Best Sailing Destinations Around The world
Breathtaking scenery, vibrant cultures and delicious delicacies are just some of the things you can find on a sailing adventure around the world.
Whether you enjoy hiking, diving, taking in ancient history or just sitting back and watching a beautiful sunset, our list of the seven best places to sail in the world might help you choose where to go on your next adventure at sea.
1) WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS, AUSTRALIA
The 74 islands, collectively known as the Whitsunday Islands, are located beside The Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea (one of the seven natural wonders of the world). Whitsunday Sailing has become the popular sailing destinations in the world. The crystal waters of the area are home to tropical fish and sea turtles, and offer plenty of opportunities for diving. You can sail beneath cloudless skies and take in all that the region has to offer, including Whitehaven Beach which is considered to be one of the best in the world.
Setting out from Airlie Beach, the “gateway to the Whitsundays,” you’ll find plenty of sailing ships that offer everything from single-day escapes to three-day adventures that take you into the heart of this amazing place.
2) The Bay of Islands, New Zealand
New Zealand has long had a rich sailing culture, which in part is due to its amazing coastlines which offer epic scenery and plenty of places to explore. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Bay of Islands, a place that has launched countless sailing adventures.
The Bay is the perfect spot to go sea kayaking or fishing, but it is especially well known for its diverse wildlife. While there, you’ll have the opportunity to spot penguins, whales, and dolphins. You can even go ashore on one of the 144 islands to hike in a place that is virtually untouched by man.
There are literally dozens of options to choose from when it comes to sailing the Bay of Islands. Thankfully, there is a website built to help adventurous travellers sort through them all. Start planning your trip here.
3) South Georgia Island, Southern Ocean
Located in the Southern Ocean, South Georgia Island is probably best known for the crucial role it played in Ernest Shackleton’s doomed Endurance expedition to the Antarctic. But the place is also a pristine environment that is home to thousands of penguins and rare sea birds, including a variety of albatross that are only found there. Visitors also get the chance to see elephant and fur seals by the hundreds, while exploring the remains of long-abandoned whaling stations, which once lined the shores. Those stations have been inactive for decades, and as a result, whale populations have rebounded nicely. It is not uncommon to find humpbacks, sperm whales, southern right whales, and even blue whales just off shore, along with dolphins, and an array of other sea life.
Sailing the Southern Ocean is an adventure in and of itself, taking travellers across some of the most turbulent waters on the planet. The team at Classic Sailing are experienced sailors who have made that voyage many times however, and offer one of the best opportunities to visit South Georgie in a tall ship. If you’re looking for a grand adventure out on the high seas, this is certainly a great place to start.
