Mediterranean
Flotilla holidays offer the unique opportunity to discover under-the-radar destinations, socialise with new people, and experience the Mediterranean in all its glory, all while embracing the peace of being on the water.
As favourite destinations, like Greece, continue to grow in popularity (data suggests spring and summer interest may be even stronger than in previous years), flotilla holidays introduce you to the hidden Mediterranean, a haven away from busy crowds and tourist hotspots.
With blue health escapes and soft adventure itineraries being named among the most popular travel trends of 2026, Katrina Lawson, Head of Brand and Acquisitions at Sunsail, has revealed her 26 must-do moments on a Mediterranean flotilla.
Katrina says: “We are seeing 2026 bookings shift toward intentional, low-impact, high-connection journeys. Offering unspoiled landscapes, historical and literary richness, crystalline waters and opportunities to discover remote islands, each of the activities on this list will shine a new light on exceptional sailing destinations such as Greece, Italy and Croatia, showcasing some of their best kept secrets that need to be seen to be believed.”
Ready to experience the Med like never before? Let’s get started!
26 Must-Do Mediterranean Flotilla Moments
1. Visiting the wild pigs of Atokos
Atokos is a small, uninhabited island between the Greek islands of Lefkada and Ithaca. It’s privately owned but open to visitors, making it a must-visit destination on any 2026 flotilla. A stunning place to visit, and ideal for relaxation, Atokos is characterised by untouched nature and limestone cliffs.
When you moor up on Atokos, be sure to head to the east of the island is One House Bay, where you will find wild pigs roaming around. It’s a unique place to explore and fantastic if you want to feel closer to nature.
If you want to set sail around uninhabited islands and come face-to-face with majestic wild pigs, take a look at our Lefkas flotilla itineraries.

2. Experiencing the magic of Bisevo’s Blue Grotto
If you’re setting sail around the Adriatic Sea, Vis is the perfect place to escape and enjoy some “island time” peace and quiet however you please. The island of Vis is less touristy and remains unspoiled due to its location, making it a prime spot for uncrowded relaxation, snorkelling, and cocktail-sipping.
Just 5km south-west of Vis, you’ll find the iconic Blue Grotto on the charming island of Biševo. The cave gets its name from the bright blue glowing effect, created when the sun’s rays enter through the water and reflect off the limestone floor of the cave. The sun lights up the water, and the glowing sea illuminates the cave walls in a brilliant blue, creating an ethereal glowing grotto. The effect is simply magical, like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
Want to experience the magic of the Blue Grotto for yourself? When you book an Agana yacht charter and follow our carefully-crafted Vis flotilla itinerary, you can use your free sailing day to witness the stunning blue glow of the grotto.

3. Soaking in the natural thermal springs on Vulcano
The island of Vulcano has everything, from a spectacular black sand beach to the iconic Fossa di Vulcano. This fascinating, smoldering crater is crystal-encrusted and features epic views once you’ve reached the peak.
However, one of the most underrated activities that you must add to your flotilla itinerary is a visit to the Faraglione della Fabbrica, a unique phenomenon formed from the effects of the island’s intense volcanic activity. Soak in natural thermal springs and grottos filled with mud that are said to have therapeutic qualities.
Explore our Sicily flotilla itineraries to start planning your volcanic adventure with Sunsail.

4. Discovering the hidden restaurant at Tatinja Bay
Looking for unique places to spend your evenings as you sail around Croatia? Hidden amongst steep cliffs of southern Šolta, the entrance to Tatinja bay is marked by a lone rock in the middle of the bay. To the right-hand side inlet are a couple of mooring buoys, belonging to a well-hidden restaurant, serving only self-grown and self-caught food from an open fire, in a relaxed and family atmosphere.
According to one Tripadvisor review: “Absolutely beautiful restaurant and place, with wonderful food and friendly, super helpful staff. An idyllic setting next to the water, an absolute must for anyone on a sailing holiday in Croatia.”

5. Snorkelling in the majestic caves on Razzoli Island
Characterised by authentic, sculptural granite cliffs, unspoiled vegetation, and marine fauna, Razzoli Island is a must-stop destination on any Italian flotilla holiday. After admiring the wonders on shore, discover Cala Cappello, Cala Noce, and Cala Lunga. These hidden coves are only accessible by sea and are perfect for snorkellers.
Described as a “natural swimming pool protected by a cove about 500 meters deep” by one Tripadvisor review, Cala Lunga is a particular highlight. According to the review, the cove has “crystal clear water with spectacular colours, and is protected from the wind with a clean beach.”
With exceptional natural beauty, stunning sailing conditions and beautiful temperatures, Sardinia is an idyllic destination for a flotilla holiday. Build a quote and start planning your Sardinia flotilla itinerary today.

6. Watching puppet shows & theatrical performances in Palairos
No Mediterranean flotilla is complete without immersing yourself in traditional local cultures. For a taste of authentic Greek culture, head towards the mainland town of Palairos. Palairos is a great spot to catch the local flavour of the Ionian Isles, offering summertime puppet shows, theatrical performances and traditional Greek dancing in the town square.
As the day draws to a close, dine on freshly caught octopus, bream and bass with your flotilla companions at one of the many waterfront tavernas.

7. Unwinding at serene Okuklje Bay
Sail across the magnificent waters of the Adriatic to the island of Mljet. You’ll pass through a small gulf between the tree-topped islets of Otok Olipa and Otok Jakljan before entering the sheltered bay of Okuklje.
The serene waters of Okuklje Bay are perfect for swimming and snorkelling in the spring and summer. Learn more about when to sail around Croatia. This peaceful location offers a great spot to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of Mljet Island. For an even more off-the-beaten-track experience, stop off for lunch on nearby Jakljan Island, an uninhabited island with a deep bay that’s perfect for a midday dip.

8. Tucking into incredible Italian cuisine in Amalfi
Few places in the world have as storied and rich a food history as the Amalfi Coast, making this a must-add stop to your flotilla itinerary if you’re a foodie. There are dozens of ingredients and dishes worth tasting along the Amalfi Coast, including Delizia al Limone, a world-famous dessert invented by pastry-chef Carmine Marzuillo in 1978, and a simple Neapolitan pizza made with local tomatoes and mozzarella.
After your delicious meal, enjoy a charming walk around the town of Amalfi, where white, pink and yellow cottages are surrounded by whitewashed courtyards and winding alleys that create a picturesque backdrop.
The Amalfi Coast is a paradise for sailors, offering gorgeous food, incredible food and stunning waters. Build a quote and start choosing your must-add activities for your Procida flotilla itinerary.

9. Exploring the dramatic interiors of Papanikolis Cave
Meganisi is a small island near Lefkas with hidden coves and sea caves, great for sailing, seafood and snorkelling. It is one of the few ionian islands that remain untouched by mass tourism which is why it’s a must-visit on any 2026 flotilla holiday. It has a laid-back, authentic Greek vibe with fishing villages, traditional family run tavernas and underground caves to explore.
The most famous cave is Papanikolis cave, once used as a hideout by submarines during WWII. It’s only accessible by boat so not everyone can reach it which makes it all the more special if you can, and has dramatic interiors lit by sunlight bouncing off the water.

10. Swimming & sunbathing on Zlatni Rat Beach
With its stunning natural beauty, unique shape and vibrant blue waters, Zlatni Rat Beach on Brač island in Croatia is postcard-perfect. Also known as Golden Horn Beach, the beach is full of beautiful white pebbles, and is perfectly located in the charming harbour town of Bol. Zlatni Rat is also one of the most popular beaches in Croatia for kitesurfing for anyone who wants to unleash their inner adventurer during flotilla.
According to one Tripadvisor review: “The beach stretches out into the Adriatic in a unique, ever-changing shape, extending like a natural pier into the turquoise waters. The pebbles are smooth underfoot, and the crystal-clear sea invites you in for a refreshing swim. The clarity of the water makes it perfect for both casual swimming and snorkeling, offering a serene experience surrounded by stunning mountain and sea views.
“Whether you’re relaxing on the shore or diving into the shimmering waves, Zlatni Rat is an unforgettable destination that perfectly blends beauty and tranquility.”

11. Bringing literature to life in Ithaca
Step into the pages of Homer’s Odyssey as you sail to Ithaca, world renowned as the home of Odysseus. Ithaca symbolises the return to the haven, the discovery and the fulfillment. It is peaceful, quiet and undiscovered, making it an idyllic stop on your flotilla holiday.
Everywhere you turn in Ithaca, you’ll be met with history, culture, exceptional natural beauty and pure magic. Aside from embracing the literary wonder of Itahaca, a must-do activity is to let your tastebuds dance as you taste Ithaca’s local delicacy, Onion Pie, in Kioni.

12. Hiking the Monte Budello Path
After spending the morning relaxing on pink-hued Spiaggia Rosa, one of the best beaches in Italy, spend the afternoon hiking. A viewpoint not to be missed in Budelli is the Monte Budello path, the highest point on the island (88 meters).
To reach the mountain, take the path that starts from the caretaker’s house and climb up until you reach the top. Once you get to the top you will have a breathtaking view of La Maddalena and the Straight di Bonifaccio.

13. Wandering the City Walls of Dubrovnik
You can’t visit Dubrovnik on a flotilla without mooring up and wandering through its intricately spectacular system of forts, bastions, and iconic stone towers. With fortification dating back to as early as the Middle Ages, the Dubrovnik City Walls stand as a testament to Dubrovnik’s nickname, “the unconquerable city”, as the walls have never been breached.
Today, the walls play a very different role, acting as a cultural backdrop to outdoor performances like the annual re-enactment of Shakespeare’s Hamlet while also making it the perfect spot for locals and tourists to grab an ice cream and soak up the magnificent 360° views. The Dubrovnik walls offer a unique birds-eye view into the everyday lives of Croatians!
We offer two unique flotilla routes around Dubrovnik and nearby islands, including Mljet and Šipan. If you want to experience authentic Croatian culture and enjoy a trip to remember, build a quote and add a visit to the City Walls to your Dubrovnik flotilla itinerary.

14. Enjoying panoramic views of Kastos at the Windmill Bar
Home to less 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. For a dining experience like no other, visit the Windmill Bar, just above the port of Kastos. Offering panoramic views of the sea and surrounding islands, there’s no better place in Greece to relax, unwind and switch off from the world.
According to one Tripadvisor review: “From the moment we walked in, everything about this restaurant was impressive. […] The food? Simply outstanding. […] The [Moussaka] was a highlight, an absolute must-try! […] Overall, this was a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want an unforgettable meal, this restaurant is a must-visit.”

15. Relaxing on the iconic Pink Beach in Sardinia
Spiaggia Rosa is a phenomenal pink-toned beach, located on the remote Isola Budelli (close to the Maddalena archipelago in Northern Sardinia). It is truly a haven for beach lovers, with opalescent water lulling onto the shore, and terracotta rocks and low-lying shrubbery surrounding it.
If you’re looking for a secluded beach getaway during your flotilla, this is the perfect place to moor your yacht. Due to Spiaggia Rosa being difficult to access from the land, the beach is quiet, tranquil and utterly serene. The perfect hideaway for relaxing, swimming or reading a book.

16. Tasting local produce on Šipan Island
The Mediterranean is renowned for its mouthwatering cuisine, from Italian pizzas to Greek souvlaki. Croatian cuisine is also exceptional, with a diverse blend of Mediterranean, Central European, and Ottoman influences. From delicious seafood dishes to hearty stew-based meals, your Croatian flotilla will be full of flavour.
If you want to experience the wonder of Croatia’s local produce, Šipan is an Eden-like island where olives, figs, grapes, almonds and citrus fruits spring up from the productive soil. You can’t end your Croatian flotilla without trying some of the island’s excellent local produce before you leave.

17. Slowing your pace down or dialling up the adventure in Agia Effemia
A gorgeous fishing village on the east coast of Kefalonia, Agia Effemia offers the best of both worlds. If you want a slower pace of life on your flotilla, you can spend your day watching beautiful boats entering and leaving the marina while you enjoy local delicacies from waterside cafes and bars.
Want a more adventurous flotilla? There’s still plenty to be explored here as there are two sets of caves, the Drogarti inland and the Melisani caves, which you can be taken in by a boatman. Many describe this as entering Hades itself. The water is dark and inky with turquoise patches where the sun hits, and the caves are linked to the Melisani Lake further inland by underwater passages.

18. Scuba diving for hours in Ventotene Marine Reserve
Ventotene is one of the greatest scuba diving spots in Italy, and home to a great diving academy. Explore the wrecks, treasures and marine life of the Ventotene Marine Reserve. From Punta Pascone’s volcanic black sand seabed, to the mesmerising underwater tunnel of Secca dell’Archetto, Mediterranean scuba diving doesn’t get better than this.
Lying directly above Port Romano, the epicentre of Ventotene town is a textbook example of authentic Italian seaside village charm. Scuba dive in the gorgeous, turquoise waters before immersing yourself in local Italian culture. What a perfect way to discover Italy’s treasures.

19. Exploring the beaches of Lopud
Approximately 1 hour away from Dubrovnik by boat, the car-free island of Lopud is blessed by exotic gardens and dotted with ruined fortresses. Noted for its handful of blissfully white sandy beaches, Lopud is said to be one of the most eye-catching settlements of all the Elaphiti Islands.
No trip to Lopud is complete without heading to one of the best beaches near Dubrovnik, Šunj Beach. Located on the south side of the island, Šunj’s warm, crystalline, shallow waters make it a perfect way for families and couples to spend an afternoon winding down surrounded by lush forests that give it a more secluded feel.

20. Switching off from the world in Vlycho Bay
A favourite among sailors, Vlycho offers a peaceful retreat from the busier tourist spots, with traditional Greek charm and scenic views of the surrounding islands. It’s an excellent location to unwind after a week of summer sailing, providing easy access to Lefkas Town and nearby attractions. Find out more about when to sail around Greece.
Make this one of the last stops on your flotilla so you can relax, switch off and reminisce on the memories you’ve created on your Mediterranean flotilla. Want one final activity before heading home? The area around Vlycho offers scenic hiking trails where you can explore the island’s natural beauty, including olive groves, pine forests, and views of neighboring islands.

21. Hiking around stunning Filicudi in Sicily
Visiting the wildest and most beautiful Aeolian Island, Filicudi, is a must on any flotilla holiday around Sicily. Characterised by its stunning blue grottos and a network of hiking trails, this is the perfect stop for active holidaymakers looking for an adventure.
Hiking trails allow visitors to explore the island’s scenic interior and lead to the abandoned village of Zucco Grande and to Fossa Felci, a mountain in the center of the island. After a morning of hiking, keep the energy up by visiting the La Canna rock formation, a natural basalt finger rising from the sea, which is home to the rare Eleonora’s falcon. An excellent place to snorkel, you can drop anchor in the bay of Punta La Zotta before heading to the rock.

22. Splashing around at Antisamos Beach
If you’re setting sail as a family on your flotilla adventure, one of Kefalonia’s highlights is Antisamos Beach, where you can soak up the sun, snorkel, swim and switch off. This white pebble beach has been awarded a Blue Flag for its high environmental, safety, and water quality standards and is perfect for kids who don’t love the feel of sand between their toes.
This beach has excellent facilities, including sunbeds and watersports rentals, making it a convenient spot for families. According to one Tripadvisor review: “Heaven on earth – there are no other words that can describe this fabulous beach. […] There are beach amenities available e.g. food, loungers, changing rooms etc. […] Fish swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters and the bay is just magnificent”.
This is a perfect option for your free sailing day, where you can rest, relax and have fun with the family.

23. Stargazing on Lastovo Island
Lastovo Island is one of Croatia’s best kept secrets, and is known as the ‘island of crystal stars’, so stargazing is a must-do activity. The whole archipelago is under protection as a nature park, and the water is seethrough-clean. Spend the whole night under the stars, before starting your morning with a refreshing swim in the crystalline waters.
Just 15-20 nautical miles away from Lumbarda, you can set sail to this magical island on your free sailing day, and uncover its treasures.

24. Discovering the natural beauty of Palmarola
Serving primarily as a nature reserve, Palmarola’s coast is dotted with incredible cliffs and grottos, some of which are considered among the best places to snorkel and dive in Italy. The clarity and vibrant emerald-green colour of the water is otherworldly.
Sites you absolutely must visit include The Rifles, rugged sea stacks and a magical collapsed arch, and Cava Mazzarella, a breathtaking natural cave. This is undoubtedly one of the best places to sail in Italy if you’re looking for an adventurous Mediterranean flotilla in 2026.

25. Dancing at the International Folklore Festival in Lefkas
Taking place every August, the International Folklore Festival is one of the best ways to experience the local energy if you’re setting sail in late summer. A full week of music, dance, and cultural performances from all over the world, what more could you ask for? Speak to locals, socialise with other holidaymakers, join in with traditional dancing and enjoy some Greece’s finest cuisine.
Lefkas is a great location to embark on a fun-filled flotilla from, as there are many small islands within a short distance that you can visit without having to travel for long hours, which makes it ideal for families. A particularly wonderful spot hidden from the sea is Sivota. This small village and harbour are surrounded by olive tree-covered slopes and a few scattered villas, and is a literal hidden gem! Learn more about the best places to sail around Greece.

26. Embracing nature in Bonifacio
Known for its ecological preservation efforts of wild birds and other incredible flora and fauna, Bonifacio offers visitors timeless charm with delightful cafes, ancient houses, and sheer rock faces.
For more natural beauty, head to Plage du Petit Sperone. Treasured for its shallow turquoise waters and lagoon, this small beach gives you easy access to a flat walk to Piantarella, where you can explore the ancient remains of a Roman villa. This splendid coastal destination is also Corsica’s kitesurfing hot-spot.

Expert Guide to Flotilla Holidays
Dreaming of experiencing some of the Mediterranean’s most under-the-radar moments, and want to learn more about what to expect on a flotilla? Travel expert and Sunsail’s Lefkas Base Manager, Claire Shields, lifts the lid on flotilla sailing, from how many other yachts you’ll be joined by, to the qualifications you need:
Escape to the Mediterranean in 2026 with Sunsail
Whether you are already planning a fun-filled flotilla holiday to one of our six Med flotilla bases around Greece, Croatia, Italy, or are still looking for inspiration on where to book, we hope this list of the 26 must-do flotilla moments helps you find somewhere you can all relax, explore, and create memories for life.
We can’t wait to welcome you aboard one of our world-class catamarans or monohulls soon.
Explore our Mediterranean Yacht Bases
Discover our Mediterranean Flotilla Sailing Itineraries
Sail Aboard Our World-Class Fleets
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We had an absolutely amazing week with the Sunsail team made up of Finn, India, Loïs, Cerys, Harry, and Ben.
This was my very first experience as a skipper, and it felt so comfortable thanks to such a fantastic crew on board Khaleesi, together with my stepfather Hervé and my girlfriend Julie-Ann.
A huge thank you to Finn for his always clear guidance during docking and mooring manoeuvres 🙏
Special thanks as well to India and Cerys for all the daily organization and support, and to Loïs, Harry, and Ben for the technical assistance and all the help throughout the week.
I truly enjoyed every moment of this experience, and I’m already looking into booking another trip with Sunsail probably a flotilla in Greece next time.
Thank you all so much for everything!
Victor
What an experience to sail in the beautiful British Virgin Islands on a 45 foot Sunsail Catamaran! I cannot begin to captivate the beautiful aqua waters, the white sand beaches and the lovely fish/coral we saw snorkelling the BVI’s. Exploring the rocks of “the Baths”, snorkelling over the Rhone ship wreck, dinner at Saba Rock, beautiful schools of yellow fish at Prickley Pear, exploring Anegada Island on mokes, secluded white sand beach in White Bay on Guana Island, the isolation of Sand Spit and drinks at Pirate’s Bight Restaurant were some of the highlights of the trip.
Wonderful experience not only with Sunsail but sailing around to the different islands. Very low key. Wonderful snorkeling. Island food is not so good but we did cook some of our own. Goods including food, adult beverages, and eating out very expensive. Expect to pay double from what you are used to. Triscuit Crackers $9 a box 😳 beer 🍺 $56 a case (24 pak). Enjoyable week though & I highly recommend Sunsail and doing a sailing trip around the islands.
My friend and I (ladies in our 50s) just completed the 5 day Competent Crew training with Sunsail in Croatia. There were 5 students on board – 2 doing their Day Skipper and 3 of us doing Competent Crew.
The setup at Sunsail is wonderful. We were arriving late on the Saturday and concerned about getting on board for our 8.30 start on Sunday but it was all very easy. Arrived at the marina to find a note for us on the reception door with instructions on how to find our boat. On arriving at the boat we found the bedroom ready with an en-suite toilet and a surprisingly comfortable bed. One learning if you are getting an uber let the driver see the actual location as per your joining instructions as we had an interesting diversion and were finally dropped off at the opposite side of the marina.
The next morning we woke to the sound of the lapping waves and to meet our crew mates and our instructor Tadek. He spent the morning going through the extensive safety briefing with us and then we were ready to set sail.
Our first day at sea involved a demonstration of the man over board drill, explanations of points of sail and a bit of helming. We then returned to Agana and had our dinner together at a lovely pizzeria in the marina.
Monday morning we set off again – learned some knots, did a lot of sailing, learned stern to and side to mooring and moored up for the evening at Milna a really beautiful little town. Had a couple of beers on the boat and then went into Milan for dinner.
Tuesday was the day of the night sail – we practised the man over board drill a number of times in the day and then anchored up for dinner cooked on board (by the crew) before putting on all the warm gear for our night sail. We set off about 8pm and navigated by waypoints using the hand held compass and even by the North Star! We moored up at anchor in a beautiful calm bay and went to sleep about 1am. Bring warm clothes, a snood for your neck and a woolly hat!
Wednesday we were allowed a bit of a lie/in and set off sailing at about 10am following the obligatory coffee on board. We sailed in the morning and then anchored up at Blue Lagoon for lunch. Had a little swim in the bay – pretty chilly in April and then set off sailing again. Our stop on Wednesday night was in a beautiful bay called Sesula where you can moor for free if you eat at the restaurant – easy decision!!
Thursday was the last day and for us the blowiest one. Lots of fast fun sailing and we learned how to reef the sails (make them smaller) to ensure safe sailing on high winds. We arrived back at the Marina around 6pm on Thursday having learned so much about sailing to discover we had all passed and celebrated with a beer provided by Sunsail.
This review would not be complete without explaining how amazing our captain Tadek was on board. Some people are born to teach and Tadek is one of them. His patience, good humour, knowledge and experience made learning so pleasurable for 5 of us. At our age we have met lots of teacher and I can honestly say Tadek is the best. His focus was safety and ensuring we understood the why of what he was teaching us not just the what and if we didn’t get it the first (second or third) time he explained it he would find a new way to demonstrate. He also provided instruction on a few things outside the syllabus – winching somebody out of the sea – because we asked. I doubt you can specifically request Tadek as your instructor but if you are lucky enough to get him you will have hit the jackpot!
An absolutely unforgettable experience with Sunsail Athens!
We chartered a Dufour 44.4 for a week with our five children, and everything was perfect from start to finish. The Sunsail team was simply wonderful—kind, attentive, and always available when needed. A special thank you to Mike for his invaluable advice: thanks to him, we discovered beautiful islands perfectly suited to our family itinerary.
The sailing area of the Saronic Islands is truly incredible, offering a wide variety of stunning landscapes and charming stops along the way.
The boat itself was impeccable: extremely well equipped, very comfortable, and impressively stable under sail, even in rough seas. We felt safe and confident throughout the entire trip, which is essential when sailing with children.
An experience we wholeheartedly recommend, and one we hope to enjoy again very soon!
The Martin family
We went on a sailing trip with Sunsail last week. We left out of Roadtown, Tortola. Our captain Gilson Melo met us at the boat and the adventure began. Gilson could tell that we were eager to get going and helped us expedite our trip ASAP.
We took off mid-day, paying the extra fee to leave around noon, which I highly recommend. Gilson was always receptive to our requests in terms of where to go, however ambitious.
Gilson felt more like an onboard friend that could drive the boat versus just a captain. He constantly engaged/hung out with us and was a gem with our children. He snorkeled with us, played beach games and even played guitar one night with my son, who also plays. He also accompanied us on excursions, which was awesome. You need to invite him, as it’s not expected.
His captaining skills were amazing! He loved to put up the sails and we loved that. He was also always planning ahead with securing mooring balls for the night and even helping us with restaurant reservations. Again, not expected, but most amazingly welcome.
He also was amazing at reading “the boat.” He could tell when the kids were getting squirrelly and would suggest a snorkeling side quest en route to another destination. This was a life saver for everyone.
If you’re considering a Sunsail charter, we cannot recommend Gilson enough. He turned a great trip into one we will never forget. I hope that we can sail with him again in the future!
I have been sailing with the Moorings/Sunsail for over 30 years at mostly Caribbean locations. The current management seems to be more serious about improving their guests experience.
Hopefully they will continue to operate in a customer focused direction. I will return.
We chartered a 45 sail cat with Captain Paul Gaetan, who proved to be the best decision ever for our charter. He was a great, natural sailor, helped plan great and off the beaten track bays and destinations, and took care of everything for us. Was a fantastic charter thanks to captain Paul!
What an amazing experience. Well organised with friendly staff who were easy to reach and quick to help when needed. The boat was modern, spacious, spotless, and well equipped, which all added up to a fantastic sail and a really memorable holiday.
The staff at Sunsail were efficient and friendly. The briefing would have been fine, but the speaker’s delivery was poor, and I missed a lot of it.
My biggest problem was with the boat. The engine battery seemed to drain too quickly. We never ran out, but it was necessary to keep an eye on it and run the engine more frequently. Also, the mainsheet line was frayed, and the anchor light didn’t work: we had to use the steaming light when at anchor.
This is our third time bare-boat chartering with The Moorings/Sunsail. Once again, the experience was top notch. The facilities on Tortola in the BVI are complete and fantastic. Restaurants, pool, bars, showers, transportation from the airport, ferry and for provisioning all of high quality. Easy to navigate check-out and check-in procedures. Vessel was clean and well cared for, all in peak working condition. We will charter with them again, somewhere in the world.
If you like sailing and exploring, learn to anchor safely and seek out alternative coves and bays to spend the nights. There are amazing places in the BVI off the beaten path. For every Soggy Dollar, there’s another cove with a lone restaurant serving great food with great snorkeling. Just what the Soggy Dollar used to be way back when. Otherwise, the “main” BVI cruising grounds are a bit crowded these days and many of our past stops have too many boats and people. The popular stops you read about are local party zones with loud music and packed restaurants and flags, tshirts and grub hanging from the rafters. You do not need to rely on BoatyBall. We used it for only one night, (had to) and had a fantastic experience.
The food is wonderful, even at the crowded restaurants. Foxy’s really provided a high quality meal. You can easily grab a great meal there, enjoy the atmosphere and not be inundated with the ruckus. Or stay for the ruckus if that’s your thing.
Our group would recommend not renting a Dufour made vessel. While it sailed fast and was kept in top condition by Sunsail, it lacked some comforts and necessities we expected. Admittedly, we are “cruisers” and might be considered persnickety in this area. Upon returning to base, we heard Sunsail updated the specifications for the newest Dufours which are yet to arrive. Sunsail really listens to the feedback and makes adjustments.
We just finished sailing the BVI with Sunsail and I’m convinced Captain Liebert might secretly be a wizard. From day one, his sailing skills were rock solid—the kind of calm, confident expertise that lets you actually relax and enjoy paradise instead of wondering who’s driving the boat.
Then there was the food. I did not expect to be eating fresh crepes and something he casually referred to as “seawater pesto pasta” while anchored in turquoise water, but here we are.
Captain Liebert struck the perfect balance of friendly, fun, and totally professional. He had insider tips for everything—where to anchor, when to move, what not to miss—and every recommendation was spot on. Special shout-out to his insistence that we must get the lobster mac & cheese at Marina Cay. He was right. Life-changing. No notes.
If you’re sailing the BVI with Sunsail and have the chance to sail with Captain Liebert, take it. You’ll eat well, sail smoothly, laugh a lot, and leave wondering if you can bring him home with you.
Excellent ten days sailing in a 41’ mono hull. The boat was clean and functional. Brittany was an excellent manager and all staff were very helpful and professional.
Our skipper, Imran, was absolutely first class. Extremely skillful and knowledgeable. He showed us places we could not have reached due to unmarked reefs. He was so much fun to be around and I highly recommend him if you need a skipper for your trip. First class in every way. A boat is an intimate space but we cooked, cleaned, ate together, fished, swam and laughed for all the holiday. Great guy, great company.
We were on Full Circle for 5 days. It was clean, nothing broken, I was impressed. BVI was beautiful. Some days we had too high of wind and no wind but plenty of fun!
We have just returned from an amazing sailing holiday in the British Virgin Islands, with our regular charter operator, Sunsail. This was our first charter in the Caribbean, so we were looking forward to the culture, location, rum punches and, of course, the trade winds, all of which exceeded expectation!
We chartered a Sunsail 454L catamaran that was 3 years old, spacious and well-equipped. There were a few technical issues getting used to the water maker and power inverter, which are not common in the Med due to their reliance on stern-to moorings, but that was soon mastered, leaving us to relax and enjoy a perfect sailing holiday.
Other than the fabulous locations and glorious weather, it was, without any doubt, the trade winds that made all the difference, as European charters can be spoilt by insufficient wind. So we were able to get out on the water early, with a steady 18 – 20 knots in the morning, sometimes rising to low twenties, day-in, day-out, save for one rainy and blustery day.
Highlights were the Indians archipelago, the Baths on Virgin Gorda, Sandy Cay, White Bay, snorkelling everywhere, turtles, pelicans, a wealthy of other coastal wildlife and the endless turquoise water…
We have chartered in Greece, Croatia, Spain and Italy, but even the stunning Amalfi coast could not compare to the sailing experience in the BVIs! Well done Sunsail!!
Top tips – Boatyball app is essential if you want to enjoy the day sailing and still have a mooring in the evening. Our local flights were booked through LIAT20, which were fine, but we had really difficulty with booking, website and chat box, only calls seemed to work, also there could be issues with last minute flight time changes and re-routing with extra island stop-offs, nothing too serious and the operator seemed incredibly relaxed about it, but ensure your have extra transit time between flights or build-in a stopover to break the journey.
What an adventure! The Sunsail Crew Jesse, Ciaran and Becky were absolutely awesome! Super organised, very professional and always with smiles on their faces! The flotilla ran like clockwork and the berthing procedures were really calm and controlled. Daily information was delivered effectively at briefings and also repeated on the WhatsApp to ensure everyone was informed of the program for the day and the night!
We normally charter by ourselves but decided to go with the Flotilla option because we were unfamiliar with the Med Mooring systems and were really pleased that we did ! Jesse, Ciaran and Becky were always there to ensure that the moorings were expertly handled with a minimum of fuss.
Brilliant operators – would definitely book with Sunsail again!
We have just completed our day skipper course with Michael, the chief instructor at Marina. Everything was exceptional from start to finish from all the team there.
Michael is a fantastic instructor, we are very inexperienced sailors and he had the patience of a saint, clearly and concisely explaining each step we needed to follow. He made the most of each day and went above and beyond to ensure we got through the course, taking consideration of the weather conditions and making the most of the wind when it did make an appearance! You can tell he genuinely cares and wants to see you do well.
He is also a superb dolphin spotter and we spent a lovely afternoon following a family of dolphins along the coastline 🙂
I would highly recommend Sunsail, and especially Michael as an instructor. We hope to be back next year!
We recently had a wonderful sailing week with Sunsail Marina Agana, joining the Hvar flotilla. Our instructor Tadek was outstanding — very friendly, highly experienced, and an excellent teacher, even for our child. He made everyone on board feel safe and confident, even those without any formal sailing training. His calm and professional approach really made a difference throughout the week.
The flotilla crew — Finn, Becky, and Jesse — were absolutely lovely, always helpful, cheerful, and creating a great atmosphere every day. The boat was in excellent condition, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish.
As returning customers — this was our 7th time sailing with Sunsail — we were once again delighted. We can only highly recommend Sunsail for anyone looking for a perfect sailing holiday!
Fabulous support from the Sunsail crew of Jesse Becky and Ciaran which made for a perfect sailing holiday. They really help take the worries away and make everything run so smoothly.
My sincere thanks go to the entire Marina Agana Sunsail team for a globally superb Day Skipper sailing course under the expert guidance of instructor Tadek Szymanski🌟
All staff members I met at the base were friendly, reactive, keen to help & efficient (special thanks to Danijela).
And, when our engine gearbox gave up the ghost, the “rapid response” team came as quickly as possible to work tirelessly to repair the breakdown & get us back on track so that we had the best possible chance of making up lost time & complete all sections of the DS syllabus.
But it was purely thanks to Tadek’s multiple talents, infinite patience, excellent communication skills, wonderfully clear explanations, apparently genuine interest in seeing us progress & ultimately succeed, his highly professional but simultaneously good-natured, even-tempered, light-hearted & fun character, we all obtained our goals (2 day skippers & 1 comp crew)!
He quickly identified our individual needs, turned our errors into positive learning experiences, believed in our ability when we doubted ourselves & urged us on to success.
With the loss of a day’s sailing due to the weather & another period of enforced inactivity due to our gearbox problem, we seriously needed to make up for lost time. Tadek took these & each setback in his stride & went the extra mile to ensure we completed the syllabus.
He was great company and it was a real pleasure to be out on the water with him.
Sunsail is very lucky to have recruited an instructor of Tadek’s calibre. I know my crew mates agree with me that we were really fortunate to have him teach us. He will be an asset to anyone or any organisation that takes him on.
Thank you Tadek & best wishes for the future!
We had an absolutely amazing week with the Sunsail team made up of Finn, India, Loïs, Cerys, Harry, and Ben.
This was my very first experience as a skipper, and it felt so comfortable thanks to such a fantastic crew on board Khaleesi, together with my stepfather Hervé and my girlfriend Julie-Ann.
A huge thank you to Finn for his always clear guidance during docking and mooring manoeuvres 🙏
Special thanks as well to India and Cerys for all the daily organization and support, and to Loïs, Harry, and Ben for the technical assistance and all the help throughout the week.
I truly enjoyed every moment of this experience, and I’m already looking into booking another trip with Sunsail probably a flotilla in Greece next time.
Thank you all so much for everything!
Victor
What an experience to sail in the beautiful British Virgin Islands on a 45 foot Sunsail Catamaran! I cannot begin to captivate the beautiful aqua waters, the white sand beaches and the lovely fish/coral we saw snorkelling the BVI’s. Exploring the rocks of “the Baths”, snorkelling over the Rhone ship wreck, dinner at Saba Rock, beautiful schools of yellow fish at Prickley Pear, exploring Anegada Island on mokes, secluded white sand beach in White Bay on Guana Island, the isolation of Sand Spit and drinks at Pirate’s Bight Restaurant were some of the highlights of the trip.
Wonderful experience not only with Sunsail but sailing around to the different islands. Very low key. Wonderful snorkeling. Island food is not so good but we did cook some of our own. Goods including food, adult beverages, and eating out very expensive. Expect to pay double from what you are used to. Triscuit Crackers $9 a box 😳 beer 🍺 $56 a case (24 pak). Enjoyable week though & I highly recommend Sunsail and doing a sailing trip around the islands.
My friend and I (ladies in our 50s) just completed the 5 day Competent Crew training with Sunsail in Croatia. There were 5 students on board – 2 doing their Day Skipper and 3 of us doing Competent Crew.
The setup at Sunsail is wonderful. We were arriving late on the Saturday and concerned about getting on board for our 8.30 start on Sunday but it was all very easy. Arrived at the marina to find a note for us on the reception door with instructions on how to find our boat. On arriving at the boat we found the bedroom ready with an en-suite toilet and a surprisingly comfortable bed. One learning if you are getting an uber let the driver see the actual location as per your joining instructions as we had an interesting diversion and were finally dropped off at the opposite side of the marina.
The next morning we woke to the sound of the lapping waves and to meet our crew mates and our instructor Tadek. He spent the morning going through the extensive safety briefing with us and then we were ready to set sail.
Our first day at sea involved a demonstration of the man over board drill, explanations of points of sail and a bit of helming. We then returned to Agana and had our dinner together at a lovely pizzeria in the marina.
Monday morning we set off again – learned some knots, did a lot of sailing, learned stern to and side to mooring and moored up for the evening at Milna a really beautiful little town. Had a couple of beers on the boat and then went into Milan for dinner.
Tuesday was the day of the night sail – we practised the man over board drill a number of times in the day and then anchored up for dinner cooked on board (by the crew) before putting on all the warm gear for our night sail. We set off about 8pm and navigated by waypoints using the hand held compass and even by the North Star! We moored up at anchor in a beautiful calm bay and went to sleep about 1am. Bring warm clothes, a snood for your neck and a woolly hat!
Wednesday we were allowed a bit of a lie/in and set off sailing at about 10am following the obligatory coffee on board. We sailed in the morning and then anchored up at Blue Lagoon for lunch. Had a little swim in the bay – pretty chilly in April and then set off sailing again. Our stop on Wednesday night was in a beautiful bay called Sesula where you can moor for free if you eat at the restaurant – easy decision!!
Thursday was the last day and for us the blowiest one. Lots of fast fun sailing and we learned how to reef the sails (make them smaller) to ensure safe sailing on high winds. We arrived back at the Marina around 6pm on Thursday having learned so much about sailing to discover we had all passed and celebrated with a beer provided by Sunsail.
This review would not be complete without explaining how amazing our captain Tadek was on board. Some people are born to teach and Tadek is one of them. His patience, good humour, knowledge and experience made learning so pleasurable for 5 of us. At our age we have met lots of teacher and I can honestly say Tadek is the best. His focus was safety and ensuring we understood the why of what he was teaching us not just the what and if we didn’t get it the first (second or third) time he explained it he would find a new way to demonstrate. He also provided instruction on a few things outside the syllabus – winching somebody out of the sea – because we asked. I doubt you can specifically request Tadek as your instructor but if you are lucky enough to get him you will have hit the jackpot!
An absolutely unforgettable experience with Sunsail Athens!
We chartered a Dufour 44.4 for a week with our five children, and everything was perfect from start to finish. The Sunsail team was simply wonderful—kind, attentive, and always available when needed. A special thank you to Mike for his invaluable advice: thanks to him, we discovered beautiful islands perfectly suited to our family itinerary.
The sailing area of the Saronic Islands is truly incredible, offering a wide variety of stunning landscapes and charming stops along the way.
The boat itself was impeccable: extremely well equipped, very comfortable, and impressively stable under sail, even in rough seas. We felt safe and confident throughout the entire trip, which is essential when sailing with children.
An experience we wholeheartedly recommend, and one we hope to enjoy again very soon!
The Martin family
We went on a sailing trip with Sunsail last week. We left out of Roadtown, Tortola. Our captain Gilson Melo met us at the boat and the adventure began. Gilson could tell that we were eager to get going and helped us expedite our trip ASAP.
We took off mid-day, paying the extra fee to leave around noon, which I highly recommend. Gilson was always receptive to our requests in terms of where to go, however ambitious.
Gilson felt more like an onboard friend that could drive the boat versus just a captain. He constantly engaged/hung out with us and was a gem with our children. He snorkeled with us, played beach games and even played guitar one night with my son, who also plays. He also accompanied us on excursions, which was awesome. You need to invite him, as it’s not expected.
His captaining skills were amazing! He loved to put up the sails and we loved that. He was also always planning ahead with securing mooring balls for the night and even helping us with restaurant reservations. Again, not expected, but most amazingly welcome.
He also was amazing at reading “the boat.” He could tell when the kids were getting squirrelly and would suggest a snorkeling side quest en route to another destination. This was a life saver for everyone.
If you’re considering a Sunsail charter, we cannot recommend Gilson enough. He turned a great trip into one we will never forget. I hope that we can sail with him again in the future!
I have been sailing with the Moorings/Sunsail for over 30 years at mostly Caribbean locations. The current management seems to be more serious about improving their guests experience.
Hopefully they will continue to operate in a customer focused direction. I will return.
We chartered a 45 sail cat with Captain Paul Gaetan, who proved to be the best decision ever for our charter. He was a great, natural sailor, helped plan great and off the beaten track bays and destinations, and took care of everything for us. Was a fantastic charter thanks to captain Paul!
What an amazing experience. Well organised with friendly staff who were easy to reach and quick to help when needed. The boat was modern, spacious, spotless, and well equipped, which all added up to a fantastic sail and a really memorable holiday.
The staff at Sunsail were efficient and friendly. The briefing would have been fine, but the speaker’s delivery was poor, and I missed a lot of it.
My biggest problem was with the boat. The engine battery seemed to drain too quickly. We never ran out, but it was necessary to keep an eye on it and run the engine more frequently. Also, the mainsheet line was frayed, and the anchor light didn’t work: we had to use the steaming light when at anchor.
This is our third time bare-boat chartering with The Moorings/Sunsail. Once again, the experience was top notch. The facilities on Tortola in the BVI are complete and fantastic. Restaurants, pool, bars, showers, transportation from the airport, ferry and for provisioning all of high quality. Easy to navigate check-out and check-in procedures. Vessel was clean and well cared for, all in peak working condition. We will charter with them again, somewhere in the world.
If you like sailing and exploring, learn to anchor safely and seek out alternative coves and bays to spend the nights. There are amazing places in the BVI off the beaten path. For every Soggy Dollar, there’s another cove with a lone restaurant serving great food with great snorkeling. Just what the Soggy Dollar used to be way back when. Otherwise, the “main” BVI cruising grounds are a bit crowded these days and many of our past stops have too many boats and people. The popular stops you read about are local party zones with loud music and packed restaurants and flags, tshirts and grub hanging from the rafters. You do not need to rely on BoatyBall. We used it for only one night, (had to) and had a fantastic experience.
The food is wonderful, even at the crowded restaurants. Foxy’s really provided a high quality meal. You can easily grab a great meal there, enjoy the atmosphere and not be inundated with the ruckus. Or stay for the ruckus if that’s your thing.
Our group would recommend not renting a Dufour made vessel. While it sailed fast and was kept in top condition by Sunsail, it lacked some comforts and necessities we expected. Admittedly, we are “cruisers” and might be considered persnickety in this area. Upon returning to base, we heard Sunsail updated the specifications for the newest Dufours which are yet to arrive. Sunsail really listens to the feedback and makes adjustments.
We just finished sailing the BVI with Sunsail and I’m convinced Captain Liebert might secretly be a wizard. From day one, his sailing skills were rock solid—the kind of calm, confident expertise that lets you actually relax and enjoy paradise instead of wondering who’s driving the boat.
Then there was the food. I did not expect to be eating fresh crepes and something he casually referred to as “seawater pesto pasta” while anchored in turquoise water, but here we are.
Captain Liebert struck the perfect balance of friendly, fun, and totally professional. He had insider tips for everything—where to anchor, when to move, what not to miss—and every recommendation was spot on. Special shout-out to his insistence that we must get the lobster mac & cheese at Marina Cay. He was right. Life-changing. No notes.
If you’re sailing the BVI with Sunsail and have the chance to sail with Captain Liebert, take it. You’ll eat well, sail smoothly, laugh a lot, and leave wondering if you can bring him home with you.
Excellent ten days sailing in a 41’ mono hull. The boat was clean and functional. Brittany was an excellent manager and all staff were very helpful and professional.
Our skipper, Imran, was absolutely first class. Extremely skillful and knowledgeable. He showed us places we could not have reached due to unmarked reefs. He was so much fun to be around and I highly recommend him if you need a skipper for your trip. First class in every way. A boat is an intimate space but we cooked, cleaned, ate together, fished, swam and laughed for all the holiday. Great guy, great company.
We were on Full Circle for 5 days. It was clean, nothing broken, I was impressed. BVI was beautiful. Some days we had too high of wind and no wind but plenty of fun!
We have just returned from an amazing sailing holiday in the British Virgin Islands, with our regular charter operator, Sunsail. This was our first charter in the Caribbean, so we were looking forward to the culture, location, rum punches and, of course, the trade winds, all of which exceeded expectation!
We chartered a Sunsail 454L catamaran that was 3 years old, spacious and well-equipped. There were a few technical issues getting used to the water maker and power inverter, which are not common in the Med due to their reliance on stern-to moorings, but that was soon mastered, leaving us to relax and enjoy a perfect sailing holiday.
Other than the fabulous locations and glorious weather, it was, without any doubt, the trade winds that made all the difference, as European charters can be spoilt by insufficient wind. So we were able to get out on the water early, with a steady 18 – 20 knots in the morning, sometimes rising to low twenties, day-in, day-out, save for one rainy and blustery day.
Highlights were the Indians archipelago, the Baths on Virgin Gorda, Sandy Cay, White Bay, snorkelling everywhere, turtles, pelicans, a wealthy of other coastal wildlife and the endless turquoise water…
We have chartered in Greece, Croatia, Spain and Italy, but even the stunning Amalfi coast could not compare to the sailing experience in the BVIs! Well done Sunsail!!
Top tips – Boatyball app is essential if you want to enjoy the day sailing and still have a mooring in the evening. Our local flights were booked through LIAT20, which were fine, but we had really difficulty with booking, website and chat box, only calls seemed to work, also there could be issues with last minute flight time changes and re-routing with extra island stop-offs, nothing too serious and the operator seemed incredibly relaxed about it, but ensure your have extra transit time between flights or build-in a stopover to break the journey.
What an adventure! The Sunsail Crew Jesse, Ciaran and Becky were absolutely awesome! Super organised, very professional and always with smiles on their faces! The flotilla ran like clockwork and the berthing procedures were really calm and controlled. Daily information was delivered effectively at briefings and also repeated on the WhatsApp to ensure everyone was informed of the program for the day and the night!
We normally charter by ourselves but decided to go with the Flotilla option because we were unfamiliar with the Med Mooring systems and were really pleased that we did ! Jesse, Ciaran and Becky were always there to ensure that the moorings were expertly handled with a minimum of fuss.
Brilliant operators – would definitely book with Sunsail again!
We have just completed our day skipper course with Michael, the chief instructor at Marina. Everything was exceptional from start to finish from all the team there.
Michael is a fantastic instructor, we are very inexperienced sailors and he had the patience of a saint, clearly and concisely explaining each step we needed to follow. He made the most of each day and went above and beyond to ensure we got through the course, taking consideration of the weather conditions and making the most of the wind when it did make an appearance! You can tell he genuinely cares and wants to see you do well.
He is also a superb dolphin spotter and we spent a lovely afternoon following a family of dolphins along the coastline 🙂
I would highly recommend Sunsail, and especially Michael as an instructor. We hope to be back next year!
We recently had a wonderful sailing week with Sunsail Marina Agana, joining the Hvar flotilla. Our instructor Tadek was outstanding — very friendly, highly experienced, and an excellent teacher, even for our child. He made everyone on board feel safe and confident, even those without any formal sailing training. His calm and professional approach really made a difference throughout the week.
The flotilla crew — Finn, Becky, and Jesse — were absolutely lovely, always helpful, cheerful, and creating a great atmosphere every day. The boat was in excellent condition, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish.
As returning customers — this was our 7th time sailing with Sunsail — we were once again delighted. We can only highly recommend Sunsail for anyone looking for a perfect sailing holiday!
Fabulous support from the Sunsail crew of Jesse Becky and Ciaran which made for a perfect sailing holiday. They really help take the worries away and make everything run so smoothly.
My sincere thanks go to the entire Marina Agana Sunsail team for a globally superb Day Skipper sailing course under the expert guidance of instructor Tadek Szymanski🌟
All staff members I met at the base were friendly, reactive, keen to help & efficient (special thanks to Danijela).
And, when our engine gearbox gave up the ghost, the “rapid response” team came as quickly as possible to work tirelessly to repair the breakdown & get us back on track so that we had the best possible chance of making up lost time & complete all sections of the DS syllabus.
But it was purely thanks to Tadek’s multiple talents, infinite patience, excellent communication skills, wonderfully clear explanations, apparently genuine interest in seeing us progress & ultimately succeed, his highly professional but simultaneously good-natured, even-tempered, light-hearted & fun character, we all obtained our goals (2 day skippers & 1 comp crew)!
He quickly identified our individual needs, turned our errors into positive learning experiences, believed in our ability when we doubted ourselves & urged us on to success.
With the loss of a day’s sailing due to the weather & another period of enforced inactivity due to our gearbox problem, we seriously needed to make up for lost time. Tadek took these & each setback in his stride & went the extra mile to ensure we completed the syllabus.
He was great company and it was a real pleasure to be out on the water with him.
Sunsail is very lucky to have recruited an instructor of Tadek’s calibre. I know my crew mates agree with me that we were really fortunate to have him teach us. He will be an asset to anyone or any organisation that takes him on.
Thank you Tadek & best wishes for the future!
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