The most popular sailing destinations in the world, sail the ocean to an exotic vacation spot. If you are considering joining the experience of exploring new places through the waterway, there are cruise destinations that you should try.
We’ve selected the ten best sailing destinations for those who would never consider a cruise but are still looking for a waterborne adventure of a lifetime, get ready to pack your bags, these destinations offer the opportunity for the ultimate sailing escape.
Best Sailing Trips Around The World.
1. Raja Ampat Islands – Indonesia.
Who does not know the beauty of Raja Ampat’s natural panorama? Raja Ampat is one of the regions with the richest tropical natural resources in the world, so it is not wrong if this place has been named as one of the 7 most beautiful places in Indonesia. Raja Ampat is one of the regions in West Papua which has at least 610 islands and around 35 islands that have inhabitants and are among the best marine tourism in the world.
In this place you will be served with a natural panorama of extraordinary beautiful beaches that you will not find in other places, besides that you can also do diving and snorkeling because this place is also famous as a diving tour with stunning sea views. Or you can also choose to sail using a speedboat to enjoy the beauty of the islands in the Raja Ampat region.
2. Annapolis, Maryland – United States.
With the nickname ‘The Capital of American Shipping’, its location on the Atlantic peninsula makes Annapolis the center of the marine industry (for example making sails). Currently, Maryland is indeed the most popular sailing destination in the US.
The Port of Annapolis is adorned with historic buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, making it a witness to the history of Maryland community activities on the Dock Street marina for hundreds of years. You can find many restaurants while watching the ship that docked, before continuing your cruise. For your stay, The Gibson’s Lodgings of Annapolis is a 2-minute walk from the harbor and a 5-minute drive from the Annapolis Maritime Museum.
3. Rhine River.
The Rhine, which stretches from Switzerland to the Netherlands, is the most popular river cruise destination in the world. Highlights of the Rhine cruise include vineyards, medieval cities and modern cities like Cologne. And of course, many palaces – although it should be noted that most of these can be found in the Upper Middle River Valley.
Summer is the most popular time for sailing, but if you want to avoid higher temperatures, consider spring, when many cities on the river hold an Easter festival, or fall, for the Rhine in Flames – a series of spectacular firework displays through Germany. Croisi Europe offers a brilliant choice of Rhine cruises for all types of cruisers, including special Christmas and new year cruises.
4. Sneek, Friesland – Netherlands.
As a center for water sports in the Netherlands, Sneek is the organizer of SneekWeek, the largest water sports event in mainland Europe. This city is a beautiful destination for sailing enthusiasts. Many accommodations and hotels offer free boat rentals in the summer, when competition for boat rental tends to be fierce. Try Sneek Vakantiehuis Verhuur which is located in the city center, and take advantage of a private motorboat to sail around the area or to go to the city’s most popular marina, Sneeker Jachthaven.
5. Svalbard – Norway.
Polar bears are the main attraction of this remote group of islands in northern Norway. In addition to these animals, you can find other residents such as walruses, reindeer, seals, whales, arctic foxes and various kinds of seabirds.
Traveling by boat to reach the region is the best way. This is caused by its territory which is almost mostly in the form of ice waters. Polar bears truly live freely and can roam in these places. Some cruise ships that you can try to explore this place include the Hurtigruten, Quark Expedition and the Lindblad Expedition.
6. Bunaken Island – Indonesia.
The beauty of the Bunaken marine park located in Manado is beyond doubt. The beauty offered by one of the 7 most beautiful places in Indonesia deserves to be said as a piece of heaven on earth that is served by nature.
Bunaken itself is one of the most beautiful marine parks in the world with a variety of fish, beautiful coral reefs. in this marine park, of course we can do many activities such as diving, snorkeling, sailing with boats equipped with glass floors so that they can enjoy the beauty of the underwater or just enjoy the panoramic view of the beach that is no less amazing.
7. Göcek, Aegean Region – Turkey.
Göcek has been a port since the days of the Ottoman Empire. This small town in Turkey now has 6 crowded marinas. Those who first visit this area are advised to rent a catamaran complete with the captain, and sail to the Twelve Islands to enjoy the clear sea and the endless skyline, and have dinner at the olive groves on Domuz Island.
Many rent boat without captain for those who are more experienced, or those who just want to relax and sunbathe on the front deck. There are many locations to drop ship anchors. If you want to stay overnight, stay at D-Resort Gocek, which has a private beach, as well as bicycle and boat rental.
8. Fjord – Norway.
This destination is very beautiful if you enjoy it from the ocean. On a cruise, you can enjoy your best vacation. To get the most out of your voyage, choose a smaller boat, which is more able to dock at the smaller Fjord port, meaning you will spend less time in tenders (ships used to transport passengers to shore).
If you feel like adventuring, consider a cruise that follows the northern coastline to the North Pole. The Hurtigruten Fjord cruise is very popular. Interested in seeing the northern lights when you are there? The Hurtigruten cabin has an in-room speaker system that informs passengers whenever the aurora borealis is seen.
9. Ilawa, Warminsko Mazurskie – Poland.
Ilawa is a colorful lakeside town in the Great Lake District, Poland. You will find terraced white-terracotta houses, furnished with wooden porches and hanging plants, like a Hollywood set. The sailing season in Poland starts in early May until the end of September. You can take a sailing course at the Great Lake cruise school.
Ilawa is located on the edge of Lake Jeziorak, the longest lake in Poland and a popular location for sailing or canoeing. Depending on the size, you might need a special permit if you want to sail on a yacht. However, you can also rent a yacht with a certified captain as a sailing friend.
10. Galapagos Islands – Ecuador.
From red lipped bats to blue footed boobies, the Galapagos has it all, and with 18 main islands, three small islands, and 107 rocks, this island are a very suitable destination for sailing. The Galapagos is also a national park with strict regulations, including a ban on ships carrying more than 100 people, which makes Galapagos cruises rather expensive.
Almost all Galapagos cruises offer snorkeling activities. G Adventures has a variety of cruises, from a seven-day itinerary on a ship with eight cabins to a 17-day adventure that includes visits to untouched islands.
11. Zanzibar Island – Tanzania.
For Freddie Mercury fans, Zanzibar might not be a foreign name to their ears. The biopic film Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) revisits Zanzibar as a fragment of the earliest life story of a Freddie Mercury. The man named Farrokh Bulsara was born in Zanzibar in 1946.
The Zanzibar Islands, which are located in the Indian Ocean and are 15 miles from the coast of Tanzania, are a place of seclusion from the world. You will enjoy crystal clear turquoise water, shallow sand dune perfect for swamps, and many small islands that have never been visited by tourists. Explore the Stone Town World Heritage Site, an ancient region in Zanzibar City. Or, visit a number of beaches among small fishing villages that are all beautiful.
Now that you’ve reached the end of our list of the ten Most Popular to sail to in the world, which one will you be dreaming of visiting? It doesn’t matter what your interests are, there is plenty on offer at all the destinations on our list and no better way to visit these places than under sail. Arrrrrr you ready to sail?
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Further Reading.
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