Caribbean News
The Most Popular Boating Cities in the Caribbean
- Nassau, The Bahamas
Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats
Number of Vessels: 167
With its turquoise waters and proximity to the famous Exuma Cays, Nassau offers fantastic boating experiences and stands out as the busiest boat rental destination in the Caribbean. Popular boat trips include visiting Pig Beach, snorkeling in Thunderball Grotto, and exploring private islands. Fishing charters are a top boating activity in Nassau, with visitors booking half and full-day excursions on fully-equipped fishing boats for deep-sea adventures. The warm climate and thriving marine life make it exceptionally popular for winter escapes and Spring Break vacations for families and groups of friends of all ages.
- Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Number of Vessels: 110
Fajardo is known for its bioluminescent bays and the nearby Cordillera Nature Reserve. Boat trips to Icacos Island and Vieques offer opportunities for pristine snorkeling, diving, and the unique experience of visiting a bioluminescent bay. It’s seasonally dependent, but if you come at the right time, you could be greeted by glow-in-the-dark organisms illuminating the waters around you during a tour by boat at night. This is often considered a bucket list experience, and Fajardo, Puerto Rico, is one of the best destinations for it. The consistent weather and calm seas are also ideal for sailing year-round.
- Cartagena, Colombia
Most Popular Style of Boat: Catamarans
Number of Vessels: 285
Cartagena boasts a rich cultural heritage, charming old town streets, alongside stunning coastal waters. It’s one of the most visited cities in Colombia, both by international and domestic tourists. The most commonly chosen boating itinerary for visitors on vacation is a day trip to the Rosario Islands. These islands are known for coral reefs and vibrant sea life, and provide the perfect scenery for photo shoots, island hopping, and sunbathing. Its year-round tropical weather makes it a favorite for yachters looking for day excursions or even overnight adventures.
- Bavaro, Dominican Republic
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Number of Boat Listings: 167
Located on the eastern coast, north of Punta Cana, Bavaro is a growing tourist destination in the Dominican Republic, thanks to its proximity to the international airport and its rapidly-growing accommodations and facilities. It’s also a very affordable destination for yachting, with average hourly rates starting at just $125/hour for large yachts.
With 10 kilometers of coastline, there are many great beaches to explore and enjoy, and cruising around from Bavaro to various sandbars and tiny islands off the coast is a top activity enjoyed by visitors on vacation. Popular trips from Bavaro include snorkeling in coral gardens and cruising along the lagoon. Boat tours here with local captains provide for an unforgettable vacation experience.
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Number of Boat Listings: 345
With the international airport in Punta Cana receiving over 1.5 million tourists annually, it’s a top Caribbean destination for travelers seeking sunshine and warmth, especially during the winter months and over Spring Break. Punta Cana is known for its white-sand beaches and warm, blue waters, and it offers fantastic boating options. Popular excursions include Saona Island, exploring natural pools and sandbars, spotting dolphins in the wild, or even full day trips to Punta de los Nidos. It’s a remarkably affordable yachting destination, especially if you’re visiting with a group and can split the cost. Many options start at under $100/hour for impressive vessel rentals with captains included.
- Jan Thiel, Curacao
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Number of Boat Listings: 24
Jan Thiel in Curacao is a gem of the Caribbean for on-water adventures, where you can cruise and discover secluded beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Motor yachts and large sailboats are the most in-demand style of boat to charter or rent here, as the favorable winds make it ideal for sailing, and there are many great areas to explore by private yacht. Popular trips by boat from Jan Thiel include exploring Klein Curaçao, a remote island perfect for snorkeling and diving, and day trips to Fuikbay and the Spanish Lagoon. It’s an area of the island with many beach clubs and waterfront restaurants that you can visit by boat, or book a catered lunch onboard your yacht charter.
- Montego Bay, Jamaica
Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats
Number of Boat Listings: 53
Montego Bay is celebrated for its lively culture, luxury accommodations, incredible yacht services, and beautiful scenery. It’s a top destination in Jamaica for the over 2 million visitors who travel to the island annually.
Boating trips from Montego Bay often feature visits to Doctor’s Cave Beach and the Montego Bay Marine Park. Many visitors opt to have an all-inclusive bar and catered local food onboard. The area’s warm waters are perfect for kayaking and snorkeling, and many larger yacht charters will include equipment for these sorts of activities.
- Oranjestad, Aruba
Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts
Number of Boat Listings: 18
Aruba’s Oranjestad is renowned for shipwreck dives and luxury catamaran cruises, and has grown in popularity in recent years as a top vacation destination for visitors from around the globe. Popular destinations include the Antilla shipwreck and the calm waters of Eagle Beach. Sunset cruises are another popular choice here, and are an ideal way to end a perfect vacation day. The gorgeous beaches and waters of Oranjestad coupled with the easy access to boats and yachts in the various marinas of the city make it a top choice for boating enthusiasts on a trip to the island.
- Leeward Settlement, Turks & Caicos
Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats
Number of Boat Listings: 27
Turks and Caicos experienced record tourism growth in 2024, and an upscale area of the islands, the Leeward Settlement, is a top Caribbean destination for boat rentals and yacht charters. The area offers natural beauty thanks to its clear turquoise waters and pristine, white sand beaches. Popular trips by boat from here include exploring Grace Bay and snorkeling at Smith’s Reef. The shallow, calm waters make it an ideal spot for family boating. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, and incredible colorful fish.
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
Most Popular Style of Boat: Sailboats
Number of Boat Listings: 15
While not as busy with respect to boating as the east coast city of Fajardo, San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, combines vibrant city life with excellent boating opportunities. Sailing is a top choice here, with visitors opting for sightseeing and sunset cruises. Popular excursions
by boat from San Juan include trips to nearby islands like Palomino and Culebra. Its rich history, iconic landmarks and warm, sunny weather make it a top choice. Make sure to snap some photos of the old fort infrastructure while cruising around.
- San Pedro, Belize
Most Popular Style of Boat: Catamarans
Number of Vessels: 28
Located near the Belize Barrier Reef on the south side of Ambergris Caye, San Pedro offers unmatched opportunities for diving and snorkeling and is a top destination for visitors venturing to Belize. Popular boating trips include Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. The biodiversity of this region in the Caribbean guarantees marine life sightings when out exploring by boat. Catamarans are the top style of boat for trips here, which are great for large groups on vacation together.
In Summary
The Caribbean is a world-renowned destination for boating and yachting, offering over 7,000 islands, cays, and islets, each with unique charm and natural beauty. With its consistently warm temperatures ranging from 77°F to 82°F (25°C to 28°C) year-round, calm waters, and trade winds averaging 15-25 knots, the region provides ideal conditions for sailors and boaters of all skill levels. The Caribbean accounts for approximately 20% of the global yacht charter market, with the top hotspots like The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic drawing millions of visitors annually. Boating highlights include the Great Blue Hole in Belize, attracting divers and boaters, and the Rosario Islands near Cartagena, known for vibrant marine biodiversity. Visitors flock to these waters for exceptional snorkeling, diving, fishing, and island-hopping experiences, making the Caribbean a paradise for maritime enthusiasts.
To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed all boat rentals, charters, and demand data for Caribbean cities in 2024. The data was cleaned to exclude outlier hourly rates and locations with insignificant sample sizes, while rentals were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report. Data on the most popular boat style and the number of vessels available in each location are included for the top locations to paint a more detailed picture of each city’s boating culture.
About Getmyboat
Getmyboat is the world’s biggest and best marketplace for fun, safe, and easy boating experiences of all kinds. Launched in 2013, over 2 million customers have gone boating through the platform, with 180,000+ listings across 184 countries and thousands of 5-star reviews for boat owners and captains. 30% of trips are boat rentals, while 70% of trips are captained by boating professionals, so customers feel safe while they enjoy being together with family and friends on the water.
May 22, 2026 – The Caribbean Community is warning that the escalating conflict surrounding the Strait of Hormuz is now directly threatening Caribbean economies, driving up the cost of fuel, food and freight across a region heavily dependent on imports.
In a statement issued this week, CARICOM expressed “serious concern” over the worsening hostilities in the Middle East and the growing
instability affecting one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.
CARICOM said it is alarmed by: “the severe loss of life, threats to civil infrastructure, and the instability in global markets” resulting from the conflict.
The regional bloc warned that disruption in maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz is reverberating across the global economy through: “energy markets, supply chains and increased freight costs.”
For Caribbean citizens, those consequences are already becoming painfully visible.
In Nassau, gasoline prices have surged again, with regular fuel now nearing or exceeding seven dollars per gallon at some stations. Consumers in other CARICOM countries are also reporting higher transportation costs, rising grocery bills and mounting pressure on household budgets.
The fear among regional leaders is that the crisis is far from over.
Roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the most strategically important waterways in global trade. Analysts warn prolonged disruption could trigger even higher global inflation and deeper supply chain instability.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has now warned that the crisis could become a: “systemic agrifood shock” capable of triggering a severe global food price crisis within six to twelve months.
The Caribbean is especially vulnerable because of its dependence on imported fuel, imported food and imported manufactured goods.
A recent UN regional analysis warned that shockwaves from the Middle East conflict are already reaching Caribbean nations, where rising oil prices and freight costs are increasing the price of imported food, electricity and transportation.
Global institutions are also sounding increasingly dire warnings.
The World Bank projects energy prices could surge by 24 percent this year because of the conflict, while fertilizer prices may jump by more
than 30 percent — increases likely to feed directly into higher food costs worldwide.
The International Monetary Fund has meanwhile warned the global economy could face a “much worse outcome” if the conflict drags into 2027 and oil prices continue climbing.
CARICOM is now calling for all parties to respect international law and preserve safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The Community stressed that transit passage: “should not be contingent on any license, levy, or authorization,” and warned that bordering states should not “hamper or suspend” the movement of vessels through the corridor.
CARICOM also called for: “cessation of hostilities” and urged “de-escalation and restraint by all parties.”
But for many Caribbean citizens, the economic pain is already here.
And with fuel nearing seven dollars per gallon in parts of The Bahamas, regional governments are facing renewed pressure over cost of living concerns, inflation and the Caribbean’s continued dependence on imported energy and food supplies.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Antigua & Barbuda, May 4, 2026 – Prime Minister Gaston Browne has secured a historic fourth consecutive term in office, leading the
Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party to a commanding victory in the country’s snap general election held April 30, 2026.
Preliminary results show Browne’s party capturing 15 of the 17 seats in Parliament, tightening its grip on power and dramatically weakening the opposition.
The main opposition United Progressive Party was reduced to just one seat, held by its leader, while the Barbuda People’s Movement retained its single constituency in Barbuda.
The result marks a major political turnaround for Browne, whose party had won a much narrower 9–7 majority in the 2023 election before rebuilding support through defections and by-elections.
Voter turnout figures vary in early reports, with initial estimates indicating participation of around 35.8 percent, or roughly 22,700 voters
out of more than 63,000 registered. However, broader election data suggests overall turnout may have exceeded 60 percent, reflecting steady engagement despite political tensions.
The election, called nearly two years ahead of schedule, was shaped by concerns over the cost of living, global economic pressures and fallout from U.S. visa restrictions linked to the country’s citizenship-by-investment programme.
Despite those issues, Browne campaigned on economic stability and continued development, pointing to a strong tourism recovery and ongoing infrastructure expansion.
The decisive victory now strengthens his mandate, but also raises questions about the future of the opposition, which faces internal challenges after significant losses at the polls.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
May 4, 2026 – This is not just a family dispute. It is a fight over control of a tourism empire.
At the centre is Adam Stewart, who has secured a series of legal victories across the region as challenges continue over the estate and leadership structure of Sandals Resorts International.
The multi-billion-dollar conglomerate was built by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, whose passing in 2021 set off a complex and ongoing dispute involving family members, estate arrangements and control of the business.
In recent rulings, courts in both The Bahamas and Jamaica have reinforced Adam Stewart’s position, effectively allowing him to continue leading the company while defending his role against legal challenges.
One key issue has centred on the interpretation of estate provisions, including whether defending his leadership could jeopardise his inheritance. The courts have ruled in his favour, clearing the way for him to maintain control without penalty.
For now, those decisions bring a measure of stability to one of the Caribbean’s most influential tourism brands.
But the matter is far from settled.
Multiple legal challenges and competing claims within the Stewart family remain active, meaning the future structure of the company is still
being contested.
The implications stretch well beyond the courtroom.
Sandals operates across several Caribbean nations, including The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Jamaica and Saint Lucia, making it a critical player in regional tourism, employment and investment.
Any uncertainty at the top of the organisation has the potential to ripple across economies that rely heavily on the brand’s continued expansion and stability.
For now, Adam Stewart remains firmly in charge. He was named Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International in 2021.
Still, many are keen on the outcomes of ongoing litigation, as the battle over one of the Caribbean’s most powerful business empires is still unfolding.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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