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A weeklong catamaran sailing trip in the Caribbean has been on our bucket list for a long time. Last week, Matt and I finally had the opportunity to sail around Antigua on the TradeWinds Mohala electric catamaran. This trip has been such a dream, and I wasn’t sure if this catamaran sailing trip would actually live up to the hype.
It did. And honestly, this TradeWinds catamaran sailing trip was even better than we expected!
From the quiet, smooth sailing to snorkeling with sea turtles in secluded places, this Antigua trip became one of our favorite vacations. And the best part? You don’t need to charter the whole boat.
TradeWinds lets you book just a single cabin on a shared sailing, making this kind of catamaran sailing experience way more accessible than most people realize. Plus, if (or when) you fall in love with sailing, they offer a membership experience that makes these bucket list sailing trips something that you can do year after year.
In this post, I’m sharing what it’s really like onboard the TradeWinds Mohala electric catamaran, what surprised us most, and why this sailing experience in Antigua is absolutely worth adding to your bucket list!
Curious how much it costs? Keep reading because it’s actually more affordable than you may think. And, the best part is that you don’t have to charter the entire boat!
Matt and I were hosted by TradeWinds. All experiences, opinions, memories, and photos are ours.
What Is TradeWinds Sailing and the TradeWinds Life Experience?
A TradeWinds sailing means a fully crewed catamaran sailing experience where everything is taken care of for you. You are not planning routes, hiring a crew, or figuring out meals. You simply show up and sail. It’s like yacht ownership, without the ownership!
The company has been around since 1998, when the founding couple fulfilled their dream of buying a catamaran. Yet, instead of keeping it for themselves, they put four couples on a sailing trip to see how it would go, and the rest is history.
In 2026, TradeWinds now operates a fleet of almost 50 boats in destinations such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, and more. They also offer a handful of land-based experiences, ranging from a 17th-century chateau in France to off-the-grid living in Tonga.
While most people think of TradeWinds as a sailing company, you will also hear it referred to as “TradeWinds Life,” which is really about the overall experience and community.
For many, TradeWinds is not just a one-time vacation. It’s designed so you want to come back. We met several people who had sailed with TradeWinds many times and already had future trips booked. People form friendships on board and continue sailing together year after year. The TradeWinds motto, “You Belong,” actually feels true after you experience it.
What also makes TradeWinds unique is its ease of access. You can book a single cabin on a shared sailing to try the experience before deciding how you want to book in the future.
After doing it ourselves, we can easily understand why so many people keep coming back!
Sailing Aboard the TradeWinds Mohala Electric Catamaran in Antigua
We spent seven nights, from Saturday to Saturday, slowly sailing our way around the island of Antigua. Pretty much all of our time was spent barefoot, aside from a few shore excursions, and I didn’t realize how something so simple could make me feel more relaxed.
And, sailing aboard a brand new ship was a dream, and probably spoiled me for life!
The TradeWinds Mohala is the newest TW6e 60-foot electric catamaran, and the electric upgrade really does make a difference. The sailing was incredibly quiet and smooth, without the loud engine noise or diesel smell you might expect. It creates a much more peaceful experience, especially when you are out on the water all day.
Plus, electric boating is more sustainable, and TradeWinds is always looking toward the future. A few years ago, TradeWinds launched the world’s first electric luxury pleasure yacht built by Fountaine Pajot, part of their yacht ownership program. Now they are up to 5 electric catamarans with plans to eventually operate a fully electric fleet!
Note that we sailed in tandem with TradeWinds other TW6e 60-foot electric catamaran, the Ohana, during this trip. So, some of the full boat photos you see in this post are of Ohana, taken by me aboard the Mohala. But they are very similar. The Mohala is the newest model and just hit the seas here in Spring 2026.
Why This TradeWinds Catamaran Sailing Trip in Antigua Stands Out
One of the biggest surprises for us was just how easy and laid back this TradeWinds sailing experience felt. There was no planning, no rushing, and no constant decision-making like most trips. Each day flowed naturally from one beautiful stop to the next, and all we had to do was show up and enjoy it.
The overall feel is what I like to call laid-back luxury. It is all-inclusive, but not in a resort or cruise ship kind of way. Everything feels smaller, more personal, and more intentional, from the meals to the daily itinerary.
And honestly, it was more affordable than I expected for what you are getting. Once you factor in seven nights of accommodations, meals, and excursions, it starts to make a lot more sense, especially compared to booking a luxury resort.
What’s Included with a TradeWinds Sailing?
One of the things that really surprised us is just how much is included with a TradeWinds sailing.
Each TradeWinds catamaran is fully crewed with a captain and first mate, so you are not navigating, docking, or planning anything yourself. They handle the sailing, the route, and the day-to-day logistics, which is a big part of what makes the experience feel so easy and relaxing. Captain Austin and first mate Sammie were incredible, and we can’t thank them enough for their hospitality!
All your meals on board are included, but this is not a typical all-inclusive experience. Everything is fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and often inspired by the destinations you are visiting, using local resources. We had a great mix of meals on board and a couple of nights when we went ashore for dinner, which kept things interesting throughout the week.
This is not a bareboat or DIY sailing trip like some others. With TradeWinds, you are not responsible for anything. The crew handles the itinerary, meals, and overall experience so you can fully relax and enjoy being on the water. They can easily accommodate food allergies, preferences, and most special requests. And, by the third day, Austin and Sammie knew exactly how we liked our coffee and brought it to us without us even asking.
Of course, make sure to tip your crew well!
Snorkeling, Scuba Diving & Activities Aboard TradeWinds in Antigua
Activities are also included, and for us, that meant a lot of fantastic snorkeling. On more than one day, we snorkeled with sea turtles, swimming in tandem with them through the turquoise Caribbean waters. All of the gear is included, but you are always welcome to bring your own.
And if you are a diver, this is the trip for you! These TradeWinds Caribbean sailings include up to 3 dives, right off the boat. We regret not getting open water certified before this trip, but it’s now at the top of our to-do list for the next one!
Not only are you diving, but these Captains are divers who truly know the area, taking you to all of the best spots!
Other popular activities include hiking, shopping, and, honestly, whatever you want to do. It’s your trip.
If sailing in Antigua, bring cash as that is the preferred method of payment for most extras on land. On our trip, we had time to explore Nelson’s Dockyard, take in a short hike, do trivia at a local beach bar, and make it up to Shirley Heights for the popular Thursday night cookout and concert. The sunset up there was amazing!
In my next post, I will share our full 7-day Antigua sailing itinerary, including every stop, beach, and excursion we experienced.
Do you want a glimpse into our day-to-day life aboard TradeWinds Mohala?
I made daily Instagram videos to share all of this. Start here with Sailing Mohala Day 1, and use the link on each video to move on to the next day!
4 Reasons Why This TradeWinds Catamaran Sailing Trip Was Even Better Than We Expected
There are many reasons this TradeWinds catamaran sailing trip exceeded our expectations, but the biggest was how relaxed we felt the entire week.
#1 We Truly Relaxed Aboard TradeWinds Mohala
For the first time in a long time, we truly unplugged. There were no schedules to manage, no reservations to track, and no constant decisions to make. We spent most of the week barefoot, moving from one beautiful spot to the next, and it felt so simple in the best way. The boats don’t have Wi-Fi for this reason.
That said, we own and operate four Airbnbs, so we always need to be accessible. Our AT&T International Day Pass worked great!
#2 The Service & Quality Were Top Notch
The level of service was also incredible. From remembering how we liked our coffee in the morning to accommodating food preferences and requests, everything felt thoughtful without ever feeling over-the-top. It really is a luxury experience, but in a very relaxed and approachable way.
Our cruise included breakfast and lunch daily and five dinners on board. Every single meal and even the snacks were delicious and all so different from each other!
#3 Connecting With New (or Old) Friends
Another thing that stood out was the people. Going into it, I wasn’t sure what it would feel like to sail with a group we didn’t know, but it turned out to be one of the best parts of the trip. Everyone was so easygoing, and there for the same reason, which made it feel natural right away.
And, even if you aren’t sailing with a team of travel writers like me, I find that most people who book a trip like this are going to have a lot in common.
#4 Access to Unique Places & Experiences
And then there is the access. Being able to reach beaches, snorkeling spots, and quiet coves by boat completely changes the experience. These are places you simply would not get to from land, and that alone makes this type of sailing trip feel special.
Plus, unlike a resort, we really didn’t have to interact with many people outside of the boat. It felt like there was so much less noise, both literally and figuratively!
When you combine all of that with clean, comfortable cabins, a beautiful new electric boat, and a crew that clearly loves what they do, it is easy to see why so many people come back and do it again and again. And that’s exactly what made us start looking into how we could do this again!
But Did We Get Seasick?
And, the second most asked question on Instagram was whether we got seasick. I can report back that we did not. Honestly, during this Antigua sailing, the boat stayed close to the shore, and it was quite smooth.
That said, they try to let guests sail (if they want to). On Matt’s birthday, which we celebrated on board, we spent a little time tacking back and forth and truly sailing during this trip! He loved this experience, and when we were a bit further out into the Atlantic, it was a tad rougher. But, only for a short duration!
How to Book a TradeWinds Catamaran Sailing (Yes, You Can Book One Cabin)
One of the biggest misconceptions about a sailing trip like this is that you have to charter an entire yacht to experience it.
You don’t.
TradeWinds makes it surprisingly easy to book just a single cabin on a shared catamaran sailing, which is exactly what makes this kind of trip so much more accessible than most people realize.
Instead of needing to pull together a full group, you can book one cabin for you and your partner (or a friend), and you will be paired with other guests on board. And that doesn’t have to feel intimidating. After experiencing it ourselves, I can honestly say this is part of what makes the trip so fun. Everyone is there for the same reason, and it creates a really easy, social atmosphere without ever feeling forced.
Booking a Single Cabin on a Shared Catamaran Sailing
This is the easiest way to experience TradeWinds, and what most of you will probably end up doing!
You simply choose your destination, sailing dates, and cabin, and everything else is handled for you. Pricing varies by destination and time of year (peak vs. off-peak), and these sailings start at around $ 7,700 per cabin for the week, all-inclusive.
For the exact cabin we rented on the brand-new 60-foot TradeWinds Mohala electric catamaran, the all-inclusive cost is just under $15,000 per week in peak season.
If you are traveling with a group, you can also book multiple cabins or even the entire boat. On some catamarans, such as the popular TradeWinds 59, booking four cabins lets you use the fifth cabin at no additional cost, making it a great option for extended families or groups of friends.
To inquire about booking a single or multiple cabins, you can use the chat feature on the TradeWinds website, email [email protected], or call 855 600 5821 (USA toll-free) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Caribbean Time.
Using RCI Points or ThirdHome Keys to Book TradeWinds
If you are already part of a vacation ownership or home exchange program, there are also ways to book TradeWinds sailings using points or keys, which makes for a fantastic opportunity to try TradeWinds sailing!
TradeWinds partners with RCI, allowing members to book a sailing using points (typically every four years). They also work with ThirdHome, which is essentially a way to share short-term rental properties, such as Airbnb rentals, allowing you to use keys to book select TradeWinds sailing trips.
If you are an Airbnb host like us and reading this, you can join ThirdHome via my referral link, and we both earn 2 free keys!
I’m going to share a full breakdown of how this works in a future post, because there are a few details to understand, but it can be a really interesting option if you are already part of one of these programs. You would book this cabin direct with either company via their member portals.
The TradeWinds Membership Program
After your first sailing, you can also join the TradeWinds membership program, which thousands of customers choose to do!
This is where the “TradeWinds Life” concept really comes into play. You pay a one-time membership fee and then essentially buy points that allow you to sail with TradeWinds as often as you want, in destinations all over the world. You can redeem more points to charter a whole boat, or book individual cabins on a sailing once (or more often) a year on shared boats. Many TradeWinds members become friends and sail together every year.
Members also get access to additional sailings, priority booking, and options like “Late Breaks,” which let you book within 45 days of departure and pay only the fees (no points required).
What I like about this model is that you don’t have to commit upfront. In fact, you can’t even become a TradeWinds member until you’ve experienced TradeWinds for yourself!
This allows you to book a single cabin either on your own or by sailing with another TradeWinds member, try the TradeWinds sailing experience for yourself, and then decide if it is something you want to build into your travel plans long-term. As I mentioned above, TradeWinds serves 19 destinations around the world, so every trip can feel very different from the last.
Once a member, you would book your sailings through their member services portal.
Are TradeWinds Sailings Kid-Friendly or Better for Couples?
When I posted about our sailing on my Instagram Stories last week, one of the top questions people asked was whether a TradeWinds sailing is better for couples or families, and the answer is honestly both.
During our TradeWinds sailing in Antigua, we sailed in a mini regatta of three TradeWinds catamarans, crossing paths various times throughout the week. Each one had a completely different mix of guests!
Aboard the Ohana, another 60-foot electric catamaran, the guests were a group of retired couples, some having sailed with TradeWinds for over a decade. On the other 52-foot catamaran was a family that included mom, dad, two teenagers, and grandparents. And for our group, it was a mix of travel writers and a few plus ones, including spouses and a sister. I think this would also be a really great girls’ trip!
Most TradeWinds catamarans are in the 50 to 60 foot range and typically have 4 to 5 guest cabins, which means you are usually sailing with around 8 to 10 people total. It feels social without ever feeling crowded. When you charter the entire boat by booking all of the cabins, you have full control over who you are sailing with. If booking a single cabin or two in a shared charter, TradeWinds does its best to match you with similar guests.
If there are children under 16 on a shared sailing, TradeWinds designates it as a family sailing so other guests know before they book. Otherwise, most sailings tend to skew toward couples or adults seeking a relaxed, low-key experience.
If you are traveling as a family, it can actually be a really fun option, especially if you book multiple cabins or even the entire boat. And if you are traveling as a couple, it is the kind of trip where you can meet like-minded people or keep to yourselves as much as you want.
Would I Bring My Kids?
For me, bringing the kids comes down to cost. I do think Abby and Jake would have enjoyed this experience! That said, at 15 and 17, they don’t really like sharing a bed, and renting three cabins would cost almost three times as much, plus airfare, even if we found good flight deals. There is a 25% discount for solo cabins, but you get the drift. Maybe it’s selfish, but I would rather have three adult getaways with Matt at this stage in our lives.
But, eventually, I would love to sail with them as young adults! That flexibility is part of what makes this type of TradeWinds catamaran sailing experience so appealing.
Is Sailing with TradeWinds Worth It?
So, is sailing with TradeWinds worth it?
For us, the answer is absolutely yes. Matt and I both said this was a trip that truly felt like a vacation. And, it was much needed!
But it’s not just because of the beautiful destinations or the experience of sailing around Antigua. It’s because of how the entire trip made us feel. It’s as if the moment we went barefoot, we felt connected and more grounded.
It felt simple. It felt relaxing. And it felt completely different from the way we usually travel.
There was no rushing from place to place, no packed itineraries, and no constant decisions to make. Just time on the water, incredible views, and a week that felt like it slowed down in the best way. We felt doted on, almost like being a kid again, when cares were fewer, and those magical family dinners just came together.
And more than anything, it felt like something we could actually see ourselves doing again.
That’s really what TradeWinds is all about. For many, it’s not just a one-time vacation. It’s something that people build into their lives, whether that means booking a single cabin every few years, using points, or eventually joining as a member.
After experiencing it firsthand, I completely understand why so many people come back year after year! And the real story is the couples who sailed on the Ohana alongside us, coming back year after year, and were excited to rave to me about TradeWinds, hoping that I would use my platform to tell others. And, with the family who gathered around the table night after night and truly connected with one another.
And if a weeklong catamaran sailing trip has been on your bucket list, like it was for us, this is one of those experiences that truly lives up to the hype!
Inspired by this sailing trip? Check out all of my travel blog posts for our first-hand experiences at destinations all over the world!
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