The Mediterranean and the Caribbean offer exceptional sailing grounds, and create the kind of holiday memories that stay with you long after you’ve headed home. However, there are common misconceptions about both which crop up time and time again.
To set the record straight once and for all, Becky Hutton, Holiday Planner at Sunsail, a leader in yacht charter holidays, has debunked eight of the most common myths about sailing in the Caribbean VS the Mediterranean:
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There’s not as much to see and do in the Caribbean as there is in the Mediterranean
From ancient Greek ruins to medieval walled cities, the Mediterranean is undoubtedly home to some of the world’s richest cultural landmarks and activities. However, the idea that the Caribbean is all beach and no substance couldn’t be further from the truth.
Beyond the postcard-perfect anchorages, the islands are steeped in history, culture, and adventure, with something new to discover around every corner. In Antigua, sailors can explore English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard, a working Georgian-era naval dockyard where Lord Nelson was once stationed. In the BVI, the wreck of the RMS Rhone off Salt Island is now one of the most celebrated wreck dives in the world. Add rainforest hikes, rum distillery tours, and vibrant local markets, and the Caribbean reveals itself as a destination for explorers, not just sunbathers.
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The Mediterranean isn’t known for its beaches
Many people choose to sail around the Caribbean time after time because of the unspoiled beaches, incredible water clarity, and powdery sand. What people don’t realise is that the Mediterranean is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, from the stunning blue-flag Kavouri Beach on the Athenian Riviera, to the secluded coves along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, many of which are only reachable by boat.
Whether you yearn to feel the sand between your toes or prefer pebble-lined beaches tucked behind dramatic limestone cliffs, the Mediterranean offers a slice of paradise for beach lovers who know where to look.
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It’s cheaper to sail the Mediterranean than the Caribbean
Often, flight prices from the UK to European sailing destinations can be lower than to Caribbean islands, because you’re only flying short-haul rather than long-haul. Also, some Caribbean sailing hotspots aren’t reachable by direct flights, so you may also need to take a second flight or ferry. This can drive the overall cost of a sailing holiday in the Caribbean up.
However, daily living costs in the Caribbean are usually less expensive than in the Mediterranean, which balances out the cost. For example, mooring fees tend to cost less in the Caribbean, particularly if you make use of free anchorages. For example, mooring balls are typically used in the BVI and are available for around $30-$55 per night, while the Mediterranean is home to many full-service marinas, which can charge up to €200 per night in the high season.
The reality also depends entirely on when and how you sail. The Caribbean’s shoulder season, running through April-June and November-December, often delivers exceptional value, with quieter anchorages and competitive charter rates, while June is part of the peak sailing season in the Mediterranean, so you’ll likely experience the highest prices and largest crowds. Choosing the right season can make either destination a smart and affordable choice.
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The Caribbean is a better sailing destination than the Mediterranean
The Caribbean is a playground for sailors and, in particular, the BVI is often hailed as the sailing capital of the Caribbean, and even the world. However, that doesn’t mean the Mediterranean doesn’t provide just as many opportunities for sailing, snorkelling, island hopping and adventures on the water. Rather than competing, the two destinations complement each other beautifully, each offering something the other doesn’t.
For first-time sailors, the line-of-sight navigation, short passages between islands, and smooth sailing conditions make the Caribbean one of the best sailing destinations. For experienced sailors looking for adventurous passages, bustling harbours and centuries of maritime history, the Mediterranean is often considered the better choice. The ‘best’ sailing destination is unique for everyone; it depends on your experience level and whether you want a laid-back or more active sailing holiday.
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The Mediterranean is only worth sailing around in Spring/Summer, and the Caribbean is only worth sailing around in Autumn/Winter
A common misconception about sailing is that it’s only worth it during the peak season, otherwise you’ll be met with poor conditions, visibility and weather. People often forget that you can go sailing during the shoulder season and enjoy pristine sailing conditions, but with fewer crowds and lower costs.
June-August might be the Mediterranean’s peak sailing season, and December-March the Caribbean’s, but both destinations have far more to offer outside of these months. The Mediterranean’s shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) bring warm days, quieter harbours, and a slower pace of life, while the Caribbean’s trade winds and sunshine extend well beyond the winter months into April-May.
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Mediterranean mooring is too difficult for beginner sailors
Mediterranean-style stern-to mooring has a reputation for being one of the more intimidating aspects of sailing in the Med, but in reality, it’s far more straightforward than it looks from the outside.
With a couple of simple techniques, even less experienced sailors can master it quickly and make it part of their everyday routine.
Before setting off from your stern to mooring, make sure you release the leeward stern line first. Using this technique, you will find you have complete control over the bow’s position before you slip the line, so you can make nice, smooth progress out of the berth.
If you’re using lazy lines in the Mediterranean, when you drop the lazy line, wait a few seconds to ensure it has fully sunk before engaging the engine. This helps prevent the line from fouling the propeller.
When mooring Mediterranean stern-to without a lazy line, you’ll be using your own anchor. Be mindful of yachts already moored nearby and take care not to cross their anchor lines when dropping your anchor. If anchors become crossed, a yacht leaving before you could accidentally lift or foul your anchor as they recover theirs.
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The Mediterranean has much more predictable sailing conditions than the Caribbean
When you think about the Mediterranean, you often think about sunny, hot weather. This, in turns, leads people to assuming that sailing conditions are always calm and predictable. However, what many people forget about is that the Mediterranean is home to some of the most characterful and rewarding winds in the world, such as the Meltemi and Maestral winds. These well-established wind systems deliver reliable, exhilarating sailing conditions throughout the summer months.
People also assume the summer months are too hot to go out sailing. However, every afternoon across the Mediterranean, the land heats up faster than the sea. That temperature difference creates a pressure gradient as cool, denser air over the water moves in to replace the warmer, rising air over the land. The result is a reliable sea breeze, building by mid-morning and reaching 12 to 18 knots by early afternoon.
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Caribbean anchorages are always less crowded than in the Mediterranean
When you think of the Mediterranean, your mind takes you to busy cobbled streets, bustling harbours and lively cities, whereas you often hear words like ‘unspoiled’, ‘paradise’, and ‘slice of heaven’ associated with Caribbean islands. That doesn’t mean you can’t find plenty of Caribbean-esque islands, coves and beaches in the Mediterranean, though.
From the uninhabited Greek island of Atokos, where you can watch wild pigs roaming around, to Croatia’s secret Tatinja Bay, hidden amongst the steep cliffs of southern Šolta, sailing offers an opportunity to discover a different side to the Mediterranean, without the crowds.
The real secret, in either destination, is knowing where the lesser-known anchorages are:
Top three Caribbean hidden gems to discover this autumn/winter
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Anegada, BVI
Anegada is the only coral island in the BVI, protected by the fourth-largest barrier reef in the world. With just 450 locals, it’s a slice of paradise that often flies under the radar. Uncrowded and tranquil, with pristine powder-white beaches, it’s the perfect destination for those craving barefoot luxury off the beaten track. The island of Anegada is also world-famous for its delicious lobster, which is a must-try for seafood lovers.
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Moliniere Bay, Grenada
Located off the west coast of Grenada, Moliniere Bay is home to the world’s first underwater sculpture gallery. With over 60 stone installations created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, you’d be surprised to learn that some weigh as much as 15 tonnes!
One of the most famous Molinere underwater pieces, “Vicissitudes”, shows children holding hands and standing in a ring, which Taylor suggests signifies “the adaptability of children in any environment; as the sea embraces them, the children become part of their new environment”. Do not miss the chance to dive or snorkel around these amazing ecological structures that are half sculpted by man and half created by the ocean!
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Sandy Cay, BVI
Not far from Jost Van Dyke in the BVI is Sandy Spit, a tiny island with nothing but powdery white sand and a pretty little cluster of palm trees. Time it right, and you just might get to enjoy this dot of paradise without another soul in sight.
Or try local Sandy Cay, another splendidly secluded stretch of sand you can call your own private island for a romantic afternoon under a palm tree. Sandy Cay is a National Park, gifted back to the BVI by Laurence Rockefeller. Let the botanical trail show you the way through the island, but watch out for the many resident hermit crabs scuttling around! This is a picture postcard setting and the perfect daytime stop for swimming, relaxing, and switching off from the world.
Top three Mediterranean hidden gems to discover this summer/autumn
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Kastos, Greece
Home to fewer than 100 permanent residents, Kastos feels like a floating village. With only one small harbour, a cluster of stone houses and a few tavernas, time seems to slow down here. You’ll also find unspoiled beaches with clear turquoise water, only reachable by boat or on foot.
Just above the port of Kastos, you can enjoy sunset drinks at the Windmill Bar, with a panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding islands. There’s no better place in Greece to relax, unwind and switch off from the world.
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Lastovo Island
Lastovo Island is one of the best hidden gems in Croatia for nature lovers. It is known as the ‘island of crystal stars’, so stargazing is a must. The whole archipelago is under protection as a nature park, and the water is see through-clean.
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Paxos, Greece
One of the least commercial Greek Islands set in the Ionian Sea, this island is truly beautiful, with scenery that makes it an artist’s paradise. Its clear aquamarine sea and pebble beaches must be seen to be believed. The local people are so welcoming that you feel at home straight away!
It’s a perfect place to wind down; nothing is done quickly here. Sit and drink an iced coffee in one of the seafront cafes, watch a local fisherman bring his catch in to sell or queue in the local bakery for your fresh bread baked in a wood oven. This is the beauty of Paxos.
