Am planning a trip to the Caribbean next June/July and have narrowed down a few destinations including Aruba and Dominican Republic. Seems there are many options but these 2 appear to have favour.
Has anyone experienced sailing in the Caribbean and if so would welcome any feedback or suggestions..
Cheers

Spent a couple of weeks windsurfing and diving in the Dominican Republic in May about 8yrs ago. Not sure how much it may have changed since then but it was great. Plenty of poverty and desperation/exploitation though so you need to be switched on. Like anywhere off the track these days.

Look at the HiHo windsurfing event - I think it is around then - looks fun!

Aruba is offshore wind...block by high rise...not as strong as it was. However, nice and it's a nice place for familly, with Bonaire as well.

Cabarete in Dominican Republic, June July is their windiest period...it's usually 15-25 knts..last year was the best year ever! You should check what El Nno is doing in Caribean since it's an El Nino Season this year. Rather flat, a lot of kite.

Other good choice of destination with a bit more waves is Barbados. If you are alone, seeking for wavesailing heaven, should take a look at Punta San Carlos in Mexico..it's not the Carribean...but could be an awsome trip as well!! Have fun.

I went on a cruise through the Caribbean a couple of weeks and there were heaps of nice places to sail (although I didn't get a chance to get out). I visited a few rental places in Barbados, but they had just closed for the season. The beach looked great and you could stay in holiday houses across the road.









Gear didn't look that new, but I think the good gear may have been locked away?

Sailed in El Yaque, Isla Margarita today and for the past week. Wind has been relatively strong, generally 5m weather cross on shore, some chop no big swells. The water is clean, the beach is clean. There are lots of places and towns on the coastline without drainage so lots of place are less than the idyllic postcard picture. Windy by 11.00 and strong by 13.00 to sunset at 17.30.Like most beaches along the Colombian Venezuelan Caribbean,the beach itself is quite in the week days and has good social partying saturday and especially sunday (music was off by midnight).

The USD is king, bring loads of cash and exchange it here, double hotel room on the beach with breakfast 16usd, good dinner 3-5 and a beer less than 1usd. I was renting equipment hourly for 16usd, theres a mix of brands, styles available. Some very competent sailers and adults learning on junior rigs.

I've read some bad reviews of the place online, but as of today there is no problem to me here, I can leave my phone , camera on the deck chair and walk up the beach, mostly families and couples. On the mainland and in the cities is different with more crime ,but to relax and kick back this is good for me .... Lots of people can understand basic english here too, which without spanish might be a bit of a downfall. But it always works out ok.

The Caribbean is great, layed back ,good fun people ,nice scenary and colours, lifestyle, food, climate and the women..........

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wildrover said..
Sailed in El Yaque, Isla Margarita today and for the past week. Wind has been relatively strong, generally 5m weather cross on shore, some chop no big swells. The water is clean, the beach is clean. There are lots of places and towns on the coastline without drainage so lots of place are less than the idyllic postcard picture. Windy by 11.00 and strong by 13.00 to sunset at 17.30.Like most beaches along the Colombian Venezuelan Caribbean,the beach itself is quite in the week days and has good social partying saturday and especially sunday (music was off by midnight).

The USD is king, bring loads of cash and exchange it here, double hotel room on the beach with breakfast 16usd, good dinner 3-5 and a beer less than 1usd. I was renting equipment hourly for 16usd, theres a mix of brands, styles available. Some very competent sailers and adults learning on junior rigs.

I've read some bad reviews of the place online, but as of today there is no problem to me here, I can leave my phone , camera on the deck chair and walk up the beach, mostly families and couples. On the mainland and in the cities is different with more crime ,but to relax and kick back this is good for me .... Lots of people can understand basic english here too, which without spanish might be a bit of a downfall. But it always works out ok.

The Caribbean is great, layed back ,good fun people ,nice scenary and colours, lifestyle, food, climate and the women..........

Even though you have gotten away with leaving your phone and camera on the deck chair, don't assume you can get away with it all the time. It still is a poor country. You are lucky in that a lot of people that go to El Yaque are decent people and probably not poor.

El Yaque have had problems with criminals and tourists. Just because most people are honest, don't assume everyone is.

What is the exchange rate at the moment? You sound like you have gotten good deals on everything. I am sure I paid a lot more a few years ago.

Agree with 'FormulaNova' comment, just be careful, common sense and you will enjoy that windsurf paradise. That's my home country.

I think that Goyito, Campello and the rest of the team are there at the moment so you may see them training..
Enjoy your trip!!

On the street 1usd is approximately 100 bolivars. From the ATM 17 usd is 100 bolivars. Bring cash.
I moved from WA to live in South America, have been to almost all south american countries and this beach is safe for tourists is my point, as im sure GSV can appreciate.
A lot of Venezuelans who can take holidays but can't afford to go abroad i've been told holiday here.
Bondi, G.C and Scarborough also have problems with criminals and tourists. Be alert where ever you go.
As a windsurf location in the Caribbean I recommend it.

In my opinion Peru will be best June/July, certainly for waves. June to Nov is Caribbean hurricane season ,although this coast is not affected.

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crash2nz said..
Am planning a trip to the Caribbean next June/July and have narrowed down a few destinations including Aruba and Dominican Republic. Seems there are many options but these 2 appear to have favour.
Has anyone experienced sailing in the Caribbean and if so would welcome any feedback or suggestions..
Cheers

Thanks for all the excellent input guys... appreciate this...