Dive in to see the Caribbean's best boating cities and the maritime culture, amenities, and unique experiences each one offers

Table of Contents

The Caribbean remains one of the world’s most visited regions, welcoming over 33 million international tourists annually, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization. Tourism accounts for over 15% of the region’s GDP, underscoring its central role in local economies and global travel trends. Among these visitors, boating and water-based recreation rank among the most sought-after activities, driven by the region’s 7,000 islands and cays and over 1 million square miles of crystal-clear sea. From yacht charters and sailing trips to private boat rentals and snorkeling excursions, travelers are increasingly choosing to explore the Caribbean by water. This surge in boating tourism reflects not only the accessibility of marine attractions—such as coral reefs, hidden beaches, and marine sanctuaries—but also a growing demand for personalized, adventure-driven experiences that highlight the Caribbean’s natural beauty and maritime culture.

About This Report

This report analyzes booking and demand data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, examining the top boating destinations in the Caribbean region. We ranked the cities based on frequency by analyzing the demand and number of completed rentals. We also included data regarding the most popular style of watercraft, the number of boats available, and information about the local boating culture.

It contains proprietary booking data for each city, including the most desired vessel style for renters and the number of available vessels. It discusses the distinct features that make each of these destinations boating hotspots and the overall boating experience they offer.

Carib Data map V2

Top Boating Destinations in the Caribbean

#1 Nassau, The Bahamas

Most Popular Style of Boat: Center Console Powerboats

Average Hourly Rate: $375/hour

Number of Vessels Available: 180

Nassau remains the most popular city in the Caribbean for boating, retaining its top position from the previous year. The city’s appeal lies in its turquoise waters, proximity to the Exuma Cays, and extensive boating infrastructure.

Boaters can enjoy island-hopping, snorkeling in areas like Thunderball Grotto, and fishing charters, making it attractive to both casual sailors and experienced yachtsmen. The abundance of available vessels and charter options ensures that demand remains high.

#2 Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yacht

Average Hourly Rate: $356

Number of Vessels Available: 127

Fajardo on the east coast of Puerto Rico continues to rank second, reflecting its consistently strong demand for boating. Its calm coastal waters, year-round sailing conditions, and proximity to islands such as Vieques and Icacos make it ideal for day trips and longer excursions. Puerto Rico’s tourism popularity has exploded in 2025, thanks to cultural influencers like Bad Bunny and a desire for Americans to travel to tropical destinations without leaving the United States.

Popular experiences include bioluminescent bay tours, snorkeling, and sailing adventures, supported by a robust local charter market. Fajardo’s accessibility and natural beauty make it a reliable choice for boating enthusiasts.

#3 Cartagena, Colombia

Most Popular Style of Boat: Sailing Catamarans

Average Hourly Rate: $290

Number of Vessels Available: 234

Cartagena holds third place, known for its blend of historic coastal charm and marine access. Boaters here have easy access to the Rosario Islands for snorkeling and island-hopping. Catamarans dominate local listings, catering to leisure charters and private excursions. Tourism has grown by over 15% in recent years, with many visitors coming by cruise ships and for extended winter vacations.

Its tropical climate and scenic coastal backdrop maintain consistent appeal, keeping demand stable relative to the prior year.

#4 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Most Popular Style of Boat: Power Catamarans

Average Hourly Rate: $203

Number of Vessels Available: 237

Punta Cana climbed to fourth place from fifth the previous year, reflecting increased demand driven by its status as an international tourist hub. The area offers white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excursions to Saona Island and natural sandbars. The Punta Cana airport welcomed nearly 5 million tourists in 2024, the highest number of any Caribbean destination, and numbers are continuing to surge in 2025.

The high number of vessel listings ensures availability for both small powerboats and larger yachts, making it ideal for a wide range of boating experiences. Its improved ranking underscores growing interest from vacationers seeking both adventure and relaxation on the water.

#5 Montego Bay, Jamaica

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Average Hourly Rate: $462

Number of Vessels Available: 54

Montego Bay rises to fifth place this year, benefiting from its luxury resorts and growing recreational boating infrastructure. Visitors can explore coral reefs, marine parks, and engage in fishing or snorkeling trips.

The region’s yacht and powerboat charters are increasingly in demand, reflecting Montego Bay’s appeal as a premium Caribbean boating destination with easy access to attractions both onshore and offshore.

#6 Oranjestad, Aruba

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Average Hourly Rate: $450

Number of Vessels Available: 17

Oranjestad enters the top six, with growing popularity for luxury catamaran cruises and diving excursions, such as the famous Antilla shipwreck. Calm coastal conditions and sheltered bays provide a safe and scenic environment for boating. Although vessel inventory is modest, the destination’s niche experiences and high-quality marine services have increased its demand relative to other Caribbean locales.

#7 San Pedro, Belize

Most Popular Style of Boat: Catamarans

Average Hourly Rate: $270

Number of Vessels Available: 19

San Pedro saw a significant rise to seventh place this year, up from #11 last year, thanks to booming tourism demand and record numbers of visitors coming to Belize. Situated on Ambergris Caye near the Belize Barrier Reef, the city of San Pedro highly sought after for its abundant marine biodiversity and unique boating experiences, including trips to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley.

Catamarans dominate local listings, and the area appeals to travelers seeking a combination of snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and island exploration in a relatively uncrowded setting.

#8 Jan Thiel, Curaçao

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yacht

Average Hourly Rate: $250

Number of Vessels Available: 19

Jan Thiel slips to eighth place, though it remains a desirable boating destination. Popular excursions include trips to Klein Curaçao, Fuik Bay, and the Spanish Lagoon, with motor yachts and larger sailboats available for charter. The drop in ranking likely reflects growing competition from other Caribbean locations rather than a decline in local boating appeal, as calm winds and scenic waters continue to attract visitors.

#9 San Juan, Puerto Rico

Most Popular Style of Boat: Sailboats

Average Hourly Rate: $200

Number of Vessels Available: 13

San Juan rises to ninth from #10 the previous year, supported by its combination of city coastal access, historic charm, and proximity to nearby islands like Culebra and Palomino. Tourism interest in Puerto Rico has been steadily climbing, and San Juan’s advancement on the list supports this. Boating here often includes day trips and charter tours, appealing to those looking for a mix of cultural and marine experiences. Despite a smaller vessel inventory, demand has grown due to the city’s accessibility and strong tourism infrastructure

#10 Leeward Settlement, Turks & Caicos

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Average Hourly Rate: $250

Number of Vessels Available: 28

Leeward Settlement falls one spot to tenth place this year. The destination is known for its shallow turquoise waters, family-friendly boating conditions, and wildlife spotting opportunities. Calm seas and pristine surroundings make it ideal for recreational boating and excursions. The slight decline in ranking likely reflects increased competition rather than a loss of intrinsic appeal. Here you can enjoy unique boating experiences, like snorkeling tours to the La Familie Express, a shipwreck only accessible by watercraft.

#11 Marigot, St. Martin

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Average Hourly Rate: $350

Number of Vessels Available: 25

New on the list, Marigot in St. Martin rounds out this ranking at #11. This destination offers sheltered bays, marina infrastructure, and inter-island connectivity. While detailed vessel inventory data is limited, its coastal position on the French side of St. Martin and easy access to surrounding islands make it an attractive destination for chartered boating, especially for tourists interested in combining boating with cultural exploration.

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.

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.

Citing this Report

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