Worldwide Charter Destination Weather and Yachting Seasons

Understand the Meltemi winds in Greece, the Caribbean hurricane season and other weather systems to help you plan your yacht charter

Understanding Weather | Clouds | Hurricane Season | Useful Weather Websites | Chartering Calander

Why is weather important when chartering?

Weather plays an extremely important role in your yachting vacation. Whether you want the strong Meltemi winds for your bareboat sailing expedition, or you just want pure sunshine and flat seas for your crewed motor yacht charter, mother nature always has the final say! Having knowledge about weather patterns enables you to make an informed decision about your vacation place and more importantly, the time of year.

What is 'weather'?

Common weather phenomena include 4 core types: rain, wind, sun, and snow. Weather is not to be confused with climate as they are two separate identities. Climate is the average course of weather in one particular area e.g "Southern areas of Asia is mild to hot, while far northeastern areas such as Siberia are very cold" this is opposed to weather which is the day-to-day state of the atmosphere eg: wind rain snow. Hurricane season, Meltemi winds, Mistral winds, and other atmospheric phenomena can affect your charter, whether it's the itinerary or the country which you want to visit. The good thing is, these weather states are fairly predictable and avoidable allowing you to have the dream yachting vacation!

Greece

Greece is arguably one of the most loved areas for sailing for many reasons. The island hopping cruising grounds coupled with the consistent winds creates some of the most memorable sailing holidays.

Comprised of 6 mains areas: Ionian, Cyclades, Saronic, Sporades, Dodecanese, and the North-Eastern Aegean. Greece is one, if not the most popular destinations in the world for chartering. If you want island hopping, fresh Mediterranean cuisine, warm and welcoming tavernas and some of the most stunning anchorages in the world - Greece is for you. Before organizing a charter in Greece, take the time to read through the different weather that affects different areas at different times of the year.

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The Cyclades, Greece.

Best times to charter: April, May, June, September, October, and early November.

Home to the stunning, famous islands such as Mykonos and Santorini, the Cyclades is one of the most popular areas in Greece to charter. A dry, jagged landscape littered with beaches, beach clubs, protected anchorages and of course the tasty fresh food provided by the welcoming, homely tavernas.

Meltemi Winds

The Cyclades is the host to a strong and predictable wind called the Meltemi. The Meltemi wind is a dry northerly wind that spikes during July and August and affects most of the Cyclades Islands. It's caused by low pressure over Turkey and high pressure over Greece which funnels and pushes air down through the Aegean - see picture diagram below. The average strength of the Meltemi is roughly a strong F5-6 but it can quickly pick up to a Force 7 and occasionally a Force 8, which brings a high swell. The wind coupled with the swell can create dangerous sailing weather, even for the most experienced sailors.

Tips

- Be honest with yourself and the crew. Are you experienced enough to deal with the Meltemi winds? Is your crew knowledgeable enough?
- What type of charter are you wanting, relaxing? Fast-paced?
- If chartering in July/August always check the local weather forecast. This should be done as safe practice anyway, but especially if you are chartering in July/August.
- Have back up alternative anchorages on the south side of islands if the Meltemi picks up.
- In July/August consider starting and finishing your charter in the Saronic as this is far more protected.

Itinerary

- One week sailing bareboat.
- One week crewed charters.

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The Ionian, Greece.

Best times to charter: June, July, August and early September

Noticeable places of interest in the Ionian: Fiskardo for the upmarket restaurants and caves on Foki Bay. Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos is a must-see! Papanikolis caves on the jagged island of Meganisi - take your tender in and test your vocal cords! The Ionian provides great sailing, for beginner to intermediate sailors. All line of sight sailing, with a vast array of sheltered anchorages.

Winds

The collection of the Ionian Islands are based on the western coast of Greece opposite Italy. The prevailing winds are NW, between F1-2 in the mornings and F3-4 in the afternoons. As the prevailing winds are North Westerly, the Southern Ionian islands and the east side of Corfu are very sheltered and therefore offer relaxing charters with some absolutely beautiful anchorages. Having said this, the geography of the Ionian means that in the evenings the winds tend to pick up as the cool air hits the warm land. The west coast of the outer islands such as Lefkada and Kefalonia should be avoided (unless in a secure mooring) as the prevailing winds can prick up during the night and offer virtually no shelter.

- Picture from WINDY ap

An Anabatic wind, nicknamed Eric, should be noted when trying to enter Vasiliki (the southernmost tip of Lefkada island). This rolls in from midday onwards and can go from F1 - F5+ in a matter of minutes. This can cause some issues when mooring in Vasaliki where the winds hit your beam. At the beginning of June and September tends to get colder with more forecasted rain as opposed to the Cyclades where it is virtually from MAy until the end of the season.

Tips

- Charter in July and August for more predictable sunshine.
- Be careful of Vasiliki (Lefkada) after midday.
- Avoid early June and late September as electrical storms tend to brew either side of the summer peak seasons.
- Stay away from sailing on the exposed western coast as the winds can be unpredictable, and doesn't offer many sheltered anchorages.

Itinerary

- One week south Ionian sailing itinerary.
- One week Ionian Crewed motor yacht itinerary.

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The Azores

Best times to charter: March, April May, September and October for the experienced sailor seeking strong winds. July and August for calmer, family-friendly winds

The Azores are situated off mainland Portugal, comprised of 9 prehistoric volcanic islands, this archipelago is not one to dismiss for the summer holidays! These islands provide a great playground, and training ground for those wishing to advance their sailing or to live 'off-grid' for a week. The Islands are in the Atlantic and are affected by the Azores high and the trade winds. As the Azores high hovers over these 9 distinguished islands, families take to the helm and submerge themselves in nature. As soon as the highs start to lift, the hardy, salty sea dogs come out and play!

Winds
The winds are fairly predictable in the Azores, with the prevailing winds being either WSW or SW and averaging 10-17 knots of wind on either side of July and August. Winds in the outer season have known to blow a steady 30 knots. During the July and August months, it tends to stay around the 8-10 knots, with the highs of 20 knots.

Tips
- If you are planning to sail with children, it would be our advice to charter in the Summer months of July and August. This will ensure they come back with you the next time you go!
- If you are looking to do mile building, the Azores are for you.
- Get your VHF license.
- If you want tougher sailing March/April is a great time to go.

- 7 day Azores Sailing Itinerary (family-friendly)
- 14 day Azores sailing itinerary (mile builder)

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Italy and Sardinia

Mistral winds

Best time to charter: May until October.

Italy, famed for its dramatic coastlines and world-class cuisines, you are sure to have an indulgent vacation when chartering in one of the most food orientated countries in the world! After all, holidays are about food too! Whether on a cliff face restaurant, or nosing around the food markets, Italy can be enjoyed from the water as it can on land.

Winds

There are 5 types of regular winds that affect Italy throughout the year. Mistral, Tramontane, Scirocco, Libeccio, and the Bora. However, between these all, it is the Mistral wind that you have to be most aware of, along with the Tramontane which blows further west. These winds happen throughout the year. From cold northerly winds to warm, humid southerly that blow in the Sahara sand, Italy experiences it all.

Mistral
The Mistral and the Tramontane winds run almost parallel to each other, however, the Mistral travels down between the famous Rhone Valley, squeezing between the Alps and Massif Central where it gains speed and eventually hits the northwestern side of Corsica and Sardinia. The winds are strong and cold, normally these winds are in the region of a Force 7-9 and shockingly it has been known for wind gusts to reach a mind-blowing 155mph (185kph) although this is rare.

These winds should be at the forefront of all sailors/charterers when planning a charter in the Sardinian/Corsica region. The Mistral winds tend to be more prevalent in the winter and spring, however, the Mistral phenomena can occur at any time of the year. Areas like La Madelena on the northern tip of Sardinia are particularly exposed by the northwesterly winds. These winds tend to last more than one day and can sometimes last a week.

Tramontane
The winds are most noticeable on the west coast of Italy and Northern Corsica. The Tramontane winds funnel down the mountain rangers and increases in speed as it passes between the Pyrenees and the Massif Central. It is caused by a high pressure on the north of France that subsequently pushes air in a southeasterly direction across the Meditteranean. It is strongest before sunrise when it can reach speeds of 70 km/h (45 mph) - don't use it as an excuse to spend a few more minutes in bed! These winds do not tend to affect charters, but always good to bear in mind if you want to start early.

Scirocco
Scirocco (or Jugo winds) are characterized as a humid southeasterly or westerly that travels north from the coast of Africa...taking half the Sahara sands with it! This starts off as a dry warm wind and then condenses as it travels up towards the Mediterranean. Sirocco winds tend to occur throughout the year, in the rare event that these winds pick up to a gale it would predominantly be in the Springtime.

Tips

- Check the forecast the evening before and the morning before you depart
- Check for alternative anchorages on the eastern side of the islands if the Mistral picks up.
- Be prepared to moor for a couple of days in one spot if the winds are forecasted for a prolonged amount of time
- Have a backup itinerary

Itinerary

- Ponza and the Amalfi Coast Motor yacht itinerary
- Amalfi Catamaran sailing itinerary
- Sardinia Motor yacht itinerary
- Sardinia bareboat itinerary

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Croatia

Best time to charter: April, May June, September, and October.

Croatia is fast becoming a hot spot for yacht lovers, and it`s easy to understand why. The Croatian coastline holds some of the most beautiful scenes in the Adriatic, pathing way to picturesque sunsets, culturally rich towns and beach parties alike. Croatia is famously known as `The Country Of A Thousand Islands` - a sailors paradise, but as will all places in the world, there are certain winds to watch out for on your charter.

Bora

Bora is a bitterly cold, dry north-easterly katabatic wind that can make the sunniest day seem like the middle of winter. The wind is most noticeable in the Velebit Channel and the Kvarner Bay. This wind can dramatically cool down the yacht, (especially in the forepeak cabins where there's not much insolation, worth remembering if you have hired a skipper for the low season!).

The Bora wind is particularly gusty, so be ready on the main if you feel a strong gust coming! Although the Bora winds can be felt throughout the year, it's during the winter months where it becomes more apparent. When the Boatbookinsg team chartered a BALI 4.5 starting from Kastela, at the beginning of October 2019, they experienced the Bora winds - so keep a close eye!

Jugo
Jugo is a southerly moist wind, that travels over the islands and onto the shore. Jugo can appear in all seasons, however, the North of the Adriatic is mostly affected by this wind in the springtime, and the southern Adriatic in the autumn time. Jugo has more of a presence as this wind tends to blow from the southeasterly direction hitting the southern parts of Croatia first.

When Jugo is blowing, the pressure will drop, warmth and high humidity. Inevitably, clouds and rain will follow, along with thunderstorms. Unlike the Bura wind, Jugo is a uniformed, predictable wind (Bura is gusty) meaning it is actually quite pleasant to sail in....while the Jugo is 'young'. It can take up to three-four days before you can really feel the power of this wind.

Tips

- Apri - June and September - October offer mild weather and calm seas.
- July and August, perfect for swimming but very, very busy.
- If chartering in high season, reserve your buoy/slip at least three days before!

Itineraries

- Crewed catamaran charter

- Bareboat charter
- Motoryacht itinerary

Mali Losinj, Croatia. Northern Adriatic.

Split, Croatia summer wind rose.

Dubrovnic, Croatia summer wind rose.

Caribbean

Best times to charter: December - the beginning of May.

The Caribbean, characterized by its laid back lifestyle and crystalline waters, the Caribbean offers memorable charters around the unique relaxed islands. The shallow waters, illuminated by the bright white sands create seas of colour so intensely turquoise that you just cannot help but jump in!

Climate

The Caribbean temperatures are always fairly moderate between 29°C to 31°C with very little seasonal variation year-round which is great when booking your charter. The Caribbean rarely gets 'too hot' due to the northeasterly trade winds that happen year-round. With the winds interfering with the sun's rays, the Windward Islands weather will always feel milder than the Leewards. Due to the trade winds, the northeastern edges on most of the islands will feel cooler than on the southwestern corners.

Scroll down for Hurricane information

Bahamas

Best times to charter: December - May.

Home to some of the most incredible sandy cays and natural beauty this world had to offer. This is a sailor's paradise when it comes to sailing and exploring. Not only can you enjoy the geography, but also wildlife. Swimming with nurse sharks, spying on the aloof iguanas or feeding the swimming pigs, this area as an abundance of wildlife for you to observe.

Bahamas yacht charter weather information

Climate

Geographically speaking, the main differences between the Caribbean and the Bahamas is that the majority of the Bahamian islands are in the Atlantic sea while the Caribbean islands are, of course, in the Caribbean Sea. Climate is similar, but due to the geographic location of the Bahamas, the winters are milder compared to the Caribbean. Just like the Caribbean, the trade winds tend to keep the Bahamas fairly cool reaching 33°C but rarely falling under 18°C.

Tips

- Do not charter in hurricane season
- Be careful on your depth
- Storms can come on as quickly as they can dissipate, check the forecast!

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Hurricane season

Hurricane season spikes from June to mid-October worldwide, but the seasonal change can be noticeable from May through to December. Hurricanes and tropical storms are created by warm water and humid air. The faster the water evaporates the more swell is created, which forms large tropical waves that can devastate sea-level or low lying land. Unfortunately due to the Geography of islands in the Bahamas, the Caribbean and some parts of Asia, flooding and hurricanes are susceptible to these particular areas.

Hurricanes need warm water to survive, which is why they normally disintegrate once they hit large landmasses. Due to the size of the islands in most hurricane-prone areas, they are not large enough to defuse a hurricane, depending on, of course, the size of the hurricane. Thankfully it is very rare for a hurricane to destroy an entire area, so even after a hurricane has hit, you can probably still visit elsewhere in the area.

The Bahamas and Caribbean Hurricane season

Hurricane season is at its strongest during the June > October time, understandably, at these times the islands are at their quietest. Here at Boatbookings, we would never recommend chartering during these months, it's simply not worth it. You might as well go, and have a relaxing stress free vacation, after all that is what sailing is all about! Our advice is to not be worried about chartering in hurricane/tropical storm-prone areas.

It is rare that your charter will be canceled, yacht bases always have an eye on the weather and normally move the whole fleet to a safe haven. The great thing is, the surrounding areas in the Caribbean and Bahamas are so stunningly beautiful you cannot be disappointed with a different starting location!

Hurricane Dorian, below, is the most recent Hurricane to make landfall. Dorian hovered over the Abacos, destroying almost everything beneath her. Due to her path, and the low and high pressures that stalled the hurricane, she thankfully didn't move south which would have completely battered Nassau and the Exumas. This is a prime example of a Category 5 hurricane destroying only one area - leaving the rest of the Bahamas and Caribbean untouched and still available for sailors and holiday markets to plan their vacations.

Although hurricanes making landfall, or coming close to the islands to affect them is rare, many tourists and sailors alike are paranoid about being caught up in a hurricane or having a holiday canceled because of one. Famous hurricanes like Irma, Katrina, and Wilma are embedded in the minds of most people born in the early '90s, but what people forget is that these countries are able to bounce back, but only with the help of donations and above all, tourism.

The best form of Aid that everyone can give is booking their winter holiday in either the Caribbean or the Bahamas.

Asia and the Pacific

Best times to charter: December - May

There are three main seasons in Asia and southwest Asia, the cool season, hot season, and rainy season. Often translated to the hot season (December / May), the really hot season (May / August), and the really really hot and wet season (September and October)! Typically around Thailand/Phuket regions, the climate is considered a tropical monsoon climate, thus meaning it is warm all year around.

Monsoon Winds

The Monsson Winds, often referred to as the South West Monsoon blows warm, equatorial weather and warm water from the south and deposits over most of Asia. The Southwest monsoon begins in May and June with the peak being in August and October.

Countries close to the equator such as Indonesia, Malaysia, southern Philippines, and Singapore have an equatorial climate which means the seasons remain warm and wet, and rarely have variation between the months. The Monsoon winds hit some of the most loved attractions in Asia such as Phuket. In the Koh Chang region especially, dangerous rip currents happen during the rainy season.

Why are clouds important for sailors?

Clouds and understanding cloud formations are essential to sailors' knowledge. They can indicate oncoming weather, flukey winds or whether you're in for a peaceful lovely evening! There are four main cloud formations, but many variations that sailors need to watch out for!

- Cumulus clouds - puffy, sometimes flat-based clouds.
- Stratus clouds - low level horizontal 'blanket' looking clouds.
- Cirrus clouds - thin wispy high altitude clouds.
- Nimbus clouds - dark in colour and will bring rain.

Cirrus clouds (mares tails)

how can i use clouds to tell the weather

Cirrus clouds are high altitude clouds that lay between 16,500 ft and 45,000 ft. They are short, whispy looking clouds that derive from the Latin word for curly locks. Though these clouds aren't initially a potential threat, they can indicate a wet warm front. Take note of their speed and direction, if the clouds are traveling in an easterly direction fair weather is on its way. If not, you could be in for some rain and stuff winds until the front passes.

Cirrocumulus Clouds

Cirrocumulus clouds are also high altitude clouds, formed at a similar height as Mares tails. Cirrocumulus clouds often appear in fair, but cold weather. There is an old nautical proverb "Mackeral Sky and Mares tails make tall ships carry low sails." Both Mares tails and Cirrocumulus can be the start of a warm front and thus bringing some unpredictable stormy weather. Best keep an eye on the speed and direction of these beautiful formations.

Cirrostratus

Cirrostratus, laying around the 20,000-40,000 ft mark are made out of tiny ice crystals. These clouds are especially very thin and blanket looking. As the clouds are formed from frozen crystals, they can create halos around the sun and moon which is truly an incredible sight! These clouds are a definite indication that a warm front is on its way and therefore it's time to close the hatches and grab the wet gear!

Altocumulus / Altostratus

These beautiful, soft-looking fluffy clouds are hated by many sailors. Do not be fooled by their innocent looks they can take form in many different shapes, but often have the light fluffy aspect which is easy to identify. They can also take the form of a complete sky blanket which is grey and blue in colour. These clouds are formed between 7,000 - 20,000 ft so are considered mid-level clouds. The Altostratus tends to block out sunlight giving the appearance of flat light and reducing the vision. It will feel muggy, slightly humid, and imminent arrival of a warm and most probably a wet front.

Cumulus

Probably the most famous cloud formation, that even non-weather enthusiasts know the names of! These fluffy, flat bottomed clouds are a sign of fair weather. Although, when sailing under them, it can bring flukey winds which can switch from a southerly to a northerly in a matter of minutes! Watch your boom for the possibility of gybing. Cumulus does have the tendency to drop rain, however, this will be short. These clouds can form out at sea, or overland. If they form over land it can indicate the arrival of a sea breeze in the afternoon.

Cumulus

If you see these clouds run. Run like you're on fire! These clouds form at an altitude of 700 to 10,000 ft, however, they can stand tall well into the 39ft space making them one of the tallest clouds in the world. If they start to get taller and taller, your fair weather is just about to disappear, and should probably start redlining the engine into port! They are formed by water and have powerful upwind currents. Often referred to as thunderheads, these clouds can appear by themselves, in clusters or along a cold front squall line. These clouds bring the possibility of lightning, torrential downpours, hailstones, and even tornados.

Useful Weather Websites

It is useful to have your 'go-to weather website' when sailing. Most of these websites offer an Ap which is easily downloadable to your smartphone. There are various ways of obtaining the weather when sailing abroad such as radio, harbormaster, port information, broadcasting etc. Here are a few top websites that the London Boatbookings Office love to use:

- Windy

- Wind Guru

- Sail Flow

- Windfinder

Where To Charter When!

January

So, you're finished with Christmas and want to start the year off right - how about a charter in stunning New Caledonia? Situated to the East of Australia, this natural archipelago can offer some of the most exquisite sailing in January.

- Canary Islands (Lanzarote)

- Antigua
- British Virgin Islands

- New Caledonia

- Mexico

- Bahamas
- Thailand, Phuket.
- Langkawi, Malaysia.

February

Having winter blues? Can't wait until June to get out sailing? Threat no more! We have some fantastic options for you to enjoy some warm sailing! Fancy off the beaten track sailing, try Tenerife for jungles and volcanic islands, or would you rather a relax turquoise blue charter in the Caribbean? Take your pick!

- Tenerife (Canaries)
- Bahamas
- Belize

- Antigua
- Grenadines

- Canary Islands
- The British Virgin Islands

- Mexico

- Thailand, Phuket.
- Langkawi, Malaysia.

- Whitsunday Islands

March

Chartering a yacht in March restricts you to most southern hemisphere/equatorial sailing regions such as the Caribbean and countries based in the Indian Ocean. Our top picks would be the Caribbean, Tahiti, and Australia!

- Seychelles

- Azores (hard sailing)

- The Whitsundays

- Thailand

- Bahamas
- The British Virgin Islands

- St Maarten
- St Lucia

April

Sailing in April is provides fantastic charters in both the northern and southern hemispheres. With the winds stabilising in the Caribbean, and the low season drawing to a close in the Mediterranean, charters can be exceptional at this time of year!

- Amalfi Coast
- Azores (hard sailing)
- Turkey

- Balearics (Ibiza)

- The British Virgin Islands
- Seychelles

- Grenada

May

May marks the turn of the season where people begin to flock to the Mediterranean to enjoy some early spring sunshine. Don't forget, St Maarten and Belize are still fantastic places to sail in at this time of year!

- Croatia
- Azores (hard sailing)

- Belize

- St Maarten

- Greece (Cyclades)
- Turkey
- Amalfi Coast

- Seychelles

June

As Hurricane season takes a grip on the Caribbean and Bahamas, it's time to move up to the Mediterranean and further afield like Sweden!

- Croatia

- Greece (Cyclades and Ionian)

- Sweden

- French Riviera

- Sardinia
- Turkey
- Amalfi Coast

- Fiji

- New Caledonia

- Seychelles

July

July brings on the high season in most of the Mediterranean countries. July brings crowds of mass tourism for both land and sea lovers. Prices are higher than in low season, and with first come first served berthing brings on a whole new meaning to the phrase 'survival of the fittest'! With the approaching July, the weather brings an issue to Greece - the Meltemi winds (more detail above). Still, want to enjoy island hopping in Greece? Charter in the Ionian!

- Croatia
- Azores (with children/light sailing)

- Greece (Ionian)

- French Riviera

- Sardinia
- Turkey

- Amalfi Coast

- Sweden

- Tahiti

- Fiji

- New Caledonia

- Seychelles

August

Hot, very hot with a side of hot! If you can take the heat, the Mediterranean is for you! Like July, the Cyclades in Greece will still be affected by the Meltemi winds so the same rule applies, if you want to charter in Greece, charter in the Ionian! Croatia, Sardinia and the Amalfi Coast are also superb options for chartering at this time of year.

- Croatia
- Azores (with children/light sailing)

- Greece (Ionian)

- Balearics
- French Riviera

- Sardinia
- Turkey
- Amalfi Coast

- Tahiti

- Fiji

- New Caledonia

- Seychelles

September

As the crowds dissipate, and the winds stabilise in the Cyclades, September offers enjoyable chartering throughout the Mediterranean. The Seychelles start to pick up again with this being a favorable month of chartering!

- Croatia

- Greece (Cyclades and Ionian)

- French Riviera

- Sardinia

- Sicily
- Turkey

- Fiji

- New Caledonia

- Seychelles

October

As the heat of the high season subsides, it welcomes the warmest month of the year for the Mediterranean sea which retains its heat to around 25-20 degrees. The winds pick up slightly in the Meditteranean region as the seasons begin to change. This is the perfect time for those seasoned sailors looking for warm Mediterranean seas, and constant winds.

- Australia

- Seychelles

- Greece (Cyclades)
- Turkey

- Amalfi Coast

- Thailand

November

With the close of the Mediterranean season, bring on the upcoming winter season in the Caribbean and further afield like Tenerife. Hurricane season officially ends at the end of November, so if you do want to charter in the affected areas, make it as close to the end of November as possible.

- Seychelles

- The British Virgin Islands

- Thailand

- Martinique

- Bahamas

- St Maarten

- Tenerife

December

Top places to charter in December would be Australia, Thailand and the Caribbean/Bahamas. These destinations are the perfect place for a festive charter! Whether celebrating Christmas or new years make your festive season special with a yachting vacation!

- New Caledonia
- The British Virgin Islands
- Thailand
- Bahamas
- St Vincent
- Miami
- The Whitsundays

- Guadeloupe

Bali 5.4

5 + 2 Cabins - 2022 - Nassau - Staniel Cay - Exumas

5 + 2 Cabins Bareboat Catamaran

Length: 16.8 m
Year: 2020
Cabins: 5
Berths: 10

From $11580 to $21795 per week