Best Destinations For Bareboat Chartering

Bareboat chartering is a lot more affordable than buying your own sailboat. You will still have the privacy of owning your own boat, but no crew or provisions are provided. You take sole responsibility for taking care of all boating necessities.

This is one of the most adventurous ways to spend your vacation time, but choosing the best spot to go to can be quite challenging. Especially if this is your first time chartering a boat on your own. 

We went ahead and found the best places to enjoy your bareboating adventures around the world. Fishing will add more flavour in your bareboating adventure. Take these Best Fishing Rods with you.

1. Great Abaco, Bahamas

The Sea of Abaco, in the Bahamas, can be described as a huge lake. A lot of the area is surrounded by smaller islands which protects it from the rough seas you’d typically expect to find in the Atlantic.

There are almost never any swells. If the breeze kicks up then there might be some wind chopping. Other than that, the distances are short and it’s possible to cover the entire area in just a few days without a hitch.

Provisions for your trip are easily accessible in places like Hope Town and Marsh Harbor. Another pleasant feature is that the islands are unique, each brings its own touch of awe and variety. 

The waters are usually shallow with lots of sand on the bottom, making it a smooth anchoring experience every time. There’s also a handful of moorings if you’d rather not let down the anchor. 

With plenty of bars and restaurants available, going into town is easy and provides loads of opportunities to grab a souvenir or two. To make things easier we’d suggest you talk to a reputable bareboat charter company that will help you set sail and guide you in the right direction.

2. San Juan Islands, Pacific Northwest

Off the coast of Washington state, in the Salish Sea, you will find the San Juan Islands. 

The 450 islands, of which only 6 are inhabited, are all easily reachable and are clustered close together which makes the distance between them quite short. 

The downside is the duration of the cruising season. It’s short, and the best time to go is between July to September. You’ll have to plan far ahead to get a reservation in season.

The islands are beautiful and are surrounded by waters teeming with wildlife such as Minke whales, Dall’s porpoise, and orcas. You can usually spot the orcas swimming between US and Canadian waters in the Haro Strait. 

Be careful of strong currents, various tides, fog, and boat traffic which tends to include both commercial and military boats. Anchorage also involves underwater rocks and branches.

3. Seychelle Islands, Seychelles

With 115 islands, this archipelago is located in the Indian ocean, just a thousand miles from the East African coast. 

A small but incredibly beautiful nation, with a small population of locals, great views, and loads of room to sail whether you’re on a sailboat or a catamaran. 

The Seychelle islands consist of low-lying outer islands and inner islands that feature a few mountain ranges. A definite must-go is the handful of hidden coves throughout the area.

Wind speeds are usually between 10 and 20 knots the entire year while the temperatures average at 80°F. Water currents are particularly strong in the narrower channels, so it’s good to keep that in mind while you’re cruising.

Seychelles’ great mix of heritage can be seen in their food, their music, their cuisine, and even by the clothes they wear. It features influences from various countries including India, Africa, the Middle East, France, and the United Kingdom.

When you’re not sailing between the islands you can also enjoy awesome hiking trails through forests, seeing plenty of exotic birds and animals.

Once you’re done sailing and hiking, you get to enjoy a refreshing drink or a meal at any of the several bars and restaurants in the Seychelle Islands. 

4. Canarreos, Cuba

The Canarreos Archipelago lies approximately 40 nautical miles west of Cienfuegos, one of Cuba’s chief seaports.

Canarreos’ islands are located pretty close to each other, and they offer spectacular views paired with equally amazing weather. You’ll be able to visit all of the islands in just about a week or so. 

The people here are exceptionally friendly and are able to make you feel quite at home, so much so that you might lose yourself for a bit while enjoying the various bars and incredible sunsets.