Sailing Guide: How to Plan Your First Sailing Trip

The island of Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) has become a favorite destination for yachting enthusiasts, prized for its largely undeveloped natural landscape and the friendly harbors in Roseau and Portsmouth. As the youngest of the Lesser Antilles, Dominica is home to the Boiling Lake, one of the largest natural hot springs in the world. Often called “Nature’s Island,” roughly two-thirds of Dominica is covered in lush rainforest, with areas protected as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Dominica’s rich biodiversity includes more than 1,200 plant species and numerous rivers, lakes and waterfalls, making the island an increasingly popular spot for eco-tourism. Located approximately halfway between Guadeloupe and Martinique, the island measures about 289 square miles and remains lightly developed outside its main towns. Whether you’re planning day sails or a longer cruising itinerary, local services such as Dominica Yacht Services can assist with trip planning, including hotel and restaurant bookings, diving and snorkeling excursions, whale-watching trips and guided island tours.

Further reading:

Caribbean Caper

St. Vincent: Caribbean Calm