Though summer may not be when you typically think of escaping to a tropical island, it could, in fact, be the perfect time for a charter holiday.

Despite popular perception, the Caribbean isn’t hot as Hades during summer. In fact, the highs vary by only about 8 degrees F between the winter and summer months. The wind also picks up a bit (great for serious sailing), and while there’s an increased chance of showers, they’re usually brief and blissfully warm.

The low season in this part of the world kicks off in June and coincides with the start of hurricane season, which runs through November. Tourism also declines drastically, making it a great time for uncrowded restaurants, wide-open snorkeling spots and ample anchoring space.

What follows is a look at some summer deals that might very well find you packing your swimsuit for the best vacation of your year.

TMM

TMM Yacht Charters offers specials during what TMM calls its “D” season, which runs from June 30 until October 31. Throughout this time, the company offers a 15 percent discount on charters of 10 days or more. Another option is 10 days for the price of seven in August and October. As it gets closer to June, TMM may further extend its “10 for 7” offer, so be sure to check its website. sailtmm.com

Voyage Charters

Voyage Charters’ David Beavis says his best summers deals are for last-minute travelers, who can earn 25 percent off regular-season pricing if they book within four weeks of departure. The company’s all-inclusive crewed outings aren’t part of the deal. However, you may be able to receive a 5 percent discount on those as well if you’re a last-minute traveler and there is availability. voyagecharters.com

CYOA

Based in St. Thomas, CYOA divides the year into four “seasons,” with seasons “C” and “D,” from early May to late December, offering substantial discounts on the company’s diverse fleet of monohulls and cats. cyoacharters.com

Conch Charters

BVI-based Conch Charters offers a host of summertime specials. In April or from mid-July to early November, sail 10 nights for the price of seven. Similarly, between May 1 and July 15, you get nine nights for the price of a week. conchcharters.com

Sail Caribe

With bases in both Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, Sail Caribe provides two great options for accessing the islands. For low-season rates, check the company web site. sailcaribe.com

Navigare Yachting

Now serving the BVI, Navigare Yachting, which is huge in the Med, is offering 10 days for the price of seven on all boats booked directly through Navigare. From July 1 to August 31, you can also pick up a brand-new catamaran at a bargain price. navigare-yachting.com

Dream Yacht Charter

Dream Yacht Charter has numerous bases around the Caribbean, which means plenty of options to choose from. An especially interesting possibility is a one-way from the BVI to St. Martin that may be as much as 30 percent off in July. You can also save up to 25 percent on monohulls and cats during August in Grenada. Check the website for the latest discounts. dreamyachtcharter.com

Sunsail

Receive up to 20 percent off—check dates and availability. You must charter for a minimum of five nights. sunsail.com

The Moorings

Sail for seven days and pay for six—see the website for availability. The Moorings doesn’t offer the same seasonal discounts year-over-year, so check back often to find specials as they become available. moorings.com

Horizon Yacht Charters

Horizon also markets extra days during the summer. For example, charter July 31 to October 31 for seven days and receive three days free at the company’s BVI, Grenada and St. Vincent bases. This offer is on top of the lower rates that fall into the same time frame. horizonyachtcharters.com

Sure, summer is hurricane season. But despite their ferocity, named storms remain few and far between. About the only time you really need to worry is September, when the chances of a weather disturbance are highest. But by then the kids are back in school anyway, so no big deal. 

March 2020