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Caribbean Boating, Fishing & Sailing

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If you plan to go sailing in the Caribbean, you have an idyllic vacation ahead of you. Whether you choose to borrow a small boat from your hotel or plan to rent a fully-crewed yacht and explore for a week or two, this is a chance to move at your own pace, surrounded by sea and sky. You'll be able to enjoy beaches and coves that landlubbers can't reach and to see the islands as others did hundreds of years ago.

 

There is no better destination in the world for sailing than the Caribbean. You can find everything you need for your sailing adventure. There are numerous sailing opportnities from world class sailing events to activities with only the novice in mind. Most islands offer full service marinas to accommodate your trip. Your sailing adventure is limited only in your love of the sea.

Antigua and Barbuda are ideal sailing destinations in the Caribbean and is a focus on the island. The constant trade winds and dozens of little harbors to duck into make these two islands the perfect  sailing destinations. English Harbour and Jolly Harbour are well equipped to handle whatever yachting needs you might have.   

Antigua also hosts two major sailing events during the year: the Classic Yacht Regatta and Sailing Week.  Both attract a marvelous variety of ships including traditional island crafts, classic ketches, sloops, schooners, yawls, spirit of tradition yachts, and tall ships.  Antigua also offers numerous other sailing events throughout the year.

The British Virgin Islands Virgin Islands has a strong boating and sailing culture.  Chartering your own yacht for a couple of weeks make for an ideal vacation of relaxation in idyllic surroundings.  The water is always warm, and the shades of turquoise of the sea is infinite,  the soft breezes are constant and the natives are friendly!

Sailing is the best way to explore the Grenadines, where the wind comes from the northeast and blows at 10 to 25 knots. This chain consists of Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Tobago Cays, Palm Island, Union Island and Petit St. Vincent. These islands are unspoiled throwbacks to a simpler past; some have no development whatsoever. Drop anchor and spend the day picnicking, sunbathing and swimming on a secluded beach, or sail to several islands, exploring them all. The main island of St. Vincent, where you can rent bareboat or fully-crewed craft from a variety of operators, is the best jumping-off point

But not to forget St. Maarten, you can actually serve as a yacht crew member while racing other sailors.

The Caribbean has some of the best fishing grounds in the world and these waters have seen some big catches.  Many islands feature good fishing year round, while others may have their best fishing from January to April. Many islands hold local fishing tournaments that is open to all.

Licensed operators on most islands offer full-day and half-day charters with a knowledgeable captain and capable crew. Requirements vary from island to island. Some may require permits; others may have a catch and release policy.

Puerto Rico has earned the reputation as the "Fishing Capitol of the Caribbean".  Saltwater fishing for bonefish is popular as is deep sea fishing for bluefish, swordfish, shark, marlin and other billfish. The Bahamas features bone and fly fishing with numerous big game tournaments. Barbados features fishing for billfish, wahoo, barracuda and other small fish. The British Virgin Islands is home to many fishing fleets in the area. The Cayman Islands attract deep sea fisherman in search of tuna, wahoo, marlin, grouper and snapper. In the Dominican Republic many residents make their living from the sea so fishing is abundant. Deep sea fishermen fish for marlin and wahoo.  In the Turks and Caicos conch fishing is very popular.