Destination

CARIBBEAN AND THE BAHAMAS

Yachting in the Caribbean: Your Complete Guide

Sail through turquoise waters, golden sands, and vibrant cultures , the Caribbean is the world’s ultimate island-hopping paradise.

Why Choose the Caribbean for Your Yacht Charter?

The Caribbean is the epitome of yachting bliss , a region defined by warm seas, year-round sunshine, and islands that each hold their own identity. From lively ports with reggae beats to hidden coves where palm trees meet the water, a Caribbean yacht charter is both adventure and escape. With short sailing distances, calm trade winds, and a mix of glamour and authenticity, it is no wonder the Caribbean is one of the most desired luxury yacht destinations in the world.

Unforgettable landscapes & coastlines

The Caribbean offers a kaleidoscope of natural beauty. Anchor off St. Lucia’s iconic Pitons, where volcanic peaks rise dramatically above the sea, or swim in the turquoise waters of Antigua’s 365 beaches. The Grenadines are dotted with palm-fringed islets, while the British and US Virgin Islands are a haven for snorkelling, diving, and secluded bays. Barbados and St. Barts boast glamorous stretches of sand, while Dominica and Grenada offer rainforests, waterfalls, and black-sand volcanic beaches. The sheer variety makes every day on the water an entirely new experience.

Cultural & culinary highlights

DestinationCultural TreasuresCulinary Experiences
British & US Virgin IslandsThe Baths of Virgin Gorda, colonial harbours, and lively yachtie cultureBeach barbecues, conch fritters, and fresh lobster served seaside
St. Lucia & GrenadinesIconic Pitons, rainforest hikes, and barefoot island charmGrilled seafood, rum punch, and barefoot dining on the beach
St. Barts, Antigua & St. MaartenFrench sophistication in St. Barts, 365 beaches in Antigua, and Dutch-French heritage in St. MaartenFrench-Caribbean fusion cuisine, fine dining restaurants, and chic café culture
Jamaica, Cuba & Dominican RepublicReggae rhythms, Havana’s colonial streets, and vibrant local festivalsJerk chicken, Cuban cigars & rum, and hearty Dominican stews
Barbados, Trinidad & Southern CaribbeanPlantation heritage, Carnival celebrations, and a mix of African, European, and South American influencesRum tastings, flying fish & cou-cou in Barbados, and Creole-inspired dishes

Sailing routes & iconic destinations

A Caribbean yacht charter is all about freedom , hopping from island to island, discovering pristine beaches, vibrant cultures, and warm turquoise waters. Each island group has its own unique allure. Must-see stops include:

  • The Virgin Islands (BVI & USVI): Tortola, Virgin Gorda, St. Thomas, St. John
    The Virgin Islands are among the most popular sailing grounds in the Caribbean, with calm seas and short passages perfect for island-hopping. Tortola serves as the hub, with its lively harbours and welcoming marinas. Virgin Gorda is famed for The Baths, a natural wonder of granite boulders and hidden pools. In the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas offers luxury shopping and vibrant nightlife, while St. John enchants with protected national parks and some of the region’s best snorkelling spots.
  • The Leeward Islands: St. Barts, Antigua, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Maarten
    Glamour meets heritage in the Leewards. St. Barts is the jewel of sophistication, known for its chic boutiques, fine dining, and stylish beach clubs. Antigua boasts 365 beaches , one for every day of the year , and a rich naval history visible at Nelson’s Dockyard. St. Kitts & Nevis blend colonial fortresses, volcanic landscapes, and an easygoing island rhythm. St. Maarten is uniquely split between Dutch and French sides, offering a mix of cosmopolitan flair, casinos, and cultural diversity.
  • The Windward Islands: St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Grenada
    The Windwards deliver a more dramatic natural backdrop. St. Lucia is defined by the twin volcanic Pitons, rainforest treks, and luxurious resorts. St. Vincent & the Grenadines offer a constellation of islands , from Bequia’s laid-back charm to the exclusive retreat of Mustique and the crystal-clear waters of the Tobago Cays, beloved for diving and snorkelling. Grenada, the “Spice Island,” tempts with fragrant nutmeg plantations, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches , the perfect mix of culture and natural wonder.
  • The Greater Antilles: Jamaica, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic
    These larger islands provide a deeper cultural immersion. Jamaica is a land of reggae rhythms, lush mountains, and golden beaches. Cuba offers a time capsule of colonial heritage, classic cars, and the infectious energy of Havana. Puerto Rico combines Spanish colonial architecture in Old San Juan with modern marinas and vibrant nightlife. The Dominican Republic delivers sprawling beaches, lively festivals, and rich traditions rooted in Taino, African, and European heritage.
  • The Southern Caribbean: Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao
    The Southern Caribbean enjoys sunshine year-round and sits largely outside the main hurricane belt, making it a reliable destination even in late summer. Barbados offers glamorous resorts, historic plantation houses, and world-class rum. Trinidad & Tobago are famous for Carnival celebrations, coral reefs, and Creole culture. The “ABC islands” , Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao , provide Dutch-Caribbean charm, desert landscapes, and some of the best diving waters in the world.

Each of these sailing routes offers its own character: the easy cruising of the Virgins, the glamour of the Leewards, the natural drama of the Windwards, the cultural depth of the Greater Antilles, and the sun-soaked reliability of the Southern Caribbean. Together, they create a paradise of possibilities for every kind of traveller.

Best time to sail

The Caribbean is a year-round sailing destination, though seasons vary slightly:

  • December – April: Peak season with perfect weather, calm seas, and a lively social scene across the islands.
  • May – June: A quieter window with warm waters and fewer crowds, ideal for relaxed cruising.
  • July – November: Shoulder season with occasional tropical storms, but many southern islands remain idyllic and vibrant.

Whatever the season, the Caribbean guarantees turquoise waters and sun-drenched days.

Sail seamlessly with Ziyana Yachts

A Caribbean yacht charter is all about freedom , the freedom to wake to a new island every day, to dive into the sea from your deck, and to embrace the region’s joyful spirit. At Ziyana Yachts, we bring together luxury service, curated itineraries, and expert crews who know these waters inside out. Whether you dream of glamorous evenings in St. Barts, barefoot luxury in the Grenadines, or cultural adventures in Cuba, we craft every journey to reflect your vision of paradise.

Let Ziyana Yachts curate your Caribbean escape , a world of discovery, luxury, and endless horizons.

Summary

  • Ideal for travellers seeking year-round sunshine, barefoot luxury, island-hopping, and vibrant cultural immersion.

Highlights:

  • Beaches
  • Wildlife
  • Snorkelling | Diving
  • Shopping
  • Gastronomy
  • 5 Star Marinas
  • Nightlife
  • Historical Spots

Best Seasons:

  • December – April: Peak season, calm seas
  • May – June: Warm, quieter cruising
  • July – November: Southern islands & cultural festivals

Inspiring Itineraries

Get inspired with these day-by-day itineraries through the most exciting places across Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Available Charters

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