Top Destinations for a Short-Notice Christmas or New Year’s Yacht Holiday with Sunsail
Top 10 Bucket List Sailing Trips for 2025: Elevate Your Yacht Owner Experience With Low Season Sailing
Why battle the peak-season crowds when you could be out enjoying the calm, uncrowded side of the world’s best sailing grounds instead? As a Sunsail yacht owner, you have exclusive access to 20+ top-tier sailing destinations through a flexible, innovative ownership programme designed around the way you actually like to travel. Whether you’re plotting a bucket-list adventure months ahead or sneaking in a last-minute escape, our 84-point system lets you tailor your time on the water and squeeze every drop out of your ownership.
You’ll get 42 points for advanced bookings and 42 for spontaneous trips booked 7–16 days out, and, unlike the two points per day you’ll use in high season, low-season trips cost just one point per day. That means you can enjoy up to 12 weeks of sailing a year with no blackout dates. On top of that, Sunsail yacht owners can also book comparable Moorings yachts at no extra cost, giving you even more freedom to mix up your adventures.
Whether you’re dreaming of Mediterranean charm, laid-back Caribbean vibes, or disappearing off the map to somewhere properly remote in the Indian Ocean, low-season sailing lets you explore those bucket-list destinations at their most peaceful. Here are our top 10 ideas for unforgettable low-season sailing in 2025 – and how to turn them into up to 12 extraordinary weeks on the water as a Sunsail owner.
Seychelles – Indian Ocean
Points high season: 1 Dec – 30 Apr
Points low season: 1 May – 30 Nov
Sailing experience: Level 3
Seychelles in the low season feels wonderfully unhurried – ideal if you’re after proper peace and quiet without sacrificing scenery. Tucked away in the Indian Ocean, this island nation of more than 100 islands has almost half its landmass set aside as national parks and reserves, so you’re never far from untouched beaches, sheltered coves, remote anchorages and some of the clearest water on the planet, with visibility up to around 100 ft in April–May and October–November. Sitting outside the hurricane belt and blessed with reliable weather year-round, it’s a standout choice for a low-season escape.
Passages here mix stretches of open-water sailing in fair winds with shorter hops between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, giving you a great variety of sailing without relentless long legs. Ashore, you’ll find pristine beaches, lush forests and dramatic granite peaks, plus rare wildlife such as giant tortoises, the (actually brown) Seychelles black parrot and an incredible diversity of marine life, from whale sharks to thriving coral reefs. You can wander the streets of Victoria or simply tuck into quiet anchorages far away from busy ports and tourist bustle.
With such clear water and excellent visibility, Seychelles is brilliant for diving and snorkelling, with sea turtles, colourful reef fish and the odd whale shark all on the cards. It’s also a superb spot for fishing, with tuna, sailfish and giant trevally all in the mix – and you can even cook your own catch on board as no licence is required.
Best time to visit Seychelles to maximise your owner points
Falling outside of the hurricane belt and experiencing most of their stormy weather during the peak summer months of January and February, Seychelles is a perfect destination to take advantage of any time during the low season.
From May, the dry season arrives with cooler temperatures, lower humidity and steady south-easterly trade winds of around 8–20 knots, which are ideal for sailing. June to August keeps the breeze up and temperatures mild, with a slight lift in humidity. September brings calmer, warmer conditions, while October and November offer gentle winds and warmer weather as the north-west monsoon approaches – generally excellent for visibility, diving, snorkelling and exploring the beaches and coves at a slower pace.
Highlights of low-season sailing in Seychelles
Relax on Anse Lazio
Frequently ranked among the world’s best beaches, this stretch of white sand, granite boulders and crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming or snorkelling with turtles and tropical fish around the rocky edges, with nearby bays offering quieter spots to explore.
Get nutty on Curieuse Island
This marine national park is one of only two places on earth where you’ll find the coco de mer, the world’s heaviest nut, also known as the “double coconut”, alongside the ruins of a former leper colony and a rookery for hawksbill turtles.
Cousin Island nature reserve
A strictly protected sanctuary where Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely, hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches and vibrant birdlife thrives among lush vegetation.
The Exumas – Bahamas
Points high season: 16 Dec – 2 Jan and 16 Feb – 31 Jul
Points low season: 3 Jan – 15 Feb and 1 Aug – 15 Dec
Sailing experience: Level 3
Just a short hop from Florida, and with plenty of direct flights into Nassau from both the US and Europe, the Exumas are a fantastic way to put those short-notice points to work in prime low-season conditions. For more experienced skippers, this chain of 365 islands serves up thrilling, technical sailing alongside serious “barefoot on the beach” downtime. You’ll be weaving through crystal-clear shallows, over hidden sandbanks and among prolific marine life in a setting that feels tailor-made for anyone who wants adventure with their tranquillity.
Island-hopping here never really gets old. One day you might be meeting the famously cheeky swimming pigs at Big Major Cay or snorkelling the Thunderball Grotto, and the next you’re wading across an empty sandbar at low tide or simply soaking up the stillness of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Nothing beats island-hopping in the Exuma Cays, with each island offering a different type of laid-back Bahamian charm, whether it’s the (sometimes) friendly swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, snorkeling the famous Thunderball Grotto, or simply reveling in the unspoiled beauty of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
Sailing-wise, the Exumas are demanding and best suited to those with a decent number of miles already under their belt. You’ll be dealing with very shallow water, big coral heads across the Yellow Bank, ripping currents through narrow cuts and shifting sandbanks – but in return, you get water so clear it barely looks real, abundant marine life, endless sandbars and serious bragging rights.
Best time to visit the Exumas to maximise your owner points
Mid-October to mid-December is arguably the sweet spot for stretching your owner points here while sidestepping the crowds. Although hurricane season officially finishes on 30 November, the risk drops significantly compared to the peak summer months of July–September.
In those autumn shoulder weeks, you’ll typically enjoy pleasant weather, great sailing breezes and a low chance of cold fronts sweeping through and making the Exumas uncomfortable or even impractical to cruise, which can occasionally happen in December–February.
Highlights of low-season sailing in the Exumas
Spectacular wildlife
Whatever the season, you’re spoilt for marine life, from nurse sharks and eagle rays gliding past your stern to countless snorkelling and diving spots. If you prefer to stay dry, you can still visit the Staniel Cay pigs or the iguanas on Bitter Guana Cay.
The ultimate isolation
With over 365 islands and cays, there’s always another empty anchorage or sandbar to claim as your own, especially outside the busy months.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Sail through the Caribbean’s largest marine park, covering more than 450 square kilometres and offering excellent hiking at Warderick Wells as well as pristine anchorages.
Dubrovnik – Croatia
Base closed: Dec, Jan, Feb
Points high season: 16 Jun – 22 Sept
Points low season: 23 Sept – 15 Jun
Sailing experience: Level 1
Often overshadowed by Spain, France or Italy in the Mediterranean, Croatia quietly delivers everything you’d expect from a classic Med escape – often with fewer people, especially in the low season. Start at our base just minutes from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, where you can walk the medieval city walls for sweeping views over terracotta rooftops and the Adriatic before heading out to the Elaphiti Islands. There you’ll find peaceful anchorages, lush landscapes and clear water perfect for a relaxed first swim or snorkel.
From Koločep’s snorkelling spots and Lopud’s walking trails to Šipan’s sleepy charm, you can ease into the rhythm of the islands at your own pace. Mljet National Park is another must, with saltwater lakes, dense forest and bays that feel a world away from the city. Further on, Korčula lures you in with cobbled streets, a rich medieval history and excellent seafood washed down with local wine.
Avoiding the crush of high summer, you’ll enjoy calmer seas, steady breezes, mild temperatures and quiet harbours – exactly what many sailors are really after from a Mediterranean trip.
Best time to visit Dubrovnik to maximise your owner points
Croatia shines in the low-season months of May to mid-June and again in October. In late spring, air temperatures climb steadily, days get longer, and you’ll enjoy plenty of sunshine with steady but not overpowering winds – all before the main summer crowds arrive. The sea is still warming up, so it’s swimmable, but don’t expect tropical temperatures.
October brings shorter days but still-warm seas, thinner crowds and reliable winds that are noticeably calmer than peak-season Meltemi-style conditions further east. It’s a lovely time for both sailing and sightseeing.
Highlights of low-season sailing in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Old Town
Without the peak-season crowds, you can actually take your time wandering marble-paved streets, dropping into historic landmarks and trying local dishes, then head up Mount Srđ by cable car for views across the city and out to sea.
Mljet National Park
Drop anchor in protected bays like Polače, Pomena or Lokva and explore by foot or bike, especially in October when conditions are ideal for hiking.
Korčula Town
Often nicknamed “Little Dubrovnik”, Korčula’s Old Town is packed with Venetian detail, from stone gates and lion statues to elegant palazzos, plus museums, galleries and great restaurants. Wine lovers should make time to sample local white grapes such as Pošip and Grk at family-run vineyards across the island.
Belize – Central America
Points high season: 16 Dec – 15 Apr
Points low season: 16 Apr – 15 Dec
Sailing experience: Level 3
Belize is made for adventurous sailors who enjoy a bit of a challenge. Distances between islands are short, but shallow waters, hidden coral heads and limited navigational marks mean it rewards those who are switched on at the helm and happy to keep a close eye on charts and depth. If you’d rather dial down the responsibility, you can always hire a skipper and simply settle into the rhythm of the reef.
However you choose to sail it, the Belize Barrier Reef – the second largest in the world – is an obvious highlight, but there’s far more to this Central American gem than just the reef itself. You can explore ancient Mayan sites like Lamanai, head into dense rainforest buzzing with wildlife, hop between secluded cayes and empty beaches, feast on fresh seafood and discover the distinct Creole culture around communities such as Monkey River Town.
Compared to many Caribbean hotspots, Belize has a notably more laid-back, less crowded feel for most of the year – though it does still get busy in peak winter. With near-perfect trade winds from the east or south-east, consistently protected waters behind the reef and average temperatures of around 80°F, it’s a brilliant low-season destination if you want to make the most of your Sunsail owner benefits.
Belize really rewards both seasoned sailors and anyone keen to get off the beaten track. Whether you’re in it for punchy sailing days or lazy hours at anchor in remote spots, it’s a low-season must-sail for any serious sailor.
Best time to visit Belize to maximise your owner points
Aim for late May to early June or mid-October to mid-December to avoid the worst of the crowds and stretch your owner usage. In these windows you can usually count on clear skies, calm seas, steady trade winds and warm temperatures that suit both sailing and snorkelling. You may see the odd shower, but overall the conditions remain very favourable.
Broadly speaking, Belize’s dry season runs from December to May, with little rain and blue skies, while the wet season runs from June to November with higher humidity and more frequent showers. As November still falls within hurricane season, it’s sensible to keep a close eye on forecasts around any planned trip.
Highlights of low-season sailing in Belize
Explore The Belize Barrier Reef
The best way to experience the barrier reef at its quietest is to pick your way through the patchy shallows on the way to South Water Caye, pick up a mooring buoy, and head ashore for hammocks and fresh local lobster – or simply slip straight into the water to explore the reef just offshore.
Swim With Whale Sharks
Whale sharks can be seen in Belize between March and June, typically starting a couple of days before the full moon and for around 10 days afterwards, with April and May considered prime months. Gladden Spit Marine Reserve off Placencia is the main hub for these encounters.
Visit Monkey River Town
Anchor at No Name Point, where mangroves teem with wildlife, then make your way to Monkey River Town, one of Belize’s last traditional Creole fishing villages. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in authentic local culture before heading out on a guided river tour to spot black howler monkeys, manatees and exotic birdlife.
La Paz, Mexico – Sea of Cortez
Points high season: 1 Mar – 31 May and 1 Oct – 30 Nov
Points low season: 1 Jun – 30 Sept and 1 Dec – 28 Feb
Sailing experience: Level 3
Jacques Cousteau famously described the Sea of Cortez as “the world’s aquarium”, and once you’ve sailed it, it’s hard to disagree. Wildlife here is genuinely spectacular year-round: you might find yourself swimming alongside whale sharks, watching humpbacks breach nearby or drifting above coral-rich reefs full of vibrant fish. From April to August, and again from late November to January, vast numbers of mobula rays gather and launch into mesmerising acrobatic displays, while pods of dolphins and colonies of sea lions add to the sense that there is always something happening in the water.
From December to April, the Bay of Cortez is also one of the best places in the world to spot orcas as they migrate through the area in search of food. Ashore, desert landscapes meet the sea in dramatic style, with hiking trails leading up to panoramic viewpoints ideal for birdwatching and photography.
Once you leave La Paz itself, don’t expect beach bars, shops or restaurants – it’s essentially just you, your yacht, 244 uninhabited islands and around 900 species of fish. It’s about as pure and remote as a sailing escape gets.
If you want to plan the perfect week here, there’s a dedicated 7-day itinerary that shows you how to make the most of this isolated gem.
Best time to visit La Paz to maximise your owner points
February is an excellent time to visit La Paz, with dry weather, consistent winds of around 10–25 knots and daytime temperatures of roughly 61–77°F. It’s also peak time for spotting orcas and other whale species. Alternatively, June offers an early-summer feel, with temperatures around 72–97°F and winds between 10–20 knots, plus brilliant chances to see those dancing mobula rays.
Highlights of low-season sailing in La Paz
Isla Espíritu Santo
This island is known for its red cliffs, white-sand beaches and turquoise bays, with secluded anchorages such as Ensenada Grande offering beautifully calm overnights. You can visit playful sea lions at Los Islotes, paddle along rugged coastlines or hike inland for sweeping views back over the Sea of Cortez.
Discover mobula rays in the Sea of Cortez
The seasonal mobula migration is one of the region’s defining wildlife experiences. Between April and August and again from late November to January, hundreds of thousands of rays gather and leap several metres out of the water in coordinated bursts. They’re gentle, curious creatures that are usually shy around humans but can offer incredible in-water encounters for snorkellers and freedivers (scuba diving with them is not permitted).
The ultimate escape
Unlike almost any other Sunsail destination, La Paz gives you a genuine sense of leaving the modern world behind. With no facilities once you leave town, you can fully lean into life on board and immerse yourself in the stark, beautiful landscapes, crystal-clear water and abundant wildlife – the definition of a true escape.
Tahiti – French Polynesia
Points high season: 1 May – 31 Aug
Points low season: 1 Sept – 30 Apr
Sailing experience: Level 3
Tahiti is stunning at any time of year, but there’s something particularly special about being there in the low season when the lagoons and anchorages feel quieter and more relaxed. You still get the dramatic island backdrops, lush vegetation and warm, clear water – just with far fewer people competing for space.
The shoulder seasons in Tahiti generally fall between May to early June and September to October. During these months the weather remains warm and pleasant, trade winds are steady enough for reliable sailing, and the crowds are yet to hit their peak. It’s a great time to see the islands at their best, with flowers in full bloom and marine life thriving. You can spend your days snorkelling with rays, hiking tropical trails or simply soaking up Tahitian culture at a gentler pace.
While you’re there, make time for Bora Bora’s famous lagoon, where you can snorkel or dive with manta rays and colourful reef fish, and hop across to Moorea for rainforest hikes and big viewpoints. In Papeete, you can immerse yourself in local food and culture, then retreat back to quiet bays and anchorages by evening.
Whether your ideal trip leans more towards romantic seclusion, adventurous passages or a mix of both, Tahiti’s quieter months deliver. As one of the world’s most remote sailing grounds, French Polynesia offers a level of tranquillity in low season that’s hard to match.
Best time to visit Tahiti to maximise your owner points
Early in the low season, particularly September and October, you’ll find calm seas, steady trade winds and mild weather that make for smooth sailing. This period also coincides with humpback whale migration, with manta rays often making appearances too, and anchorages at Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a and Huahine are notably quieter.
December to February marks the peak of the rainy season, and while showers are more frequent, they tend to be brief and rarely spoil the overall experience – in fact, the islands are often at their greenest and most vibrant. Cyclone season officially runs from November to April; major storms are rare in this part of the Pacific, but they can occur, so some weather awareness is important.
Highlights of low-season sailing in Tahiti
Tahiti Carnival
Held each October in Papeete, Tahiti Carnival is a vivid celebration of local culture and tradition. Expect colourful floats, energetic dance performances and lively street parties drawing crowds of around 10,000 people – a fantastic way to see the islands at their most expressive.
Take your dinghy on a river cruise
The Faaroa River is the only navigable river in French Polynesia and offers a wonderfully different change of scenery. Take your dinghy upstream through lush jungle and dense tropical foliage, surrounded by steep peaks and rich greenery, and enjoy a quieter side of island life away from the lagoons.
Swim with giant manta rays
In Bora Bora, September is a particularly good time to see manta rays at their most active. Calm, clear water and minimal currents make conditions ideal for snorkellers and divers alike, with chances to also encounter grey reef sharks, turtles and thriving coral gardens while you’re out exploring.
Thailand – Phuket
Points high season: 1 Dec – 30 Apr
Points low season: 1 May – 30 Nov
Sailing experience: Level 1
If your dream sailing escape involves total solitude and barely seeing another boat all week, Thailand – even in low season – might not be the perfect fit. But if you want a mix of incredible scenery, rich culture, outstanding food and plenty of nightlife, then setting sail among the dramatic limestone karsts of the Andaman Sea is hard to beat.
Phuket is known for Full Moon beach parties, towering rock islands, first-rate snorkelling and diving, and iconic spots like the Phi Phi and Similan Islands. Underwater, you can encounter whale sharks and manta rays in very good visibility and explore hidden caves, while back on land you can sample authentic Thai cuisine, discover local villages and enjoy a vibrant bar and restaurant scene.
Steady trade winds and warm water make for comfortable sailing, especially from November to April during the dry season, and easy line-of-sight navigation keeps things accessible for less experienced crews. There’s also a perfect 7-day Phuket sailing itinerary to help you structure your time if you prefer a ready-made route.
View our perfect 7-day Phuket sailing literary here.
Best time to visit Phuket to maximise your owner points
October and November are particularly attractive months to sail around Phuket. As the south-west monsoon season winds down, the weather turns warm with fewer showers and light to moderate winds of around 5–15 knots, which makes for very pleasant conditions. Average temperatures range from roughly 77–88°F, and seas are generally calm to moderate.
November marks the start of the dry season, bringing even calmer seas, clearer skies and excellent conditions for island-hopping before the peak winter crowds arrive.
Highlights of low-season sailing in Phuket
Experience a Full Moon Party
If you fancy a big night out, a Thai Full Moon Party is an unforgettable experience, with live music, fire dancers, neon paint, beach bars and dancing under the stars. It’s lively, sociable and a fun contrast to quieter days afloat.
Dive into an underwater art gallery
Ko Racha Yai’s submerged sculpture park offers something a bit different beneath the surface, with giant stone elephants and other artworks sitting in crystal-clear water. October and November often bring visibility up to around 30 metres, making it a great time to visit and enjoy both the art and the surrounding marine life.
Visit Koh Panyee
Built on stilts above the water in Phang Nga Bay, Koh Panyee is a floating Muslim fishing village that gives you a fascinating glimpse into local life. Wander the narrow walkways, browse the market and sit down to fresh seafood at one of the over-water restaurants.
Get a massage on the beach
What would a trip to Thailand be without indulging in a traditional Thai massage? And the best way to treat yourself to this national pastime is to get a massage right on the beach. Most beaches offer beachfront spas or local beachfront huts where you can enjoy traditional Thai massages while listening to the soothing sounds of the waves.
Athens – Greece
Based Closed Dec, Jan, Feb
Point High Season: 16 Jun – 22 Sept
Points Low Season: 23 Sept – 15 Jun
Sailing Experience: Level 3
Who hasn’t dreamt of escaping to a Greek island at some point? Judging by the summer crowds, the answer is almost everyone. That’s exactly why Athens and the Aegean are best enjoyed outside the peak months of June, July, August and early September, when you can sidestep both the crowds and the more boisterous summer winds.
Start your adventure from the Sunsail base at Zea Marina, just outside central Athens, and you’re a short hop from iconic sites like the Acropolis and Parthenon before you even set sail. Once underway, you can head for nearby islands such as Hydra and Spetses, known for their characterful harbours, car-free streets and laid-back feel, then continue into the Saronic Gulf for easy, scenic passages between islands.
Best time to visit Athens to maximise your owner points
May and June offer mild temperatures, reliable winds and long days, which add up to very comfortable sailing. In October, the sea is still warm from summer, the crowds have thinned and the winds are generally calmer, making it a great time for relaxed cruising and swimming. Expect average air temperatures between about 68–77°F, with clear water that’s ideal for snorkelling and plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring ruins ashore.
The Meltemi winds that peak in high summer ease off dramatically by October, giving you much more forgiving conditions without losing the sense of adventure.
Highlights of low-season sailing in Athens
Explore Athens
In the shoulder seasons, Athens feels far less hectic but still buzzing with energy. You can take your time at the Acropolis Museum, walk up to the Parthenon for sweeping city views and then drift back down into neighbourhoods full of markets, tavernas and hidden cafés. With Zea Marina only a short ride away, it’s easy to mix city exploration with time afloat.
Spetses Islands
Spetses is pine-covered, handsome and pleasantly unhurried, with aristocratic mansions lining the waterfront. Anchor in the old harbour or at Dapia, the main port, and spend the day between waterfront cafés, tavernas and boutique shops, or hire a bike or horse-drawn carriage to explore the coastal paths at a gentler pace.
Hydra Island
Completely car-free and best explored on foot (or by donkey), Hydra is much more enjoyable when the main summer rush has passed. Wander steep cobbled streets, visit old fortifications, linger over long meals at waterfront tavernas and relax on nearby beaches that are far quieter than in July and August.
St. Lucia – Caribbean
Points High Season: 16 Dec – 15 Apr
Points Low Season: 16 Apr – 15 Dec
Sailing Experience: Level 3
St Lucia packs an impressive variety of scenery into a relatively small island: jagged volcanic peaks, lush rainforest, black-sand and golden beaches, coral reefs, hot springs and bubbling mud pools all within reach of your mooring. It’s a brilliant place to combine island-hopping with inland adventures.
From St Lucia, you can push further into the Windward Islands, using it as a jumping-off point to explore St Vincent and the Grenadines. Think longer bluewater passages to Bequia, marine parks in the Tobago Cays, powder-fine sand and grilled lobster on Mayreau, and a general sense of being in a quieter corner of the Caribbean compared to headline spots like the BVIs, St Maarten or The Bahamas.
These islands see far fewer visitors than some of the region’s busiest hubs, which makes them ideal both for using up a few high-season points in winter if you fancy a mid-season escape and for squeezing extra value out of your low-season allocation.
Best time to visit St Lucia to maximise your owner points
The spring shoulder season from mid-April to mid-June offers very good sailing conditions, thinner crowds and sits outside both the peak hurricane period and the hottest, stickiest months of mid-summer. The tail end of hurricane season, from mid-October to mid-December, is also attractive, with steady trade winds of around 10–15 knots and generally calm seas.
As ever in the Caribbean, it’s worth remembering that the official hurricane season runs from June to November, so some weather awareness is needed if you’re travelling in that window.
Highlights of low-season sailing in St Lucia
Take a hike
Hiking the Pitons – Gros Piton and Petit Piton – is a highlight for many visitors. Gros Piton is more accessible, with trails that suit a range of abilities, while Petit Piton is steeper and better suited to confident hikers. Along the way you’ll encounter colourful orchids and a variety of birdlife, including the endangered St Lucian parrot, and you can round things off with a swim at one of the island’s waterfalls, so bring a swimsuit.
Cast your lines
The deep waters around St Lucia support excellent year-round sport fishing, with species such as blue marlin, sailfish, yellowfin and blackfin tuna, dorado, barracuda, king and Spanish mackerel, wahoo and more. There is a catch-and-release policy for visiting anglers, so you won’t be grilling your haul on board, but you can hire gear from the Sunsail base at Rodney Bay Marina and enjoy the thrill of the catch.
Volcanic spa treatments
Moor in Soufrière Bay and visit the volcanic mud baths at Soufrière Volcano near Sulphur Springs Park. The mineral-rich mud is high in sulphur and is believed to have therapeutic benefits, from soothing sunburn to easing eczema and sore joints, and you can rinse off afterwards in nearby warm pools.
Don’t go camo
One slightly unusual but important detail: camouflage clothing, bags and accessories are prohibited in St Lucia and reserved solely for the military. That includes hats, shoes and backpacks, so avoid packing anything in a camo pattern or be prepared to have it confiscated by customs or local authorities.
British Virgin Islands – Caribbean
Points High Season: 16 Dec – 15 Apr
Points Low Season: 16 Apr – 15 Dec
Sailing Experience: Level 1
No list of sailing destinations would be complete without the British Virgin Islands. With consistent trade winds, well-developed sailing infrastructure, deep protected waters and straightforward line-of-sight navigation between roughly 60 islands and cays, this is the quintessential sailor’s playground.
On top of the crowds, winter can also bring strong winds and choppy seas, particularly in the Sir Francis Drake Channel, with certain bays becoming uncomfortable or unusable overnight depending on wind and swell direction. All of which makes the low season a very attractive alternative if you’d prefer to enjoy the BVI at a slightly gentler pace.
Best time to visit the BVI to maximise your owner points
Spring shoulder season brings warm weather, occasional showers, steady trade winds around 10–20 knots and noticeably fewer people, while still sitting outside the core hurricane months of July, August and September. Mid-October to mid-December is another appealing window, with the rain easing off, temperatures and humidity becoming more comfortable and crowds remaining light compared to peak winter.
Officially, the Caribbean hurricane season runs from June to November, so storms are still possible at any point in that range, but the shoulder periods tend to be much quieter in practice.
Just keep in mind the Caribbean hurricane season officially runs from June to November and storms are still possible anytime during these months.
Highlights of low-season sailing in the BVI
Lobster dinner on Anegada
Sail to Anegada, a low-lying coral atoll that offers a nice change from the steeper volcanic islands. Known for long beaches and a distinctly laid-back feel, it’s also famous for fresh local lobster served at barefoot beachside restaurants. You can hire a scooter or a quirky little Moke to explore the island, and swing by the salt ponds to look for flamingos.
The Baths National Park
In low season you can avoid the long lines that form here in winter and arrive either early in the day by taxi from Spanish Town or by picking up a mooring in front of The Baths and swimming ashore. That way you can wander through the huge granite boulders and hidden pools in a far more relaxed way, often with whole corners of the site almost to yourself.
Explore the beach bars on Jost Van Dyke
White Bay on Jost Van Dyke is home to some of the Caribbean’s most iconic beach bars, which can be packed in winter. Visit in the low season and you can still enjoy the lively atmosphere, rum cocktails and soft sand, but with more space at the bar and fewer boats packed into the bay.
Don’t Just Sail, When You Can Sunsail
Whether it’s the Mediterranean culture and cuisine that beckons your sails, the consistent Tradewinds of the Caribbean, or sailing off into the far-flung exotic sunsets of the Indian or Pacific oceans, the Sunsail Yacht Ownership program offers you the freedom to chart your own course.
Find out more about the Sunsail Yacht Ownership Program.
