Top 3 destinations for sunshine sailing holidays in the South Pacific
If you are looking for a getaway that combines sunshine and adventure, there are few better choices than sailing holidays in the South Pacific. You can look forward to the challenge of the open sea and relaxing on stunning beaches on beautiful islands.
The region is famed for its excellent sea conditions, meaning that even occasional sailors should be able to cope with bareboat yacht charters. In between the sailing, you will be able to moor up at harbours in tropical paradises and enjoy views of palm trees, coral reefs and forest-covered mountains, as well as visit historic sites and quaint old-fashioned towns.
There is a wide choice of destinations for luxury sailing holidays in the South Pacific and it can be difficult to make a decision about where to go, so read on to discover more about three of the best locations.
One of the most popular countries for trips at sea in this part of the world is New Zealand. Head to the coast of the North Island and you will find the Bay of Islands, which is one of the most beautiful areas of a nation renowned for its spectacular scenery.
The bay itself has 50 miles of coastline, which has long white sand beaches, deserted coves and a selection of historic harbour towns, such as Whangaroa and Russell, to visit. There are more than 80 islands in the bay, including tranquil locations like Cavalli and Waewaetorea.
There is plenty to see on the islands, while the waters that surround them also have lots of explore. If you want to try your hand at scuba diving, you will see shipwrecks, sea caves, exotic fish and perhaps even dolphins.
Weather conditions and the direction of the wind in the Bay of Plenty tend to be variable, even during the southern hemisphere summer. They can be tricky for novices to cope with, but experienced yachtsmen should have little problem dealing with the challenge.
Another destination well worth considering for luxurious breaks at sea is the Tahiti area of French Polynesia. It is difficult to find anywhere that more closely fits the traditional image of a tropical paradise than the islands here and you will soon appreciate why the crew of the HMS Bounty wanted to stay and enjoy the idyllic surroundings and slow pace of life.
Your getaway will include visits to Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Tahaa, where you will be treated to the sight of towering mountains, stunning white sand beaches and coral reefs. The waters are packed with exotic marine life and you will see hundreds of different species of fish, together with dolphins, porpoises and sea turtles if you choose to go snorkelling or scuba diving during your break.
Sailing conditions in Tahiti are straightforward, with trade winds throughout the year, weak currents and line-of-sight navigation. This makes it an ideal destination for yachtsmen who have only managed to sail occasionally since gaining their certificates.
Tonga is another beautiful archipelago that benefits from benign sea conditions. The islands are protected from ocean waves by a network of coral reefs and there are also favourable trade winds, so it is a perfect choice for a sailing break during the dry season from April to November.
As you tour the islands of Tonga, you will be treated to a deep blue sea, stunning beaches and some fine traditional hospitality in coastal towns and villages.
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Tags:
- new zealand ,
- sailing holidays ,
- south pacific ,
- tahiti ,
- tonga ,
- yacht charter
