunscreen is prohibited when swimming in the ocean and cenotes in Mexico, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen , which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free. Allison Sicking is the founder of Viva La Travelista. After moving to Playa del Carmen, Mexico in 2018, she created her travel blog to empower others to travel safely and confidently in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. Using her Spanish language skills and expertise in Mexico travel, she is passionate about teaching others to travel Mexico like a local. Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group Back to Main Menu Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises Cruise Deals Weekend Cruises Last Minute Cruises Family Cruises​ 2024-2025 Cruises All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships Cruise Dining Onboard Activities Cruise Rooms The Cruise Experience All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations Cruise Ports Shore Excursions Perfect Day at CocoCay Caribbean Cruises Bahamas Cruises​ Alaska Cruises European Cruises​ Mediterranean Cruises​ Royal Destinations Cruise Planner Make a Payment Check-In for My Cruise Beverage Packages​ Shore Excursions​ Book a Flight Dining Packages​ Royal Gifts Required Travel Documents Transportation Book a Hotel Redeem Cruise Credit All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs Boarding Requirements Future Cruise Credit​ Travel Documents​ Check-in​ & Boarding Pass Transportation​ Perfect Day at CocoCay​ Post-Cruise Inquiries Royal Caribbean Celebrity Cruises 7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day Day Port 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Your ship Icon of the Seas POOL HOP NONSTOP Hideaway Pool Chill Island℠ DIAL UP THE DARING Category 6 Waterpark Crown's Edge℠ Adrenaline Peak℠ Thrill Island Memories made over meals. Empire Supper Club℠ Surfside Bites℠ AquaDome Market AN ICON AFTER DARK Lou’s Jazz ‘n Blues℠ The Overlook℠ Bar & Pods Dueling Pianos℠ 1400℠ Lobby Bar Surfside daze for days. Adventure Ocean ® The Lemon Post℠ Bar Spectacular takes the stage. The Wizard of Oz Aqua Action! Pirates vs. Mermaids Starburst: Elemental Beauty Day 1: miami, florida. Called Culture Blank Canvas Local Cuisine Day 2: Cruising Day 3: Labadee, Haiti popular Shore Excursions Amazing experiences coming soon.. FLIP FLOPS & MOUNTAINTOPS Dragon's Beach Adrenaline Beach Nellie’s beach. Columbus Cove CHASE ADVENTURE IN PARADISE Dragon's Splash Waterslide Dragon’s Tail Coaster Dragon’s Breath Flight Line Dragon’s Fire Flight Line RHYTHM & VIEWS Fuel Up For Fun Handcrafted in Haiti Day 4: san juan, puerto rico. CASTILLO DE SAN FELIPE DEL MORRO CATEDRAL DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA Day 5: Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas Beach Hop ‘Till You Drop Panoramic Views of Paradise Journey Into the Past Day 6: Cruising Izumi in the Park℠ Day 7: perfect day at cococay, bahamas. Thrill Waterpark Daredevil’s Tower Splash Summit Adventure Pool Coco Beach Club Overwater Cabanas Beach Cabanas The Restaurant Hideaway Beach Hideaway Pool and Swim-up Bar On the Rocks Slice of Paradise Hideaway Cabanas Island Dining Captain Jack's® Skipper's Grill Chill Grill SNACK SHACK THRILLS & CHILLS UP, UP AND AWAY OASIS LAGOON South Beach CAPTAIN JILL’S GALLEON SPLASHAWAY BAY CHILL ISLAND Day 8: miami, florida. 235 IMAGES Top 10 Must-Haves: The Best Cruising Boat For The Caribbean Top 10 Must-Haves: The Best Cruising Boat For The Caribbean The Best Cruising Sailboats and Their Fundamental Qualities Top 10 Must-Haves: The Best Cruising Boat For The Caribbean Top 10 Must-Haves: The Best Cruising Boat For The Caribbean Skippered Sailing Holidays in the Caribbean- Grenada Bluewater Sailing COMMENTS The Best Boat for Caribbean Island Hopping (Type and Size) The best boat for Caribbean island-hopping has space for you and your crew, good storage for food and water, is seaworthy, and comfortable at anchor. Some good monohulls include the Bavaria 32, Beneteau 331, and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS. For catamarans, consider the PDQ 36, Manta 40, and Leopard 44. This is a broad list, and there are many ... Best Sailboat for Cruising the Caribbean: Choosing the Ultimate Vessel Discover the ultimate guide to finding the ideal sailboat for exploring the Caribbean seas. From hull design to navigation essentials, embark on your cruising journey with comfort and confidence. Explore the pros and cons of monohulls versus catamarans and unravel the mystery of budgeting for the sailing adventure of a lifetime. Five Affordable Sailboat Cruisers that are Perfect for Sailing to the Catalina 38's typically range in price from $35,000 to $55,000. Browse all available Catalina boats for sale. The Sabre 38 was designated as a performance cruiser with fast passage-making capabilities. Sabre 38. Another timeless design is the Sabre 38, which takes it up a notch both in terms of quality and price. Best Boats for Cruising the Caribbean: A Comprehensive Guide to Discover the ultimate guide to selecting the best boats for cruising the Caribbean! Uncover top choices based on luxury, comfort, and speed, along with key features to consider for a seamless nautical adventure. From budgeting tips to safety considerations, embark on an insightful journey through the world of Caribbean cruising with recommendations for monohulls, catamarans, and powerboats ... 10 Best Used Cruising Sailboats & Liveaboards Tayana Vancouver 42. Tayana Vancouver 42 Dave Backus. Ta Yang, builder of Tayana sailboats, has been building capable cruising boats forever, it seems. The Robert Harris-designed Tayana Vancouver 42 has been a mainstay of the serious cruising fleet since the day it was launched in 1979, and is still in demand today. The Ultimate Guide to Caribbean Island-Hopping Caribbean Island-Hopping Itinerary #3: Book Through a Tour Operator. View of St. Lucia from Jade Mountain/Oyster. For the easiest island-hopping itinerary, book through a tour operator. Sure, this alleviates some of the adventure factors of planning your own trip, but you'll still be on your very own multi-island vacation without the cruise ... 5 Best Cruising Sailboats In 2024 The Corbin 39 is a beautiful blue water sailboat. It is a very rare boat with a proud history. Only a handful of these boats were finished to completion in the factory, the majority were sold as kits and built by the boat's owner. Because of this method of production, this model can vary drastically on the inside. Caribbean sailing: Top tips from two years exploring this cruising paradise The Caribbean is a veritable cruising paradise. Terysa Vanderloo shares her tips from two seasons exploring the islands. My partner Nick and I spent two years sailing in the Lesser Antilles on our ... 13 Best Cruising Sailboats in 2023 & Why They're Better Island Packet 420. Fountaine Pajot Saona 47. Lagoon 450F. Bavaria Cruiser 46. One aspect that sets these sailboats apart is their focus on innovation and performance. Let's take a closer look at the 13 best cruising sailboats of 2023 and explore what makes them stand out from the rest. Best Boats For Caribbean Island Hopping The best boats for Caribbean Island hopping include Beneteau 331, Bavaria 32, and the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 42 DS for monohulls, the Manta 40, Leopard 44, or the PDQ 36 for catamarans. ... A strong spray hood is also excellent when water splashes onto the boat. The goal is to enjoy the cruising experience without suffering, so anything enhancing ... A Boater's Guide To Cruising The Bahamas Check with them well in advance and steer clear during hurricane season (June 1 to November 30). Unlike the more forgiving waters of, say, Chesapeake Bay, the Bahamas are riddled with reefs, rocks, and brown bars (rocky ledges) that can quickly hole a boat, and there's no U.S. Coast Guard daily presence. Yacht Charters in the Caribbean Sailing Catamarans - Embark on a glamorous, sleek Caribbean yacht charter aboard one of our sailing catamarans. Stylish, powerful and technologically advanced, you'll cruise around the Caribbean on a bareboat or skippered charter. Power Catamarans - Take your Caribbean boat charter to the next level and hire a power catamaran. Spacious ... Cruising in the Caribbean: Everything You Need To Know Popular Bareboat Charter Destinations In The Caribbean. Antigua, Anegada, Anguilla, St Barts, Bequia, Carriacou, Tobago, British Virgin Islands, St. Martin, Barbuda, Grenada, St. Lucia, Dominica and Puerto Rico are the best-known cruising islands among the sailing community. Many sailors chose to begin their journey at the Virgin Islands in the ... 17 Best Sailboats to Live On + What You Should Know First Bluewater Sailor Under 50 — Hallberg Rassy 46/48. Hallberg Rassys are well-regarded boats built in Sweden, mostly designed by German Frers. These are high-end boats of the best quality, so don't expect to find one available cheaply. They're gorgeous, however, and make wonderful world cruisers. Choosing the Right Size Sailboat for Caribbean Cruising A 30-40 foot boat is a good size for a couple to cruise the Caribbean alone, but if you want more space or plan on doing some ocean crossings, you may want to consider a larger boat. Whatever size boat you choose, make sure it's comfortable, easy to handle, and fits your budget. With the right boat, you'll be able to explore the beautiful ... Which Powerboat to Cruise the Caribbean ? However, I've looked at the BoatTest numbers of several 40ft (ish) diesel-powered Trawlers and Sedan Bridge boats and they have similar fuel consumption numbers at low speeds. For example, the Beneteau Swift 44 with 300HP D4 diesels gets about 2.16 NMPG at 8.1 Knots and 3.74 NMPG at 6.7 Knots. Twelve Top Bluewater Cruising Boats Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49. For a boat focused on the needs of the lucrative charter market, the Sun Odyssey 49 has proved a remarkably adept bluewater cruiser. A large cockpit, easily managed sailplan and fine all-round performance obviously have something to do with this; cool features like a dedicated sail locker in the bow and a large nav station belowdecks don't hurt either. 11 Best Caribbean Islands for Sailing, Yachting and Boating These are the best Caribbean islands for boating. Bahamas. Because of its proximity to South Florida, it's easy to take your boat here, whether on your own or with flotillas of boats — and ... Sailing in the Caribbean: A Journey of a Lifetime The best Caribbean sailing routes can be done with a catamaran, sailboat, or motor yacht. Sailboats offer the best value for active travelers and provide a classical sailing experience starting from 160 USD per day. The catamaran will bring a smooth sailing experience compared to the sailboat, which is perfect for bigger groups or families. What Is The Best Boat For Cruising To The Bahamas? REELIN N DEALIN is an excellent example of a 42 LUJO powered with triple Yamaha 425 XTO's and has a draft less than 3 feet. Capable of easily handing the normal 2-3 foot swells you encounter when crossing over, this is a great Bahamas boat to island hop and hunt big game. Asking Price: $784,900. Location: Miami, Florida. Sailboats for sale in the Caribbean See all our sailboats for sale in the Caribbean here! We have everything from used Beneteau & Jeanneau yachts to custom built all ocean cruising sailboats! +1 (941) 900 4510 [email protected] 20 Best Cruising and Sailing Destinations Whether you're planning a sailing charter vacation or a journey on your own boat, these 20 sailing destinations are part of many sailor's bucket lists. From the isles of Greece to Australia's Whitsunday Islands, the colorful Caribbean to dramatic Patagonia, these locations offer something for everyone. 12 Best Boat Tours in Playa del Carmen Mexico in 2024 This Luxury Sunset Sailing Cruise is definitely one of the best luxury boat tours in Playa del Carmen and the perfect way to enjoy a beautiful Riviera Maya sunset! Amazing experience!! The drinks were great and kept coming, the staff was all amazing, and we had an amazing time! 10/10 recommend. 7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day The 7 Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect Day visits Miami, Florida; Labadee, Haiti; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas; Miami, Florida. Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. Start planning your next cruise vacation by selecting a destination and departure port. Princess Cruises Will Sail its Largest-Ever Caribbean Season Princess Cruises has opened nearly 100 Caribbean itineraries that two of its ships, Regal Princess and Caribbean Princess, will sail during its largest-ever summer of 2026. The seasonal deployment ... catamaran gulet motorboat powerboat riverboat sailboat trimaran yacht