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Discover a little piece of paradise with a boat rental in the Caribbean. The dreamy white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise waters and palm trees will make you feel like you have arrived in a Windows screen saver. You can take the days to relax in the sun and wake up to a beautiful sunrise or explore what the lively cities of the Caribbean have to offer. Amazing food and a bustling nightlife await you here.
The Caribbean is certainly a place that makes you dream. Whether you want to discover the Bahamas or the British Virgin Islands, there is a place and plenty of things to do for everyone.
Casual dining in Caribbean:
Best restaurants with a view in the Caribbean:
Fine dining in the Caribbean:
Everyone knows the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movies, but did you know that there were real pirates rummaging through the Caribbean in the 17th century, the so-called ‘Golden Age of Pirating’? Some of the governors of Jamaica and other islands even paid the pirates to raid ships stocked with valuable goods. There is a legend that there is a treasure buried on Norman Island, which is part of the British Virgin Islands. This was also the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s world-famous novel Treasure Island. The caves on the island are also said to house a treasure and are very popular amongst snorkeling enthusiasts.
The Caribbean covers a wide range of topographically diverse islands so it is worth noting that the islands offer slightly differing climates. Conditions vary along this long island chain, from the calmer waters around the BVI to more energetic conditions in the south along the Windward Islands trail.
The Easterly Trade wind is the most prominent and consistent wind in the Caribbean and is strongest in December and January. In general, you can expect average winds of 10 to 25 knots. However, consistent currents and trade winds around the British Virgin Islands, for example, are calmer, and usually well below 20 knots. From June to November, the trade wind is often less predictable and stable, making the winter months the best time to opt for a yacht charter in the Caribbean. The months between December and May are also the driest months in the Caribbean. The perfect winter escape destination!
On average, the Caribbean is blessed with ideal temperatures in the mid to upper 20’s. On some islands, like Martinique, expect air temperatures to be in the mid 30s. The sea temperatures are equally warm and with wave heights usually well under a meter, the Caribbean is a true paradise for a relaxed boat holiday.
Check individual destinations for information on the best times and any physical obstacles to be aware of while navigating these gorgeous sailing waters. Generally speaking, early morning sailing in the early part of the year will make for the calmest conditions. Remember, you can also book a skippered sailing holiday in the Caribbean with Zizoo for the most relaxing holiday experience.
Sailing in the Caribbean is not for those travelling on a budget, but it also doesn’t have to break your bank either. There are locations in the Caribbean that are more expensive than others. Like in many other destinations around the world a sailboat charter in the Caribbean is one of the cheapest options. On average it costs around 205 EUR per person per day to charter a sailboat in the Bahamas while a catamaran charter in the Bahamas costs around 1000 EUR per person per day.
Do you know exactly what kind of boat vacation you are looking for when coming to the Caribbean? If so, you should choose your boat wisely. After all, the type of boat you select is going to determine what kind of vacation you are going to have.
Pros of renting a catamaran in the Caribbean
Charter a catamaran in the Caribbean if you want to explore all the magical beaches this region of the world has to offer. Whether you just want to stay north in the Bahamas or the British Virgin Islands or sail further south to Martinique or Trinidad and Tobago, there is something for everyone. Catamarans have a shallow draft, making them the ideal water vehicles for these kinds of undertakings.
A catamaran rental in the Caribbean is perfect for anyone who enjoys the flexibility of these wonderful water vehicles. They have both a sail and an engine, allowing you to sail with the wind when it’s strong enough to move the boat forward, but also giving you the option to use the engine when the wind is either not strong enough or not present at all. That way you won’t ever get stuck in the middle of the sea.
Rent a catamaran in the Caribbean if you enjoy a certain level of comfort. Catamarans are often bigger than other types of boats, which also allows for bigger rooms. That way you won’t necessarily feel like sleeping in a tiny cabin on board a boat, but rather like sleeping in a small, but comfortable hotel room.
Cons of renting a catamaran in the Caribbean
One of the downsides of a catamaran charter in the Caribbean is that catamarans are relatively big in size. This can pose some challenges when trying to find a spot for mooring at the marinas. And if you are lucky enough to secure a spot for mooring you will most likely pay extra for the extra space you’re taking up.
Another downside of a catamaran hire in the Caribbean is the fact that catamarans are often a lot lighter than other kinds of boats. This can have an effect on their speed. So if you are planning on sailing long distances in one go, a catamaran might not be the best choice for you.
Charter a catamaran in the Caribbean
Pros of renting a sailboat in the Caribbean
A sailboat rental in the Caribbean is perfect for anyone who wants to step into the footsteps of adventurers of times long gone. Feel the wind blowing in your face and taste the salty ocean water on your lips while sailing along the most beautiful coastlines.
A sailboat charter in the Caribbean is a great choice for those who care about the environment. As sailboats are solely fueled by the wind, they don’t release additional CO2-emissions.
A sailboat hire in the Caribbean is one of the cheaper options available when it comes to a boat holiday in the Caribbean. You won’t have to worry about paying extra for fuel as the wind is your fuel and the price of a bareboat charter is often more affordable than those of other types of boats.
Cons of renting a sailboat in the Caribbean
One of the downsides of a sailboat hire in the Caribbean can be the fact that sailboats have a keel. You won’t be able to sail too close to the coast, which might mean that you won’t be able to discover all the beautiful beaches from up close. It could even be quite dangerous to do so.
Sailboat charter in the Caribbean
Pros of renting a motorboat in the Caribbean
Cruising the Caribbean in a motor yacht is a great choice for those who want to explore all the beautiful remote beaches this region has to offer. Most famous for its white sandy beaches surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters it is a truly magical place on earth to be. Motorboats generally have a shallow draft which allows them to sail closer to the shore.
A motorboat charter in the Caribbean is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to drive quickly from one place to another. Motorboats or motor yachts are generally faster than other types of boats you can rent for a longer period of time and allow you to see a lot more places in a shorter amount of time.
Another great thing about a motorboat rental in the Caribbean is the fact that they are easier to operate than other types of boats. You don’t need to bring the same skills and knowledge as you would need to operate a sailboat.
Cons of renting a motorboat in the Caribbean
One of the downsides of a motorboat charter in the Caribbean is the fact that they are solely fueled by petrol. This makes them more expensive than other types of boats. Sometimes you might even have to pay extra for the fuel you’re using on your boat holiday in the Caribbean.
Motorboat rental in the Caribbean
Charter a private luxury yacht in the Caribbean to experience the glitzy and glamorous life of the rich and famous. Most of these luxurious boats are equipped with a full kitchen and appliances to ensure that you can store and prepare all your food on board. Most luxury yachts also come with a full crew, meaning that an experienced skipper or captain is going to take care of navigating and operating your boat while you lean back and enjoy your vacation.
Lucky you, driving a boat in the Caribbean is one of the most accessible destinations as you can rent a boat in the Caribbean without a boat license.
If you are afraid of sailing your own boat or simply don’t want to worry about operating the boat yourself, you can always book a skipper in addition to your bareboat charter in the Caribbean.
There are several possible routes for your island hopping holiday in the Caribbean. Some sailors prefer to stick to their favorite locales, getting to know the waters and shores of certain island clusters. Others may prefer to discover new destinations and practice sailing in different conditions. Choose from a relaxed retreat on a luxury yacht or an island hopping adventure with friends. For those looking for the best nightlife, check out our list of the best party islands in the Caribbean.
The British Virgin Islands are popular with beginner sailors because of the ideal steady currents and wind speed. More experienced seafarers may enjoy sailing the Windward Islands. These take you from Martinique to Saint Lucia and on to Saint Vincent and Grenada.
Either way, choosing one base as a starting point is a good idea, and it allows you to begin planning how to fit in scuba diving and beach time between seeing all the varied sights on your trip. Major marinas that also offer anchorage include Port Saint Charles on Barbados, Fort-de-France on Martinique, and Rodney Bay on St Lucia. Many land-dwelling travelers visit the Caribbean to relax at its pristine beaches, and boat rental gives you the opportunity to see many more of them than the average visitor.
One of the most popular sailing routes in the BVI begins in Tortola and takes you to some of the Caribbean’s best beaches and incredible natural reserves. Discover the seven-day sailing route here.
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