Best Sailing Excursion Guides of 2026

Pro-Knot Outdoor Knots is a must-have for anyone who loves outdoor activities. This waterproof knot book is the perfect reference for all-purpose rope knots, with clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions for joining ropes together, tying rope to objects, and making loops. The set includes 23 essential rope knots, including the Bowline, Square Knot, and Trucker's Hitch, which are universal for survival, boating, climbing, prepping, search and rescue, home and ranch, scouts, camping, paddle sports, and any outdoor activity involving rope. The book's solid plastic cards are durable and lightweight, and come with a bonus mini carabiner to attach the cards to your backpack.

Fodor's U.S. & British Virgin Islands is an excellent travel guidebook that provides everything needed for an unforgettable trip to the Virgin Islands. The guide is packed with detailed maps, honest recommendations from locals, and historical insights that provide rich context on the local people and cuisine. The book is fully-redesigned with an easy-to-read layout, fresh information, and beautiful color photos, making it the perfect companion for anyone planning to explore the Virgin Islands. The "Snorkeling and Diving in the Virgin Islands" and "Chartering a Yacht" features are particularly noteworthy. Overall, this guidebook is an excellent resource for anyone planning to visit the Caribbean.

Sailing a Serious Ocean by John Kretschmer is a must-read for anyone who dreams of sailing the oceans. With 30 years of experience and 300,000 miles sailed, Kretschmer shares his stories and lessons learned to help readers prepare for their own blue-water adventures. He covers everything from choosing the right boat to navigating the ocean and handling heavy weather. His talent for storytelling makes this book both informative and entertaining. Overall, Sailing a Serious Ocean is an excellent guide for any serious sailor, and Kretschmer's personal touch sets it apart from other sailing books.

The book "Catamarans: The Complete Guide for Cruising Sailors" by Gregor Tarjan is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in cruising catamarans. The author, who is a USCG licensed captain and founder of Aeroyacht Ltd., covers everything from the technical details of multihull design to the luxurious lifestyle of catamaran cruising. The book includes informative illustrations, graphs, and spectacular photos that examine multihull seamanship and discuss the latest developments in catamaran cruising. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for novices and experienced sailors alike, and it provides valuable insights into the world of cruising catamarans.

The Cruising Guide to Central and Southern California: Golden Gate to Ensenada, Mexico, Including the Offshore Islands is a comprehensive and authoritative guide for sailors and powerboaters planning to cruise the California coast from Golden Gate to Ensenada, Mexico, including the offshore islands. Brian Fagan, an experienced sailor, provides historical background, information on local weather and cruising conditions, passagemaking strategies, and photographs of all ports and anchorages. This guide is a must-have for those seeking a safe, comfortable, and spectacular cruise in one of the most extraordinary and challenging cruising areas in the world.

The Exuma Guide 3rd ed. is a comprehensive guidebook for cruising the Exuma Cays, written by Stephen J. Pavlidis, who has been exploring the Bahamas and Caribbean since 1989. The book contains detailed information, including 59 charts, GPS waypoints, marine facilities, customs regulations, tides and currents, phone numbers, and local recipes. The latest edition features full-color charts and aerial photography, a chart index, table of contents, and bibliography. What sets this guidebook apart is Pavlidis's personal experience and insights into the area, making it an invaluable resource for boaters and travelers alike.

A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands is a must-have for any local boater, providing accurate piloting instructions, clear writing, and high-quality information. This second edition includes color photos and nautical chart segments throughout, as well as weather, tide, current, and commercial traffic patterns. The guide also covers local history and attractions, making it a comprehensive resource for Pacific Northwest cruising. With at-a-glance ratings of every harbor and anchorage, this book is a shipshape and workmanlike approach to navigating local waters. Overall, it is an encyclopedic sailing guide that is written with exhaustive first-hand research and is a keeper for any 'to take cruising' box.

The Illustrated Sailing Alone Around the World: 125th Anniversary Edition is a beautifully illustrated version of Joshua Slocum's sailing memoir about his solo circumnavigation aboard the sloop Spray. This edition includes the complete, unabridged text, 66 original illustrations, and an appendix with plans of the sloop Spray. Slocum's journey remains an inspiration for travelers and adventurers alike. The cover based on the first edition dust jacket adds to the charm of this edition, making it a must-have for any travel or sailing enthusiast.

Knot Tying for Beginners is an illustrated guide by best-selling author Matthew McCoy, that teaches the most common and effective knots to use in boating. The book includes step-by-step illustrations and explanations, history, uses, pros, and cons of each knot. The guide also provides two bonus knot books, making it a complete package for anyone looking to master the skill of knot tying. This book is a must-have for boating enthusiasts and beginners alike, as it provides a shortcut to learning the essential skill of knot tying.

When Good Trails Go Bad by Stephen W. Littlewood is a must-read for anyone who enjoys extreme outdoor activities. This book provides a reliable guide on safe trail running and hiking, offering valuable advice on how to prepare for and respond to emergencies during outdoor adventures. Littlewood, a retired US Marine Chief Warrant Officer-3 with vast experience in emergency preparedness, management, and response, brings his knowledge to this book. Readers will learn how to be safe during wilderness travel, respond to emergencies, and understand a basic level of Search & Rescue. The book is a practical guide to enjoying the trails safely and expanding your knowledge.