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Top 10 Destinations for Sailing Holidays in 2025

By Nautilus Yachting last updated on Tue 12th Nov 2024

Our clients are getting very organised this year! Bookings are already flying in for 2025, with September 2025 being the most popular month so far. 

We took a look at the destinations which are currently top of the list and have been surprised by a few of the entries! Tried and tested favourites for your yacht charters stand alongside a few newcomers, keeping things interesting and allowing a few lesser-known sailing areas to have their place in the limelight. 

Of course Greece still stands strong and remains an incredibly popular destination for yacht charters in the Mediterranean but we have however seen a change in the popularity of the different sailing areas within Greece. The Caribbean features on the list too as well as an increasingly popular Tropical destination! 

Discover the top 10 destinations for sailing holidays in 2025 below.

Yacht charter in Corfu

1. Corfu, Greece

A consistent bestseller here at Nautilus for both bareboat yacht charters and flotilla holdiays, Corfu has reliable winds for great sailing whilst also being very easy to access from the UK. Get off the beaten track and experience the traditional fishing villages on the west coast of mainland Greece, visit the stunning bays found on Paxos and Antipaxos and be sure to explore the Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before or after your charter.

Bareboat Yacht Charter from Corfu

Corfu Flotilla

Yacht charter in Marmaris and Orhaniye

2. Marmaris and Orhaniye, Turkey

The Turkish coast exudes a tranquil air that our clients adore. Chartering your yacht from Marmaris or Orhaniye, you will experience a truly unspoilt part of Turkey, rich in history and with breathtaking scenery. Fill your sailing itinerary with a mix of idyllic, peaceful bays, historic sites and lively, atmospheric market towns. Turkey is also a great choice for early or late season sailing.

Bareboat Yacht Charter from Marmaris and Orhaniye

Sailing holidays in Croatia

3. Split, Croatia

Croatia has soared in popularity in recent years, as many become aware of just how much Croatia has to offer. You can return to sail in Croatia time and time again and still explore new and fascinating areas. A fusion of cultural influences from Venetian to Byzantine has given Croatia a unique appeal and the National Parks and archipelago of Islands dotted off the coast are not to be missed. Croatia, like her people, is welcoming, diverse and absolutely stunning.

Bareboat Yacht Charter from Split and Trogir

Dalmatian Flotilla

Split Flotilla

Yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands BVI

4. British Virgin Islands

The sailor’s paradise of the Caribbean! Unsurprisingly, the beautiful British Virgin Islands are riding high in the top sellers for sailing holidays in 2025 and are the number 1 top-selling destination for sailing holidays in the Caribbean. With over 60 unspoilt islands, islets and cays there is no shortage of places to visit on your sailing holiday in the BVI. For laid-back fun head to Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke, snorkel at The Indians and enjoy the most delicious lobster dinner on Anegada.

Bareboat Yacht Charter in the British Virgin Islands

Sailing the Cyclades Islands, Greece

5. Cyclades, Greece

Quite possibly the most photographed islands in Greece! Of course you can visit the iconic white and blue island of Santorini or soak up the atmosphere in the beach clubs of Mykonos but the unique benefit of a sailing holiday in the Cyclades is that it opens up the possibility of visiting a whole host of lesser-known, idyllic islands. With yachts based in Lavrion on the mainland, an easy 40 minute transfer from Athens Airport, chartering in the Cyclades is incredibly accessible. The exhilarating sailing on the longer and more exposed stretches between the quintessentially Greek islands is ideal for experienced sailors. 

Bareboat Yacht Charter from Lavrion and Paros

Sailing holidays in the Ionian, Greece

6. South Ionian, Greece

An iconic sailing ground in Greece, the southern Ionian continues to be a firm favourite with our clients. Whilst very popular in the peak summer season, booking early gives you access to the best selection of yachts and affordable flights. Start your yacht charter from Lefkas, Palairos or even Kefalonia to sail in the calm, turquoise waters of the Ionian.

Bareboat Yacht Charter in the Ionian

Ionian Flotilla

Yacht charter in St Vincent and the Grenadines

7. St Vincent and the Grenadines

Our second Caribbean sailing destination to enter the Top 10! New ‘direct’ flights with Virgin Atlantic to St Vincent (with just a touchdown in Barbados) have opened this sailing area up to far more of our clients. Plus, the current flight prices of under £600 per person are terrific value. Explore the diverse underwater world of the Tobago Cays, visit the turtle sanctuary in Bequia or hike to the hill tops for striking views.

Bareboat Yacht Charter in St Vincent and the Grenadines

Sailing holidays in Phang Nga Bay Thailand

8. Thailand

A newer entry to our top sellers but one that looks set to stay! Discover the beautiful islands in the Andaman Sea lying to the south of Phuket - a unique and diverse sailing area with towering limestone cliffs. Amazing snorkelling, natural wonders, friendly locals and delicious food are just a few things to enjoy on a sailing holiday in Thailand.

Bareboat Yacht Charter in Thailand

Thailand Flotilla

Sailing holidays from Kos and Rhodes in the Dodecanese, Greece

9. Dodecanese, Greece

A popular choice for the more experienced sailors who appreciate the guaranteed winds this area is known for. Whilst the main islands of Kos and Rhodes are popular holiday destinations, many of the islands in this sailing area have remained largely unaffected by mainstream tourism and offer a wonderfully authentic taste of traditional Greek life.

Bareboat Yacht Charter in the Dodecanese

Dodecanese Flotilla

Yacht charter in the Saronic Gulf from Athens

10. Saronic Gulf, Greece

You don’t have to sail far out of Athens to experience the cosmopolitan charm of the Saronic Gulf islands. Car-free Hydra has one of the most picturesque harbours in Greece whilst a visit to the Epidavros festival in July and August is an unforgettable experience with impressive performances of music, dance, opera and theatre taking place in the ancient amphitheatre.

Bareboat Yacht Charter from Athens

Useful Information

The best time to take a sailing holiday in Greece is between April and October, with peak season being June, July, and August.

High Season

The Meltemi winds are strongest in July and August, making a more exhilarating sailing challenge for the more experienced sailors. These months also fall within the UK school summer holidays, the perfect time for a family holiday, with lots of opportunities for the children to make new friends. Why not try one of our family-friendly flotilla holidays? 

For easier sailing aim for the end of summer, the winds are less intense making for more relaxed sailing conditions.

Shoulder Season

April and October benefit from smaller crowds as well as cheaper flights, great yacht availability and reduced costs.

Spring

April - June are the perfect months for those looking for a quieter yacht charter. The winds are milder, the weather is warm and the islands are in full bloom. With the reduced crowds it allows you to enjoy them to the fullest!

Autumn Sailing in Greece

Choose the autumn months to avoid the tourist crowds, enjoy the calmer winds and take in the natural beauty of the islands at a leisurely pace.

May & September

The weather is warm but not too hot with average temperatures around 25ºC (77ºF) and the crowds are lower than the peak summer season.

Late May & June

The crowds are still relatively low but the temperatures have started to rise (average 28ºC / 85ºF) and the waters begin to get warm enough for swimming.

July to September

This is when the waters are at their warmest but it is also the peak tourist time due to the school summer holidays. Though this is a great time for a sociable family holiday, why not try one of our family-friendly flotilla holidays?

October

This is the end of the main sailing season and a good opportunity to take advantage of the lower prices and lighter crowds. The weather is on average 21 - 23ºC and the waters are still warm enough to enjoy a spot of swimming.

In general, the best sailing conditions are from April to October when you can enjoy warm waters, clear skies and reliable winds. 

Ionian Sea

The Ionian is great for all-year sailing however the best conditions are late spring to early autumn. The Ionian has hot, dry summers with calmer winds but stronger gusts can occur in the afternoons.

The Aegean Sea

The Meltemi winds provide reliable sailing in the summer months perfect for more experienced sailors, looking for a more challenging charter.

The Rainy Season

Typically the rainy season is from November to March and sailing conditions are not always ideal.

 

The cost of your yacht charter depends on several factors:

Boat Type

The type and size of the yacht you book will dictate the price. 1 week for a 2 - 3 cabin monohull starts around £900 in low season whereas 1 week on a luxury catamaran with a skipper in high season could be upwards of £10,000. These are the 2 extremes of the scale for a 1 week charter and we offer plenty of choices in between.

Charter duration

1 week is a popular choice amongst our sailors and makes the perfect getaway, however, a longer charter will give you more time to explore all the Greek islands have to offer. We have a range of 1 and 2 week flotillas as well as custom bareboat bookings which can be tailored to your timescale.

Time of Year

Lower-priced yacht charters are available in the off-season of April, May, September and October with prices starting to rise in June before peaking in July and August.

Crew

Don't have any sailing experience? No problem! We offer several skippered and crewed options so you can enjoy the yachting lifestyle without the stress. From a simple skippered yacht to fully crewed options, we can arrange a charter to suit your needs.

Flotilla vs Bareboat

Flotilla yacht charters are more expensive than a bareboat charter, but for the extra cost, you are getting the assistance of a lead boat with an experienced crew who are ready to help if you need assistance on your voyage, they also arrange social activities and lead you on a carefully curated itinerary. Flotillas are great if you enjoy the social aspects of sailing and are perfect for families, especially during school holidays. Children enjoy making new friends, while adults can unwind and connect with like-minded sailors.

If you are experienced and prefer to discover the islands at your own pace then a bareboat charter is the perfect choice for a relaxing holiday in The Med.

For bareboat charters and flotilla holidays in Greece, you will need ICC qualification.

The port authorities in Greece are now insisting on one of the following practical certificates:

  • RYA ICC (International Certificate of Competence)
  • RYA Coastal, RYA Yachtmaster
  • ASA IPC (International Proficiency Certificate)
  • IYT (International Yacht Training) Passport

If you hold an RYA Day Skipper or ASA104 it will no longer be accepted and you need to obtain either an ICC or IPC from the corresponding issuing body (RYA or ASA).

If your RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster or ASA105/106 certificate is more than 10 years old and does not have a photo ID, then you need to apply for an ICC or IPC.

If you are a member of the RYA or ASA, you may qualify for a discount or free certificate, otherwise, you will have to pay. The approximate cost is £50. Please use these links - RYA application for the ICC or ASA application for the IPC.

The mooring fees in Greece are very minimal, you will find it is one of the cheaper Mediterranean destinations in terms of mooring costs. On average, a town quay mooring in Greece (based on a 40ft monohull) would be €20/night.

There are fewer "full-service marinas" compared with somewhere like Croatia, but these would usually be between €50-70/night.

There is also the ability to free anchor in a lot of placces too, which keeps the cost of your mooring fees down considerably.

Our most popular sailing destination in Greece is the South Ionian due to its easy sailing conditions and endless bays to visit; this collection of islands (Lefkas, Kefalonia, Ithaka, Meganisi, Kalamos & Kastos) is perfect for beginners and families but has a charm that keeps our guests returning year after year.

You can also set sail in the Ionian from well-connected Corfu which has great options for sail-and-stay to combine your holiday with one of the island's highly-rated resorts. There is also UNESCO heritage Corfu Old Town and picture-perfect Paxos.

The best time for a sailing holiday in Croatia is from April to October. July and August are the busiest months of the year and also the warmest with temperatures averaging 26-32 degrees. At this time of year, the main Croatian hotspots are a hive of activity with tourists visiting via land and sea. Steady afternoon breezes make for great sailing.

For those who appreciate milder temperatures April, May, September and October see cooler mornings and evenings and a chance of rain but still have very comfortable daytime temperatures. The shoulder seasons can be the ideal time for exploring in more moderate temperatures and if visiting at the end of the season you will still have very pleasant sea temperatures.

The coastal destinations in Croatia have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and relatively mild and sometimes wet winters. Average temperatures during the summer months are 26-32 degrees with very little rain, other than the odd thunderstorm. Steady afternoon breezes make for great sailing. In the shoulder seasons of April, May, September and October you will find moderate temperatures averaging 17-25 degrees, occasional rainfall and good sailing winds.

Croatian is the official language spoken in Croatia. In addition, English is widely spoken in the main tourist destinations.

Some basic Croatian phrases:

  • Hello – Bok
  • Goodbye – Doviđenja
  • Please - Molim
  • Thank you – Hvala
  • Yes – Da
  • No – Ne
  • Do you speak English? - Govorite li engleski?

Since 2023 the official currency in Croatia has been the Euro (EUR). Prior to this, the official currency was the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Cash machines (ATMs) are available in most of the main tourist destinations in Croatia but may not be available in some smaller destinations. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Whilst on a sailing holiday in Croatia, it is a good idea to have a small amount of cash (Euros) with you to cover expenses when cash machines may not be available.

Whilst on your yacht charter in Croatia, you will find many modern marinas with excellent facilities. These marinas will typically cost €3-4/foot/night. When sailing the Croatian islands you will find great anchorages and restaurant moorings which will enable you to save on mooring fees.

Croatia has ideal conditions for a sailing holiday with reliable afternoon winds. During the summer months there are steady afternoon breezes from the north-west averaging Force 2–5 dying down at night. Summer temperatures average 26-30ºC.

We have rated this destination a 'Level 1-2' and you will need RYA Day Skipper or ICC qualification as well as VHF licence for bareboat charters in Croatia.

You can see all of the bases we offer in Croatia along with the level ratings here so that you can find the most suitable destination for you. If you are at all unsure about a destination then please get in touch and our sales team will be more than happy to make their recommendations for you.

  1. Explore charming UNESCO World Heritage sites
    • Croatia is a country with a rich history and diverse culture. There are many UNESCO World Heritage sites, with many of these being located in destinations where we also offer our yacht charters and sailing holidays.
    • Trogir Old Town – UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Dubrovnik Old Town – UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Sibenik – the starting point for our Dalmatian Flotilla (link) and home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  2. Visit Natural Wonders
    • Kornati National Park – 89 beautiful islands, islets and reefs located off the coast of central Croatia. A paradise sailing location which offers fantastic snorkelling and beautiful uninhabited islands. You will need tickets to sail in the National Park and these can be purchased here
    • Krka National Park and Waterfalls – Sail up the river from Skradin and visit the Krka National Park and waterfalls with fantastic hikes and viewpoints. Tickets can be purchased here
    • Lastovo Islands Nature Park – lying fairly centrally between Split and Dubrovnik you will find the Lastovo Islands Nature Park, one of the richest and best-preserved treasure troves of biodiversity in the Mediterranean.
    • Mljet – Swim in the stunning salt water lakes of Mljet, a beautiful island located not far from Dubrovnik.
  3. Experience Croatia’s atmospheric nightlife
    • Croatia is well known for fantastic nightlife and hosts many live music events throughout the summer months. Some of the top places to visit if lively nightlife is your thing are:
    • Pag Island – visit one of the most famous party beaches in Croatia Zrce Beach (https://zrce.eu/en/). Pag is also the location for Hideout Music Festival and Noa Beach Club  which hosts some of the world’s best DJs.
    • Rab – More of an up and coming destination for those looking to find excellent nightlife without the large crowds of some of the other islands.
    • Brac – combine beautiful beaches and bustling nightlife on Brac. Visit the legendary 585 Club or many of the islands beach bars for a fantastic night out.
    • Hvar – In Hvar you will find too many nightlife spots to mention! Head to Hvar town for a great party scene.
    • Split – the tourist centre of Split is home to many great bars and nightclubs whilst also being the location of Ultra Music Festival in July 
    • Dubrovnik – a beautiful city full of history but also with an enviable nightlife. Visit Skybar for a sophisticated evening with delicious cocktails.

 There are several National Parks in Croatia with varying fees to enter. Below you will find links to the main National Parks and details on pricing and purchasing tickets.

Kornati National Park - https://www.np-kornati.hr/index.php?lang=en

Krka National Park - https://shop.np-krka.hr/en

Latovo Islands Nature Park - https://pp-lastovo.hr/?lang=en

For bareboat charters and flotilla holidays in Croatia you will need RYA Day Skipper or ICC qualification as well as VHF licence in order to skipper the yacht yourself.

For charters from Split and Trogir - Croatia Airlines, easyJet and Jet2 all have direct flights to Split on Saturdays. 

For charters in the Kornati - Croatia Airlines, easyJet and Jet2 all have direct flights to Split on Saturdays. Ryanair have flights from Stansted to Zadar on Saturdays. Easyjet fly from Gatwick to Zadar from June to August. 

For charters from Pula - Ryanair have flights from Stansted to Pula and Trieste on Saturdays. Tui have flights from Gatwick to Pula on Saturdays.

For charters from Dubrovnik - British Airways and EasyJet have daily flights from Gatwick to Dubrovnik. Jet2 have flights from Newcastle on Saturdays. 

For charters in Montenegro - British Airways and easyJet have daily flights from Gatwick to Dubrovnik. Jet2 have flights from Manchester on Saturdays.

Return transfers can be arranged in most of our Croatia sailing destinations from the airport to the base. Please ask a member of our team for details.

The best months for a yacht charter in Turkey are May to September which provide ideal sailing conditions. To avoid the crowds April to early June or late September to October are recommended.

Summer

The summer months are the most popular months to visit Turkey with July and August being the peak season. The temperatures at this time average between 26 - 30ºC.

Shoulder Season

April, May and October are the less crowded but are still warm and sunny if you prefer a more relaxing sailing experience.

Sea Temperatures

From May to Novemeber the waters remain above 20ºC, peaking at 26ºC for the main summer months. Turkey is the perfect destination for watersports, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Wind

The average wind speed is 10 - 20 KN from the NW which makes for relaxed sailing conditions with the winds picking up slightly in the afternoon. Making this a family friendly sailing experience.

Turkey is a fantastic destination for sailing, with a myriad of bays, historic sites and steady winds.

Göcek

A bustling, authentic Turkish port with picturesque islands and coves. Perfect for those looking for calmer sailing conditions.

Fethiye

A popular sailing destination with lots of sheltered anchorages, coves and islands to explore. The ideal location for swimming and snorkeling and perhaps even catching a sight of turtles and dolphins! 

Marmaris

The perfect mix of city nightlife, quiet anchorages and historic sites make Marmaris the perfect destination for a yacht charter. At the end of October Marmaris hosts its International Race Week regatta.

Bodrum

Bodrum is a well-rounded sailing destination, from incredible historical sites like the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world) and Bodrum castle to stunning sunsets and secluded beaches. 

Turkey's Mediterranean climate makes it ideal for sailing conditions with the main season being between May - Late October.

Temperature

The summers are hot and dry with temperatures in the range of 29 - 33ºC. Spring and Autumn make for ideal sailing with quieter crowds, warm weather and calm seas. 

Wind

The Meltemi winds are from May to October, with the strongest winds in July and August. The winds usually pick up between 13:00 - 17:00 each day.

The British Virgin Islands are a fantastic place to experience a sail and stay holiday. With daily flights, you can really make the most of your time in the Caribbean and combine a yacht charter with a hotel stay in the BVI or even Antigua.

The best time to experience everything the BVI has to offer is November through to May, with temperatures between 28°C and 30°C and constant warm tradewinds at 10-20 knots providing excellent sailing. Hotels, restaurants and bars that are closed throughout the hurricane season (June to October) reopen at the end of October/beginning of November so if visiting between November and May you can be sure that you will be able to visit the top spots in the British Virgin Islands whilst on your yacht charter.

Peak Season

The peak season is December through to April with warm weather and steady winds. It is a lively atmosphere, especially during the festive period with lots of parties and celebrations.

High Season

The high season is from February to March, with warm, dry weather and reliable trade winds the sailing conditions are perfect.

Slow Season

The season begins to slow in May - June though the waters are still warm but the winds much milder

Fall (September - November)

This is the tail end of hurricane season, it is fairly quiet during this time but the weather is wetter and there is still a chance a hurricane could affect your charter.

The most cost-effective time

The most cost-effective time to visit is between March and May as they precede the hurricane season. Good travel insurance covering adverse weather conditions such as hurricanes is advised. 

The British Virgin Islands see warm temperatures year-round averaging 28-31ºC throughout the year. 

The hottest months

The hottest months are August and September when the waters are at their warmest.

Hurricanes

It should be noted it is hurricane season between June and October.

The wettest months

The wettest and most humid months are September and October.

Virgin Gorda because you have the iconic Baths, North Sound and some fantastic beaches.

The official currency of the British Virgin Islands is the US Dollar (USD).

As a British Overseas Territory, British Pounds (GBP) were used in the British Virgin Islands once upon a time but the switch was made to US Dollars in 1959.

ATMs are available in the major towns and tourist centres and most larger establishments accept credit or debit cards. Some establishments may not accept American Express. It is recommended to keep cash on you to use at smaller establishments and shops and for taxi rides and tips etc. 

A mooring buoy is currently about US $50 per night, to dock in a harbour or at a hotel pontoon prices range from US $100-300 per night depending on the size of your yacht and the destination.

Although useful to have one, a sailing license, certificate or qualification is not required for a BVI yacht charter, however, our partners will need to see a complete sailing resume.

The sailing resume for a BVI Yacht Charter must demonstrate experience as a skipper of a similar type and size (within five feet) of the yacht as the one you are looking to charter. The experience should also be recent and the company will look for experience within the last five years. 

The cost of your yacht charter depends on several factors:

Boat Type

The type and size of the yacht you book will dictate the price. 1 week for a bareboat BVI yacht charter on a 2-cabin monohull starts around £300/$370 per day in low season whereas 1 week on a luxury crewed catamaran in high season could be upwards of £5500/$7350 per day. These are the 2 extremes of the scale for a 1 week charter and we offer plenty of choices in between.

Charter duration

1 week is a popular choice for the length of sailing vacation amongst our American sailors and makes the perfect getaway. However, a longer charter of around 10-14 days, which is more popular with our British and European clients and will give you more time to explore all the BVI has to offer and presents you the chance to be slightly more adventurous in your itinerary. We have a range of offers that can be tailored to your timescale.

Time of Year

Lower-priced yacht charters are available in the low season of July to October and mid-season May to June, November to January (excluding Christmas and New Year) with prices peaking in the high season from February to April and Christmas and New Year.

Crew

Don't have any sailing experience? No problem! We offer several skippered and crewed options so you can enjoy the yachting lifestyle without the stress. From a simple skippered yacht to fully crewed options, we can arrange a charter to suit your needs.

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