The lush, tropical islands of the Grenadines provide a breathtaking backdrop to sailing adventures through the area's 32 picturesque Caribbean islands. Sailing is the best way to see these islands, as they are not large enough to build a runway, thereby prohibiting airplane travel.
"Frommer's" lists the Grenadines at the top of its sailing destination list because the culture on the islands has not been greatly influenced by the modern world.
Located on an island in the Baltic Sea, Sandhamn is one of 24,000 islands that make up the Swedish archipelago. The car-free Swedish destination offers a very short sailing season, but it's worth the trip.
The sailing conditions and scenery are so spectacular that the world-renowned Sandhamn Race Week & Round Gotland Race are hosted here each summer, turning the quaint island into a sailing mecca, according to the Royal Swedish Yacht Club.
Sail through thousands of years of history in Cyclades, Greece, which consists of 23 large islands and 200 smaller islands and is the birthplace of Apollo. Some of the world's most famous islands are situated in Cyclades and include Mykonos and Santorini.
As you weave in and out of the islands, you can take in the beauty of the hilly land spotted with classic Greek architecture touting brilliant blue domes.
Auckland's colorful harbor is famously known as the "City of Sails," as it plays host to New Zealand's nautical playground. Sailing is the best way to see the country's breathtaking Hauraki Gulf, with its rugged coastlines and incredible islands sprinkled over 1,500 nautical miles.
Although the coast and islands are stunning, you won't want to take your eyes off the water, which is home to a biological diversity with numerous species of dolphins, whales and sea birds, according to Dolphin & Marine Eco Tours.
Wonderful wind conditions will fill your sails in the San Francisco Bay. Sail away from the city's unique skyline, under the massive 4,200-foot Golden Gate Bridge, to the infamous island of Alcatraz, and you will have a memorable sailing experience. Along your journey, you will be able to spot giant whales, friendly dolphins and barking sea lions as you cruise along wildlife reserves and Pier 39.
Not many tourists make it to the Earth's southernmost continent that surrounds the South Pole. For sailors, the immense wilderness and incomparable scenery of mountains, snow and ice will amaze you. The rough, unexpected waters require expert sailors who are well-versed in navigation.
You may not see many people, as Antarctica does not have any permanent residents, but there are 1,000 to 5,000 people residing on the continent throughout the year at research stations, according to Cool Antarctica.
If your objective is to see as many animals as possible, the Galapagos Islands should be your No. 1 sailing destination. The Galapagos Archipelago is situated in the Pacific Ocean, 600 miles west of the Ecuadorian coast.
Charles Darwin made the islands famous back in the 1860s, when he arrived to study the vast and exceptional wildlife that is largely intact due to its protection as an Ecuadorian National Park.
Located at the southwestern tip of the African continent, Cape Town's waters offer exquisite views of Table Mountain, a flat-topped mountain perched prominently amidst the city. The year-round sailing destination welcomes sailors who may see penguins, dolphins, schools of colorful fish and whales while they explore the blend of two oceans, the Atlantic and Indian.
The best oceanic recreational area in Southeast Asia is considered to be Phuket. The country's extensive coastline, numerous islands and mystical rock formations make the region a hot spot for sailors. Phuket.net states that sailors need to take caution during the treacherous monsoon season from November to March.
The stunning waters of the Arabian Gulf boast some of the best sailing in the world. Dubai's recent explosion of growth and modernization has made the city a sight to see. From the sea you can explore the Dubai Marina Development, Jumeirah Palm Island, the World Islands and view the world-famous Burj Al Arab and Atlantis hotels.
