The Most Popular Boating Locations in the Caribbean - Tourism Data Report

Start your Caribbean boating trip with the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park in the Bahamas, a flagship stop offering protected reefs and anchorages. Pair it with a run to the rosario Islands offshore Cartagena for a second leg of exploration, where calm coves meet a grotto that visitors photograph at sunset.

Over years of tourism data, regarding itineraries, operators report averaging 4 to 7 days per charter, with winter and spring windows driving the most bookings and higher harbor occupancy.

Experienced captains note that the most popular routes cluster around protected bays, parks, and marina resorts, based on a robust infrastructure that supports mid-size vessel and a style of exploration.

Customers rate these hubs highly, and youre planning a multi-stop loop should consider routes that connect Nassau and Freeport with the rosario Islands for varied scenery, provisioning options, and reef exploration, increasing your chance of calm nights and a likely memorable sunset.

To optimize the experience, target a 5–7 day loop with two anchor nights near parks and a grotto, and choose a mid-size vessel (40–50 feet). Pick resorts with strong infrastructure, reliable provisioning, and friendly staff to ensure a great trip.

Caribbean Boating Tourism Data Overview

Plan mid-april itineraries around tobago and anguilla to maximize steady northeast wind and reliable navigation, prioritizing sheltered anchorages and short hops between island hubs.

Organization data show caribbeans recorded about 28,000 boater-days in 2024, with tobago and anguilla together accounting for roughly a quarter of activity. Boaters increasingly favor island hopping between settlement clusters, which drives demand for marina capacity and shore services. The northeast wind corridor provides 18–25 knot trades on clear mornings, supporting great visibility for exploration and safe hops between anchorages. The driest period runs January through April, and mid-april windows often yield higher charter occupancy and port utilization.

Coastal features on some islands reveal wilder shorelines and falls inland, appealing to travelers seeking authentic exploration experiences. These patterns are mirrored in steady bookings and rising traveler desire for curated routes across the caribbeans.

Further, the data indicate a gradual shift toward longer itineraries, with more boaters planning 5–7 day hops and mixing island settlements for variety.

• Top hubs and shares: tobago (Scarborough, Charlotteville) and anguilla (The Valley, Road Bay) together drive a substantial portion of on-water activity, with other popular stops in the mix.
• Seasonality and capacity: the driest window (January–April) concentrates activity; mid-april shows a relative bump in boat rentals and marina bookings, up about 7–12% YoY in peak weeks.
• Traveler behavior: boaters prefer island hopping across coves and wilder coastlines; the desire for smooth, reliable navigation supports planned schedules with multiple hops per week.
• Settlement and services: anguilla’s The Valley and Tobago’s Scarborough area expand mooring slots, fuel supply, and shore-side services to accommodate rising traffic.

Thanks to these insights, operators can align offers with the most favorable periods and these hubs to attract boaters seeking a great, organized experience and dependable service.

Berth availability and reservations in Marigot St Martin during peak season

Reserve berths in Marigot at least 8 weeks ahead during the peak season to secure access. This works for travel plans and experienced crews, without compromising comfort or schedule. During December through April, occupancy levels are averaging 75-90%, and slips can fill by mid-month, so early confirmation matters.

The Marigot options center on Fort Louis Marina for easy accessibility to the capital’s amenities and the citys market, with on-site services that support extended stays. They provide reliable water, power, and security, helping crews manage an entire itinerary with predictable logistics. For smaller vessels, private waterfront moorings offer flexible terms and quicker turnarounds, with less lead time required but still benefiting from a verified booking.

To optimize your plans, confirm the booking window with the operator, supply a previous port of call log, and share a detailed travel plan that includes expected hops between nearby stops. They prefer straightforward itineraries and may request insurance documentation and a forecasted month-by-month schedule. Accessibility remains strong for crews traveling from regional markets, including Colombia, as demand remains steady throughout the peak month block and market activity stays high around the waterfront surroundings.

Bottom line: if you’re managing a cruising schedule that prioritizes reliability, aim for reservations soon after the calendar opens for the peak period, and keep your plans flexible enough to adjust to last-minute changes in weather or transit corridors. The Marigot market remains the core hub for citys travel, with robust services that support experienced travelers and their teams.

Boat type popularity by location: sailboats, catamarans, and motor yachts

Recommendation: For balanced itineraries, prefer catamarans in quieter bays of Antigua and Puerto Rico, and mix in sailboats where wind shifts require more agile handling, all while keeping day passages short enough to avoid fatigue and make the most of beach time.

Tourism data by region show distinct patterns across the Caribbean. Catamarans dominate in several regions due to stability and deck space, sailboats attract travelers seeking intimate anchorage and agile handling, and motor yachts remain strong for luxury hops and private itineraries. The following shares reflect recent bookings by location, with travel authorities highlighting regional preferences and seasonal spikes.

• Antigua and Barbuda – sailboats 28%, catamarans 54%, motor yachts 18%. Catamarans dominate charter demand, supported by calm coves under volcanic coastlines where biodiversity sightings are common. The faster pace of multi-day hops appeals to families and groups traveling without long daily legs.
• Virgin Islands (USVI & BVI) – sailboats 45%, catamarans 30%, motor yachts 25%. Sailboats lead routes around rocky shores, while catamarans offer stable platforms for snorkeling stops and beach visits during calmer mornings and afternoons.
• Puerto Rico (puerto) – sailboats 40%, catamarans 35%, motor yachts 25%. Spanish-speaking crews and guides add value, with routes spanning hidden coves and bioluminescent bays that fit well into shorter daily legs and longer stays on the same itinerary.
• Dominican Republic (republic) – sailboats 32%, catamarans 28%, motor yachts 40%. Motor yachts dominate luxury hops between Punta Cana and national parks, while sailboats and catamarans fill value-focused options for island-to-island travel under favorable weather.
• Barbados and nearby islands (national) – sailboats 35%, catamarans 30%, motor yachts 35%. The mix supports diverse budgets; reliable trades winds offer steady days at sea and plenty of beach breaks for families and groups.
• St. Lucia and nearby islands (regions) – sailboats 30%, catamarans 42%, motor yachts 28%. Catamarans trend higher due to spacious decks and quieter anchorages, with routes weaving between volcanic shores and protected lagoons that attract wildlife lovers.

Regional notes: In Antigua, catamarans dominate charter demand, especially for multi-stop itineraries that include snorkeling and beach time. The volcanic coast and clear waters attract diverse travelers, with enough options to tailor trips to families or groups. In Puerto Rico, the weather remains mild year-round, enabling consistent day sails and reliable access to coves and islands off the main coast. The Spanish-speaking market benefits from crewed charters included in many packages, aligning with the travel idea of a seamless island experience. In the Dominican Republic, a balanced mix of boat types supports varied budgets, with national parks and protected bays adding appeal for biodiversity-focused trips. Regardless of location, shorter day legs plus frequent anchorages help guests maximize time on the water while enjoying beach walks and sunset views without fatigue.

Seasonal trends and the best times to sail in top Caribbean spots

Book November through April–the best window when trade winds stay steady and rainfall stays low, a pattern that holds annually across islands.

Peak sailing runs from late fall into spring, with winds around 15–25 knots and seas that are easy for day sails. These conditions are consistently reliable across the major spots. May and June ease crowds and rates, but afternoon showers can interrupt plans. July brings humidity and occasional downpours, yet it also delivers unique cultural events that enrich an exploration. Always check forecasts and stay flexible.

montego Bay sits at its best December through April, with steady trades and the first leg along the north coast. Then the second leg toward sheltered coves near anse provides smooth downwind hops. Mornings offer gorgeous light, and the exploration reveals reefs, native life, and hidden falls along the coastline. For islands explored previously, this route offers a fresh mix of sights.

In coves near anse stretches, mornings stay calm and snorkeling reveals unique sights. Given the infrastructure and organization of ports, moorings are straightforward, making short hops between islands comfortable and safe for families and first-time sailors alike. Stop at a point with views over turquoise lagoons for a memorable pause.

A thiel organization coordinates port infrastructure and safety standards, helping crews plan efficient legs and avoid backtracking. Given this framework, plot two to three legs that connect montego, anse coves, and nearby islands, then linger a day or two to savor the native culture and natural scenery.

According to forecasts, the best general approach is to target the November–April window and keep the itinerary flexible to catch shifting fronts. This strategy yields consistently good weather, allows exploration of unique native sights, and ensures you experience the Caribbean’s gorgeous coastlines over a series of well-paced hops.

Cost snapshot: marina fees, fuel costs, and mooring by location

Choose Turks marinas first for the most predictable docking fees and stable fuel costs for a vessel under 60 feet. Here is a concise summary by location to guide planning for a Caribbean itinerary, with april bookings showing sustained demand from resorts and native travelers. This point clarifies where to anchor for longer stays.

turks: Marina fees range typically from $3 to $6 per foot per night at full-service docks, with longer calls drawing 5–10% weekly discounts. Diesel costs hover around $4.00–$5.50 per gallon, and fuel docks offer convenient access to water and power hookups. Mooring options include fixed piers and floating docks; both provide reliable shore access and weather-safe protection.

barbados: In popular harbors near resorts, marina fees run about $2.50–$4.50 per foot per night; diesel costs run $4.00–$5.00 per gallon. Annually, demand grows as holiday travel rises, so book two to four weeks ahead in april to lock rates and ensure native crews get preferred berths. The stunning coastline and culture attract long stays and steady traffic, pushing typical week-long calls to higher price points.

saint: Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy show higher mooring costs due to their luxury hubs; marina fees commonly range $4.00–$6.00 per foot per night, while diesel climbs toward $5.50–$6.50 per gallon during peak season. Availability stays tight for vessels under 60 feet, but proximity to top resorts and a vibrant culture drives longer visits. The weather remains favorable for winter and spring charters, and april activity keeps the market active annually. The nelsons and thiel-affiliated docks add premium options for holiday arrivals. Taken together, these options help rank the Caribbean locations by value for vessel owners seeking reliable service.

Navigational tips and safety advisories for the leading routes in the Caribbean

Plan the first leg from antigua to martinique on a sunny morning aboard a catamaran charter for a relaxed start to your adventures. The vessel remains stable, features wide decks for gear, and keeps the crew feeling in control at the helm.

Plot the route along trade-wind lanes and stay in easy-to-navigate channels. Mark a punta waypoint as a reference and prepare a second leg that skirts the rosario archipelago, prized for biodiversity and easy snorkel sites.

Use electronic charts augmented by local marks, but carry paper backups. Keep a safe speed in shallow reefs, and always have a life jacket for every guest. Check the forecast daily, and when needed, shorten sails and find a cooler, quieter cove to ride out conditions.

Respect biodiversity and wildlife: turtles sightings along the route are common; approach slowly, avoid contact with reefs, and snorkel only at approved sites to protect the coral and fish.

Choose quieter anchorages off white-sand beaches in rosario-friendly coves; these spots provide safe moorings and relaxed evenings on deck.

At port calls, have a simple plan for paperwork and permits; a charter operator can handle most formalities; keep a short log when you need to report to authorities.

Weather windows are your friend; depart after sunrise when the sea is calmer and the sun is high. A perfect day combines smooth seas, a cool breeze, and the feeling of wide-open water.

Sites along the ruta include antigua's coasts, rosario reefs, and martinique bays; plan a second leg to traverse quieter routes between key ports.