• Wave icon Trip Type: Offshore
  • Speech bubble icon Instructors: 2
  • People icon Crew Size: Max 9 (10 for ocean)
  • Cake icon Ages: 18-70 ish
  • Pin icon Region: Caribbean & The Americas
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Adventure Rating:
High

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Experience Required:
Low to some

12 Days from £2,399

Dates, Prices & Travel

Iconic offshore sailing in the Caribbean from St Lucia to the Dominican Republic

Join the crew for an unforgettable offshore sailing adventure as we sail downwind in the warm, powerful trade winds from St. Lucia to the Dominican Republic. This incredible journey begins with coastal sailing and hands-on training around St. Lucia and Grenada allowing you to get comfortable with the yacht and your fellow crew. From there, we set our course northwest into the Caribbean Sea, embarking on one of the world’s iconic downwind trade wind passages.

As we navigate our way north, we will arrive in peak season for one of the most renowned whale-watching destinations in the world. Thousands of humpback whales make the 5,000-mile journey from the feeding grounds of the North Atlantic to the protected, shallow reefs and warm waters off the Samaná Peninsula.

During their breeding season, these majestic creatures gather to mate, give birth, and nurse their young, creating unparalleled opportunities for whale watching. Seeing these endangered giants breach, tail-slap, and perform awe-inspiring acrobatics is a profoundly moving experience and truly one of life’s unforgettable moments.

After hopefully witnessing this natural spectacle, we’ll continue along the stunning north coast of the Dominican Republic to our final port of call in Puerto Plata, completing an extraordinary voyage.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime with the offshore sailing experts?

Rubicon 3 are renowned as the offshore sailing experts, renowned in the sailing world for our extensive experience, comprehensive training, and a dedication to adventure and discovery. Our expert team, highly experienced sailors in ocean passage making, offer hands-on instruction in all aspects of offshore sailing, catering to both those new to offshore sailing and more seasoned sailors.

What sets us apart is our selection of unique, bucket list and less-traveled routes, ensuring offshore and ocean sailing that’s both exhilarating and full of discovery. At the core of our ethos is an unwavering commitment to safety and environmental sustainability, ensuring every voyage respects both the sailors and the sea. Additionally, we are as focused on individual skill-building as a sailing school, so that everyone is fully involved in every aspect of the passage. This holistic approach built Rubicon 3’s reputation as the go-to experts for anyone seeking the highest level of offshore sailing..

This is an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean qualifying passage for those who sign on as a watch leader. 

Want to join?

Go to the Dates & Prices button to see the dates this trip runs. It will also give you information on connecting travel, including where to fly and when and where to join the boat.

Get Ready For…

  • sailing offshore in the caribbean
    Offshore Sailing In The Caribbean

    Warm trade winds, turquoise blue water, downwind routes, and wonderful islands en route make offshore sailing in the Caribbean the sailing of dreams

  • Offshore sailing lady
    Full involvement & expert tuition

    Whatever your prior sailing experience, you’ll be helming, navigating, trimming sails and anchoring from day one, all with the highest quality tuition from the expert Rubicon 3 instructors. The more you’re involved the better!

  • sailing yacht
    It’s genuine adventure sailing

    Rubicon 3 expeditions are far more than just a sailing vacation. They immerse you in adventure, discovery and enable you to explore the world under sail

Sailing Area

st lucia to dominican republic route map
The Yachts

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Key Information
What’s included

  • All food and accommodation on board

  • All fuel & berthing fees

  • Your own bunk and storage area

  • Use of oilskins

  • Use of lifejacket with PLB

  • All sailing tuition

  • RYA Competent Crew (supplementary fee)

What’s Not included

  • Your connecting travel to & from boat

  • Sailing & travel insurance

  • Meals you choose to eat ashore

  • Alcohol

  • Visas (where required)

  • Discretionary crew tip

Interested in dates & availability?

To see when this trip runs, its start and end locations, price to join the crew and availability, click on the ‘Dates, Prices & Travel’ button up top.

Discretionary tipping of the Rubicon 3 crew

We’ve priced this trip 5-10% lower than we otherwise would to allow you the option, at the end of your adventure, to offer a discretionary tip to the Rubicon 3 skipper and mate if you feel they’ve provided exceptional service. A combined tip of 5-10% is suggested but is entirely at your discretion and based on your satisfaction with their performance. See our FAQs here.

Got Questions? We’re Here to Help!

We get it – joining a major sailing adventure is a big decision, and it’s natural to have lots of questions before you book. Wondering who else will be onboard? What the experience will be like? These and many more questions are completely normal. While our homepage and FAQs provide loads of info, we know sometimes it’s best to talk it through. Don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, email, or live chat (at the bottom of the screen). Better yet, we’d suggest you schedule a call. Most crew who join do and find it really useful. We can discuss your options, answer every question, and make sure you’re booking on the perfect trip for you.

This is a sample itinerary only showing some of the possible options for the route. The wind and weather at the time will shape what we can actually do and when.

Join the Yacht: Sailing & Training in St. Lucia

Crew members join the boat in St. Lucia, a jewel of the Windward Islands renowned for its landscapes, culture, and iconic Piton mountains. There will be a palpable sense of excitement as we settle into the sailing lifestyle, stowing gear, and preparing for the adventure ahead. After safety briefings and lunch, we’ll slip the lines and head out onto the water to begin learning new skills and revisiting existing ones. From practicing tacking and gybing to man-overboard drills, these sessions will ensure everyone is confident and prepared for the journey to come.

caribbean sailing crew

St. Lucia to Grenada: Training Passage

Our first serious passage takes us from St. Lucia to Grenada, offering an excellent introduction to offshore sailing. This leg is ideal for refining skills, experiencing life at sea, and building confidence as we navigate between these two beautiful islands. After we arrive in Grenada, weather permitting, we can take a well-earned break and explore the island’s unique blend of rich colonial history, vibrant local culture, and breathtaking beaches.

 

Barbados

Offshore Passage: Grenada to the Dominican Republic

With the crew well-prepared, we’ll embark on the main offshore passage, heading northwest on our non-stop passage to the Dominican Republic. This route will take us offshore across the Caribbean sea, with the powerful trade winds driving us forward.

offshore saling yacht in caribbean

The passage should take us to the eastern shores of the Dominican Republic and Puerto Cana, arriving during its famous humpback whale breeding season. Thousands of these majestic creatures migrate here at this time of year, offering an awe-inspiring natural spectcle. Watching these whales breach, tail-slap, and nurse their young in the warm waters off the Samaná Peninsula is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Whale

North Coast Passage: Perto Cana to Puerto Plata

After hopefully witnessing the humpback whales, we’ll continue sailing along the rugged north coast of the Dominican Republic, where dramatic cliffs meet turquoise waters. The journey ends in Puerto Plata, a lively coastal city with a rich blend of history, culture, and modern charm. Here, we’ll celebrate the end of a remarkable voyage and the friendships forged along the way.

Note: these are true sailing adventures!

These are true sailing adventures that require more than just a presence on board – they demand enthusiasm, teamwork, and a positive spirit from each crew member. To fully embrace and benefit from these experiences, it’s crucial that crew come prepared to contribute actively to the life and tasks on the vessel. Those who step up with the right attitude will find that the rewards are immense. Not only will you gain new skills and face exhilarating challenges, but you’ll also forge deep connections with fellow adventurers and create memories that last a lifetime.

Dates, Prices & Travel

Start Date & Location

March 16, 2026
St Lucia

End Date & Location

March 27, 2026
Dominican Republic

Price

£2,399

Deposit

£999

Availability

Available

Booking Information
Trip Information

Start Date: March 16, 2026

Start Time: 09:00

Start Country: St Lucia

Start Port: Rodney Bay, St Lucia

Start Marina: Rodney Bay

End Date: March 27, 2026

End Time: 10:00

End Country: Dominican Republic

End Port: Puerto Plata

End Marina: Marina Ocean World

Find Flights For This Trip
Fly Into: St Lucia (IATA code: UVF)
Fly Out of: Gregorio Luperón Airport (IATA code: POP)
Search on Google Flights

* Flights are not included in the trip price.

Important Notes
Joining the boat
  • You will join the boat in St Lucia
  • It is scheduled to be in Rodney Bay
  • The trip starts at 9:00 AM on March 16 2026, so you will need to be in Antigua by March 15, 2026.
  • You have two options for accommodation on the night before the start date:
    • Stay in a hotel or AirBnB.
    • Alternatively, you can stay onboard the boat from 6:00 PM on a bed & breakfast basis. Select this option during your booking process.
Leaving the boat
  • You will leave the boat in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
  • The boat is scheduled to arrive into Puerto Plata on the evening of March 26, 2026, and you will need to disembark by 10:00, March 27, 2026.
General Notes
  • We have a very strong track record of meeting the scheduled end date, with only a few exceptions over a decade of sailing and across hundreds of thousands of miles of sailing. However, given the nature and distance of ocean crossings, we can’t guarantee it and recommend booking flexible onward travel from Jamaica or at least allowing an extra day in your itinerary as a precaution.
  • You cannot stay on the boat after the trip end date.
  • Once you have booked, we will connect you up with other crew so you can liaise regarding connecting travel, meet up in advance etc.
  • If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
5-Point Pre-Booking Checklist

Before you finalize your booking, we suggest you run through our pre-booking checklist:

  1. Check Flights: Make sure you have found the right flights for your trip. Book them as soon as you have booked your Rubicon 3 trip.
  2. Travel Insurance: Once you’ve booked your trip with us, buy some sailing travel insurance. Read our full guide here.
  3. Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Some countries require this for entry, so it’s crucial to check and renew your passport if necessary.
  4. Visas: Most sailors will not require any visas for this trip. However, if you are concerned, check any visa requirements for both your destination and any transit countries. If you do need a visa, processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your trip.
  5. Vaccinations and Health Checks: There are no vaccinations required for this trip. Make sure you have an acceptable level of fitness and agility. You can read our guide here. This is for the safety of all on board.
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