When temperatures drop in winter, sailing in the sun is the best way to get your fill of vitamin D… But you still need to choose the winter cruise destination that best suits your desires. Whether you dream of paradise beaches, a variety of activities, or perfect weather, certain criteria are essential, and each stopover offers a unique experience. Our GlobeSailor experts share their advice and recommendations to help you select the best winter destinations for a cruise or boat rental.
What criteria should you consider when choosing a winter cruise destination?
To fully enjoy your cruise in the sun, there are a few things to consider before renting a boat.
- The climate: average temperature, sunshine, risk of rain or cyclones depending on the region.
- The duration of the trip and the time difference: some exotic cruises require long flights before boarding your boat.
- The price: prices for winter cruises can vary greatly between high and low season.
- The activities offered on board and during stopovers: snorkeling, hiking, cultural or gastronomic discoveries.
- The atmosphere and comfort you are looking for: do you want a luxurious setting, a family vacation on a simpler and more convivial cruise, or a more athletic experience?
By taking these criteria into account, you will be able to find a cruise that suits your desires and your budget.
The best cruise destinations in winter
Martinique and Saint Lucia
✈️9-hour direct flight from London (5hr time difference)/ 5-hour flight from New York (1hr time difference)/ 22–24-hour flight from Sydney (14 hr time difference)
👨👩👦 Ideal for families
⛵Beginner to experienced sailors
💰From €1,400/week for a boat rental
A true Caribbean gem, Martinique offers sunshine and warm weather from December to May. White sandy beaches, tropical forests, and crystal-clear waters where turtles swim delight travelers. Martinique is ideal for a first winter cruise in the sun, it offers a stable climate, varied anchorages, and numerous facilities. It is a friendly and reassuring destination, suitable for families and beginners alike.
GlobeSailor spots
⚓In the southwest, the bay of Grande Anse d’Arlet is a perfectly sheltered anchorage from the wind and swell. This unspoiled location, between tropical forests and long white sandy beaches, is renowned for its rich biodiversity.
⚓South of Martinique, St. Lucia, one of the Windward Islands, captivates visitors with its spectacular landscapes dominated by the famous Pitons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Anse des Pitons anchorage offers a unique view of these iconic volcanoes.
The Grenadines
✈️ 9-hour direct flight from London (5hr time difference)/ 5-hour flight from New York (1hr time difference)/ 22–24-hour flight from Sydney (14 hr time difference)
⛵ Experienced sailors (longer and more challenging crossings)
💰 From €1,400/week for a boat rental, and €833 for a cabin cruise
A legendary Caribbean archipelago, the Grenadines comprise some thirty islands and islets stretching between Saint Lucia and Grenada. It is one of the best winter cruising destinations for sailors seeking authenticity and unspoiled landscapes who want to experience the unique freedom that sailing in the heart of the Caribbean offers. This archipelago charms with its wild side and picture-perfect anchorages, but requires a certain amount of sailing experience, as the crossing from Martinique can be long and challenging.
GlobeSailor spots
⚓Salt Whistle Bay is one of the most beautiful anchorages, with its turquoise water and idyllic beach.
⚓Further east of Union Island, Chatham Bay also offers a sheltered anchorage between green mountains, white sand, and coral reefs inhabited by exceptional marine wildlife.
Guadeloupe
✈️ 9-hour direct flight from London (5hr time difference) / 5-hour flight from New York (1hr time difference) / 22–24-hour flight from Sydney (16-18 hr time difference)
👨👩👦 Perfect for families and beginners
⛵ Easy navigation, short distances
💰 From €1,100/week for a boat rental, and €1010 for a cabin cruise
Guadeloupe charms visitors with its diverse islands, calm waters, sheltered anchorages, and varied landscapes, including islands, mangroves, beaches, and volcanoes. Ideal for families and beginners, it offers the chance to discover La Désirade, Marie-Galante, and Les Saintes without long crossings. With hiking, snorkeling, and idyllic beaches, the archipelago is a sure bet.
GlobeSailor spots
⚓In Les Saintes, the Petite Anse anchorage is ideal for exploring the remarkable seabed, nestled in the heart of the relief.
⚓The Petite Terre nature reserve offers a preserved setting perfect for snorkeling or hiking. Please note, however, that anchorage is regulated and must be reserved in advance.
Seychelles
✈️ 10-hour flight from London (3hr time difference)/ 5-hour flight from New York (7-8hr time difference)/ 14-16-hour flight from Sydney (4-6 hr time difference)
👨👩👦 Romantic and family-friendly destination
⛵ Easy sailing, calm and protected waters
💰 From €1,960/week for a boat rental, and €826 for a cabin cruise
With their 115 islands, the Seychelles promise an exotic cruise in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Bathed in sunshine all year round, they offer white sandy beaches, tropical forests, granite rocks, and turquoise lagoons. Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue each reveal their own charm, with unspoiled seabeds to explore. It is the ideal destination for a romantic or luxury getaway. In addition, its many sheltered bays make the Seychelles a particularly suitable sailing area for novice sailors or families wishing to discover the Indian Ocean in complete tranquility, without long crossings or overly demanding conditions.
GlobeSailor spots
⚓In La Digue, Anse Source d’Argent is ideal for enjoying spectacular seabeds and iconic landscapes, among the famous granite rocks.
⚓The Sainte-Anne Marine National Park, near Mahé, offers a preserved setting perfect for snorkeling or hiking. Please note, however, that some anchorages are regulated and often require advance booking.
French Polynesia
✈️ 24-30-hour flight from London (5 hr time difference)/ 12-14-hour flight from New York (6 hr time difference)/ 8-10-hour flight from Sydney (2-4 hr time difference)
⛵ More suited to experienced sailors (trade winds, long distances, passes)
💰 From €1,696/week for a boat rental, and €990 for a cabin cruise
A legendary destination for lovers of idyllic landscapes, French Polynesia captivates visitors with its immense lagoons, motus, and volcanic mountains. Each archipelago has its own character: Bora Bora is known for its turquoise lagoon and iconic Mount Otemanu, Raiatea and Tahaa share a vast lagoon ideal for sheltered anchorage, while Moorea charms with its deep bays and authentic local life.
However, the southern winter is the rainy season, so it is best to plan your trip during the dry season between May and October. Be prepared for a long flight (around 24 hours), but the beauty of the landscapes, the warm welcome from the Polynesians, and the richness of the seabed will quickly make you forget the fatigue of the journey. Between snorkeling, diving in legendary passes, and sailing in protected lagoons, Polynesia offers a unique experience that is exotic, romantic, and exotic.
GlobeSailor spots
⚓In Bora Bora, the anchorage in Povai Bay, south of the island, is ideal with breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu.
⚓In Raiatea and Tahaa, the lagoon between the two islands is perfect for a sheltered anchorage in a picture-postcard setting.
Thailand
✈️ 11-12-hour direct flight from london (6 hr time difference)/ 20-22-hour flight from New York (11-12 hr time difference)/ 10-hour flight from Sydney (3 hr time difference)
👨👩👦 Suitable for families and culture lovers
⛵ Easy navigation, numerous nearby stops
💰 From €1,290/week for a boat rental, and €999 for a cabin cruise
From November to March, Thailand offers ideal weather for a winter cruise and captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes: white sand beaches, cliffs, tropical forests, and mangroves. Its islands, such as Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and the Similans, are easily accessible and offer peaceful sailing. Snorkeling, kayaking in the lagoons, and cultural discoveries (temples, markets, gastronomy) make it a rich and varied destination.
GlobeSailor spots
⚓In the Koh Phi Phi archipelago, Loh Dalum Bay is the ideal anchorage for exploring the remarkable seabed surrounded by spectacular cliffs.
⚓The Similan Islands Marine National Park offers a pristine setting perfect for snorkeling or scuba diving.
⚓Kayaking in the hidden caves and lagoons of Phang Nga Bay is an activity not to be missed. Please note, however, that some anchorages are regulated and require prior authorization. Jungle excursions and discovering the local cuisine will also be highlights of your cruise.
Bahamas
✈️10-hour flight from london (5 hr time difference)/ 1-2-hour flight from New York (no time difference)/ 22–24-hour flight from Sydney (16-18 hr time difference)
👨👩👦 Nature and adventure destination
⛵ More suited to experienced sailors (technical crossings)
💰 From €1,666/week for a boat rental, and €1,150 for a cabin cruise
With their turquoise waters and endless beaches, the Bahamas are a dream come true for sailors. Winter (November-April) is the best season for sailing (mild temperatures and steady winds) in the Exumas or discovering Pig Beach and Thunderball Cave. A destination of choice for experienced sailors in search of adventure.
GlobeSailor spots
⚓In the heart of the Exumas archipelago, the anchorage on Staniel Cay is perfect for stocking up at local grocery stores and discovering the famous Thunderball Cave, the natural setting for James Bond films. At low tide, snorkel under its spectacular skylights.
⚓Just opposite, at Big Major Cay, enjoy the legendary Pig Beach and swim with the famous Exumas pigs.
British Virgin Islands (BVI)
✈️ 8-hour flight from London (4–5 hr time difference) / 3-hour flight from New York (no time difference) / 24-26-hour flight from Sydney (14–15 hr time difference)
👨👩👦 Nature and relaxation destination
⛵ Ideal for beginner to intermediate sailors (short, easy crossings)
💰 From €1,354/week for a boat rental, and €1,190 for a cabin cruise
With steady trade winds, calm turquoise waters, and line-of-sight sailing between islands, the British Virgin Islands are one of the world’s premier cruising grounds. The best time to sail is from December to May, when the weather is warm, dry, and perfect for exploring Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada. A paradise for sailors who want both adventure and laid-back island charm.
GlobeSailor spots
⚓ Drop anchor at The Baths on Virgin Gorda, where giant granite boulders form a maze of grottos, tunnels, and tidal pools – ideal for snorkeling and exploring.
⚓ Sail to White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, famous for its soft white sand and lively beach bars like the Soggy Dollar. A must for sundowners with fellow sailors.
⚓ Head further afield to Anegada, the only coral island in the BVI, where you’ll find endless beaches, flamingos, and world-class lobster dinners.
Choosing your winter cruise destination: summary
Choosing your winter cruise destination requires taking into account the climate, your budget, activities, and the length of your trip. Each stopover offers a unique experience, combining relaxation, discovery, and exotic cruises. By preparing your trip well, you are sure to have an unforgettable winter cruise.
For a mix of culture and nature: Thailand
For families or beginners: Guadeloupe, Martinique, BVI
For luxury and tranquility: Seychelles, French Polynesia
For experienced sailors: Grenadines, Bahamas
