The Best Sailing Destinations for 2025

Croatia, Greece, Thailand, The Seychelles, Tahiti and the British Virgin Islands are the top sailing destinations for 2025, according to Sunsail.

These destinations fall in line with the top travel trends for next year. With off the beaten track getaways, nature escapes and stargazing adventures set to be the most popular travel trends of 2025, Sunsail is seeing more and more people looking to book these types of holidays, and recent online searches have also seen huge rises in interest for each of the trends:

  • Off the beaten track holiday destinations – +200% compared to October 2023

  • Best natural destinations in the world – +100% over the last three months

  • Best places to go stargazing – +150% last 3 months

Offering unspoiled landscapes, stunning weather, remote islands and fantastic visibility, each destination is perfect for at least one of the trends, if not more. The destinations have been revealed as online searches for ‘where to travel in 2025’ have risen by 75% over the last three months, while searches for ‘best vacations spots in the world’ have increased by 175% compared to October 2023.

Katrina Lawson, Head of Brand and Acquisitions at Sunsail, said: “With more and more customers looking for remote and secluded destinations for off the beaten track, nature or stargazing holidays, it comes as no surprise that Croatia, the BVI, Greece, The Seychelles, Tahiti and Thailand have made our list of the top sailing destinations for 2025.

“These destinations have gained prominence for their combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, outdoor activities, and wellness opportunities, making them top choices for travellers seeking memorable experiences in 2025. With the launch of our new Libertas Flotilla Route, Dubrovnik in Croatia is a particularly hot destination for those who want a unique way to experience the magic of the Mediterranean in 2025. 

“Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, relaxing wellness break or simply want to feel closer to nature, we hope our recommendations provide you with inspiration!”

Croatia

Perfect for: Off the beaten track getaways, nature holidays, honeymoons and summer fun.

  • Sailing Paradise: Croatia’s clear waters, island hopping opportunities, and well-developed marina infrastructure make it one of the most popular sailing destinations in Europe, which is expected to continue growing in 2025.

  • Majestic Coastline: The Dalmatian Coast boasts breathtaking landscapes, with crystal-clear waters, secluded coves, and rugged cliffs. It’s a paradise for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and those seeking relaxation by the sea.

  • Historical and Cultural Richness: Croatia’s mix of natural beauty and cultural richness offers opportunities for exploring ancient ruins, hidden beaches, and romantic waterfront restaurants. Dubrovnik in particular is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, providing a unique perspective of its city walls, forts, and historic buildings.

  • Culinary Delights: Croatian cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean and Central European flavours. Sample fresh seafood, local wines, and traditional dishes at charming coastal restaurants.

  • Wellness and Adventure: Wellness activities such as yoga and meditation retreats are abundant in Croatia, along with outdoor adventures like hiking, sailing, and kayaking.

  • Underwater Treasures: Croatia has over 1,000 islands and islets waiting to be explored, which means you can spend days sailing, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and uncovering underwater treasures. With countless natural wonders to discover on shore and in the water, Croatia is ideal for nature lovers.

If you’re looking for a unique way of experiencing Croatia in 2025, Sunsail is delighted to be expanding its Dubrovnik offering in 2025 with a Libertas flotilla itinerary. Ideal for adventurous families and sociable couples, you’ll join up to 12 other yachts and have the opportunity to sail along rugged coastlines, discover hidden coves, admire picturesque harbours and enjoy some of the best swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving in Dubrovnik.  

British Virgin Islands

Perfect for: Honeymoons, stargazing experiences, nature holidays and winter sun.

  • Image: Sunsail
    Image: Sunsail

    Sailing Paradise: The British Virgin Islands are often referred to as the “Sailing Capital of the Caribbean.” With numerous islands and calm, clear waters, it’s a dream destination for sailors and yacht enthusiasts.

  • Unspoiled Beauty: The islands offer unspoiled natural beauty with white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and lush hillsides. Popular destinations like Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke provide diverse landscapes and activities.

  • Water Activities: Snorkelling, diving, and water sports are abundant. The crystal-clear waters make it an excellent spot for exploring the underwater world and enjoying aquatic adventures.

  • Island Hopping: The proximity of the islands allows for easy island hopping and exploring the unique charm of each island, from secluded anchorages to lively beach bars.

  • Exceptional Visibility: The BVI is known for its low light pollution, making it an ideal location for observing stars, planets, and even the Milky Way.

Greece

Perfect for: Nature holidays, stargazing experiences and summer fun.

  • Dramatic Coastlines: With over 6,000 islands, Greece’s dramatic coastlines are unparalleled. They are a true sight to behold, from rugged cliffs and natural rock formations to bays only accessible by boat.

  • Turquoise Waters: Greece is also renowned for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear, turquoise waters. It’s a haven for beachgoers and watersports enthusiasts, offering great opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and windsurfing.

  • Diverse Landscapes: Whether you prefer tranquil waters or luscious greenspaces, Greece has incredibly diverse landscapes. One day you could be sunbathing on a sandy beach and the next you could be hiking around a mountain. Greece has something for every type of nature lover.

  • Weather Conditions: During the summer months, The Mediterranean climate is warm, dry and has clear skies which is ideal for stargazing. If you want to stargaze without the summer crowds, book your holiday during the shoulder season (April-May or September-October) where you’ll enjoy similar weather conditions but more privacy.

  • Greek Culture and Cuisine: One of the most culturally rich destinations in the world, experience the magic of Greek hospitality, local festivals, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you uncover the treasures of The Acropolis or enjoy an authentic Greek meal with a local wine, you can immerse yourself in Greek culture in countless ways.

The Seychelles

Perfect for: Honeymoons, stargazing experiences and nature holidays.

  • Image: Sunsail

    Island Paradise: The Seychelles is an Indian Ocean archipelago known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation. Everywhere you look, you’ll be met with sensational natural beauty, whether you’re inland or out on the open waters.

  • Biodiversity: The Seychelles is renowned for its unique biodiversity. Home to rare flora and fauna, including endemic species like the Aldabra giant tortoise and the Seychellois black parrot, people come from all over the world to experience the natural life in The Seychelles.

  • Coral Reefs: Aldabra is the largest island in The Seychelles and is also one of the largest atolls in the world, 35 km by 15 km. The atoll is made up of four individual coral islands, with a lagoon in the middle. It’s one of the most sensational natural wonders in The Seychelles and a reason to visit!

  • Private Resorts: If you’re looking for a luxurious, tranquil, serene getaway, The Seychelles boasts numerous private resorts, many of which offer wellness programs, spa treatments, and yoga classes.

Tahiti

Perfect for: Honeymoons, off the beaten track getaways, nature holidays and summer fun.

  • Natural Landscapes: Tahiti is a South Pacific paradise with overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons, and coral gardens that create an idyllic environment for a honeymoon, switch off holiday or summer sailing spot.

  • Unspoiled Beauty: The region’s crystal lagoons and breathtaking volcanic landscapes make the perfect backdrop for switching off and unwinding.

  • Delicious Cuisine: For food lovers, the exquisite cuisine in Tahiti is a fusion of flavours, taking inspiration from both Polynesian and French cuisine. One of the most popular dishes in Tahiti is Poisson Cru, a delicious tuna dish marinated in coconut milk and lime juice.

  • Marine Life: Breathtaking barrier reefs provide a habitat for an abundance of marine life such as sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, porpoises and over 500 species of fish. This is why the Tahitian Leewards is one of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkelling destinations, ideal for budding adventurers.

Thailand

Perfect for: Nature holidays, honeymoons and winter sun.

  • Image: Sunsail

    National Parks: Thailand features breathtaking national parks, such as Koh Phi Phi National Park, where visitors can explore limestone cliffs, clear waters, and diverse marine life.

  • Natural Beauty: Thailand’s natural beauty is unmatched. With the perfect blend of lush jungles, pristine beaches and tranquil islands, Thailand is a feast for the eyes and somewhere you can feel connected to nature everywhere you turn.

  • Underwater Exploration: This exotic Southeast Asian destination is an island-hopping oasis blessed with a plethora of top-notch scuba diving sites that bring you face to face with vibrant marine life. From leopard sharks to seahorses and everything in between, diving and snorkelling in Thailand will create magical memories that last a lifetime.

  • Spa and Wellness Retreats: If you’re planning a relaxing, rejuvenating holiday, Thailand is famous for its world-class spa and wellness retreats. Places like Chiang Mai and Phuket offer a wide range of wellness centres, yoga retreats, and luxurious spas.


Seychelles (Yacht Only Price) – Bareboat – from £3,799 for up to 8 passengers – 7 nights departing from 30th August 2025 on a Sunsail 424 Classic Cat

Tahiti (Yacht Only Price) – Bareboat – from £2,266 for up to 8 passengers – 7 nights departing from 8th December 2024 on a Sunsail 44 4 Cabin Classic Monohull

Thailand – (Yacht Only Price) – Bareboat – £2,299 for up to 6 passengers – 7 nights departing from 24th May 2025 on a Sunsail 41 3 Cabin Classic Monohull

BVI (Yacht Only Price) – Bareboat – £3,995 for up to 6 passengers – 7 nights departing from 15th March 2025 on a Sunsail 41.0 3 Cabin Classic Monohull – Includes a 15% Caribbean Special Offer

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