Inspiration for your next vacation – a month by month guide.
Whether you’re a fan of turquoise seas, cruising between islands, craving adventure or wide open spaces, if you’re looking for culture or sports activities, yacht charter is a unique way to experience and discover destinations around the globe. Here, GlobeSailor accompanies you to find the perfect sailing vacation. Let’s head for some (potentially surprising) destinations that we have chosen for you, taking into account as many factors as possible (crowds in the ports, flight costs, winds and weather conditions, rental prices, local events, etc.) to find the destination that ticks the maximum of criteria each month! From Thailand to Mexico, Seychelles to Australia, from the Canary Islands to the Azores, Turkey to Madagascar, Norway, Greece, Italy and Tanzania, we provide you with the best deals in our favourite locations, month by month to help you navigate your options and make the best choice possible.
January: Thailand, departing from Phuket
To start the year, GlobeSailor offers you a trip to the land of smiles – go sailing in Thailand. Departing from Phuket, in the south of the country, you will embark on one of our sailboats for a cruise through the islands and islets in the beautiful bay of Phang Nga. Described as a unique pearl in its purest form, this area of Southeast Asia is ideal for family sailing during the holidays. At this time, the whole nation is buzzing with excitement to celebrate the New Year and the Chinese New Year, and you will have a front-row seat to participate in the festivities that enliven the country.
💡 In January, the weather is mild and many boats are available. We advise you hire a cook onboard, they will be able to show you both the best anchorages and beaches in the area and will prepare typical, local and inexpensive cuisine, so that you can avoid the more expensive “tourist trap” restaurants.
February: Canary Islands, departing from Tenerife
The Canary Islands are fortunate to have both an oceanic and subtropical climate, which provide mild weather all year round. Although a little cooler than summer, the month of February offers pleasant sailing conditions and less tourist traffic. Departing from the Marina Del Sur on the island of Tenerife, you can take advantage of more attractive rates for your yacht rental.
💡February is also the month of deliveries for charter boats between the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. If you are a seasoned sailor looking for an offshore sailing experience, you may want to consider renting a one-way sailboat at a very competitive price!
March: Seychelles, departing from Mahé
For the month of March, GlobeSailor has chosen a cruise in Seychelles. A dream destination in a heavenly setting, this archipelago of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean is home to many beaches, nature reserves, coral reefs and rare animals such as the giant tortoises of the Seychelles, which will delight young and old alike. The short distances between the islands are perfect for a family cruise or for those who are new to sailing. The month of March marks the transition between the rainy season and the dry season, which offers you the opportunity to cruise at a more attractive rate than during the summer period. Even if a few showers are still possible, the sailing conditions are very pleasant in March.
💡We advise you to take the time, before or after your cruise, to stay a few days on Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles, to soak up the local culture and visit Victoria, the capital. The latter is known for its Creole architecture and colorful covered market.
Read the story of our team: a catamaran cruise in Seychelles.
April: Turkey departing from Bodrum
Are you looking for an original destination off the beaten track? Turkey opens the doors to its coastline, described as one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, still preserved from mass tourism. Departing from Bodrum, in the south-west of the country, you embark on a gulet cruise along the coast of the Aegean Sea through wild scenery, ancient remains and typical fishing villages.
💡The month of April is ideal to enjoy the tranquility of the place before the start of the tourist season. You will be able to walk in a calm atmosphere and benefit from attractive rates for yacht rental or your cabin cruise.
May: Greece, departing from Corfu
Known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, Corfu is an ideal starting point for an unforgettable family cruise in Greece, in the heart of the Ionian Sea. The itinerary proposed by GlobeSailor from the base of Marina Gouvia takes you to discover the Ionian Islands – picturesque villages, white sandy beaches and architectural heritage. In the middle of a natural, safe and protected basin, you will take short and leisurely sails from port to cove, to the exotic stopovers.
💡The month of May offers an ideal climate and sailing conditions while allowing you to avoid the busy tourist period. Anchorages, ports, and ancient sites are still very accessible.
June: Italy and the Amalfi Coast
June is the ideal month to fly to Italy and enjoy the charms of the Amalfi Coast and the typical ports around Naples, without suffering the tourist rush of the summer. The pre-season offers boaters the advantage of milder weather with fewer thunderstorms, and to take advantage of more affordable rates for sailboat rental. Departing from the Marina Sud Cantieri in Pozzuoli, you will discover the historical, cultural and natural richness of Italy. Punctuated by stopovers at the port or at anchor, your holiday will be structured around visits, swimming, walks and Neapolitan gastronomy.
💡Before setting sail for your cruise in Italy, don’t miss the ascent to the famous volcano that is still active. Mount Vesuvius is an incredible natural site that offers an unforgettable spectacular view of the Bay of Naples, enough to gain height and admire your sailing terrain.
July: Azores, departing from Horta
The Azores archipelago resonates as the destination of excellence for a cruise through nature and wide open spaces. A legendary stop on the transatlantic route, Horta is a city of sailors and travellers with a unique and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Lost in the middle of the Atlantic, this autonomous region of Portugal attracts many seasoned sailors in search of exceptional sailing in a breathtaking landscape.
💡For walking enthusiasts, GlobeSailor advises you to combine your cruise with a hiking trip to discover the spectacular volcanic panoramas – canyons and craters in the middle of lush vegetation.
Observing cetaceans such as whales (migrating at this time of year), sperm whales or dolphins is a must during your cruise to the Azores. While sailing or on a coastal hike, take the time to observe the open sea to catch a glimpse of these majestic animals.
August: Australia, departing from Airlie Beach
Located in the heart of Queensland’s coast, Airlie Beach is the departure point for cruises to the Whitsunday Islands. This corner of tropical paradise seduces sailing enthusiasts from all over the world due to its exceptional sailing conditions at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This 2000-kilometre-long natural strip is an extraordinary landmark that is home to incredible flora and fauna in a wonderful underwater world. During your dives, you enter an ecosystem populated by corals, tropical fish, but also dolphins, turtles and whales migrating at this time of year (July to December).
💡Visiting Australia is the trip of a lifetime for many. If you can, before or after your cruise, plan to stay one or two weeks on land and consider renting a campervan or motorhome to hit the roads of Queensland and soak up the ‘van-life vibe’ and enjoy the Australian way of life.
September: Norway, departing from Tromso
Norwegian Lapland, located 350 km from the Arctic Circle in the Baltic Sea, opens its doors to you for a magical cruise to the land of the Northern Lights, fjords, whales and polar bears. Far from the beaten track, you embark on an extraordinary adventure in the middle of nature, in one of the most remote corners of the planet!
💡Tromso is one of the most famous spots to sail in Norway to contemplate the exceptional luminous phenomenon of the Northern Lights. From your charter boat, you will have a front row seat to admire this magical spectacle. The month of September is ideal, as it allows both a sufficient night window and mild conditions with clear skies.
October: Madagascar, departing from Nosy Be
For the month of October, GlobeSailor has chosen for you, a cruise in the heart of the Indian Ocean: heading north of Madagascar to the small island of Nosy Be. Nosy, which means island in Malagasy, is the perfect spot to begin your sailing program to discover the archipelagos of Radama or Mitsio. Whether you are in love with the colorful seabed, attracted by Malagasy culture or looking for relaxation on a paradisiacal beach, Madagascar offers you everything you could dream of.
💡The month of October is conducive to a trip to the turquoise waters of Madagascar. Indeed, this period marks the turning point between the dry season (May to October) and the rainy season (November to April). In October, rainfall is still scarce, the sun shines almost every day, and the humidity is more bearable. This is both the best time to visit the island and also the least populated by tourists. Also, the rates are more attractive for boat rental or cabin cruise.
November: Mexico, departing from La Paz
If you’re looking for an exotic and original destination for your next sailing cruise, why not set sail from La Paz in Mexico? This beach town in Baja California, with its crystal clear waters and sandy beaches attracts sailing and diving enthusiasts from all over the world. Departing from La Paz, your cruise will take you to destinations such as Espiritu Santo and Isla Partida, two islands located in the Gulf of California Marine National Park that offer abundant marine wildlife. Here you can snorkel or scuba dive and discover species like manta rays, parrotfish, turtles and colorful starfish.
💡Above all, you’ll have the chance to catch a glimpse of one of Mexico’s most iconic animals and the most sought-after by travelers. The majestic whale shark, nicknamed the “gentle giant”, completes its migration to the waters of the Pacific in Baja California, where it settles from October to April.
December: East Africa, departing from Zanzibar
To end the year, GlobeSailor invites you to discover an extraordinary destination off the coast of East Africa. Zanzibar, also known as the Spice Island, welcomes you for a cruise along the Tanzanian coast. You will be immersed in an authentic atmosphere in the heart of an earthly paradise made up of white sandy beaches, coconut palms and lagoons with crystal clear waters, surrounded by an extraordinary coral reef. For fans of board sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing or wing foil, Zanzibar is a dream destination. The spot is renowned for its light and constant wind that blows on the turquoise lagoon.
💡To complete your sailing cruise, be amazed by the natural beauty of Tanzania with a 4 or 5-day nature safari in the national parks. You will discover an earthly paradise and breathtaking landscapes, animated by unique fauna and astonishing cultural diversity, for a totally unforgettable moment of change of scenery.
Now you know when and where to head for your sailing cruise with GlobeSailor. Weather, activities, prices, interests, sailing as a couple or as a family, visiting tourist areas or veering off the beaten track, there are so many factors to consider when choosing your perfect destination.
To find out more and talk to our experts, do not hesitate to contact us.
