Yacht charters can offer the perfect blend of adventure, luxury, and relaxation for families, but traveling with young children on board does require some extra planning. If you’re considering a family yacht charter, especially with little ones, you’re likely wondering how to make the trip safe, comfortable, and fun for everyone. This guide will walk you through the essential tips for having an enjoyable and stress-free yacht vacation with kids.
Is a Yacht Charter Suitable for Kids?
Absolutely! Yacht charters can be a great way to create lasting family memories. Children, especially older ones, can have a fantastic time island-hopping, exploring the water, and enjoying activities like swimming, snorkeling, and even paddleboarding. However, when it comes to younger kids (especially toddlers), extra precautions are needed to ensure safety and comfort.
Safety First: Ensuring Your Kids Are Safe on a Yacht
Traveling with young children on a yacht comes with certain risks, but with the right measures, you can keep your family safe while still enjoying the trip. Here are a few safety tips:
- Netting Around the Boat: Some families choose to add safety netting around the yacht to prevent children from accidentally falling overboard. This simple addition can provide peace of mind, especially if your kids are younger and more active.
- Life Vests: Non-swimmers should wear life vests at all times when on deck, even if the boat is anchored or docked. Make sure the vests are properly fitted and comfortable for your child, as they’ll be wearing them often.
- Tether Lines for Toddlers: For added safety while the yacht is underway, you can use a tether system, similar to a dog run, which keeps young children secured to the boat but still allows them to move around the deck. This is particularly useful for very young children who may not yet be able to follow safety instructions consistently.
- Close Supervision: On a yacht, kids need constant supervision, especially when the boat is in motion or near the water. Assign an adult to keep an eye on them at all times, and make sure children know the rules of the boat before embarking.
Choosing the Right Yacht for a Family Vacation
The type of yacht you choose can make a big difference in how comfortable your trip is with kids. Here are a few things to consider:
- Space and Comfort: Yachts can feel cozy, but for a large family or a group of multiple families, it’s important to choose a boat that provides enough space. Look for yachts with multiple cabins and plenty of deck space where the kids can play safely. A 60-foot yacht, for example, may feel tight for six adults and four children, especially if the weather turns bad or the seas are rough.
- Crewed vs. Bareboat Charter: A crewed yacht is often the best option when traveling with kids. With a captain and crew on board, parents can relax more while the crew takes care of navigation, meal preparation, and other logistics. A chef can also tailor meals to your children’s preferences, which can be a huge help on long trips. A bareboat charter, on the other hand, may be more difficult to manage with kids since you’ll be responsible for operating the boat and caring for your family.
- Child-Friendly Boats: Some charter companies offer child-friendly options, such as yachts with netting around the railings, shallow-entry swimming platforms, and a range of water toys like Seabobs and inflatable slides to keep children entertained.
Activities to Keep the Kids Engaged
One of the great things about a yacht charter is the wide range of activities available to kids of all ages. Older kids and teens often enjoy watersports, while younger children can splash around in shallow waters or play on deck. Here are a few family-friendly activities to consider:
- Snorkeling and Swimming: Many yachts come equipped with snorkeling gear, and shallow bays and lagoons are perfect for kids to explore underwater life in a safe environment. Make sure younger children are accompanied by an adult when in the water.
- Paddleboarding and Kayaking: For active families, paddleboarding and kayaking are great ways to explore calm waters near the shore. They also offer an excellent opportunity for some quiet bonding time with your kids.
- Day Trips to Shore: Yacht charters often include stops at different islands, beaches, or coastal towns. Take advantage of these stops to explore local culture, go on nature hikes, or enjoy family picnics on the beach.
- Onboard Entertainment: Depending on the size of your yacht, you may want to bring along books, board games, and movies for indoor entertainment, especially during downtime or if the weather isn’t ideal.
The Benefits of Having a Chef on Board
If your budget allows, having a chef on board is a fantastic option for families. With a chef handling all the meals, parents can focus on enjoying the vacation without the stress of meal prep and grocery shopping. A chef can also cater to picky eaters, dietary needs, or even create special kid-friendly meals, which can be a lifesaver for families with young children. Many crewed yachts include a captain and chef in the charter package, making it a convenient choice for family vacations. A chef can cook, shop for groceries, and even tailor menus to suit your family’s preferences.
Alternatives to Full-Week Charters
If you’re unsure whether a full-week yacht charter is the right fit for your family, consider a hybrid approach. Some families opt for renting a villa near the coast and booking day charters or half-day yacht trips instead. This way, you get the best of both worlds—plenty of space and flexibility for the kids, along with the excitement of spending time on the water without being confined to a boat for an entire week. This option can also be more affordable and offers more flexibility with activities.
Top Family-Friendly Charter Companies
When booking a family yacht charter, it’s important to choose a company that understands the unique needs of families traveling with kids. Here are a few highly recommended options:
- The Moorings: Known for its large fleet of yachts, The Moorings offers fully crewed charters with spacious boats that are ideal for families. Their 5800 model has six cabins and is perfect for large groups.
- Yacht Catatonic and Coral’s Reef: These smaller companies offer personalized service with highly recommended crews. Their sail catamarans are well-equipped for families, though they may be more suited to smaller groups.
- Dream Yacht Charter: This global company offers both bareboat and crewed options with a wide range of yachts available in family-friendly destinations like the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Final Thoughts
A yacht charter can be a truly memorable experience for families, offering both adventure and relaxation. By planning ahead, ensuring safety, and choosing the right boat and crew, you can have an enjoyable vacation that suits both adults and children alike. With activities ranging from watersports to onshore excursions, a family yacht charter provides the perfect balance of fun and relaxation, ensuring everyone has a great time.
Remember, it’s all about planning and creating a safe, fun environment where your children can enjoy the beauty and excitement of life on the water. Whether it’s a one-week charter or day trips mixed with villa stays, the key is to tailor the experience to your family’s needs.