Family Luxury Yacht Charter Vacations
Yacht charters are perfect for families and spending time onboard can inspire a passion for the art of sailing while bringing everyone closer
Escape with your family on a luxury yacht charter, and experience one of the most magical vacations possible. There are popular destinations for families all over the world, from the Greek Islands, and Croatia, to the Caribbean and more! Every location offers beautiful anchorages, opportunities for watersports and snorkeling, various dining options ashore, and unique cultural attractions! There is no better way for your kids to explore the world than from the comfort and safety of a luxury yacht charter.Â
Being on a yacht offers you the chance to redefine adventure! Whether you want to set the course yourself or rely on a knowledgeable captain and expert crew to guide your charter experience, spending time onboard will forever be in your family's memories. You can discover off-grid destinations in the Bahamas and Tahiti or venture along the cosmopolitan Amalfi Coast and French Riviera enjoying glamourous hangouts, lively bars, glamorous clubs, and world-class restaurants.
Whether you want to experience the fast life or disconnect in the more remote areas of the world, a yacht charter can get you there. From opportunities for unusual encounters with nature on land or below the surface to chances to meet celebrities in the clubs, charters offer unmatched opportunities for creating memories and inspiring a lifetime of exploration.Â
Our unmatched expertise means we can help you craft an experience tailored to the needs of your little adventurers and young adults. With recommendations for selecting the best locations and family-friendly yachts available for charter, our Boatbookings Charter Experts can help you create the perfect itinerary for the entire family.
Expert Advice and Tips for Successful Yacht Charters with Young Children
Many of our clients ask if it is a good idea to bring children along on a yacht charter. Not just for safety concerns, but because they are worried the kids will feel cooped up onboard or potentially ruin the vacation for other guests. These are all valid concerns, but from our experience, this is rarely the reality, and in most cases, children love being on a yacht even more than their parents.
There is something enchanting about the experience that helps kids learn to respect the rules of the boat while still having more fun than you can imagine. With opportunities like sailing lessons with the captain and wildlife tours available, being onboard can be a learning experience totally more immersive than being in a classroom. A yacht charter holiday offers something for everyone to enjoy, whether you want to soak up some sun while reading a book, or explore the waters around the yacht on paddle boards and jet skis before venturing further afield.
There is a lot to consider when planning a charter for the entire family, so here are a few tips and recommendations we have for successful charters with the kids:
1) Set clear safety rules
Before your trip discuss your expectations for behavior on the boat with everyone. Once onboard, be sure to review the rules you have established. Some common examples include:
- Always wear life vests when not in the cockpit
- Never leave a boat without permission from an adult
- Never go to the front of the boat without an adult
- The skipper or captain is the boss, his word is the law
- No running
- Always swim in twos, like at camp -- The Buddy System
2) Keep sailing distances short
Keep everyone excited about what lies ahead by doing shorter journeys. Instead of sailing for 4 hours, split it into two 2-hour legs with a stop on a beach in between for some fun in the sun and a stretch of the legs. Build in some time to get off the boat and explore the beautiful waters all around you on your charter.
3) Bring Beach & Water Toys
Many charters have some water toys on board or you can rent kayaks and paddle boards to give the kids a little more freedom (they should always go out in twos and wear life jackets, of course). Ensure their snorkeling equipment fits and works, and that they have practiced breathing at home (even in a bathtub). It's hard to teach how to use a snorkel in salt water. You may also want to consider getting an anti-fog coating for your masks as well!
4) Learn new skills and introduce them to the art of sailing
Show your kids the charts, and the instruments, or have them use the winch and push the button for the anchor before helping you steer! As they learn to operate parts of the ship they will feel more "connected" to the boat and the entire experience of sailing, as they begin a lifelong relationship with boating.
5) Explore nature
Being on and in the water is one of the best ways to up close and personal with amazing wildlife and nature in general. Whether snorkeling, swimming, or relaxing on board bird watching, there is so much to discover! Bring fish and wildlife guides (most charter yachts have great ones aboard, but it's fun to mark them off and keep them afterward), so your children can learn more about what they are seeing. The laminated colorful fish charts are a big hit. Make a game out of it! See how many different fish, marine animals, and birds they can find and keep a scorecard.
6) Keep them off of screens and social media
Your children will have plenty of great pics to post on Instagram or Snapchat after the trip, but the simple pleasures such as playing cards, watching the stars, and reading books tend to fit much better with the "vibe" of a yacht charter. This is a great chance for them to see that they do not need their phones 24/7 to have fun. Often yachts have weak or limited WIFI, so this may be naturally enforced, so providing alternatives like games, puzzles, and books will help. Many of these activities are a great way for the family to bond and connect while underway!
Finding the Perfect Family Charter Boat
While yachts are often synonymous with fine dining and champagne on tap, there is an ever-growing demand for boats dedicated to family fun. If you are chartering with children, it's important to get the right boat so that there is plenty of space for them and a captain and crew who enjoy working with children.
With outdoor cinemas and the best small craft and water toys in the business, there is an almost endless selection of motor yachts available for charter with abundant entertainment. While bareboat charters are a great way to spend quality time together and pick up some sailing skills. Alternatively, chartering a crewed catamaran is a wonderful choice for young families who need a little more inside play space, and as a bonus, the children will love the trampolines.
Motor Yachts Crewed Catamarans Bareboats
The Importance of Family-Time
We have organized many family charter vacations and can recommend yachts that work best for children. Your children's first charter will open them up to a love of being on the water, and we will help you with all the planning to make it the best vacation of your lives. We understand that every family has different requirements and our charter experts can help you relax as they do all the work of finding the perfect boat for all of your needs. No matter where you want to charter, Boatbookings can help you and your family have an experience you will never forget.