Where We Sail
Sailing Destinations
Learning to sail somewhere beautiful is the whole point. These are the waters our courses call home, and what makes each one worth the trip.
The Waters
Pick Your Classroom
Courses run in the Caribbean, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Mexico, and French Polynesia. Same certifications, same instructors, very different views.
Caribbean
Croatia
Italy: Aeolian Islands
Greece & BeyondRegion by Region
Where to Learn to Sail, and When to Go
The same IYT certification, the same expert instructors, and wildly different water. Here is what each of our cruising grounds is really like, and the best season for it.
The Caribbean
Warm, steady trade winds and short hops between islands make the Caribbean, and the British Virgin Islands in particular, the best beginner classroom in the world. Line of sight navigation, calm anchorages, and dependable breeze let you focus on sailing. Best season runs from December through April. Read more in our Caribbean sailing guide.
Croatia
Hundreds of islands, clear Adriatic water, and ancient walled towns to sail into at the end of a day. Croatia offers reliable summer wind and sheltered channels. Best season is May through September.
Greece
The Ionian is gentle and green and ideal for building confidence, while the Cyclades bring the famous Meltemi wind for sailors who want more of a challenge. Best season is May through October.
Italy: The Aeolian Islands
A volcanic archipelago off the coast of Sicily, with dramatic scenery, warm water, and short passages between islands. Best season is June through September.
Mexico: The Sea of Cortez
Jacques Cousteau called it the world’s aquarium. Desert islands, abundant wildlife, and steady winter wind. Best season is November through April.
French Polynesia: Tahiti
The trip of a lifetime. Turquoise lagoons, coral atolls, and trade wind sailing across the South Pacific. Best season is May through October.
The Path
Certified in Paradise
Intro to Sailing
IYT International Crew – 3 daysZero experience required. Learn the fundamentals as working crew on a real yacht.
Day Skipper
IYT Day Skipper – 4 daysTake the helm. Skipper a yacht on day passages with confidence.
Become the Captain
IYT Bareboat Skipper + ICC + VHF – 7 daysCharter yachts up to 60 feet anywhere in the world. No instructor required.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to learn to sail?
For most beginners the Caribbean, and especially the British Virgin Islands, is the ideal place to start. Steady trade winds, short distances between islands, and calm anchorages let you focus on learning rather than fighting the conditions.
What is the best time of year to sail the Caribbean?
December through April is the prime season, with reliable trade winds, warm water, and settled weather outside the hurricane months.
What is the best time to sail the Mediterranean?
May through October is the sailing season across Croatia, Greece, and Italy, with the most settled weather usually in early summer and again in September.
Where can I sail with an IYT certification?
Almost anywhere. IYT certifications are recognized in more than 100 countries, so the Bareboat Skipper certificate you earn on a course lets you charter across the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, and beyond.
Is the Caribbean good for beginners?
Yes, it is one of the best beginner destinations in the world. The combination of gentle line of sight navigation, warm water, and dependable wind makes it forgiving and confidence building.
Keep Exploring
Pick Your Water
Compare upcoming course dates across every destination we sail.