Five Sailing Adventures Around the World

Sailing makes us look at the world around us differently. All over the world, there are spectacular coastlines, inviting island towns and sandy beaches just waiting for adventurers to sail into the harbor. You can visit the same coast over and over, but there is nothing like sailing it for the first time.

From the deck of a boat the sky looks bigger, the ocean endless, and even time seems to pass differently, moving as slowly as the rocking of the ship. It is not hard to sit back, relax and breathe it all in. If sailing is something you love or simply something you have wanted to try, here are five fantastic adventures for your next vacation.

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

The coast of Croatiaholds an allure that captures many travelers and is a shoreline that visitors remember for years. In fact, Croatia has been hailed as the New Riviera.

Its magical coast is a combination of the azure waters of Greece, the landscape of the French Riviera, and medieval Italianate towns. During the summer the sea is calm, the weather warm, and the sun bright making it the perfect place to relax and take in a little sailing.

The colors of the Dalmatian coastline are spectacular with the vivid blues of the water contrasting with the bright green and grays of the cliffs and help make it the perfect place for sailing. It is also a budget friendly country so it is easy to find great deals on sailing trips.

It is hard not to fall in love with the Dalmatian coast and many travelers return to it many times. It is one place you just need to see for yourself.

Galápagos Archipelago, Ecuador

People flock from all over the world to see the unique wonders only found on this archipelago. There is no better way to take in all the glory of the Galápagos than from the deck of a sailboat. Sailing also gives you access to some incredible day trips like snorkeling and scuba diving. Of course, there is plenty of time to head off to the interior islands on a shore excursion to see the mammoth turtles, penguins and a variety of other wildlife.

It is not a cliché when I say the Galápagos is one of a kind. Sadly, companies know it and so sailing tours are not cheap, but they are well worth it for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The Bay of Islands located by New Zealand’s North Island is an area full of towering rock spires, white sandy beaches and jagged cliffs. This area is perfect for people looking for a vacation away from the crowds and regular tourist traps.

In fact, the Bay of Islands is all about privacy with over 150 islands that are untouched by human hands. Many people claim their own beach for the day. Truly with so many islands, it is more than likely that you will have an entire island to yourself.

It is easy to find friends and charter a boat or even to grab a rental to sail for a few days. This area of New Zealand is called the Winterless North and while it gets chilly in the winter, the weather is warm enough that you can go sailing year round.

Spend the day snorkeling, sailing the waters, kayaking, or exploring your own island. Whatever you choose, the Bay of Islands is full of adventure.

The Riviera, France

The French Riviera has become synonymous with the word romance. This area is also a hotspot for the rich and famous to gather together to drink wine, sail the coast and relax on the beaches. However, this area is more than just a handful of romantic spots and a meeting place for celebrities.

This scenic area is also full of adventure. There are mountains to explore, old cities to wander and tricky canals to sail. Another popular way to explore this coast is to take a couple of days to bike to the different picturesque towns that dot the landscape.

Newport, United States

Newport, Rhode Island, has a long history centered around sailing. It is a haven for sailors to get up and down the east coast of America and many sail races stop in Newport throughout the year.

This small bay town has also been home to the Americas Cup, which is arguably the world’s most popular sailing event. Undoubtedly, this has contributed to Newport becoming known as the Sailing Capital of the World.

The coastline is unreal, and people are always surprised to find that the lush green islands resemble the Caribbean. Many of the islands have quaint seaside towns that draw thousands of tourists and sail enthusiasts every year.

There are many sailboat charters available for day trips that are perfect for spotting whales, dolphins and all other sorts of marine life. While there are several charters and rentals available, it is also home to America's newest tall ship. If you are looking for a real sailing holiday in America, it is hard to go wrong in Newport.

From the gorgeous towns of the French Riviera to the unique wildlife of the Galápagos, the world is full of stunning coasts and epic sailing adventures. These are five of the best sailing adventures in the world, and each one will leave you with lasting memories of an amazing holiday spent on the water.

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