For those who love to combine sailing and golfing, numerous destinations around the world offer the perfect blend of these two enthralling hobbies. From the sunny shores of Florida to the serene beaches of the Canary Islands, and from the luxurious atmosphere of Barbados to the historical landscapes of Greece, these destinations have something to offer every type of traveller.
The beauty of these destinations lies in their ability to cater to a wide range of interests, whether it be exploring the rich history of Greece, soaking up the sun in Florida or Barbados, or experiencing the unique culture of the Canary Islands.
These destinations offer a perfect mix of golf and sailing opportunities, with world-class golf courses and stunning marinas that provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable holiday experience. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a novice golfer, these destinations offer the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and luxury, making them the ideal choice for your next holiday.
The UK
I know, I know, not exactly the tropical paradise you had imagined but hear me out. The UK has some of the finest golf courses in the world, and there are great sailing spots too. Plus, you can complete the trifactor with some Scuba diving in the many caves and coves. So what you waiting for, start looking for UK Golf Holiday Deals.
Golf trips abroad can be time consuming, but based on your location, you could easily sail to your location for a short golf break. In exploring the best sailing and golf holiday destinations, it is worth noting that the UK has a long and rich history in both sports.
Scotland, in particular, is considered to be the birthplace of golf, with the Old Course at St Andrews being one of the oldest and most iconic golf courses in the world. And the nation’s maritime heritage also makes it a prime location for sailing enthusiasts, with coastal routes offering stunning views of the rugged coastline and abundant wildlife.
With the popular sailing event the Scottish Series, plus the West Coast of Scotland’s stunning scenery and remote anchorages, sailing enthusiasts are spoilt for choice. My choice though is the Firth of Clyde, which offers a mix of challenging sailing conditions and stunning scenery, with the Isle of Arran and the Kintyre Peninsula providing a dramatic backdrop.
Notable scuba diving spots include Scapa Flow (Orkney Islands) and St. Kilda (Outer Hebrides) and inland Loch Fyne. And with Carnoustie and Gleneagles there are plenty of golfing options.
On the South coast of England there are great sailing spots on the the Solent (between the mainland and the Isle of Wight which also hosts the famed Cowes Week), the English Channel and all the way along the Dorset, Devon and Cornwall coasts. Each has their own collection of scuba diving hotspots like Swanage Pier, Lundy Island, Plymouth Sound, Porthkerris Cove and the Scilly Isles.
In the South of England though, famed golf courses outside of the home counties are a bit harder to find. St Enodoc in Cornwall, Broadstone and Parkstone in Dorset, Saunton in Devon and the Royal North Devon Golf Club are worth a look.
Florida
Florida is considered a dream destination for holidays not just in America, but across the globe. Its numerous islands, amazing wildlife, and picturesque blue waters make it an ideal location for sailing holidays, and something to check off your bucket list.
When people think of sailing in Florida, they usually have the Florida Keys in mind. Located southeast of the state, the Florida Keys consist of 800 islands and 6,000 reefs, forming the perfect collection of sand, sun, and surf for an unforgettable sailing trip.
Florida, with over 1,250 golf courses available, is also a prominent golfing destination that offers year-round golf and top championship golf courses, making it an ideal choice for a golf holiday. Golf enthusiasts can choose from some of the top golf courses in America, such as TPC Sawgrass, Doral, PGA National, and Innisbrook. Florida’s tropical climate and lush fairways provide golfers with the perfect opportunity to play golf in the winter months.
In addition to golf, Florida has 825 miles of beautiful white beaches to explore, as well as Walt Disney World, shopping, restaurants, and a vibrant entertainment scene. Accommodation options range from family-friendly resorts to luxury hotels. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of beach activities, outdoor adventures, and nightlife options. Local cuisine is a mixture of Latin American, Caribbean, and Southern influences, making it a unique and flavourful experience.
Canary Islands
Renowned for its reputation as a premier golfing haven, the Canary Islands in Spain have always captivated enthusiasts seeking the perfect golf holiday. With a delightful climate that ensures sunshine year-round and a conveniently reachable location within a five-hour flight, the Canaries present an ideal setting for winter escapes as well as scorching summer getaways.
Whether it’s the expansive Tenerife, the captivating Gran Canaria, the picturesque Lanzarote, or the enticing Fuerteventura, each island offers a distinctive and unforgettable golfing experience. Alongside their remarkable black and white sandy beaches and luxurious resorts, this region stands unparalleled in its ability to create cherished memories that will endure a lifetime.
The Canary Islands Archipelago also boasts favourable conditions for sailing thanks to its geographical location and pleasant climate, a fact that has been widely recognized for centuries. Whether you’re seeking leisurely family trips or exhilarating, high-speed journeys to more challenging destinations, the region’s sailing winds make it all possible.
Barbados
Barbados is a sought-after destination for travellers seeking warm weather, luxury hotels, remarkable restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. With its variety of water sports and activities available, Barbados provides an ideal combination of golfing and sailing experiences.
The west coast of Barbados is especially famous for perfect sailing spots, such as Sandy Lane Bay or Reeds Bay. In the capital, you can find boating in Carlisle Bay. Lastly, if you opt for Port St. Charles, note that this place is also great for dining on excellent fish and staying overnight after a long day of sailing. Barbados boasts amazing sailing opportunities along its beautiful beaches. With hidden caves, pristine white sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise water, you can expect a wonderful boating experience in this Caribbean paradise. Taking in the island’s stunning views from the water is truly unforgettable.
Barbados is also home to world-famous golf courses that attract sports players and celebrities. The Green Monkey course at Sandy Lane Resorts is a ‘bucket list’ destination, while Apes Hill Golf Club offers stunning panoramic views. Royal Westmoreland boasts immaculate conditions, stunning views, and an old-style clubhouse.
Greece
Greece has much to offer beyond just golf, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking an authentic experience. With a perfect climate boasting 300 days of sunshine a year, visitors can enjoy day tours to nearby towns and places of interest, as well as a whole host of outdoor and water adventures.
Greece boasts over 8,000 miles of coastline and 2,000 islands waiting to be explored, and a sailing adventure is one of the best ways to do it. While on a Greek sailing holiday around the Ionian Islands, you can visit the ancient ruins, indulge in traditional mezé at welcoming waterfront tavernas, and party at the renowned islands for an unforgettable night out in the Mediterranean.
The country is a family-friendly destination, with luxury accommodations and wildlife habitats to explore. In addition to its stunning golf courses, Greece is renowned for its cuisine, offering a mouth-watering selection of skewered grilled meats, fresh fish dishes, moussaka, feta, olives, tzatziki, pittas and breads, hummus and a wide array of other delicious fresh foods.
If you’re also looking for a budget-friendly golf holiday abroad then Greece would be the perfect option for you. It is an attractive option for those seeking a high-quality golf experience without breaking the bank. With year-round golfing opportunities, Greece is fast becoming a key golf destination, enticing golfers from around the world to its shores.
Mauritius
Mauritius is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts. It is an ideal destination for sailing and golf holidays due to its warm climate and beautiful landscapes.
Some of the top resorts in Mauritius include the Four Seasons Resort, Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, and the Constance Belle Mare Plage. These resorts offer luxury accommodations, spa treatments, and a variety of water sports and beach activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and kite surfing.
Mauritius is the location if want to indulge in a sailing cruise or other similar activities on this island. The clear waters of the Indian Ocean, stunning lagoon, and mild sea winds create an utterly satisfying experience for both the body and soul when it comes to sailing, water adventures, and excursions in Mauritius.
With a multitude of cruising vessels available, Mauritius offers a plethora of sailing activities that can take you on an unforgettable journey to one of the many small islands encompassing the main island of Mauritius.
Mauritius also offers scenic golf holidays where your experience would be enhanced by staying in some of the luxurious resorts whilst playing on idyllic courses and relishing in the welcoming hospitality. The island boasts a vibrant display of colours, featuring the mesmerising deep blue sea, pristine white beaches, and lush emerald green fairways. It is no surprise that golfing in Mauritius is gaining popularity given all that it has to offer.
Thailand
Thailand is a captivating country in Southeast Asia with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural scenery. The beautiful country also offers an enchanting sailing experience for those seeking adventure on the high seas. With its stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and tropical islands, Thailand is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts. From the vibrant Phuket region to the breathtaking Gulf of Thailand, there are countless sailing destinations to explore.
Phuket serves as an excellent starting point for sailing adventures. The island boasts modern marinas, bustling markets, and a vibrant nightlife scene. From here, you can set sail to discover the nearby Phi Phi Islands, famous for their towering limestone cliffs and emerald waters.
Thailand is a fascinating place for golf enthusiasts too and not just limited to ‘gap-year’ travellers. The nation offers top-notch accommodation, along with some of the world’s most fabulous golf courses. Travel from the capital Bangkok to the south, including places like Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Phuket, and you’ll discover remarkable golf courses that complement the stunning scenery and culture of Thailand.
While sailing and golfing would be the primary focus of your holiday, Thailand also offers rich cultural experiences and attractions worth exploring. Visit temples, enjoy traditional Thai cuisine, experience vibrant markets, and relax on stunning beaches during your leisure time.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean nation that boasts beautiful beaches, rich culture and history, and luxurious resorts that attract tourists from around the world.
The tropical island boasts a stunning 320-kilometre stretch of beaches, which can be fully accessed by renting a sailboat. Additionally, sailing enthusiasts have the thrilling choice of exploring nearby islands like Cuba and Puerto Rico. What sets the marinas of the Dominican Republic apart is their picturesque surroundings, with Puerto Bahia offering magnificent views of towering mountains.
The Dominican Republic is widely regarded as the leading golf destination in the Caribbean, thanks to its superb collection of resorts and the creativity of world-renowned golf course designers who have been inspired by the blank canvas this country presents. The architects have crafted legendary designs and layouts that add to the allure of the island.
The country offers a variety of golf courses, including Punta Espada, Teeth of the Dog, and La Cana Golf Course, that cater to golf enthusiasts of all levels. With its tropical climate, the Dominican Republic provides year-round golfing opportunities, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to combine golfing with a holiday on its serene waters.