Where to Sail in March 2026

25 June 2025 4 min

Ready to shake off the winter blues and chase the sun? If you’re planning a yacht charter in March, the world is bursting with warm, wild destinations that promise unforgettable moments both on deck and onshore.

In this blog, we’ll spotlight five spectacular spots to set sail this March, spanning the Caribbean and South Pacific. Whether you crave adrenaline-pumping regattas, technicolour street festivals, or remote reefs teeming with marine life, these destinations deliver adventure in spades.

Where to Sail in March, At a Glance

This is your quick preview of what lies ahead, five unforgettable sailing destinations that truly shine in March.

Martinique dazzles with Carnival colours and Creole culture. St Martin thrums with regatta energy and whale sightings. Belize offers crystal-clear diving and local celebrations. The Bahamas promises beachside fun for families and iconic wildlife encounters. And the Whitsundays serve up lush landscapes and calm cruising conditions for new sailors.

Perfect for those chasing warmth, rhythm, and open horizons, each destination has something unique to offer.

Keep reading to discover the full story behind each spot and find the March sailing adventure that suits you best.

Destination #5: The Whitsundays

Perfect for: First-time sailors

March brings a mix of sunshine and tropical showers to the Whitsundays, a lush and uncrowded backdrop for a laid-back sailing escape.

While it is part of the wet season, most rain falls in brief, warm bursts, leaving behind clear skies, vibrant greenery, and calm anchorages. Fewer tourists mean you can enjoy the region’s natural beauty without the bustle, and there are often seasonal deals to take advantage of. Fewer crowds mean you’ll often have entire coves to yourself.

Steady 15-knot trade winds and line-of-sight navigation make it a dream for first-time skippers. Snorkel the kaleidoscopic coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef or stretch out on the dazzling white sands of Whitehaven Beach. Even though Hamilton Island Race Week is months away, the marina still hums with laid-back Aussie charm.

Start building your Whitsundays itinerary today and unlock your first sailing adventure with room to breathe.

Destination #4: The Bahamas

Perfect for: Wildlife watchers

With glassy seas, golden sunshine, and barely a cloud in sight, March in The Bahamas is a sun-drenched playground.

This is the season to slow down, slip into the water, and let nature take the lead. Gentle trade winds and 24°C water temperatures make conditions ideal for spotting wildlife both above and below the surface. Sail through the Exumas and you might find yourself swimming alongside curious sea turtles or gliding past nurse sharks.

Time your visit with the tail end of the George Town Cruising Regatta and you can enjoy a laid-back mix of dinghy races and island festivities. And of course, Big Major Cay’s iconic swimming pigs are always ready for a close-up. With barely a handful of rainy days, this is a perfect moment for discovering the Bahamas at its most vibrant.

Plan your Bahamas sailing escape and meet the wild side of the Exumas this March

Destination #3: Belize

Perfect for: Snorkellers and scuba divers

If you’ve ever dreamt of diving into an aquarium, March in Belize gets you pretty close.

With calm seas, endless visibility, and vibrant marine life, Belize is a diver’s paradise. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, stretches like a submerged rainbow across your chartplotter. Drift past eagle rays in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, or take a once-in-a-lifetime plunge into the legendary Blue Hole.

Baron Bliss Day (9 March) brings music and maritime fun ashore, celebrating one of Belize’s most colourful benefactors with regattas, fireworks, and cultural flair. With temperatures between 27-30°C during the day, it’s the perfect time to split your time between land and sea.

Build your quote for Belize and get ready to dive headfirst into something extraordinary.

Destination #2: St Martin/St Maarten

Perfect for: Partygoers

If your idea of heaven involves spray in your face and beats on the beach, March in St Martin is the place to be.

This island goes into overdrive in March. The legendary Heineken Regatta delivers world-class racing and epic après-sail parties. The SXM Music Festival kicks off shortly after; think sunrise DJ sets, floating dance floors, and barefoot energy that surges through every bay.

Steady 15–20 knot trade winds are your constant companion, while off the stern, humpback whales breach and blow on their journey north. Add in the island’s cultural duality of French croissants and Dutch street parties, and it’s a sailor’s dream.

Add these events to your St Martin itinerary and sail straight into the centre of the action.

Destination #1: Martinique

Perfect for: Culture lovers

March in Martinique is pure magic; a heady cocktail of colour, rhythm, and wind in your sails.

Carnival takes over the island in early March, erupting in a whirlwind of feathers, sequins, and steel drums. Every village celebrates with a unique twist, from wild street parades to fire-lit beach parties.

Beyond the festivities, Martinique offers volcanic landscapes, hidden anchorages, and a fascinating Creole-French culture. Wander through sugar plantations, sip aged rhum agricole at Habitation Clément, or drop anchor in a bay so still it feels like time has stopped. With up to 10 hours of sunshine and perfect sailing conditions, it’s no wonder this is our top pick.

Build your Martinique quote and set sail into one of the Caribbean’s boldest and brightest adventures.

FAQs

Is March a good time to sail?

Yes, March is a great time to sail, especially in the Caribbean and South Pacific. The weather is warm, the winds are steady, and there are fewer crowds than peak season months.

What sort of things can I do while sailing in March?

While sailing in March, you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters, spot migrating whales, attend cultural festivals, and enjoy world-famous regattas depending on your destination.

Where is the best place to sail in March?

The best place to sail in March depends on what you are looking for; Martinique for Carnival, Belize for diving, or The Whitsundays for beginner-friendly cruising are all top choices. Read more about our recommended spring sailing holidays.

March into a Spring Yacht Charter with Sunsail

With Sunsail, you can sail further, stay longer, and experience more. Whether you are drawn to the coral reefs of Belize, the cultural explosion of Martinique, or the regatta buzz of St Martin, our worldwide bases make your March sailing holiday seamless and unforgettable. Enjoy expert support, flexible itineraries, and a fleet of fully equipped yachts.

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