USA Destinations Chesapeake Bay (Annapolis)

Only a handful of waterways in the world can match the Chesapeake Bay for shear sailing pleasure. At about 200 miles long, it’s the largest estuary in the United States with thousands of miles of shoreline to explore. It offers sailors protected waters, great anchorages, a forgiving bottom, gorgeous natural scenery, and unique towns and villages steeped in history. It’s perfect for novices just learning to sail, yet challenging enough to keep experts captivated for a lifetime.

The Dream yacht Charter base is at Port Annapolis Marina on Back Creek in historic Annapolis. A sailing Mecca if ever there was one, Annapolis lies at 38 degrees 58 minutes north latitude and 76 degrees 29 minutes west longitude. Maryland’s capital city is the perfect starting point for your Chesapeake Bay exploration.

Before embarking, however, seeing the sights of Annapolis is a must. You can stroll down to “Ego Alley” at Annapolis Harbor, and then grab a sandwich at Chick and Ruth’s Delly on Main Street. A couple of streets over, you can visit the Maryland State House, historically distinctive because it’s the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use, topped by the largest wooden dome in the nation. Annapolis is also home to the U.S. Naval Academy.

The Chesapeake Bay takes its name from a Powhatan Indian word, “Chesepioc,” which is loosely translated as “Great Shellfish Bay.” Spanish explorer Vincente Gonzalez was the first European to visit the region in 1561, but the Spanish were never able to establish a permanent settlement. The French founded a settlement called Port Royal (now modern day Annapolis) in 1605. English settlers established Jamestown on the James River in 1607. Two Years later, Captain John Smith became the first European to explore and thoroughly map the Chesapeake Bay, writing in his journal that “heaven and earth have never agreed better to frame a place for man’s habitation.”

Throughout the colonial period, development continued on the Western Shore, and the Maryland and Virginia sections of the Eastern Shore. Annapolis became Maryland’s capital and Baltimore a busy shipping port. During the War of 1812, the British invaded the United States through the Chesapeake Bay, but were stopped at Fort McHenry in Baltimore.

Although union forces occupied Maryland during the Civil War and used the Chesapeake Bay to transport soldiers and supplies to forces arrayed against the Confederate Army, it also served as a haven for smugglers, spies and privateers allied with the Southern cause. In March 1862, the first sea battle between ironclad ships-the Union Monitor and the Confederate Merrimack-occurred in Hampton Roads and forever changed naval warfare. Throughout these periods of growth and conflict, Chesapeake Bay watermen continued to fish for Oysters, Blue Crabs, clams, Shad and Striped Bass. Tilghman Island, for example, is home to the last commercial sailing fleet in North America. At one time, thousands of Skipjacks dredged for oysters, but now just nine are left.

With so many delightful creeks, coves, rivers, towns and villages to visit, Dream Yacht Charter has compiled a list of top places worth visiting and can help create an itinerary for an unforgettable sailing vacation.

Southern route ports of interest include: West River and Galesville, Harrington Harbor North and Harrington Harbor South, St. Michaels, Tilghman Island, Oxford, Cambridge and Solomons Island.

Northern route ports of interest include: Rock Hall, Chester River and Chestertown, Baltimore Harbor, Georgetown and the Sassafras River.

USA Destinations Fort Lauderdale

With its extensive system of canals, Fort Lauderdale is sometimes called the Venice of America.

Seminole Indians were the region’s first inhabitants. However, the city is named for Major William Lauderdale who, during the Second Seminole War, led a group of Tennessee Volunteers into the area and built the New River Fort where the modern city is located.

Fort Lauderdale is a sailing Mecca, making it an ideal location for Dream Yacht Charter’s newest American Base, with the exciting sights and sounds of South Beach just a day sail away. Stretching beyond that is the natural beauty of the famous Florida Keys and Key West.

Dream Yacht Charter’s south Florida cruising area and destinations include destinations Miami, Biscayne Bay, Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West. You can even sail as far as Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas.

We also have sailing itineraries east into The Bahamas, where there are 29 islands, 661 cays and nearly 2.400 islets just waiting to be explored – by you.

Dream Yacht Charter’s Bahamian base is on Great Abaco Island at Marsh Harbor, and serves as our gateway to the stellar sailing grounds the islands offer.

Our Bahamas sailing destinations include, Grand Bahamas, West End, Port Lucaya, The Abacos, Green Turtle Cay, Marsh Harbor, Hope Town, the Berry Islands, Great Harbor, Chub Cay, Cat Cay, and Nassau.

We provide the finest charter yachts available as well as the best personalized service to make your vacation sailing the tropical waters of south Florida or the Bahamas an unforgettable experience providing memories to last a lifetime.

Pacific Destinations Tahiti

When people speak of paradise on Earth, the South Pacific island of Tahiti often comes to mind as the ideal. With good reason. Tahiti is a verdant oasis surrounded by turquoise-blue seas, and populated by inhabitants whose friendliness is legendary. Located in the South Pacific between South America and Australia, Tahiti lies at 17 degrees 32 minutes south latitude and 149 degrees 34 minutes west longitude.

Tahiti is just one island (albeit the largest), in French Polynesia; there are another 117 located in four main archipelagos-Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society. In all, the area is roughly the size of Western Europe. The islands that make up the Society group are Bora-Bora, Raiatea, Tahaa, and Huahine. They are the sparkling jewels in the exotic cruising grounds of your Tahitian sailing vacation.

Because these islands are downwind from Tahiti, they’re known as the Leewards. Their mountains rise from the sea atop the remnants of ancient volcanoes. Barrier reefs provide a habitat for sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, porpoises, colorful unspoiled coral, and countless species of fish, all of which make the Tahitian Leeward Islands arguably one of the world’s best areas for snorkeling and scuba diving. Throughout the islands, you’ll find top resorts and every imaginable watersport. In addition, there are island tours, archeological and historical, not to mention fine dining. And we can’t rave enough about the sailing.

Raiatea

The second largest island in French Polynesia, and home to the Dream Yacht Charter base is Raiatea. Historically, it was known as the sacred island and, in many ways, it is still the cultural heart of the region because of its rich history. Raiatea was once an important port on the ancient Polynesian routes through the islands, and its influence covered an enormous amount of territory, including Hawaii, Samoa and New Zealand, in addition to present-day French Polynesia. The many fascinating archeological and historic sites are well worth visiting on an island tour. They provide a glimpse into Polynesian culture that you can experience firsthand.

Bora Bora

Long a favorite among sailors, Bora Bora is every bit the tropical South Pacific paradise. A single barrier reef encircles the two islands that make up Bora-Bora. The basalt rock face of Mt. Otemanu rises 720 meters (2,362 feet) above the crystal clear sea, accompanied by another nearby peak, Mt. Pahia. Together, they create a stunning vista and supply picture perfect views from anchorages in the lagoon. One of the key attractions of the lagoon is its unequaled snorkeling and swimming. The smaller island, Topua, is all that’s left of the ancient volcano of Bora-Bora. Secure anchorages, white-sand beaches, restaurants, shops, art galleries, luxury resorts, and island tours are among the pleasures of a visit to Bora-Bora.

Tahaa

The scent of vanilla is everywhere on Tahaa. Located just north of Raiatea, Tahaa is surrounded by the same barrier reef that protects Raiatea. Most people don’t know this, but all “French” vanilla comes from French Polynesia, and 80 percent of it is grown in the mountain valleys of the island Tahaa. Understandably, it has been nicknamed the Vanilla Island.

In addition to Vanilla, black pearls, one of the prizes of the region, are cultivated here. Local artisans craft fine jewelry featuring the pearls, and their intricate and beautiful bracelets, necklaces and rings are sold throughout the islands. Tours of the vanilla plantations and black pearl farms are a nice break. There is also a sea turtle preserve on Tahaa, where you can observe the creatures in a park setting. The island’s many fjord-like inlets are both scenic and well protected anchorages. The snorkeling on the reef is superb and Tahaa’s white sand beaches are ideal for swimming and picnicking, making it the perfect spot to pause your sailing vacation.

Huahine

Known locally as the Garden Island because of its lush tropical forests, and the cultivation of vanilla, copra, and watermelons, Huahine is actually two mountainous islands connected by a short land bridge. The larger one is called Huahine-Nui, meaning big island, and, appropriately, the smaller one is called Huahine-Iti, meaning little island. Like Raiatea and Tahaa, it is much less traveled than Bora-Bora or Tahiti. Miles of pristine white-sand beaches, secure anchorages, and wonderful snorkeling are major appeals of this laid-back South Pacific treasure.

Pacific Destinations New Caledonia

New Caledonia lies at 21 degrees 30 minutes south latitude and 165 degrees` 3 minutes east longitude, in the heart of the South Pacific; about 932 nm east of Australia.

British naval explorer Capt. James Cook discovered the island in 1774. Its rugged coastline reminded him so much of Scotland that Cook named it New Caledonia in honor of his Scottish father. Both France and Britain settled the island-actually a group of islands including Loyalty Islands, Isle of Pines, Belep and a number of smaller islands-in the early 19th century. Today, New Caledonia is a self-governing territory of France.

A 1,600 km (994 mi.) barrier reef encircles the main island, creating one of the most beautiful (and largest) lagoons in the world. Cooled by the Pacific Ocean and trade winds, New Caledonia enjoys a soft, sunny climate. From the central mountain range to the warm tropical waters, visitors will discover an impressive assortment of plants and animals.

With an incredible mixture of ethnic groups, New Caledonia is a land with many traditions, customs and cultures. A blend of Melanesian and French culture, enhanced by Polynesian and Asian influences creates an exciting yet harmonious lifestyle.

The world’s largest lagoon covers approximately 24,000 square km (14,912-square miles), making it one of the most remarkable and beautiful sailing locations in the world. In fact, this third largest archipelago in the South Pacific offers a choice of 74 beautiful, and mostly uninhabited, islands, with some extraordinary anchorages.

Dream Yacht Charter’s sailing adventure begins in New Caledonia’s capital, Nouméa. French cultural influences make this cosmopolitan city seem a bit like the French Riviera, across thousands of nautical miles in the South Pacific. Colorful waterfronts are lined with bars, cafes, restaurants and nightclubs. It is a terrific place to stock up on superb French gourmet food and wine before hoisting sail.

The journey to the Isle of Pines is a fantastic sailing experience, as you are able to navigate close to the shore. At Isle Pines, you’ll discover some of the most beautiful bays in the world, making it the perfect base from which to explore this unique paradise. The island is surrounded by a marine reserve dotted with small islands such as the remote Nokan Hui, one of the most beautiful moorings in the world.

Many islets near Noumea are perfect for an idyllic long weekend escape. Most are usually deserted. The water teems with fish, which is ideal for those sailors who like to catch their own dinner. For more adventuresome explorers, the Loyalty Islands of Ouvéa, Lifou and Maré, are seldom visited by more conventional tourists. Wherever you travel in New Caledonia, expect to be treated with a warmth and a personal touch that matches the weather.

Pacific Destinations Australia

Australia's Whitsunday Islands lie at 20 degrees, 15 minutes south latitude, and 148 degrees, 58 minutes East Longitude, off of the coast of Central Queensland. Although located in the tropics, the Whitsundays have an excellent climate because they are cooled by trade winds for most of the year. The waters are protected by the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef, and most islands are surrounded by a fringing reef system.

The trade winds usually blow slightly stronger from May to August. July is the coolest month; and January is the warmest. Cyclones, if they do occur, are most likely between February and March.

The Whitsunday Islands have enough anchorages to keep you busy for months of happy cruising! The following are a few of our favorites with recommended snorkeling sites, either at your anchorage or just a short dinghy ride away, if you choose to include some in your itinerary.

The seven resort islands in the Whitsundays also welcome visiting yachts. Each charges sailors a reasonable fee for a mooring or marina berth, which includes the freedom to enjoy guest facilities of the resort. Each island resort's ambience and facilities are different, which means more variety for you!

Hook Island

Nara Inlet is our recommended first night stop. Nara is easy to reach and its waters are sheltered so you will have a comfortable first night as you get used to the boat. There are several anchorages and moorings to choose from. Stonehaven is popular. And if you are adventure minded, there are waterfalls to explore.

Langford Island This island is a long, mostly sandy, strip that nearly disappears at high tide! Langford is a fun daytime stop for a beach and for snorkeling on the western end. There are extensive reefs, however. Navigating through them is best in good light with a lookout on the bow.

Hamilton Island

Hamilton is a good mid-charter stopover to fill water tanks, drop garbage and shop. The island's Marina Village has restaurants, bars, specialty shops, a bakery and supermarket to take care of any needs, food or otherwise. You can rent a golf cart and explore the island, or take advantage of an opportunity to stretch your legs on enjoyable walks.

Indian Ocean Destinations Seychelles

Huge granite rocks polished over eons by the relentless waves of the Indian Ocean. Giant palm trees with their famous “coco de mer” nuts, and turquoise inlets fringed with lush green takamakas shading the fine white sand beaches. This is the image we all have about the Seychelles islands. A paradise. And deservedly so, because these islands, lying off the east coast of Africa just south of the Equator, are stunningly beautiful.

Of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles, 41 Inner Islands constitute the oldest granite islands on earth. Another 74 islands form the low-lying coral atolls and reef islands that are the Outer Islands.

The Inner Islands, including Praslin and La Digue, are clustered around the main island, Mahe. The many other islands are well worth visiting, and you can review our itineraries for more information and suggestions about visiting these islands.

The Outer Islands are more remote and less visited because they’re situated beyond the Seychelles. Mahe is the southernmost main island, and is an alternative to Praslin for sailing the Inner Islands. However, it is the ideal starting point for a voyage to the Outer Islands and Aldebra, one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Special sailing conditions exist in the Outer Islands. A specially licensed Seychellois skipper is a mandatory requirement aboard all bareboat charters to the Outer Islands, which Dream Yacht Charter will provide. In addition, all charters must be for a minimum of 10 nights. Fully crewed charters are also available for sails to the Outer Islands.

Indian Ocean Destinations Mauritius

Surrounded by moderate indigo waters, the Republic of Mauritius could rightly be called the melting pot of the southern Indian Ocean. Not only is this island nation an enchanting place to sail, it has a rich and sometimes surprising history. Mauritius and its twin island, Reunion, is part of the Mascarene Islands. Volcanic eruptions under the Indian Ocean created the archipelago millions of years ago. Mauritius lies at 20 degrees 9 minutes south latitude and 57 degrees 29 minutes east longitude, approximately 560 nm east of Madagascar. The republic includes the Cargados Carajos, Rodrigues and Agalega Islands. Phoenician, Arab and Malay sailors knew about the island as early as the 10th century, although the first reported European visitors were Portuguese in 1507. A Dutch fleet landed on the island in 1598, and named it in honor of Prince Maurice of Nassau. France took control of the island in 1715, but lost it to England during the Napoleonic Wars in 1810. Mauritius became an independent nation in 1968, and a republic in 1992. Dream Yacht Charter’s base is located at the Le Caudan Waterfront in the capital of Mauritius, Port Louis. The waterfront is known for its fine shopping, fun nightlife, live music, and terrific food. Mauritian’s trace their roots to many different lands, and this diversity is delightfully showcased in the Island’s cuisine. There are Indians, Tamils, and Muslims; Creoles from Malagasy and African origins, families who came from the Far East; as well as Franco and Anglo-Mauritians. Mauritius is notable for a number of reasons; not least of which is that it is the only known habitat for a large, flightless relative of pigeons—the dodo. Hunting and the introduction of predators drove dodoes to extinction by the end of the 17th century, however. In 1812, the Mauritius Turf Club founded the Champ de Mars racecourse in Port Louis. Champ de Mars was the first thoroughbred race course in the Southern Hemisphere, and is one of the oldest in the world.

Most of the recent development on Mauritius has occurred in the north, but there is an abundance of activities and sites of interest to sailors, including a red-roofed church that overlooks the lagoon at Cap Malheureux. There are several exciting scuba diving sites in this region including Gunner’s Coin, Whale Rock and Holt’s Rocks.

In addition, there is a group of small islands off the north coast that are favored by sailors and divers because of their crystalline waters and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and picnicking. Round Island and Ile aux Serpents further to the north are nature reserves under conservation management to protect native species of palms and reptiles. Permits, which are available locally, are required to visit these sites.

Eastern Mauritius features a coastline with some of the island’s best white-sand beaches, including Belle Mare. Sailors will delight in secluded coves and bright green lagoons, and appreciate the slow pace of life. Captivating villages dot the landscape between the mountains and the sea. Visit the open-air markets in the village of Flacq, and remember that bartering is how business is done here.

An entirely different landscape unfolds in the south. Beaches give way to dramatic high cliffs; the protective coral reef disappears and the Indian Ocean rolls ceaselessly against the shoreline. For a sense of what 16th century explorers might have found when they first made landfall here, we recommend a visit to the Île aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve. Here, the remnants of the island’s original flora and fauna can be found. These include ebony forests, endangered birds and reptiles, rare orchids and pink pigeons.

Continuing west around the island in the direction of Île aux Benitiers, sailors might encounter dolphins in Tamarin Bay or Flic en Flac. Dolphins use these protected waters to breed and rest. In the hills around Chamarel is a rum distillery that bears the name of the village. This is an opportunity to learn about sugar cultivation on the island and about the production of rum. What sailor could resist a free taste? On this side of the island, visitors will also see the peak of the Le Morne peninsula which rises more than 589 meters (1,800 feet) above the sea. Le Morne is listed as a World Heritage Site, because it is where runaway slaves sought refuge before slavery was abolished in the mid-1800s.

It is hard not to be completely captivated by Mauritius with its cultural diversity, rich, checkered historical past and wonderful sailing opportunities.

Indian Ocean Destinations Maldives

The Maldives is a geological marvel stretching across the Indian Ocean at the Equator like a magnificent strand of rare pearls. Lying at 4 degrees 10 minutes north latitude and 73 degrees 30 minutes east longitude, this island nation is comprised of 1,190 small coral islands grouped in 26 atolls that extend north to south for approximately 550 nm. The exposed top of a submerged mountain ridge, the Maldives is the lowest country on earth, with an average height above sea level of just one to three meters (three to six feet).

The islands have long been a welcome sight on the horizon among mariners, positioned as they are along ancient trade routes and sea-lanes. Now, as then, sailors are welcomed by Maldivians and find shelter from the Indian Ocean among its countless protected, deep-water anchorages. Maldivians trace their roots to several different cultures including South and Southeast Asians, Africans, and Arabians.

The nation converted to Islam in 1153, but those religious beliefs are melded into the fabric of Maldivian life along with the folklore and supernatural beliefs attributed to islands’ first settlers. Cultural diversity can be seen in everything from music to boat building. Music is frequently played with a local bodu-beru, or big drum, that is quite similar to African drumming. And the Maldivian dhoni, a sailboat built locally by skilled craftsmen, is strikingly similar to a dhow, the traditional Arabian sailing vessel.

Dream Yacht Charter’s base is on the main island of Male’, which is the perfect spot to begin a sailing tour of this remarkable country. If your definition of paradise is a lifestyle stripped to the basic essentials of whether the sky is blue and the sun is shining, where the toughest question to answer is if the beach now astern is more beautiful than the one ahead, one word will suffice in describing the Maldives. Perfection.

Our itineraries will introduce you to astonishingly lovely white powder sand beaches on one island after another. Some feature local fishing villages you can tour, others are home to elegant resorts with facilities our charterers are welcome to use, and many are uninhabited. The snorkeling and diving, shelling and abundance of marine life are all beyond compare in water the temperature of a relaxing bath.

For honeymooners, sun worshipers, divers, or simply salty dogs in search of new cruising grounds, incredible memories and wonderful stories, the Maldives have everything one could want in an unforgettable sailing vacation.

Indian Ocean Destinations Madagascar

A unique culture that visitors love, abundant and varied animals and plants, plus pristine reefs and diverse marine life are what makes Madagascar more than just a tropical paradise. The fourth largest island in the world, this independent island nation is located about 250 nm off the east coast of Africa.

Dream Yacht Charter’s Madagascar base is on the island of Nosy Bé, which lies at 13 degrees 18 minutes south latitude and 48 degrees 15 minutes east longitude. From your first moment on the island you will understand why Nosy Bé is nicknamed the “Fragrant Island.” The air is filled with the heavy scents of ylang-ylang, or Cananga tree, which is valued for its perfume; also grown are coffee, sugar cane, and pepper crops.

Although you can sail in Madagascar any time of year, the best cruising season is generally April to November. From December to March it’s a bit warmer, rainier, and there’s less wind. Still, because Madagascar lies near the Equator, the water remains warm and good sailing is guaranteed throughout year.

A volcanic island, Nosy Bé is the largest and most populated of the Malagasy islands. It lies northwest of Madagascar, which gives it shelter from the southeastern monsoons. This makes it the perfect launching point to explore several other smaller islands including Nosy Komba (the lemur island), Nosy Tanikely, Nosy Sakatia, Nosy Mitsio and Nosy Iranja (the turtle island).

The local people are truly warm and welcoming. Originally of Indonesian and African descent, the population is now a mixture of many cultures. Nearly all islanders speak Malagasy, and many can speak English, French, and German as well. Music plays a big part in their daily lives, as do unique customs or, rather, taboos, known as “Fady.” These Fady differ from region to region, and it is fascinating to learn about them from the local islanders you meet and befriend as you sail to various destinations.

On land, lemurs, chameleons, frogs, geckoes and boa constrictors are the most popular indigenous animals you will encounter. In the water, the reefs around Nosy Bé are brimming with life. Soft and hard coral groupers, turtles, whale sharks, barracuda, huge gorgonian fans, crocodile fish, octopus, leopard sharks, the mysterious dragon fish, black and white mantas, plus many other species are plentiful in Madagascar’s protected waters.

From October to January, the biggest fish in the world – the whale shark – can sometimes be seen in large schools as they feed unmolested in the calm waters of the archipelago. During July and August, humpback whales and sometimes sperm whales migrate through the area.

If your idea of the perfect sailing vacation is an adventure that includes meeting exotic people in a distant, as yet unspoiled location, a place where the sailing, the wildlife, the marine life is abundant and diverse, Madagascar may well be your perfect choice.