Where to Sail in November – Best Destinations for Autumn Sailing

Begin your November voyage in Basseterre, St. Kitts, where sheltered coves and turquoise waters welcome crews of all levels. The shores along Frigate Bay and South Friars Bay mark easy anchorages, and steady trade winds of 15–20 knots keep passages predictable throughout the day. November nights hover around 23–26°C, making the transition from sun to stars comfortable. This starting point brings everything you need: a famous market, simple provisioning, and such anchorages that set the pace for adventure.

From there, Antigua rewards with a certain cluster of anchorages around Nelson’s Dockyard and English Harbour. Expect 14–20 knots most days, mornings that glow turquoise, and evenings that stay mild. A typical 20–30 mile hop between English Harbour and Jolly Harbour can be completed in 3–4 hours under a steady breeze. miguel, a local guide, notes that November swells ease, making nights calmer throughout the chain. For crews seeking adventure, Bequia and the Grenadines deliver pristine shores, coral gardens, and beaches such as Princess Margaret Beach on Bequia and Clifton Beach on Mustique, all within easy day sails and perfect for a match between pace and pleasure. This network marks a natural progression for a relaxed loop.

Further south, Martinique or Guadeloupe offer optional side trips that fit a calm November rhythm. The route can be tailored to match your pace, with tranquil lagoons, markets, and iconic spots in Fort-de-France and Pointe-à-Pitre. Daytime temperatures linger around 28°C and nights dip to the mid‑20s, while winds stay steady at 12–18 knots for longer hops that still feel relaxed. Such itineraries let crews forget crowded peak-season crowds, while the scenery remains beautiful and the turquoise sea marks every leg of the voyage. Nights can grow colder toward the Leewards, so pack a light layer for evening sails.

November Sailing Windows: Sri Lanka and Maldives Practical Guide

Choose Sri Lanka for the November window, then add a Maldives leg if you have 8-nights for a year-round sailing plan that suits couples and sailors alike.

Sri Lanka’s November window centers on the east coast. Plan a 5–7 day leg from Trincomalee to Passikudah and around Delft Island, using multiple bays and isles for anchorages. The seas stay warm and winds favor a relaxed rhythm, ideal for couples and sailors who prefer small, intimate coves over crowded harbours. Check local festival calendars to plan around peak times, or choose quieter stretches for uninterrupted sailing. For a luxury, chic experience, charter a small crewed yacht with generous deck space, giving every person onboard personal service and easy beach visits. If you’re chasing year-round sailing, this east-coast leg delivers dependable warmth and varied scenery, from calm lagoons to shallow bays perfect for snorkeling. You can begin each day with a sunrise sail, then anchor by a mangrove lagoon before dusk.

In the Maldives, November offers calmer transition winds and clearer seas after the southwest monsoon, with best options from late November through April. Plan a 6–8 day itinerary visiting Ari, Baa, and Lhaviyani atolls, hopping between isles with private beaches and lagoons. A luxury liveaboard suits couples seeking privacy and chic, on-deck relaxation. Each day includes two anchors or a beach stop and snorkeling, so you never stay too long in one place. The smallest isles provide secluded bays and idyllic beaches where you can swim and sunbathe. For divers and snorkelers, times around famous manta sites turn every ride into a memorable moment. The smartest approach blends diving-friendly routes with spa days on deck for warmth and comfort.

Smart planning means locking in a flexible schedule and choosing options for multiple anchorages. For Sri Lanka, target the mid-November window to catch the best reliability before the northeast winds rise; for the Maldives, aim for late November onward to enjoy calmer seas. basseterre luxury sets the tone on both legs: private chefs, a dedicated deck host, and discreet service on a small charter ensures every guest experiences personal attention. This plan works year after year. Know when to sail and when to anchor to maximize calm seas, while keeping an eye on the festival calendars that can fill popular spots. An 8-nights itinerary that links Sri Lanka’s east coast with a Maldives atoll run gives you year-round warmth, with beaches, calm seas, and unforgettable memories for every day. Begin with a sea breeze in the morning, then enjoy a beach stop and a sunset sail to cap the day.

Best Weather Windows for Sri Lanka and Maldives in November

Recommendation: Target the last week of November for Sri Lanka and the final half of November for the Maldives to lock in dry skies, calmer seas, and smoother yacht operations. These picks from trutravels begin with reliable temperatures and end with bliss on deck, offering a rich luxury experience that stands apart from the mediterranean crowds.

For Sri Lanka, the optimal window runs from late November into early December on the west and south coasts, as the southwest monsoon eases and the seas settle. Temperatures hover around 29–31°C by day with nights at 24–26°C, while winds soften to about 10–18 knots and seas stay in the 0.8–1.5 m range. This setup lends itself to easy hops between Colombo, Bentota, Galle, and Mirissa, with many sheltered anchorages for nights aboard and favorable conditions when you depart for coastal explorations. If you’re chasing culture and coastline, begin your route where tradition meets tropical charm, then discover hidden coves along the plata-blue waters before winter intensifies. Simplified itineraries suit families and couples alike, and there’s time to relax on deck after a day of safari-style life ashore.

In the Maldives, late November through early December marks the best window as the SW monsoon retreats and central atolls show clearer seas. Day temperatures range 29–32°C, nights stay warm around 25–28°C, and water temps cling to 28–30°C. Expect winds of 15–25 knots and seas of 1–2 m, offering steady sailing for island-hopping rounds from Malé to North Ari, South Malé, and beyond. Visibility for diving and snorkeling stays excellent (often 20–40 m), making it easy to fill days with activities and sunset cruises. Yachts depart on short hops between atolls, with times and routes flexible enough to suit your mood and preferred pace. This window is ideal for luxury charters that aim to discover secluded lagoons, quiet sandbanks, and vibrant reef life, whether you’re a first-time explorer or returning guest who wants a blissful, carefree pace.

Tips to maximize your November sailing: book early, as yachting calendars fill quickly for these windows; prioritize a mixed itinerary that balances on-water days with island visits to minimize fatigue and maximize sun hours. In Sri Lanka, plan a few coastal hops around second-half November to avoid heavier swells and enjoy calmer nights ashore; in the Maldives, choose central atolls for reliable nights with comfortable seas and shorter flights from the capital to your departures. This approach suits many styles–from intimate romantic cruises to family-friendly adventures–delivering reliable weather, memorable moments, and a mood of relaxed luxury on every leg of the journey. Discover where you can begin your adventure, and let the season’s rhythm guide your plans for when to depart and how to structure each day, so you return with stories of rich experiences rather than rushed schedules.

Sri Lanka Coastal Routes: Must-Visit Ports and Shoreline Highlights

Begin with a 7-nights southwest coast loop from Colombo to Kalpitiya, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Mirissa, and Galle, then return to Colombo. This route suits November conditions, delivering multiple anchorages, pristine beaches, and easy shore visits for cruisers and sailors alike.

Top ports and shoreline highlights along the route:

• Colombo – sheltered harbor proximity to the city’s waterfront, sunrise over the horizon, and quick access to temples and markets; set the mood for your coastal adventure.
• Kalpitiya – a small town famed for shallow lagoons, dolphin sightings, and wide beaches; ideal for light cruising and water-sports before turning south.
• Bentota – long, pristine beaches, calm estuary cruising, and river safaris; anchor near the mouth and enjoy a calm getaway with chic beach bars.
• Hikkaduwa – vibrant reef system, clear waves for snorkeling from the boat, and a lively shore scene with local celebrations and fisheries history.
• Unawatuna – sheltered crescent bay, sandy shoreline, and easy shore excursions to coral coves; a perfect spot for a romantic sunset sail.
• Mirissa – famous for whale watching and a wide beach profile; favorable winds for calm afternoon sails and scenic shorelines.
• Galle – historic fort precinct, temples nearby, and a dramatic coastal walk along frescoed walls; capture the full autumn mood before heading north.
• Tangalle (optional extension) – more secluded beaches and tidal lagoons; pristine stretches for a quiet 1- or 2-nights stop.

7-nights itinerary snapshot:

1. Day 1 – Colombo to Kalpitiya: anchor by the lagoon, explore wind-swept dunes, and plan a dolphin-watching morning.
2. Day 2 – Kalpitiya to Bentota: cruise the coast, drop anchor by the river mouth, and enjoy a beachfront dinner.
3. Day 3 – Bentota to Hikkaduwa: sail past coconut groves, snorkel from the boat, and refresh with a sunset walk on the beach.
4. Day 4 – Hikkaduwa to Unawatuna: short hop, reef views, shore cafés, and temple visits in easy reach.
5. Day 5 – Unawatuna to Mirissa: open-water crossing with a horizon line of palms, whale watching options, and beachside chic.
6. Day 6 – Mirissa to Galle: glide into the fort’s harbor, stroll the ramparts, and sample regional seafood at sunset.
7. Day 7 – Galle to Colombo: final leg with a quiet cruise along the coast, return to harbor, and prepare for departure.

8-nights extension suggestion for deeper exploration:

8. Day 8 – Colombo to Tangalle: longer offshore leg, reach pristine south-coast beaches, and settle into a tranquil bayside mood.
9. Day 9 – Tangalle to Hambantota: anchor near Bundala wetlands or add a land-side excursion to wildlife reserves.
10. Day 10 – Hambantota to Bentota return: retrace a portion of the route for better light and repeat snorkel or beach time.

Practical notes for the month: November offers favorable west-coast winds for cruising, with waves typically manageable along the main beaches. For a mood inspired by curacao or bimini, plan calm nights on pristine coves and shore-side chic dining after sunset. If you crave a Mediterranean feel, the Galle Fort precinct provides old-world charm, while October’s shoulder-season crowds ease getaways into a smooth rhythm. When you plan your trip, tailor the route to your pace, choose a smaller charter if you want intimate anchorages, and rely on local skippers who know tidal windows and temple-side shore visits. trutravels partners can help tailor an itinerarium for an 7-nights or 8-nights sailing window, matching your schedule and preferred tempo.

Maldives Cruise Options in November: Liveaboard vs Island-Hopping

November in the Maldives rewards intrepid travelers with clear ocean and calmer seas. A liveaboard delivers a continuous adventure across atolls, while island-hopping offers cultural escapes and the freedom to linger on boutique islands. For most travelers, a 5–7 day liveaboard trip includes 10–14 dives, with two to three dives per day plus occasional snorkeling sessions. Island-hopping typically spans 4–6 nights across 3–4 islands, with two guided dives or snorkeling days and plenty of time for beach strolls and sunset cocktails. Couples seeking a sweet rhythm of sea days followed by land breaks can enjoy a blissful balance between immersion and rest.

Arriving on Malé, you board a liveaboard vessel and set course through indian ocean reefs across Ari, Baa, or Vaavu atolls. You’ll meet reef sharks, turtles, and wildlife, plus vibrant coral gardens; manta rays may drift by Hanifaru Bay when conditions align, and you’ll often spot reef manta, nurse sharks, and a rainbow of reef fish. Dives are typically 2–3 per day, with a night dive offered on select boats. Accommodations come on a yacht-style vessel with en suite cabins, shaded sun decks, and meals onboard. Pricing sits around 350–650 USD per person per day; some operators present the same figure in plata. November is a shoulder period with calmer seas and clear water; December brings higher demand and price increases.

Island-hopping centers on stays in local guesthouses on inhabited islands. You arrive on Malé and move between Maafushi, Gulhi, Thoddoo, Fulidhoo, and other inhabited islets by speedboat; some itineraries include domestic flights for longer hops. Expect two daytime dives or snorkeling days on most itineraries, plus generous land time for culture, markets, mosques, and meals with locals. Prices run roughly 150–250 USD per person per night with breakfast or half-board. This option appeals to couples and solo travelers seeking a grounded escape with plenty of sun, sand, and authentic cuisine. If you compare Maldives with caribbean destinations, island-hopping offers a slower pace and intimate beauty. For a romantic moment, share a sunset on the deck with your lady by your side.

Destinations et sélections pour novembre : Les croisières plongée incluent l’atoll d’Ari, l’atoll de Baa (baie d’Hanifaru) et l’atoll de Vaavu, pour des récifs et une faune vibrants ; Les séjours d’île en île incluent Maafushi, Gulhi, Thoddoo et Fulidhoo, pour des soirées culturelles et la vie de village. Attendez-vous à des couchers de soleil magiques, du sable doux et des brises océaniques qui donnent un rythme doux à chaque jour. Les arrivées de décembre doivent planifier tôt pour un choix plus large et des changements de prix potentiels, mais novembre offre déjà un excellent rapport qualité-prix et des mers plus calmes. Que vous recherchiez une ambiance intime de type yacht ou une escapade culturelle locale, ces options vous offriront une semaine de rêve dans l’océan Indien.

Des jardins d'épices aux bords de mer : Ports culturels et excursions à terre

Commencez à Castries, Sainte-Lucie, par une promenade de deux heures dans un jardin d'épices et un marché, guidée par Miguel. Il vous fera déguster de la noix de muscade, de la vanille et de la cannelle, tandis que les lumières du port scintillent et que l'instant du coucher de soleil se pose sur la baie. Ce départ inoubliable allie héritage de la voile et culture côtière et convient aussi bien aux croisiéristes débutants qu'aux voyageurs de retour, se dévoilant tout au long de l'itinéraire au fur et à mesure que vous vous déplacez entre les étals et les rivages.

À Grenade, surnommée l'île aux épices, une excursion de trois heures vous emmène visiter une plantation de muscade, une ferme cacaoyère et un village artisanal coloré. Les arômes de muscade, de girofle et de cannelle persistent tout au long de la journée, avec des aventures qui mêlent jungles et marchés. Les voyageurs insulaires trouveront l'expérience particulièrement vivante, et Grenade est réputée pour ses épices ; de nombreux visiteurs reviennent avec des bocaux et des histoires. Elle figure en bonne place parmi les destinations caribéennes préférées des Britanniques, offrant un contraste vivant et épicé avec la côte tropicale et vous invitant à goûter des saveurs qui rappellent les marchés thaïlandais.

Carthagène, en Colombie, offre couleur et histoire dans un format compact. Une promenade à travers la ville fortifiée et le quartier de Getsemaní se termine par un coucher de soleil sur le front de mer. L'influence européenne est visible dans l'architecture, avec des strates espagnoles et coloniales créant une scène riche. L'heure dorée fait scintiller les rues, et la promenade se marie bien avec une savoureuse cuisine de rue pour un avant-goût inoubliable de la culture des Caraïbes, avec des moments de ruelles tranquilles et de places animées.

Panama offre un contrepoint moderne aux ports tropicaux. Un itinéraire de quatre heures couvre la vieille ville, la baie et un point de vue sur le canal, tandis qu'une navette aller simple vers le quai permet de maximiser le temps de visite. L'escale à Panama allie l'immensité de l'océan à la culture urbaine, se terminant par un coucher de soleil sur la ligne d'horizon qui correspond à l'ambiance des sélections de croisières et des expériences de cette saison dans toute la région.

Préparer votre croisière d'automne : Visas, équipement, budget et conseils de réservation

Commencez par obtenir les visas 6 à 8 semaines à l'avance et réservez une cabine remboursable sur un itinéraire flexible de saison automnale, afin de pouvoir vous adapter entre les Exumas, Miami et la Grèce si les vents changent.

Visas et documents : vérifiez que votre passeport est valide au moins six mois et qu’il comporte au moins deux pages vierges ; consultez votre source pour connaître les règles spécifiques à chaque pays ; un visa pour les Bahamas peut être exigé pour les Exumas ; tenez compte des règles de transit Schengen ou américaines si vous faites une escale à Miami ou en Grèce ; conservez des copies numériques et vos contacts d’urgence à portée de main.

Équipement essentiel : crème solaire respectueuse des récifs, vêtements à séchage rapide, un masque de plongée compact, un imperméable léger, des chaussures aquatiques et un sac étanche ; apportez un appareil photo avec des piles supplémentaires, un chargeur portable et une petite housse de protection pour les appareils électroniques ; pour les eaux turquoise et les arrêts avec des côtes à couper le souffle, un sac de style tropical permet d'organiser l'équipement et une serviette à séchage rapide est utile entre les baignades.

Budgets : fixez un objectif de budget total et ajoutez une marge de 15 à 20 % pour les frais portuaires, les taxes et les petites excursions ; traquez les réductions de basse saison autour de novembre et comparez les offres des grands opérateurs et des indépendants ; envisagez les départs de Miami pour économiser sur les vols ; recherchez les offres de réservation anticipée avec des crédits à bord ou des excursions incluses, et évitez les créneaux surchargés en réservant 2 à 3 mois à l’avance.

Conseils de réservation : définissez votre itinéraire de rêve – les côtes des Exumas, les escales dans les îles des Caraïbes ou un circuit d'île en île en Grèce ; contactez un agent spécialisé qui pourra vous confirmer les délais d'obtention des visas, les séjours post-croisière et la disponibilité des ports ; demandez une cabine au milieu du navire pour plus de stabilité et choisissez des itinéraires avec des politiques d'annulation claires ; le calendrier social à bord et les styles chics et colorés à bord contribuent à un excellent voyage d'automne ; si vous voyagez en couple ou avec une personne, comparez les aménagements à deux lits et à lit double et bloquez les dates lors des jours de promotion pour obtenir le meilleur prix ; au-delà du prix, évaluez la valeur : ce qui est inclus dans les excursions, les repas et les taxes portuaires ; vérifiez les prévisions d'eaux turquoise et les cartes de profondeur des ports avant de finaliser.