Category Archives: national parks

A Caribbean Charter: Embrace Eco-Friendly Activities in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is one of our favorite destinations for a crewed catamaran charter. But we need to become increasingly conscious of our impact as we travel, so engaging in more eco-friendly activities on vacation is one way to do so.

Our team at Boatbookings has been visiting the Caribbean for years and, unfortunately, is seeing increasing negative impacts on the islands. We want you and future generations to enjoy this paradise, and we need to preserve our planet and oceans. 

So, here are some ways you can enjoy the Caribbean with less of an impact: 

Snorkel in Marine Reserves

One of the best ways to appreciate the Caribbean’s underwater wonders is by snorkeling. There are so many designated marine reserves, like the Tobago Cays Marine Park in St Vincent and the Grenadines, that ensure that these ecosystems continue to be protected. When exploring the underwater world in these regulated parks, refrain from touching or disturbing any marine life and wear reef-friendly suncream to minimize your impact further.

Responsible Wildlife Encounters 

The Caribbean is home to unique and diverse wildlife throughout the islands, from sea turtles nesting on the beaches to exotic birds in the forests. Choose wildlife excursions that adhere to ethical practices, ensuring minimal disturbance to the animals and their habitats. Various islands offer opportunities to witness sea turtle conservation efforts; check out the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network to learn more. 

Community-Based Tourism 

While you are on your crewed charter catamaran, you can engage with local communities in plenty of ways. Contact us to learn about the community-based tourism initiatives in the area you will be cruising. These experiences offer authentic insights into Caribbean culture while directly benefitting local economies. There are plenty of activities that foster a connection with the community and contribute to sustainable development. 

Conservation Projects 

Take part in organized beach cleanups or conservation projects that aim to protect the coastal ecosystems. Many organizations in the Caribbean regularly host community events focused on protecting the coastal and marine environments. If you are chartering in the Bahamas, you can learn about the importance of coral reefs. The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation offers various programs and expert-led snorkeling tours, and you can even adopt your own coral fragment! 

Fish Sustainably 

One particular threat to the Caribbean’s natural balance is the lionfish, an invasive species from the Pacific Ocean. There are various initiatives across the islands to try to control the population. In St Lucia, you can participate in educational lionfish diving and fishing excursions. 

Local Hiking Tours 

You can enjoy guided hiking tours with local tour operators within the lush rainforests that cover the islands. These give you an insight into the incredible environments and local cultures. The Wallings Nature Reserve in Antigua is managed by women from the nearby village of John Hughes, and they led various solo and guided hiking tours, highlighting local flora and species; all fees support the reserve. 

By choosing more eco-friendly activities and supporting sustainable initiatives, generations to come will also be able to enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean. Contact one of the Boatbookings team today to chat about your next greener crewed charter catamaran vacation in the Caribbean. And leave only footprints! 

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Can you believe it’s Belize?

Longing for that summer holiday? Fed up of being cooped up indoors and just want to focus on something fun for the future? Have your plans been put on hold for your dream summer sailing holiday this year? Looking to splash out for Christmas? Well, its always summer somewhere – but where? Belize!

Enjoy white sand beaches, turquoise water and exceptional sailing conditions in one of the most underrated chartering areas in the world.

A Belize yacht charter offers endless opportunities to enjoy amazing snorkelling and diving off the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Belize is an archipelago with over 200 untouched rainforest islands and atolls, charming towns, friendly locals and an Aztec influence.

See our BELIZE BAREBOATS HERE!

Embark in Belize City and benefit from two fantastic Belize yacht charter itineraries. Sail to the popular northern island hotspots of San Pedro Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, as well as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Alternatively, head to the less frequented southern island hotspots of Man-o-War Caye, Tobacco Caye and Placencia.

Want to find out more? Speak to one of our brokers today who will walk you through what’s possible on your Christmas sailing charter!

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The ‘Escape Reality’ series continues…

The ‘escape reality’ series is back with another bespoke itinerary for you! Read through our Bahamas Itinerary and escape to the turquoise waters! Written by us, imagined by you!

Has your summer vacation been put on hold, and now you’re longing for a Christmas escape? Look no further because this could be the itinerary for you. Did I mention, these itineraries are also great for kids?!

This week we explore one of the most captivating itineraries we have ever sailed – the Bahamas, Exumas. Imagine turquoise crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches and baron islands. Could this be for you?

Day 1 – Highborne Cay

Begin your charter in a beach village on the eastern shores of Nassau and spend a few days relaxing around a pool before embarking upon your charter! Although the Bahamas is home to over 300 islands, but the Boatbookings brokers asure you that the different islands that you can visit from your yacht charter in the Bahamas are the best islands in the Bahamas! Sailing around the Exumas allows for some of the best wildlife on the globe, swimming pigs, wild iguanas, crystal blue waters for swimming, Thunderball Grotto (as seen in James Bond) and amazing restaurants for every island you visit in the Exuma island collection. 

Day 2 – Allen Cay

The first day of sailing will be long, but it will be worth it! The first leg is just over 40 nautical miles, and would take you roughly 7 hours to get there. So wake up, have a hearty breakfast and shake those sails out! Your first day will give you the chance to get a lot of sailing in, surrounded by the bluest water on the globe! When you reach the Exuma islands, it is worth the long sail due to the sheer beauty of each individal island, called a Cay in true Bahamian fashion. The first island to visit on your charter is Highborne Cay, known as the gateway to the Exumas – a great location for the first overnight stay. 

Enquire now!

Day 3 – Hawksbill Cay

Visit the uninhabited beaches of Hawksbill Cay and have a relaxing evening. This cay is a key part of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea National park and has no other facilities than mooring balls in this beautiful location. Anchoring is not permitted however there are plenty of mooring balls for this idyllic spot. 

See our Bahamas bareboats here!

Day 4 – Waderick Wells Cay

One of the most sheltered cays in the Exumas, this National Park offers the best conditions for kayaking, snorkelling or taking a hike around the island. There is a large selection of boats anchored within the bay here as it is sheltered from any wind. Our top recommendation is the dead whale construction and a stroll along one of the 30 deserted beaches here!

Day 5 – Staniel Cay and Pig Beach

Wild pigs on Big Majors Island in The Bahamas, lounging and walking around in the sand and ocean.

Take a slightly longer sail from Waderick Wells cay to Staniel Cay and Anchor in the sheltered yachting paradise of Staniel Cay amongst many other catamarans. Visit Staniel Cay yacht club for a lunch and visit the beautiful island. Take your dinghy to shores and tie up amongst nurse sharks in the bluest waters in the world. Be sure to take the dinghy to visit the pigs at Pig Beach the swimming pigs at Big Majors Cay will swim out to you to visit you on your dinghy! Bring some food to feed them! Visiting the swimming pigs is an absolute must in the Bahamas and does not disappoint. Be sure to charter a yacht to get this ticked off the bucket list this winter! 

Day 6 – Norman’s Cay

Before sailing off to Normans Cay be sure to go snorkelling before you leave Staniel Cay and visit Thunderball Grotto at low tide, see where James Bond was filmed and swim with tropical fish. Sail north to Norman’s Cay have dinner at Mcduffs at Normans Cay- go snorkelling with the nurse sharks and spend time on your own private island to have lunch.

Day 7 – Nassau

Set off early for your sail back to Nassau – factoring in Rose Island if you have time before getting back to Palm cay marina for 6 PM to disembark the following morning. Spend another few nights in your own private beach villa at the marina and relax after a fun-filled yacht charter.

Enquire today with one of our expert brokers who can personalise an itinerary that suits you and your guests! The Boatbookings brokers have personally sailed and reviewed the best sailing grounds, activities, restaurants and boats in the Bahamas. Be in touch to get the most from your yacht charter this winter! 



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3 off the beaten track destinations

You want to go sailing, but want to avoid the crowds. But where? How? Can I still go to Greece and escape the crowds? Find the Boatbookings secrets below to ensure you have a crowd-less charter!

Foki Bay – Ionian

Northern Hemisphere

Places like the Mediterranean see thousands of sailors flock to visit these gorgeous islands and quaint medieval towns. The only issue is is that these islands can get so saturated over the summer it leaves some sailors lusting for the quiet secluded bays. find below the top 4 places in the Northern Hemisphere that offer perfect sailing, in quiet destination

Number one: The Azores

Say goodbye to the crowds of Athens, and say hello to nature, dramatic land formations and some of the best sailing in the Atlantic! The Azores offers long-distance sailing for the gung-ho sailor type during April/May/June, and island hopping with the family during the July and August months! Check out our 7-day itinerary and our 14-day itinerary for some inspiration!

Number two: Corsica

Calanches de Piana in Corsica, France, late spring.

Corsica, a French island located south of the French Riviera and north of Sardinia. This rocky oasis offers some of the most picturesque bays that the Meditteranean has to offer. There’s only a small amount of yachts based in Corsica so our advice would be to start on the northeastern tip of Sardinia and sail up towards the east coast of Corsica stopping off at one of our favorite anchorages: Santa Guilia. Check out of Corsica sailing itinerary for some inspiration!

Number three: Croatia

Croatia has seen the rise in nautical tourism over the past 5 years, with it nearly topping the sailing capital of the world – Greece. This long skinny country, with thousands of islands, is the perfect playground for sailors. Islands such as Brac, Hvar, Solta are heavily visited during the summer months (unsurprising as they are truly unique). One area which is sometimes forgotten is the national park – Kornati. Located north of Sibenik, and just south of Zadar, the Kornati national park provides some of the most exquisite sailing. The islands are easy to navigate through and offers protection from Jungo and Bora winds. Read our various Croatia itineraries to get a feel for what you can experience!

Number four: Turkey

Turkey, where east meets west. A culturally diverse corner of the Mediterranean perfect for first-timers looking for some stress-free sailing. As the political unrest comes to a halt, Turkey is dying for people to come back sailing, it has the infrastructure to berth thousands of yachts and used to be an exciting hub of sailing. Turkey is mainly coastal sailing with a few islands laying close to Gocek and Fethiye.

If you are looking to explore and off the beaten track location, speak to one of our worldwide brokers today!

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Crewed cats in the Exumas

2 top Crewed Catamarans in the Exumas/Nassau/area in the Bahamas that have not been affected by Dorian.

We all witnessed with grief the unimaginable destruction brought upon Great Abaco and Grand Bahama Islands by hurricane Dorian and we pray for the fast and smooth recovery of the stricken areas.

Regardless, the Bahamas remains one of our most popular year-long yachting destinations: Dorian only affected the above-mentioned islands but the rest of the islands is as beautiful as always.

In any case, the majority of charter vessels have always been based in the Nassau cruising area. The Exumas combine a protected sailing area with magic sandy beaches, turquoise waters and high temperatures all year long. Some of the most popular charter vessels in Nassau and the Exumas are crewed catamarans

AMURA II

AMURA II is a lovely Lagoon 560, with a professional crew of 2 (captain and hostess/chef). Based all year long in Nassau, AMURA II will also consider one-way charters starting Nassau and finishing in the Exumas; this will allow you more time in order to explore the islands!

SEA SENOR

Available out of Nassau for both day charters as well as for longer period cruises is SEA SENOR! Excellent catamaran with a very experienced crew, ideal for short escapes out of Nassau! Feel free to contact now our expert broker team and start planning your next crewed catamaran charter in the Bahamas.

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