Travellers desperate for a dream escape can let their troubles float away by taking to the water and hiring a boat for a peaceful way to holiday, whilst taking in some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines and waterways.
With a choice of boats to hire in stunning destinations including the Adriatic Coast and British Virgin Islands, here Click&Boat highlights its top five sailing destinations to check out. First timers without a sailing license need not miss out too, as a skipper can often be arranged allowing guests the chance to kick back and take in the views.
Dream sailing holiday destinations – Set sail for an adventure on the Adriatic Coast, Croatia
Strung along the coastline of Croatia are more than a thousand beautiful islands waiting to be explored, with quaint fishing villages and hotspots like Split easily reached by boat. A sailing holiday offers guests the chance to discover the country’s hidden lagoons and beaches, while island hopping against the backdrop of the dramatic Dinaride cliffs on the rugged Adriatic coastline. Visitors can enjoy what Alfred Hitchcock described as ‘the most beautiful sunsets in the world’ from the old town of Zadar, famous for its Roman and Venetian ruins. Alternatively, sailors can anchor down in Dubrovnik to climb the city’s old walls and enjoy a spot of shopping or a bite to eat in the pedestrianised limestone Placa.
Click&Boat quests can charter the Jenneau Sun Odyssey 439 Sailboat from Port of Gruž, Dubrovnik accommodating eight people across four cabins with two bathrooms, a kitchen and a skipper for the duration. Prices start from £2,691 for four nights in September 2021.
Dream sailing holiday destinations – Boating heaven in the British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands offer some of the best sailing experiences in the world, with travellers setting off from Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, known for its powdery white beaches, lush green mountains and dazzling yacht-filled harbours. From there, sailors can cruise the Caribbean seas and explore dozens of palm-shaded beaches and coves along the archipelago’s coastline. During a holiday, guests can hop onshore to enjoy the British Virgin Islands’ many luxury resorts and local restaurants, with the destination also boasting brilliant hiking trails, such as the Sunset Loop on Peter Island, and watersports for more adventurous travellers. Alternatively, visitors can go wildlife spotting with the Dolphin Discovery tour in Tortola or cast away their days in paradise on a fishing tour with a local expert skipper.
Click&Boat quests can charter the Dufour 412 Adventure Liaison sailboat from Tortola, accommodating six people across two cabins with two bathrooms and a kitchen. Prices start from £1,737 for five nights in September or October 2021. A skipper can be arranged from £1,077 for the duration.
Dream sailing holiday destinations – Take a boat to Tahiti for a taste of Pacific paradise in French Polynesia
French Polynesia comprises over 100 islands, offering some of the most pristine and unspoilt beaches in the world, many of which are reachable by boat. The crystal clear waters are warm all year round and brimming with marine life including exotic fish and manta rays, making Tahiti and the nearby islands the perfect spot for snorkelling and diving among the corals. Alternatively, head ashore to explore the diverse natural offerings on land, including tranquil turquoise lagoons, rushing waterfalls and awe-inspiring extinct volcanoes.
Click&Boat quests can charter the Nautitech 435 Catamaran from Tahiti, accommodating four people across two cabins with two bathrooms, a kitchen and a skipper for the duration. Prices start from £2,613 for four nights in September 2021.
Dream sailing holiday destinations – A Great Lakes getaway exploring North America’s best urban and natural wonders
From bustling cities to uncharted rocky inlets on Canadian shores, North America’s Great Lakes region offers something for everyone, with a choice of boat pickup locations. Sailors can explore the iconic cities situated on the Great Lakes, including Chicago with its steely skyscrapers and enviable culinary scene and the trendy metropolis of Toronto, with its famous CN Tower. Alternatively, travellers seeking a more outdoorsy experience will be blown away by the natural beauty of the lakes and the watersport adventures on offer. With the freedom to plan the perfect Great Lakes getaway, there is no better way to explore this region than by boat, whether for just the day or a week.
Click&Boat quests can charter the Catalina 275 Sport Sailboat for a day of sailing from Toronto, accommodating five people with a bathroom and a skipper for the duration. Prices start from £524 for one day in September 2021.
Dream sailing holiday destinations – Explore historic towns and rolling vineyards on a trip down the Rhine
Travellers wanting to explore the romantic Rhine region can charter a boat to travel along the winding river, discovering a fairytale medley of medieval castles, baroque palaces, bucolic vineyards and historic hillside towns along the way. Cutting through the craggy cliffs of the Rhenish slate mountains and meandering between fields laden with wine-producing grapevines, a journey down the Rhine river offers the best vantage point from which to enjoy the region’s natural scenery. Guests can stop off at idyllic villages for a walk among the timbered houses and Gothic churches, or visit one of the region’s quaint restaurants to sample its delicious local wines along the way.
Click&Boat quests can charter the Nicols Estivale Octo Fly houseboat from Saverne in France, accommodating 10 people across four cabins with bathrooms and a kitchen. Prices start from £2,331 for six nights in September 2021.