{"id":579,"date":"2026-01-14T14:43:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T14:43:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yachtersworld.com\/?p=579"},"modified":"2026-01-14T14:43:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T14:43:20","slug":"cruising-the-great-loop-whatever-you-decide-the-ocean-currents-will-help-you-on-your-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yachtersworld.com\/?p=579","title":{"rendered":"Cruising the Great Loop: \u2018Whatever you decide, the ocean currents will help you on your way\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

Janneke Kuysters discovers cruising beyond the Caribbean \u2013 from Mexico to the Bahamas and America\u2019s Great Loop<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Chris
Chris and Alison Major\u2019s Beneteau 423 Fika. Photo: Chris Major\/CM Images LLC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Many cruisers focus on the eastern Caribbean<\/a>, but there are some amazing cruising options further north and north-east: the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, the coastal waters of the US, and the paradise islands of the Bahamas<\/a>. With the right yacht, you can even opt for America\u2019s Great Loop: an adventure in itself.<\/p>\n

So many cruisers dive south to Panama on a tight time frame. But if you\u2019re on a more relaxed schedule, once the warm Caribbean winds have blown you across the Caribbean Sea to Central America, where next?<\/p>\n

\"Verdant\n

Verdant mooring in the Great Loop. Photo: Chris Major\/CM Images LLC<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Perhaps you\u2019ve spent the hurricane season in the Rio Dulce in Guatemala and are looking for an adventurous way to go north. Mexico makes for an interesting destination, and is also the starting point of a memorable season which takes you to some lesser-known cruising areas (see map over page). You could do it all in one go, but there are also excellent opportunities to leave the boat for the winter, then come back for more blissful sailing.<\/p>\n

Yucatan Peninsula<\/h2>\n

This loop starts on the Mexican coast, focussing on the Yucatan Peninsula. The tradewinds blow from the north to the south-east, depending on the passage of the fronts. Balmy conditions prevail, but you have to take the sea breezes into account, as the warm land mass makes the wind clock around to the south at the end of the day.<\/p>\n

There is a good choice of ports and anchorages to explore; leaving your yacht in port gives you the opportunity to travel inland to one of the spectacular historic Maya sites and learn more about Mexican culture. And the delicious food, of course.<\/p>\n

Mexican cruiser Daniel Enriquez sails his Leopard 50 Win Win. He says: \u201cThe hurricane season is from June to November, you can still sail along the Mexican coast, but you have to keep a keen eye on the weather forecast. On Isla Mujeres, you can find a safe spot for your boat in the hurricane season.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Aerial\n

Photo: Chris Major\/CM Images LLC<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Most of his favourite places are around the north-east of the Yucatan peninsula. \u201cEl Cielo anchorage at the southern tip of Cozumel island is a stunning anchorage \u2013 crystal clear water, white beaches and lots of wildlife, including manta rays. El Cielo means \u2018heaven\u2019 in Spanish and it is indeed a heavenly anchorage,\u201d Enriquez says.<\/p>\n

Further north, at the northern tip of Isla Mujeres, is Playa Norte. \u201cThis is another one of those magical places, where you can anchor, enjoy nature and relax. A similar anchorage can be found further north-west, at the eastern tip of the Holbox peninsula. Playa Holbox offers sheltered anchoring in azure blue water,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

\"Isla\n

Isla Mujeres off the eastern tip of Mexico\u2019s Yucatan Peninsula. Photo: Salvador Garza\/Getty<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cBut the jewel in the crown is Arrecife Alacranes or Scorpion Reef. It\u2019s a national park and you need a permit to go there. The permits are sold in Progreso on the mainland. After a 70-mile crossing, you get to the most amazing place: it\u2019s uninhabited and wildlife is abundant. Especially in the evening, when the tourist boats are gone, you can enjoy the peace and quiet in this very special place.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you want to explore inland, there are marinas in Puerto Aventuras, Puerto Morelos, Cozumel, Cancun and Isla Mujeres where you can leave your yacht.<\/p>\n

\"A\n

Photo: Chris Major\/
CM Images LLC<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Panhandle or Keys?<\/h2>\n

From the Yucatan Peninsula, you have two options: sail north or east. The northern route will bring you to the south coast of the USA, where you can choose to head to Texas, Louisiana, Alabama or Florida.<\/p>\n

\"Yucatan\n

Yucatan beaches fringed with palm trees and painted, tongue-in-cheek-named fishing boats. Photo: Kila Zamana<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

If you want to make it easier for yourself, you can opt to go through the Intracoastal Waterway of these states. In Mobile, Alabama, there is a yachting community where you could stop for repairs and maintenance.<\/p>\n

Along the Florida Panhandle there are some interesting places to visit \u2013 Gulf Shores, the anchorage at Pensacola, and party town Destin, also home to extensive nature trails. Following the coast further west then south, you\u2019ll sail to the beautiful Florida Keys, where you can anchor and enjoy the marine life.<\/p>\n

The other option is to sail straight to the Florida Keys from Mexico, a 300-mile crossing, which gives you more time to explore Florida and sail across to the next destination \u2013 the Bahamas.<\/p>\n

\"Welcoming\n

Welcoming community vibes and limited, sustainable development in Punta Allen. Photo: Kila Zamana<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Whatever you decide, the ocean currents will help you on your way. First, the Yucatan current flows clockwise in the Gulf of Mexico, and reaches northern Florida, where it meets the Gulf Loop current, an east-flowing current which goes around the southern tip of Florida.<\/p>\n

The prevailing winds are north-north-east, so it pays to look for a good weather window for this passage or crossing. Most people prefer June for this reason, but earlier windows do occur.<\/p>\n

Article continues below\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

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Beyond the postcard: Discovering the Caribbean\u2019s hidden corners<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n
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Seen one Caribbean island, seen them all? Not at all: the region offers amazing diversity, from incredible habitats to vibrant\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n