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


Table of Contents


With Spring Break right around the corner, destinations across the Caribbean are booking up fast. Visitors from colder climates book their flights and hotel rooms and research the top activities and excursions to add to their itineraries.

Thanks to the natural scenery, wildlife, beaches, and warm, sunny weather, the Caribbean is home to thousands of amazing opportunities for boating, yachting, and other on-water fun. Visitors can enjoy everything from a party cruise with included drinks and music onboard or embark on a wildlife-spotting adventure. Snorkeling tours, island hopping to secluded beaches, visiting waterfront restaurants, and even jet ski adventures are all fantastic options for vacation-bound travelers looking to make the most of their time off.

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.

Our Methodology

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.


Caribbean Data Map

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

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

Media professionals are welcome to utilize this data for journalistic reporting purposes, with a citation and link to Getmyboat. For any questions, or for any other data not found in the below report, reach out to pr@getmyboat.com. Our data and press team can provide further analysis, press quotes, and any other information needed for press stories.