Do I need sailing experience?

No. Many of our cruises are fully crewed or skippered, so an experienced captain handles navigation while you relax. If you'd rather sail bareboat, you'll need a recognised qualification such as an ICC or RYA Day Skipper.

What is included in a sailing cruise?

Most cruises include the berth, skipper (where applicable), safety equipment, and use of the yacht. Food, drinks, fuel, and marina fees away from base are usually extra, though this varies by trip and destination.

How long do sailing cruises last?

Most run 5 to 10 nights, with plenty of weekend tasters and longer expeditions of two weeks or more also available.

What are the best destinations for a sailing cruise?

Greece, Croatia, Spain, the Caribbean and the UK each suit a different style of sailing, from sheltered island-hopping to trade-wind ocean crossings. The right choice depends on the season and the kind of trip you want.

Will I get seasick on a sailing cruise?

It's uncommon on coastal cruises, since skippers plan routes around calm, sheltered anchorages rather than open ocean. If you're prone to motion sickness, seasickness tablets or wristbands are worth packing as a precaution.

What's the difference between a bareboat and a crewed charter?

A bareboat charter puts you in charge of the yacht yourself, so you'll need a recognised sailing qualification. A crewed or skippered charter comes with a professional captain, and sometimes a chef, so no experience is required at all.

How much does a sailing cruise cost?

Cabin berths on a shared crewed cruise start from around £450, while private charters and luxury yachts can run considerably higher depending on the yacht, crew, and destination.

Are sailing cruises suitable for families with children?

Yes, many crewed cruises welcome families, with skippers experienced in planning kid-friendly routes, swim stops, and calmer anchorages. It's worth checking each listing, since not every trip is set up for younger children.

Sailing Cruises & Yacht Holidays Worldwide

Sailing Cruise Destinations

Explore the world's most rewarding cruising grounds, each region has its own season, character and style of sailing.

Sailing Cruises in Spain

Sun-drenched cruising in the Balearics, Costa Brava and Canary Islands. Warm Mediterranean winds, buzzing island marinas, and everything from relaxed family sailing to longer Atlantic-facing passages in the Canaries.

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Sailing Cruises in Greece

Island-hop the Cyclades, Ionian and Sporades on classic Med charters. Ancient harbours, whitewashed villages, and a mix of sheltered Ionian cruising and breezier Aegean routes to suit any experience level.

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Sailing Cruises in Croatia

Sail Dalmatia's protected waters, historic ports and pine-clad islands. Calm, island-studded waters make it one of the easiest places to island-hop, with Roman ruins and walled cities dotting the coastline.

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Sailing Cruises in the Caribbean

Trade-wind sailing across turquoise anchorages from the BVI to the Grenadines. Steady winter trade winds, short line-of-sight passages, and a laid-back island culture make it a favourite for first-time charterers and veterans alike.

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Sailing Cruises in the UK

Sail the sheltered Solent, rugged Cornwall coast and dramatic Scottish Hebrides. A shorter-haul option for UK-based sailors, with everything from calm beginner waters to tidal, wind-tested passages further north and west.

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Types of Sailing Cruises

From easy yacht holidays to active passages, find the format that fits.

Relaxed Sailing Holidays

Easy days, swim stops and short passages — perfect for unwinding under sail. Think lazy mornings at anchor, an afternoon swim off the boat, and a new cove or harbour town to explore each evening.

Luxury Yacht Cruises

Premium yachts, professional crew and handpicked itineraries. Expect a private chef, a tender for reaching secluded beaches, and a route shaped around your group rather than a fixed schedule.

Beginner-Friendly Sailing Trips

Learn the ropes in sheltered waters with patient, qualified skippers. No prior knowledge is needed, and you'll pick up the basics of sail handling, knots and safety on the water as you go.

Active Sailing Adventures

Hands-on sailing, longer passages and a real sense of voyage. Expect to take the helm, stand watches, and cover meaningful distance. It's the right fit if you want to build genuine sea time rather than just relax.

Weekly Sailing Cruises

Classic 7-night routes with a new harbour, beach or town each evening. It's the standard format for most charter destinations, giving enough time to properly explore a region without rushing between stops.

Find the Right Sailing Cruise for You

Beginner Sailing Cruises

No experience required - learn as you go

Intermediate Sailing Cruises

Build miles, confidence and skills at sea

Advanced Sailing Cruises

Demanding passages for experienced crew

All Experience Levels

Mixed-ability trips welcoming everybody on board

What to Expect from a Sailing Cruise

Destinations and Routes

Coastal hops, island chains and offshore legs across world-class cruising grounds. Routes range from sheltered bays perfect for a first sail to open-water passages between island groups, so there's a fit whatever your appetite for adventure.

Trip Duration

Most cruises run 5–10 nights, with weekend tasters and longer expeditions available. A week is the classic format, giving enough time to properly explore a region without feeling rushed between stops.

Experience Level

From total beginners to advanced sailors, every trip lists its required level. Skippered and crewed charters need no experience at all, while bareboat trips call for a recognised sailing qualification.

Price Range

Cabin berths from around £450; private charters and luxury yachts on request. Prices vary by destination, season and yacht type, with peak summer months typically the most expensive time to book.

FAQs about Sailing Cruises