Where to Sail in Spring

25 June 2025 5 min

Spring’s the perfect excuse to get back on the water. With warmer days, fewer crowds, and off-peak prices, March through May is a great time to sail.

Whether you are chasing the final weeks of the Caribbean season or looking to get ahead of the crowds in the Mediterranean, spring opens the door to some of the world’s most rewarding charter experiences.

This guide covers five incredible spring sailing destinations that deliver sunshine, scenic coastlines, great food and unforgettable experiences.

5 Unmissable Spring Sailing Destinations

The Whitsundays
The Bahamas
St Martin/St Maarten
Italy
Croatia

The Whitsundays

Perfect for: adventurers

Spring in the Whitsundays signals the start of prime sailing season, with the dry months of April and May bringing smooth trade winds and clear visibility for snorkelling. This part of Queensland transitions into calmer conditions, and as we mention in Where to Sail in May, it is one of the best times to explore the reef with fewer stingers in the water.

For those travelling earlier in the season, sailing in March offers quieter anchorages and a peaceful way to ease into Australia’s tropical autumn. You can hike to Ngaro cultural sites in Nara Inlet, snorkel with angelfish at Hook Island or take a scenic flight over Heart Reef’s iconic coral shape.

On Hamilton Island, the Endurance Series begins in April, with races and open-water swims that add an energetic pulse to the islands. For a more immersive experience, spend a night in the underwater hotel at Hardy Reef and fall asleep surrounded by reef sharks and parrotfish. There are plenty of things to see and do in the Whitsundays at this time of year.

Start planning your spring sailing escape in the Whitsundays – calm, colourful, and full of reef-day magic.

The Bahamas

Perfect for: culture seekers

The Bahamas in spring are vibrant, sun-drenched and full of personality. Warm temperatures and steady trade winds create ideal sailing conditions, while events and festivals across the islands give sailors plenty to explore on shore. As we highlight in Where to Sail in April, this is the tail end of the high season, which brings sunny skies and calm seas without the peak-season crowds.

Spring is also a time for cultural celebration. The Bahamian Music and Heritage Festival in George Town takes place in March, with local food, dancing and live music by the water. In Exuma, you can sail between remote cays and stop to swim with pigs at Big Major Cay, while over in Nassau, the local scene comes alive with beach bars, art markets and family-friendly attractions like Pirates of Nassau.

If you want a deeper dive into the region, Where to Sail in March explores how this earlier window offers excellent visibility for snorkelling around coral heads and drop-offs like Runaway Wall.
Set your sights on this laid-back island chain with a Bahamas sailing holiday from Sunsail.

St Martin/St Maarten

Perfect for: regatta lovers

March and April mark the final stretch of the Caribbean sailing season, and St Martin makes the most of it. The trade winds stay steady, the sea is warm and clear, and the atmosphere shifts from high-energy events to slower coastal cruising as crowds begin to ease. With fewer boats on the water and quieter anchorages, spring offers space to explore both sides of this unique island.

As we note in Where to Sail in March, this is when St Martin comes alive with the Heineken Regatta and the SXM Music Festival, a mix of racing, DJ sets and shoreline celebrations that turn the island into a floating stage.

But in April, the pace softens. For things to do in St Martin, you can sail between the Dutch and French sides, try croissants in Marigot, lounge in Grand Case’s beach clubs or snorkel around Creole Rock in calm conditions. Whale sightings are still possible off the coast as humpbacks continue their journey north through the Caribbean.

Discover both sides of this island’s personality with a spring St Martin sailing holiday from Sunsail.

Italy

Perfect for: foodies

Italy in spring feels full of promise. As the Mediterranean begins to warm up, sailors arriving in April and May are treated to peaceful marinas, fresh seasonal produce and golden afternoons spent drifting between sunlit islands. With its mix of coastal cities, island chains and culinary culture, this is one of the most rewarding destinations for spring sailing.

In Where to Sail in May, we highlight the calm conditions and mild weather that make this month ideal for coastal exploring. But even earlier in the season, the rewards are clear: wildflowers begin to bloom across Procida’s headlands, and in Portorosa, you can enjoy a slower pace before summer visitors arrive.

Sardinia offers everything from hidden beaches to vineyard lunches, while the Aeolian Islands provide dramatic scenery and rustic seafood restaurants. Spring menus feature artichokes, anchovies and citrus, served in seaside trattorias where sailors are always welcome.

Choose your route and discover the best places to sail in Italy with a Mediterranean charter designed around flavour and freedom.

Croatia

Perfect for: island hoppers

Croatia’s calm conditions, short sailing distances and protected coastline make it one of the most accessible destinations for beginners, especially in spring. As we mention in Where to Sail in April, the waters around Agana are well suited to brushing up on your skills, with steady breezes and plenty of line of sight navigation. If you are new to chartering, Sunsail’s Agana sailing school provides expert-led courses in a calm and welcoming setting.

This is also a great time to explore the country’s island hopping appeal. From Agana or Dubrovnik, you can sail to vineyard covered islets, medieval harbours and quiet national parks, all in warm, crowd free conditions. For more to do in Croatia, local spring festivals like Josipovo and Jurjevo bring live music and market stalls to coastal towns, adding a festive atmosphere to early season sailing.

Start planning a Croatia sailing holiday this spring for an easygoing way to explore the Adriatic.

FAQs

What should I wear for spring sailing?

For spring sailing, you should wear:

Sun protection clothing and accessories such as suncream, aftersun, hat, polarized sun glasses and lip balm.
Light, quick-drying clothing e.g. t-shirts, shorts and trousers.
Light fleece, sweatshirt, jumper and/or jacket for cooler days and evenings.
Deck shows with good grip and non-marking soles for safety
Flip-flops or sliders for ease

Read our Sailing Holiday Packing List Guide for more information on what you should and shouldn’t pack for your spring sailing trip.

Which area of the world is best for spring sailing?

The best areas of the world for spring sailing include the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the South Pacific. Places like St Martin, Italy, Croatia, the Bahamas and the Whitsundays offer great weather and excellent sailing conditions during March, April and May.

Which season is best for sailing?

Spring is one of the best seasons for sailing. The weather is mild, the seas are generally calm, and many destinations are quieter and easier to explore before the peak summer period begins.

Book your Spring Sailing Holiday

Spring is one of the most rewarding times of year to set sail. From peaceful island hopping in Croatia to cultural festivals in St Martin, each destination offers something special between March and May. Whether you are looking for a bareboat charter, flotilla sailing holiday, or would prefer a skippered adventure, Sunsail has a spring sailing experience to suit every crew.

Explore all our spring sailing holidays and start building your quote today—it’s easier than you think.

DISCOVER MORE SPRING SAILING DESTINATIONS

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