Mediterranean Destinations Corsica

Corsica

The French island of Corsica lies southeast of the mainland in the Mediterranean Sea at 41 degrees 55 minutes north latitude and 8 degrees 44 minutes east longitude. Created by violent volcanic eruptions, Corsica is the most mountainous region of the Mediterranean; and is nicknamed the scented island because of the intoxicating perfumes that fill its maquis, or bush lands.

Sometimes called a mini-continent, Corsica has 620km (385 miles) of coastline, more than 200 fine beaches, nature reserves and mountain retreats. A gentle Mediterranean climate has promoted rich forests of evergreen oak, and protects a wide variety of bird species. The Scandola Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Several endangered animals thrive in the southern alpine mountains of small, snow capped glaciers including the mouflon (a mountain sheep), and the Corsican red deer. In addition to its breathtaking natural beauty, Corsica is filled with history.

Near the Dream Yacht Charter base at Macinaggio Marina, you can find 16th century architecture from its Genovese rule. Napoleon Bonaparte was born in the capital of Ajaccio, where his boyhood home is open to the public. Genoa ceded the island to France in 1768 and, except for a brief period of British occupation in 1814, it has remained French ever since. Corsicans have their own language, which is more Italian than French, and they certainly have a life style that is all their own.

With one of Europe's finest hiking trails, 40 varieties of orchids, rare lichens and mosses, and wonderful cuisine, visitors to Corsica may be tempted to stay on land. But there is a vital water culture as well. Whale and dolphin sanctuaries surround the islands. Explore the sea caves near Bonifacio or take in some sea fishing. River and lake fishing for local trout is also a local pastime. Swimming, diving and paragliding are just a few of the activities to draw you to the spot that the Greeks called “Kalliste” – the Beautiful Island.

Mediterranean Destinations Cote d’Azur

Cote d'Azur

If paradise means sailing in clear blue water, sunning on glorious beaches rimmed with palm trees, romantic island hideaways, first class cuisine and shopping, all surrounded by some of the best natural, cultural and historical sites in Europe, then let Dream Yacht Charter take you to a playground of kings and queens—the French Riviera.

Cote d'Azur, or the Azure Coast, takes its name from Mediterranean Sea, which laps the coastline of southeast France. The region stretches 560 miles from the Italian border in the east, to Saint Tropez in the west.

From our base in St. Mandrier sur Mer, Port Pin Rolland, on the western end of the Azure coast, you will experience awe-inspiring sailing along some of the earliest western trades routes. From Marseille to St. Tropez, the Iles d'Or (Hyeres) to the Calanques, there are resplendent beaches, majestic flora, and protected aquatic life.

To the east, embark on a voyage to St. Tropez, Toulon or Hyeres, and explore the Iles d'Or: Porquerolles, Port Cros and Levant. St. Tropez has long been a favorite destination of artists, writers and celebrities. An early wine and cork trading port frequented by Greeks, Etruscans and Romans, St. Tropez became a fashionable “resort” in the 18th century, for its long, golden beaches and nearby Provencal landscapes. And it still aims to please, with fine French cuisine and designer shopping. The region is famous for its shipyards, and is the home of the “tan” and Brigitte Bardot.

Toulon is known for its fountains and opera house. There are sheltered, sandy beaches in Mourillon and a cable car that runs up Mt. Faron. You can visit the Museum of the French Navy, and when hunger strikes, you can sample the famous cade toulonnaise and chichi fregi (a type of donut).

Hyeres was a favorite spot of Queen Victoria; and Edith Wharton wrote “The Age of Innocence” there. A short distance inland is the oldest resort on the French Riviera. Known as Hyeres les Palmiers for its lush pine trees, this resort can be an enchanting interlude to your sailing vacation.

A must on any western Cote d'Azur cruise are the Iles d' Or, also known as the Iles of Hyeres. Porquerolles is the largest of the three islands, with eucalyptus forests and parasol pines in its nature reserve. You will find protected anchorages, the beaches of Notre Dame, La Courtade and Plague d'Argent, and an 1837 lighthouse. The ile features snorkeling and bike rentals. Port Cros, a national park, is named for its cross-shaped harbor and is surrounded by a coastal maritime zone. Its beach, La Palud, is perfect for lounging and snorkeling. And you can find botanical trails and two old forts to explore. The smallest of the iles, Ile Levant, is a long, narrow rocky ridge; only the western tip is open to the public. From its port, Port Ayguade, follow its jasmine hedges to the village of Arbousiers. More daring visitors can spend some time at the naturist center in Heliopolis.

From Port Pin Rolland, set sail west to visit the haunting Calanques, enroute to Marseille.

Marseille is France's second city, and a port, so it is a vibrant mix of diverse cultures. It is where bouillibase was born and has a lively urban appeal with museums and theatres. A variety of cuisines are offered in its many fine restaurants, and a sophisticated nightlife will entice you away from the Sea, if only temporarily.

About 12 nautical miles east of Marseille, navigate your way to the Calanque Cassis. The Calanques are often called the Fjords of the Mediterranean. They have deep valleys with steep, sheer sides of rock, from which grow an incredible variety of plants. Anchor between them and enjoy an onboard gourmet meal in one of the world's most dramatic locations. Except in mid-summer, when they are closed to visitors, the Calanques are a fascinating stop in a stunning Mediterranean cruise of western Cote D'Azur.

Caribbean Destinations Martinique

Martinique

Martinique is one of the shining jewels of the French Caribbean. Centrally located in the heart of the Caribbean archipelago, at 14 degrees 30 minutes north latitude and 61 degrees 0 minutes west longitude, Martinique is part of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles.

Christopher Columbus sighted the island on his first voyage in 1493, but didn't land there until his fourth expedition in 1502. Martinique officially became part of France in 1815. It became a Department of France in 1946, and was named a Region of France in 1974, and that remains its status.

Martinique's capital, Fort de France, celebrates every aspect of French culture with style and panache – from the excellence of its cuisine to the chic sophistication of its fine resorts and hotels. Shops sell the latest French merchandise; art galleries, theaters and museums all pay homage that heritage. Old men play Boules in the squares, while crowds sit at sidewalk cafés. Yet, an enticing West Indian warmth and friendliness, a special spice in its music, dance, local food and cultural roots, combine with everything French, to create a unique way of life.

Martinique offers the classic Caribbean package of flawless beaches-white sand on the south coast, black sand on the north coast. There are secluded coves perfect for swimming and snorkeling, reefs, unspoiled fishing villages, hot springs, lush rainforests, rugged peaks and exotic flowers and fruit everywhere.

The Dream Yacht Charter base at Le Marin is just a short ride from the airport. The marina is set at the end of a beautiful lagoon and includes all the facilities any sailor could need: well-stocked chandleries, a supermarket and restaurants.

The marina at Le Marin is one of the largest in the Caribbean that caters specifically to pleasure boats, and is a day sail from the Grenadines.

Caribbean Destinations Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe lies at 16 degrees 15 minutes north latitude and 61 degrees 34 minutes west longitude, and is part of the Leeward Islands. The island is geographically distinctive because of its butterfly shape. The eastern wing is Grand-Terre. Pointe-à-Pitre, the island's biggest city, is in the southeastern corner and is the center of tourism.

The western wing is Basse-Terre, which is less developed and dominated by a national park. A narrow channel called the Salt River separates the two halves of the island. There are rolling fields of sugarcane, but amazing rainforests as well, which many rare and colorful species of birds and animals call home.

Snorkelers and divers will be captivated by the variety of marine and coral life in the pristine, azure waters that surround the islands that make up Guadeloupe. Foodies will delight in the delicious and distinctive cuisine, which is a blend of French and Creole influences.

On the quieter, nearby islands, many of the inhabitants still wear traditional Creole dress and the mix of African, European and East Indian cultures makes for a melting pot of great charm and excitement.

A Dream Yacht Charter bareboat sailing vacation on Guadeloupe is the ideal family, or romantic getaway. Make sure you don't miss the beautiful Crayfish waterfall. Afterward, you can linger for swim in its refreshing pools. For a more dramatic sight head to the south of Basse Terre and visit the famous 350-foot Carbet Waterfalls.

From our base at Pointe-à-Pitre, sailors can head south, plotting a course through untouched islands with amazing rainforests. If you're more interested in sailing than sightseeing, head north for more challenging blue water cruising.

The Jacques Cousteau Underwater Reserve in the waters close to Pigeon Island features an abundance of colorful coral forests and marine life. The undersea park is considered one of the best dive sites in the world.

Caribbean Destinations St. Martin

St. Martin

Located in the Leeward Islands at 18 degrees 3 minutes, north latitude and 63 degrees 4 minutes west longitude, Christopher Columbus sighted St. Martin in 1493 and claimed it for Spain. However, the Dutch first occupied St. Martin in 1631 drawn by the island's salt deposits. Spain eventually relinquished its claim, and the French and Dutch divided the island among themselves. And so it remains today. The island of Saint Martin is the smallest landmass in the world shared by two independent countries. The northern part is a French overseas collectivity, while the Dutch side is an independent nation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and is officially called Saint Martin.

Because of its French and Dutch sides, an interesting duel cultural personality exists on St. Martin where sophistication and a relaxed, easygoing style are woven into the fabric of daily life on the island. The melding of both Caribbean and European food, culture and cuisine comes together like no other place in the island chain. With world class restaurants, casual beach bars, legendary and sometimes infamous beaches, live music and a fascinating colonial history, St. Martin gives you a taste of the delightful charms of this part of the world.

In fact, St. Martin is second only to the British Virgin Islands as our most popular sailing area in the Caribbean. Chartering here allows you to explore some of the beautiful islands in the Eastern Caribbean, as well as enjoy spectacular diving and snorkeling on some of the most unspoiled reefs in the world.

Because of the prevailing conditions in the area surrounding St. Martin, Dream Yacht Charter requires sailors to have an intermediate or higher level of experience. However, there is just the right mix of island hopping and exciting blue water sailing to keep a smile on everyone's face.

Caribbean Destinations Antigua

The Antigua Base Opens October 1, 2013. Bookings are being accepted now.

Come join us in exploring Antigua’s winding coastline and seemingly limitless secluded powdery soft beaches. Navigate the same waters as Nelson, scuba dive and snorkel from the decks of our yachts on the same coral reefs that were once the bane of marauding enemy ships.

Antigua and its sister Island, Barbuda, lie at 17 degrees 5 minutes north latitude and 61 degrees 48 minutes west longitude. Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) is the largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean. To the south are the islands of Montserrat; and to the north and west are Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Barts, and St. Martin. Barbuda, about 30 miles due north of Antigua, is a largely uninhabited flat coral island. The tiny island of Redonda, a nature preserve is also part of the nation.

Like most islands of the Caribbean, Antigua benefits from a warm climate moderated by steady trade winds that make the region one of the most desirable of the world’s great sailing destinations. Because of its complex coastline, an abundance of safe harbors, and a protective nearly unbroken coral reef, one of Great Britain’s most famous admirals, Horatio Nelson, made Antigua the Royal Navy’s most important Caribbean base in 1784.

Now, more than 200 years later, the same characteristics that attracted Nelson have drawn Dream Yacht Charter this island paradise. Our base is the legendary Jolly Harbor, a full service marina that features restaurants, a supermarket, boutique shopping and more. The Dream Yacht staff will acquaint you with the island’s natural and historical landmarks. Natives like to say there are 365 distinct beaches, one for every day of the year on Antigua. We don’t know if that’s literally true, but one of the great adventures for our sailing friends would be to try and visit them all.

The capital of Antigua and its largest city is St. John’s. The baroque towers of St. John’s Cathedral dominate the city’s landscape. With a new cruise ship dock and several hotels, the capital is a lively hub for shopping and dining.

If you are interested in the early history of the island, visit the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda in the colonial Court House. You will find Arawak and colonial artifacts recovered archaeological digs on the island on display.

The heart of Antigua’s historic district is the 15 square miles that of Nelson’s Dockyard National Park. During the great age of sale, this area served as British Navy’s base and headquarters of the fleet of the Leeward Islands during the late 18th century. Greatly expanded during the time Horatio Nelson commanded, it was gradually abandoned during in the nineteenth century and was closed in 1889. Now completely restored, Nelson’s Dockyard is the only Georgian dockyard in the world.

Caribbean Destinations British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are made up of more than 60 islands and islets at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, which separates the Atlantic Ocean from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and Anegada are the major islands of this storied archipelago.

Rich in pirate folklore, and made famous by the likes of Robert Louis Stevenson, the BVI offer some of the best sailing to be had anywhere on the planet. The smaller islands, many perfect for daytime snorkeling trips as well as overnight stays, add to the mix of tropical delights, where you can be as relaxed or as active as you like.

Set sail on a BVI yacht charter from our base at Hodges Creek Marina, centrally located on Tortola. After slipping away from the dock, you will be perfectly positioned in the Sir Francis Drake Channel, the gateway to Paradise.

We will transport you to a place where tranquil turquoise waters lap softly against the hull of your yacht while giant swaths of tropical fish dart just below the surface. Everywhere are white-sand beaches fringed with towering palm trees and picturesque ramshackle beach bars. Other islands remain uninhabited and are just waiting to be explored.

Crystal clear waters, picture-perfect beaches, scenic anchorages and well-equipped marinas make the British Virgin Islands an ideal sailing destination for every sailor. Easy island hops, consistent trade winds, line-of-sight navigation and numerous safe anchorages and mooring fields make this a sailors' dream vacation.