The waters surrounding Caribbean lands shade from azure through turquoise to emerald and move with a gentle swell to the pulse of the Atlantic Ocean. North-eastern trade winds push the waves westward and the murmur of the ocean reaches through the coral reefs to fill some of the best natural harbours in the world.

Our seas are the Spanish Main, sailed by galleons, men-of-war and brigantines, by seaman famous and infamous – Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Raleigh, Lord Nelson, John Paul Jones, Henry Morgan and bands of dastardly pirates. This is where history and romance meet to offer some of the best sailing you will ever find.

Competition sailors come for year-round racing regattas but most of our visitors are content to make an occasional sailing trip the most treasured memory of their holiday. It could be a romantic sunset cruise on a reconstructed galleon or a day’s full sailing on a yacht, dropping anchor in an isolated bay so that you can swim in crystal clear water and enjoy a picnic lunch. On most islands, there will be a beach where you can hire a small sailboat, with or without crew.

If you want to see the deeper corals but do not dive, there are trips in glass-bottomed boats that allow you to watch the underwater life of the reefs in comfort. Kayaks are a recent innovation and are a good way to reach remoter snorkelling areas.

Whether you are looking for a quiet sail around our beautiful coasts, a rum cruise or a sea adventure, the Caribbean is your first port of call.