At long last Spring is here north of the Equator, and for the seafarer at heart the sea breezes bring remembrances of good times, adventure, even romance. If landlubber vacationing has become old hat, or if the siren’s call has set your compass seaward, here’s a selection of sailing vacations adventures to set sail for. Let the wind take you.
Bali & Beyond: Exotic Islands
Baby Boomers may remember their parents sighing, “Bali Ha'i” at some point in time or other. The famous song from the film South Pacific fueled many a fantasy and real voyage to the magical islands or Indonesia. Well, Millennials and all generations can still capture a piece of the South Pacific Ocean here in the 21st century. SeaTrek Sailing Adventures is offering a 9-day cruise adventure in and around Bali to explore the cultural variety of the Sasak traditions of Lombok, Bugis boat-building in Sumbawa , caci-dance in Flores and even a visit to the Komodo National Park, where the world’s biggest lizards still live. The seafaring guests of SeaTrek will explore the reefs and open waters around these Islands, and get to act the part with the locals too.
Departing from May until August, these sailing excursions aboard the luxury yacht Katerina start start at $3060 per person. Trip highlights include; seeing the famous Komodo dragons, snorkeling pristine coral reefs, the salt water lake in Satonda, and some if Indonesia’s most stunning hidden beache, and taking part in local culinary and celebratory customs.
Cuba: Your Know It, Now Sail It
G Adventures introduces adventurous travelers to one of the world’s most famous destinations, Cuba. Traveling aboard a catamaran in luxury, this may be the only way to see and feel what this land of enchantment is all about. The experienced captains and guides of G Adventures know the ropes here, the bustling streets and alleys of Havana , to finding that perfect secluded beach in the middle of nowhere, Cuba is the best kept secret in the Caribbean. With space for 14 passengers and a crew of three, G Adventures catamaran is spacious, while being cozy and maneuverable enough to cover all eventualities.
8 days offshore sailing and exploring, and onshore elbow rubbing with the locals runs $1349 all inclusive. This trip sets sail from November thru May Havana to Havana. Here’s some of what’s included:
- Sailing aboard a catamaran through the islands of Canarreos Archipelago in southern Cuba (6 nts). Hotel night at the start of the tour in Havana (1nt).
- 6 Breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners (Allow for 75-90CUC for meals not include)
- 7 twin/double occupancy cabins, each with small bathroom including shower (6 nts). Hotel (1 nt)
- 24m (82 ft) sailing catamaran.
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO), Skipper and assistant/cook
- Small group experience; Max 14, avg 10.
The Galapagos: Bucket List Sailor’s Destination
Another of the world’s most exotic sailing destinations, the Galapagos Islands are a “one of” experience best enjoyed by small yacht. Row Adventures offers 8 day and custom sailing tours departing and returning from and to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Aboard the 22 meter motor-sailer Encantada, small groups of sojourners get the personalized tour of these magnificent and diverse Islands. An expert crew and chef, the flexibility to go where large cruise ships cannot, even swimming with playful sea lions, Row Adventures sails in December only, and prices start at $2,595.
The yacht affectionately known around the Galapagos as The Little Red Sailboat, is actually an exotic yacht laid out to wrap passengers in luxury. This cozy but seaworthy little ship is perfect for exploring the ins and outs of the archipelago in cozy style. As for the Islands, the experience, there’s enough flora, fauna, and sea life in this part of the world to take with you for a lifetime. That says nothing for the sunsets, and just being able to say you’ve been.
Gibraltar to Southampton
No collection of sailing adventures could be complete without an itinerary aboard a tall ship. Sailing heritage being what it is, the hearty seas in between the Rock of Gibraltar and the port of Southhampton have seen their share of seafarers these centuries. If I’ve peaked your interest, the Jubilee Sailing Trust offers 25 days aboard a legend from £1495. If exploring the Portungese and French coasts on a journey to Britain is your thing, sailing aboard
But there’s one catch, these voyages by Jubilee Sailing Trust are not just vacations, their voyages that change lives forever. You thought you'd get off with a luxury tall ship pampering, now didn’t you? The trust connects people with the sea, and with one another, in a co-dependent situation that will never be forgotten. Operating on a buddy system, able bodied passenger/sailors are paired with physically-disabled partners to share these voyages. Sailing the tall ship, “for real” people are inextricably linked, in ways unimaginable after the voyage. The best news is, the costs of the journeys are often waived. The Jubilee Sailing Trust operates on donations. Over 39,000 people have taking part in voyages around the globe so far.
This is a rare chance to really experience and grow, to literally sail beyond what you thought possible. Now this is an adventure in sailing, an adventure in life. For readers interested in learning more, check out their Facebook profile for lots more images of changed lives. Note: This year’s voyage has already set sail, but contact the trust for next year or other itineraries in 2014.
Athens to Athens Via Topdeck
Sailing the Greek Isles, sounds wonderful, and a bit cliche now doesn’t it? Well, the reason Greece seems so over done is because it’s the most magnificent place on Earth to partake of the sea, history, custom, and all the joy that comes with being Greek. Fortunately you don’t have to have been born in Greece to sail with Topdeck. The now famous 2o and 30 something trip people offer a 7 day laid back adventure exploring the coastlines of Ermioni, Spetses, Hydra, Poros, and Agistri. And at bargain of €525 euro, I might add. Sailings beginning beginning in May, and continue through September.
Snorkeling, eating, drinking and dancing with the locals, fabulous Medeterranean cuisine, and kicked back aboard your shared luxury yacht. You get the picture. Some features of this sailing adventure are; 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 nights twin/double share cabin accommodation on luxury yachts, BYO drinks at no charge, and all the sun and fun you can absorb. Passengers can even become salty dogs and learn or practice their hard won sailing skills while aboard too. There’s even a chance to participate in local yacht regattas.
Image credits: Lord Nelson tall ship feature image - courtesy the Jubilee Trust, sailing yacht Katharina - courtesy SeaTrek, Cayo Guillermo Cuba - © Tupungato - Fotolia.com and the author, Galapagos sea lion - © Andrea Izzotti - Fotolia.com via the author, Tenacious rig climbers - courtesy Jubilee Trust Facebook, Topdeck yacht image - courtesy Topdeck Sales,
