Whether you’re a movie junkie, a sailing enthusiast, or a bit of both, there’s something magical about anchoring in a bay where your favorite scenes come to life. From tropical hideaways to Mediterranean charm, these real-life film locations are perfect for your next sailing escape.
So grab your captain’s hat, here are our top movie destinations you can sail to. Let's dive in!
Pirates of the Caribbean – St. Vincent, the Caribbean
We are starting this list with movie destinations with a truly memorable location most of us know.
Let’s kick things off with a true classic.
“Pirates of the Caribbean” is packed with iconic sailing scenes, and one of the most memorable was filmed at Wallilabou Bay, on the island of St. Vincent. “The Pirates of The Caribbean” is popular worldwide and naturally includes many sailing scenes and beautiful bays.
Did you know that the crew shot the famous scene where Captain Jack Sparrow escapes his executioners and steals a warship at Wallilabou Bay on the island of St. Vincent in the Caribbean? This location is one of the famous backdrops that enhance the visual appeal of the film.
One of the main things you will recognize is the offshore rock also known in the movie as “the Pirate Rock”. You can anchor at the bay and relive this great moment from the movie.
The Caribbean is a very well-known destination throughout the world. Even though it is busy during the high season, surely there are spots for social distancing. If you want to avoid the tourists and crowds, there are plenty of beautiful anchorages to be explored.
Even for those of you who are not fans of the series, sailing around the Caribbean is a memorable experience you don’t want to miss. Look out for “Pirate Rock”, the offshore boulder featured in the film. It’s a bucket list stop for movie lovers and sailors alike.
Discover the Island of St. Vincent
St. Vincent is a picturesque gem nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, renowned for its stunning beaches and lush green forests.
This island paradise offers a perfect setting for a sailing holiday, with its crystal-clear waters and scenic coastline inviting you to explore. Imagine anchoring your yacht in a secluded bay, surrounded by the vibrant hues of the Caribbean Sea and the verdant landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailing enthusiast or planning your next sailing holiday, St. Vincent promises an unforgettable adventure on the water.
Movie Locations and Filming Spots
St. Vincent has earned its place on the map of best movie locations, thanks to its breathtaking scenery and cinematic charm.
This island has been the backdrop for several iconic films, including the famous James Bond series and the beloved Pirates of the Caribbean. The island’s stunning beaches and lush green forests provided the perfect setting for these action-packed scenes, making it a favorite movie destination for filmmakers.
For movie lovers, a visit to St. Vincent is like stepping into the scenes of your favourite movies.
Island Culture and History
St. Vincent boasts a rich and vibrant culture, a tapestry woven from African, European, and indigenous influences.
The island is home to several historic sites that offer a glimpse into its storied past. One such site is the St. Vincent Botanic Gardens, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Caribbean, where you can wander through lush landscapes and discover exotic plant species.
The island’s capital, Kingstown, is a treasure trove of history, with landmarks like St. George’s Cathedral, dating back to the 19th century. As you explore the vibrant markets, you’ll find a range of local handicrafts and souvenirs, each telling a story of the island’s cultural heritage.
St. Vincent is not just a destination; it’s an experience that immerses you in its rich history and vibrant culture.
Mamma Mia! – Filming locations in the Sporades, Greece
ABBA fans, this one’s for you.
The feel-good vibes of Mamma Mia! come to life in the Sporades Islands, especially Skopelos and Skiathos, where most of the movie was filmed. These stunning Greek islands are part of the island group the Sporades, which played a vital location throughout the Abba musical.
On the Northern coast of Skopelos, you can visit not only the smallest harbor of the Sporades but also the place where Harry (Colin Firth) and Sam (Pierce Brosnan) anchored upon their arrival to the island. Furthermore, the lovely church in Skopelos is the exact place where the wedding was filmed.
Even if musicals aren’t your thing, the turquoise waters, pine-covered cliffs, and whitewashed churches are enough to make you say “I do” to a sailing trip.
The Shawshank Redemption – Famous backdrops in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
The next movie destination is connected with a truly iconic movie.
“The Shawshank Redemption” based on the 1982 Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption is a classic in the drama genre. At the end of The Shawshank Redemption, Andy Dufresne dreams of Zihuatanejo beach but the real beach scenes were filmed at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge in St. Croix, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This stunning island is the largest of the US Virgin Islands and offers a two-mile stretch of golden sand. This protected two-mile stretch of golden sand is often empty, making it a peaceful stop for sailors looking to escape the crowds, just like Andy did in his favourite movie.
Furthermore, this is a hatching ground to leatherback turtles, so it’s only open for limited times. Despite that, it’s one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, so it’s definitely worth the trip.
If you are looking for some quiet trips then you can sail there between September and November. During the period the crowds will be avoided and you can enjoy a more tranquil sailing holiday.
Thunderball – Exumas, Bahamas
Fancy yourself a secret agent?
Spy movies usually have a special place in every film lover’s heart. “Thunderball” is the fourth in the James Bond series starring Sean Connery, as the fictional MI6 agent Bond. Sail into the world of James Bond with a visit to Thunderball Grotto, near Staniel Cay in the Exumas. This is where the iconic underwater fight from Thunderball was filmed and it’s just as breathtaking in real life.
Most of the film is set in the Bahamas. However, this spot, near Staniel Cay, is so iconic that it was renamed Thunderball Grotto after the movie. At first glance, the island may look unassuming. But don’t be too quick to judge, because if you swim beneath an overhang of rocks, you will emerge into a massive secret cavern. It’s one of the most surreal snorkelling experiences in the Bahamas.
Cocktail – Tom Cruise in Port Antonio, Jamaica
The iconic film “Cocktail” 1988, starring Tom Cruise and the beautiful beaches of sunny Jamaica is definitely the one to be mentioned.
Specific filming locations here include Port Antonio, Dunn’s River Falls and Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios. This stunning Caribbean Island has plenty of sandy bays, whiskey-clear waters and a bunch of luxury offerings. From the Red Lane Spa at Sandals Royal Plantation where you can enjoy a tropical massage to fantastic snorkelling opportunities amidst stunning surroundings. What’s even more amazing is that the Blue Mountains National Park is close by and anyone keen to go looking for some incredible views can enjoy it.
It’s the perfect trip for anyone embarking on a private sailing vacation and yacht charter in the Caribbean.
Bonus Pick For 2025: Glass Onion – Spetses, Greece
The 2022 mystery hit Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to the sun-drenched shores of Spetses, a charming island in the Saronic Gulf of Greece.
Similar to the iconic locations used in various Bond films, while the film is set on a fictional private island, most of the on-location scenes were shot in and around Spetses — known for its neoclassical mansions, car-free waterfront, and crystal-clear bays.
This stylish destination blends Greek tradition with modern luxury. You can drop anchor near hidden coves, stroll the elegant promenade of Spetses Town, and dine at waterfront tavernas that feel like movie sets themselves. From quiet beaches to grand architecture, every corner of the island carries that same cinematic flair seen on screen.
Perfect for a laid-back sailing holiday with a dash of mystery and Mediterranean magic.
Ready for Your Next Sailing Holiday?
From the Caribbean’s cinematic coves to Greece’s island gems, these movie-inspired destinations prove that your next sailing holiday can be straight out of a film reel. Whether you’re chasing the charm of Mamma Mia, the mystery of Glass Onion, or the tropical vibes of Cocktail, there’s a real-world location just waiting for your anchor.
At Tubber, we’re here to make planning your dream trip as smooth as the sea on a calm morning. So if you’re ready to turn those silver screen moments into unforgettable memories, we’ve got the yacht, the route, and the crew support to get you there.
Contact us to plan your next sailing holiday!