By Bob Payne

Whether you're a master yachtsman or a devout landlubber, the following are the world's foremost cruising grounds, with at least one that's guaranteed to be just right for you.

1. Seychelles.
Far away and well worth the journey, the Seychelles are among the most beautiful isles in the world. The close-in islands around Mahe are all high, with granite backdrops and white-sand beaches that may tempt you to stay ashore longer than a sailor really ought to. Particularly tempting is La Digue, assuming you don't mind sharing the beach with scantily clad models doing a photo shoot for some European fashion mag.

2. Greek Islands.
You'll soon learn why sailors have been taking their time returning home ever since Odysseus. Santorini is a long haul from most of the bases near Athens, but try to make it, not for the discos, which rock, or the anchorages, which roll, but for the pure pleasure of sailing into the giant flooded caldera as afternoon light bounces off the cliffs.

3. British Virgin Islands.
For novice sailors, this is the place to begin it all. It has safe anchorages, easy sailing, and steel-drum music every night. Make sure you dinghy ashore and explore the tide pools among the house-size boulders at the Baths, on Virgin Gorda. And make sure you overnight at Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke, where a noisy evening ashore at Foxy's and the other beach bars is almost a requirement of BVI cruising.

4. French Polynesia.
Sure, Tahiti is synonymous with paradise, but most sailors blow right through on their way to the real Polynesia--the islands of Raiatea, Huahine, Tahaa, and Bora Bora. There are those open-water passages between them, but to anchor behind uninhabited islets, washed by the smell of flowers, is more than worth it if you have the sailing chops. And though you may be champing to get to the more famous Bora Bora, don't rush past Huahine, whose inner passage offers some of the world's most remarkable and relaxed cruising.

5. Florida Keys, U.S.A.
Miami might be a domestic flight, but once afloat you're cruising the waters of the Conch Republic and heading for its capital, Margaritaville (aka Key West). Of course, the full 140 miles is a long haul; if you're short on time, either begin in Marathon or only plan to sail that far down from Miami. People in a hurry take the outside route, but it's much more interesting to thread your way along the inside. In the Upper Keys, anchor among the mangrove islands at Caesar's Creek and you'll feel as secure as the pirate for which the creek is named.

6. Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
The best cruising is in the Bay of Islands, off the North Island. The many harbors are surrounded by green hills, and there are Kiwis ashore willing to talk about something other than the America's Cup. The most satisfying way to get there is to start at Auckland and do a one-way, 150-mile cruise along the coast. Often missed, however, is the fjord-like splendor of Whangaroa, a bit farther north than the main cruising area.

7. Grenadines.
The trade winds blow steadily here, so hang on for a wild ride alongside green mountains rising out of the sea. Then hang out with the rock stars who frequent Mustique. Or head for the superb snorkeling off Maryeau Island and the Tobago Cays. To make best use of your time, charter one-way between St. Lucia and Grenada.

8. Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, Deleware, and Virginia, U.S.A.
Almost 200 miles long with a myriad of rivers and creeks, Chesapeake Bay has some of the best backwater cruising in America. For the coziest anchorages, head up the Tred Avon River, on the eastern shore. And then there's our nation's capital--of sailing, at any rate--Annapolis. Budget a few nights there, but know that to get in some of the bars you have to be able to tie various sailor's knots behind your head.

9. Tonga.
Imagine the British Virgins without the crowds, and you'll have a good picture of this remote, unspoiled group of Pacific islands. The conditions are as easygoing as the people, and if you are off the island of Hunga from July through November, you may even find yourself sailing among humpback whales.

10. Bahamas.
Cruising the Bahamas means exploring the laid-back Abacos, whose shallow, crystalline waters are perfect for catamarans. Snorkel among the hundreds of tiny islands way out by Manjack and Powell Cay, but save a night for dinner ashore at Marsh Harbour or Green Turtle Cay. Avoid September, October, and too many rum drinks.

Bob Payne has sailed most of the way around the world. He has been a contributing editor of Sail magazine for 20 years, a contributing editor for Condé Nast Traveler, and a frequent contributor to Outside magazine. Twice a month Bob treats iExplore readers to insights and advice from his latest journeys in his column "i on Adventure."