Photo: mali desha / Unsplash
Family yacht charter with children
Calm bays, easy swimming and a day the kids will talk about all year.
Find My YachtA day on a private yacht is one of the easiest holiday outings to do with children. There is no fighting for sunbeds, no crowds and no need to pack up when someone needs a nap: the shaded cabin is a few steps away. Kids get to jump off the swim platform, spot fish with a mask and feel like they own the boat, while parents actually get to sit down for an hour.
For families we usually suggest a catamaran. Two hulls make it far more stable than a monohull, so there is less rolling at anchor and less seasickness, and the wide flat deck and trampoline nets give children space to move. A motor yacht works well for shorter trips or when the bays are further away. Ask for a route with sheltered, shallow swim stops and keep time underway short.
Tell us the ages of your children, the dates and the destination. We ask local charter companies and owners which suitable yachts are free and send you options with prices and terms. Life jackets in children's sizes, snacks, an inflatable or a paddleboard can usually be arranged on request. What is included varies by yacht and is stated in the offer, so check it before you book.
- Ideal duration
- 4 hours to a full day
- Recommended yachts
- Catamarans, Motor yachts, Gulets
How to plan it
- 01
Confirm children's life jackets
Adult jackets do not fit small children safely. Tell the operator the ages and approximate weights of your kids and ask for jackets in the right sizes to be on board.
- 02
Keep crossings short
Children enjoy the anchored hours far more than the time underway. A route with one or two nearby bays and long swim stops works better than trying to see the whole coast.
- 03
Plan for the sun
Ask how much shade the yacht has on deck, bring high-factor sunscreen, hats and rash vests, and schedule the trip for the morning or late afternoon in the hottest months.
- 04
Prepare for seasickness
Eat a light meal before boarding, choose a catamaran if anyone is prone to motion sickness and ask the captain to pick sheltered anchorages. Bring remedies suitable for the children's ages.
- 05
Agree the safety rules on board
Ask the crew to give a short briefing at the start: where children can go, no running on wet decks, and swimming only when the engines are off and an adult is watching.
Extras you can request
- Life jackets in children's sizes
- Snorkelling masks for kids
- Inflatables and a floating mat
- Paddleboards or a kayak
- Child-friendly lunch and snacks
- Birthday cake for a family celebration
- Hotel transfers with child seats
Availability and prices of extras depend on the yacht and are listed in your offer.
Questions
Is a yacht charter safe for babies and toddlers?
Many families charter with very young children. Ask for a catamaran or a yacht with guard rails, bring or request properly fitting life jackets and keep the route sheltered. The captain will advise on conditions on the day, and minimum ages, if any, vary by operator.
Which type of yacht is best for a family?
A catamaran is usually the most comfortable: it is stable, has a lot of flat deck space and anchors close to shore in shallow water. A motor yacht is a good choice for shorter trips when you want to reach a bay quickly.
Are children's life jackets provided?
Most yachts carry life jackets, but not always in every child size. Tell us the ages of your children when you send the request, and we will ask the operator to confirm the sizes available on board.
Can we bring our own food for the kids?
Usually yes, especially simple snacks and baby food. Some yachts also offer lunch or a child-friendly menu at extra cost. Food and drink rules vary by yacht and are stated in the written offer.
Where it works best
SpainMallorcaTramuntana cliffs, turquoise southeast calas and Palma's marinas.
CroatiaCroatia: Split & DalmatiaDalmatia's countless islands, lavender-scented Hvar and caves of luminous blue.
TurkeyFethiye & GöcekTurkey's most sheltered cruising ground: islands, lagoons and Lycian rock tombs.
ThailandPhuketLimestone karsts of Phang Nga, the lagoons of Phi Phi and Andaman Sea sunsets.
MaldivesMaldivesLagoons, sandbanks and reefs across 26 atolls, on your own schedule.
TurkeyAntalya & KemerPine-covered Lycian mountains, ancient harbours and turquoise coves an hour from your hotel.