Top 10 Lesser-Known Sailing Destinations For 2026
Lesser-Known Sailing Destinations For 2026: Read Our Guide To The Best Places To Go
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- 1 Learn More About Our Top 10 Lesser-Known Sailing Destinations For 2026
- 2 Safe Payment
- 3 Low Price Guarantee
- 4 Top 10 Lesser-Known Sailing Destinations For 2026
- 5 1. Belize
- 6 2. Thailand
- 7 3. Whitsundays
- 8 4. Seychelles
- 9 5. Maldives
- 10 6. Tahiti
- 11 7. New Caledonia
- 12 8. Malaysia
- 13 9. Zadar
- 14 10. French Riviera
- 15 Contact Us To Book Your One Of Our Lesser-known Sailing Destinations Today.
Learn More About Our Top 10 Lesser-Known Sailing Destinations For 2026
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Top 10 Lesser-Known Sailing Destinations For 2026
Originally published in 2023. Updated for 2026.
We predict 2026 will be a great year for sailing and yacht charters all around the world as destinations open their borders again. Sailing is a great way to take a holiday while social distancing.
We have created this guide to the top 10 lesser-known sailing destinations for 2026, to help you decide and give ideas of where to visit and explore.
In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about our lesser-known sailing destinations for 2026.
1. Belize
Belize is home to the Mesoamerican reef one of the biggest barrier reef systems in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
This reef provides ample places to snorkel and dive, with over 400 islands and cays to sail around and explore.
What makes Belize one of our favourite lesser-known sailing destinations for 2026, is its beautiful beaches, untouched and quiet.
Things you can't miss in Belize:
- Blue Hole in Lighthouse Reef
- Visit the monkeys at Monkey River Town
- Dine at a restaurant at Hatchet Caye
2. Thailand
Thailand has long been a popular tourist destination for holiday goers, but it an up and coming sailing destination.
There are ample islands and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world in Thailand. These islands have been made famous by movies and Instagram photos.
Phuket and the Andaman Sea are great sailing destinations, with beach bars and restaurants to visit, that's why Thailand makes it onto our top 10 lesser-known sailing destinations to visit in 2026.
3. Whitsundays
The Whitsundays make our top 10 lesser-known sailing destination for 2026 due to its beautiful islands and beaches.
A long-time favourite with Australian holidaymakers the Whitsundays is now attracting visitors from all around the world.
The Whitsundays has 74 cays and is located just off the Queensland coast. These islands are great to visit during the summer months (winter northern hemisphere).
Located on the great barrier reef the Whitsundays are ideal for snorkelling and swimming off your sailing boat or just relaxing on the beach.
4. Seychelles
Made up of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean Seychelles is known for being a romantic spot, with holidaymakers around the world, but people often overlook it as a sailing destination.
Seychelles made our top 10 lesser-known sailing destinations for 2026 due to its abundance of beautiful islands ideal for snorkelling, swimming, or relaxing on your boat or a beach.
Known for being remote and secluded Seychelles is scarcely populated, with white sand beaches, thick forests, wildlife, and mountains to hike and explore.
5. Maldives
When you think of the Maldives sailing doesn't automatically come to mind, more like luxury resorts, white sand beaches, and secluded resorts.
The Maldives is filled with 26 atolls and thousands of natural and man-made islands, even the airport is located on an island.
The Maldives makes our top 10 lesser-known sailing destinations for 2026, due to its abundance of marine life, marine animals, and the ability to move around and visit several islands instead of just staying on one or two islands.
6. Tahiti
Tahiti, Bora-Bora, and Mo'orea are three of the 118 islands located in the South Pacific.
With easterly trade winds of between 15 to 20 knots year-round. The calm waters, open passages, and line-of-sight navigation make Tahiti one of our top 10 lesser-known sailing destinations for 2026
Tahiti's marine life is of abundance with over 500 species of fish, dolphins, sharks, turtles, and more. The coral reefs are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving.
7. New Caledonia
New Caledonia is located in the South Pacific and has an average of between 15 to 18 knots (winter) and 18 to 22 knots (summer).
With waterfront bars, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, and a French Riviera feel. New Caledonia is one of our top 10 lesser-known sailing destinations for 2026 due to its rich Kanak culture.
New Caledonia has the world's largest island lagoon which offers great sailing in protective waters.
8. Malaysia
Malaysia makes our list of top 10 lesser-known sailing destinations for 2026, thanks to its two sailing options; the Malay Peninsula and the Eastern states of Sarawak and Saba in the South China Sea. The most famous place to sail is Langkawi off the northwest coast.
Langkawi is home to the world's best beaches, 104 islands, high cliffs, and wildlife.
Home to luxury marinas and bases, and the home of multiple sailing races and events throughout the year.
9. Zadar
Quieter than Split, Dubrovnik, and Hvar, Zadar is one of the lesser-known sailing destinations in Croatia.
Surrounded by islands Zadar is a quieter alternative sailing destination with Roman ruins, the Old Town, medieval churches, cafes, and cosmopolitan resturants, all surrounded by a wall.
Zadar offers quieter oceans, less crowded marinas, and quaint cafes.
10. French Riviera
The French Riviera has multiple five-star marinas and luxury waterfronts.
With the option of sailing to several towns and cities such as Cannes, St Tropez, and prestigious Monaco.
This vibrant coastline is filled with luxury restaurants, cafes, bars, and beautiful beaches. Not only is the French Riviera a great sailing destination it is also home to many prestigious events throughout the summer; Cannes Film Festival, Monaco F1, and more.
Contact Us To Book Your One Of Our Lesser-known Sailing Destinations Today.
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Christopher Lait
Chris founded Drake Academy, a sailing company that provides leadership training to businesses. Now the CEO of SailChecker.com you will find him handling many of your enquiries as he attempts to drive SailChecker.com forward as the company of choice for yacht charter and sailing by focusing on quality advice and great customer service.
