Best boating destinations around the world

Exploring the world's waters by boat offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. Whether you're drawn to secluded fishing spots or vibrant cruising routes, every destination holds its unique appeal.

Recognising that preferences vary widely among boaters, we've curated a list of exceptional boating destinations below. These selections from DECKEE have been chosen for their outstanding beauty, diverse marine environments, and excellent boating facilities. Presented in no particular order, they promise memorable experiences for anyone considering an international escape.

The South Pacific

A haven for sailors and recreational boaters, the South Pacific is acclaimed for its exceptionally clear waters and rich marine life. For boating enthusiasts, the ideal months to visit are typically from April to November. This period avoids the cyclone season, offering more stable weather conditions, favorable winds, and calmer seas, crucial for an enjoyable sailing experience.

Destinations such as French Polynesia, Fiji, and New Caledonia are renowned for their breathtaking archipelagos and enriching cultural experiences. Boaters can find well-equipped marinas, tranquil anchorages, and some of the world’s best spots for snorkeling. As always, respecting the fragile marine ecosystems and adhering to local conservation guidelines is essential for preserving the natural beauty of these waters.

Our top picks:

The Mediterranean

For sailors, the Mediterranean offers ideal conditions from April to November. Summers in the Western Mediterranean are great for sailing, while spring and autumn are best in the Eastern Mediterranean. This period provides warm temperatures and clear skies, suitable for exploring the varied coastlines. The Mediterranean combines good sailing with opportunities to enjoy local cultures and cuisines at its ports.

Our top picks:

  • The Greek Islands 

  • The Balearics

  • Southern Italy

  • Croatia

  • Morocco

  • Turkey

 

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Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand are both incredible, yet very different destinations. In Australia, expect crystal clear waters and fantastic wildlife. In New Zealand, you’ll find remote bays and lush nature on land. Head over between November and April to boat during the local summer.

Our top picks:

  • The Whitsundays

  • Lake Macquarie

  • The Great Barrier Reef

  • Bay of Islands (NZ)

  • Hauraki Gulf, Auckland (NZ)

Canada

Canada is a top choice for boaters who prefer cooler weather and scenic landscapes. Summer is the best time for boating here, with various options across its vast coastline and lakes. Explore British Columbia's Inside Passage for fjords and rainforests, or sail the Great Lakes for open water experiences.

The Canadian Arctic Archipelago is ideal for experienced sailors seeking remote adventures. Canada's rivers, like the Rideau Canal, are great for leisurely cruises. Be prepared for weather changes and check local boating regulations. Along with natural beauty, Canada offers modern marinas and access to cultural experiences in its cities.

Our top picks:

  • British Columbia

  • Kluane Lake

Central America

In Central America, you’ll find warm, clear waters, tropical islets, rainforests, and volcanoes. On the Pacific side, the fishing is phenomenal. The best time to visit is between December and April.

Our top picks:

  • Belize

  • The Caribbean

  • Belize

  • Panama

America’s West Coast

The West coast of America offers a variety of boating experiences - from the rainy, colder weather of Washington State to the dry, hot desert coast of Mexico. You can either explore remote places immersed in nature or stay in big cities with a huge boating scene. As a rule of thumb, head north in the summer and south in the winter.

Our top picks:

  • Washington

  • California

  • Alaska

  • Mexico

Northern Europe

If you’re a skilled and confident captain and enjoy the challenge of heavy weather boating, head to Northern Europe. You will be able to explore fjords, stunning archipelagos, and wild, remote areas. The season here is short and lasts from June to August.

Our top picks:

  • Scotland

  • Norway 

  • Sweden

The Indian Ocean

Looking for something similar to the South Pacific that’s closer to Europe? The Indian Ocean will deliver white sandy beaches, plentiful sea life, and palm trees. Head over between April and November.

Our top picks:

  • The Seychelles

  • Mauritius

  • Zanzibar

  • The Maldives

 

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DECKEE helps you plan, prepare and explore the waterways with confidence.

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Choosing a boat destination

Before you start researching boat rentals and chartering businesses in your dream boating destination, make sure it’s the right choice for your holiday. Let’s look at the factors you should keep in mind to make a good decision.

The crew’s experience

Even if you plan to go on a skippered charter or you are a very confident captain, you need to consider the level of experience of the people coming with you. 

If most of them are boating novices and you don’t know if they’ll get seasick, don’t pick a high latitude destination. Opt for something safe, such as a trip to the Mediterranean in the middle of summer or a tour of the calm fjords of British Columbia.

Weather patterns

The weather can make or break a boating holiday. While you can’t predict how the wind and swell will behave far in advance, you can research local weather patterns, as well as temperatures. Many places are subject to seasonal storms - think of hurricane season in the Caribbean. Some areas, like the Mediterranean, sound hot and sunny but get stormy and cold in the winter. Research weather patterns well before making plans.

The activities you hope to do

What will you and your crew want to do once yoiu get there? Are people into standup paddleboarding or wind surfing? Do you want to go deep water fishing for a few days? Does everyone love snorkelling? Make sure there is an activity everyone can and wants to do wherever you’re headed. For example, fishing can be exceptionally good in certain areas and pretty bad in others. 

Boating facilities

What kind of boating holiday do you have in mind? Are you hoping to reach remote areas where you can enjoy being away from it all? Or do you hope to dock every night to go out for dinner? Find out what the boating facilities in the area are. Some bays provide mooring balls, while in tourist hotspots you’ll also find marinas. If you’re chartering without a skipper, are you confident fixing the boat or will you need a boating center nearby in case of emergency?

Remoteness

Some of the most fascinating boating destinations in the world are far off the beaten path. This influences not only your travel plans and how many planes you will need to board. It will also dictate the services available upon arrival, the internet connection, food and drink availability, and more. For example, stunning French Ploynesia doesn’t have a big, fast 4G network and fresh food is often tired from the long shipping trip down.

Local customs

This is a minor point, but it can have a big impact on some people. Check that the local customs suit your personality. For example, in the Maldives you can’t drink alcohol or wear a bikini in public. In the Caribbean, each island holds a big Carnival once a year, which last days and is very loud. You shouldn’t avoid going to places because of small inconveniences, but be sure to prepare for the experience beforehand.

Political situation and safety

Finally, don’t forget to check if the area you hope to head towards is affected by political unrest and if it’s safe. For example, Venezuela is a fantastic boating destination, but it’s not currently deemed safe for boaters. So is much of South East Asia.

Boating can be enjoyed pretty much anywhere in the world. If you can’t afford to go far from home, research your local boating hotspots. Is there good fishing by a lake or river? How much are windsurfing lessons near home? Where can you rent a small boat? You don’t need to travel a long way to have a fantastic time on the water and make new memories.

 

Get the free DECKEE boating app

DECKEE helps you plan, prepare and explore the waterways with confidence.

Download app

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