When planning a sailing holiday, the Caribbean is often the first destination that comes to mind. Perhaps it is the charming, turquoise water of the British Virgin Islands or island-hopping around Antigua and Barbuda. Something just feels right about holidaying in this part of the world.
And the best part is, a sailing trip in the Caribbean isn’t a single, fixed experience. Sailors have the freedom to tailor their own unique experience by tweaking things like level of involvement, comfort and exploration pace.
To put it into perspective, two people can sail the same islands and still have completely different holidays. And, the difference often comes down to the type of yacht each one chooses.
Why Charter a Yacht for Your Caribbean Sailing Holidays
When it comes to sailing the Caribbean, holidays are built around yacht charters. But why is that the case?
- Freedom and Privacy – the main reason why sailors prefer yacht charters for their Caribbean holidays is the freedom and privacy it offers. Since you rent the whole boat, you get the monopoly on itinerary, schedules and people who come along for the trip.
- Access to unique locations – yachts are also great for accessing unique and secluded locations where larger vessels (like cruise ships) can’t reach. You can explore things like remote islands and hidden coves. Think places like Norman Islands and Tobago Cays, where they are largely untouched by other people.
- Personalisation – chartering a yacht also gives you plenty of room to customise your sailing holiday. You get to decide where to go, the scheduling and your level of involvement in the sailing itself. That is probably the main reason people prefer to charter boats rather than cruise on ships or other alternatives.
Types of Yacht Sailing Holidays in the Caribbean
Bareboat Sailing Holidays
Bareboat sailing holidays involv renting a boat without a professional crew. That means you will have full control over everything, including navigation, sailing and itinerary. It is very much like a rental car.
Since it doesn’t come with any help, this one suits experienced sailors. The best thing about these bareboat sailing holidays is the total freedom and privacy.
Skippered Sailing Holidays
Skippered sailing holidays, on the other hand, come with a professional captain (often called a skipper) to help you sail the yacht. It still has a level of privacy as it is only the captain and your people on board.
This sailing holiday option is great for beginners, especially those without a license. Experienced sailors can also opt for it if they want to relax and enjoy their holiday without the stress of navigating the boat.
Crewed Yacht Sailing Holidays
As the name suggests, crewed yacht sailing holidays come with a whole set of professional crew members, including the captain and chef. This means you won’t have to worry about navigating the boat, cooking or any of the maintenance work.
A crewed sailing experience is perhaps the best option for individuals who want a relaxed holiday.
Summary
Other options include cabin charter and power catamarans sailing holidays, among others – all of which are offered by charter providers like Dream Yacht Worldwide. These charter types offer very similar advantages. The only differences lie in the service levels, comfort, privacy and level of involvement. So, compare them and pick one that aligns more with what feels right for your sailing holidays in the Caribbean.
