A sailing holiday with kids sounds bold, but it's often one of the calmer family trips. The days pass between swims, small harbours, and time together, without long drives or airport queues.
The key is the right destination, boat, and pace. With children you pick calmer routes, short crossings, and more time on each island.
This guide covers the best destinations for families, which boat to choose, how to prepare safely, and what kids can do aboard. If you're planning your first family sailing trip, you'll find everything in one place.
At a glance
👨👩👧 For: families with kids
📍 Best destinations: Ionian, Croatia, Aeolian Islands, Lithuania
🚢 Boat: catamaran for space and stability
🧒 Age: suitable from about 4
⏱️ Duration: 7-day route
💶 Price: from ~€2,000 per week (indicative, catamaran)
Is sailing right for families with children?
Yes. On a boat, children have a small, clear space, so it's easier to keep an eye on them than in an open square or by a pool. The day revolves around simple things: swims, games on deck, stops in little harbours.
Kids love the constantly changing view: a new bay, a new beach every day, sometimes dolphins alongside the boat. For parents it's a calmer trip than it sounds, especially on a route with short crossings.
In a week a family visits four or five places, and the children always have something to do, so the trip doesn't tire you out the way a holiday with lots of driving can.
Best destinations for a first family sailing trip
| Destination | Why it suits families | Crossings |
|---|---|---|
| Lithuania (Curonian Lagoon) | Calm lagoon water, no flight needed: a low-pressure way to see if sailing suits your family | A couple of hours out and back |
| Greece (Ionian Sea) | One of Greece's calmest regions, gentle wind, islands close together | Short (1–3 hrs) |
| Croatia (Dalmatia) | Many sheltered bays, ports close by, easy to plan a route | Short (1–3 hrs) |
| Italy (Aeolian Islands) | Calmer sea, scenic views, swimming by volcanoes | Short to medium (1–4 hrs) |
| Spain (Balearics) | Clear water, pretty bays, good infrastructure | Short to medium |
| Turkey (Göcek, Fethiye) | Warm sea, plenty of wind-sheltered coves, easy with a skipper | Short to medium |
Further destinations, better for more experienced sailors
| Destination | Why it suits families | Crossings |
|---|---|---|
| Seychelles | Warm water, calm lagoons, few boats around | Short hops, long flight |
| Thailand | Warm water almost year-round, striking islands, something different | Short to medium, long flight |
| Caribbean | Steady, predictable winds, islands close together, warm water | Medium, long flight |
For a first trip with children, families often choose the Ionian or Croatia: the crossings are shortest and the wind is gentle. Lithuania works if you want to try sailing without a long journey.
Catamaran or monohull with kids?
For families with children a catamaran is usually recommended. It's more stable and barely heels while sailing, so kids are less likely to feel seasick. There's more room to play inside and out, and the wide net at the bow becomes the children's favourite spot.
A monohull is cheaper and gives a classic sailing feel, but it heels more. It suits older children or families who already have some experience.
With a skipper or without?
If it's your first sailing trip, choose a boat with a skipper. The skipper picks a safe route for the weather, knows the calm anchorages, and takes care of the boat, so you can give the children your full attention.
Bareboat charter suits those with a licence and experience. Then it's important to plan short legs and leave time to rest.
Safety and what to pack
- A life jacket for every child, sized by weight. Worn on deck the whole time you're sailing.
- Sun protection: hats, swim shirts, high-factor cream. The sun is stronger at sea.
- Seasickness tablets for older children. Younger ones usually don't need them if crossings are short.
- Favourite snacks and water. There may be no shop between islands.
- A few toys for deck and water: a mask, fins, an inflatable ring.
- A clear daily rhythm. Plan the longer crossing during the afternoon nap.
What kids can do aboard
Children are rarely bored on a boat. Swimming straight off the boat, snorkelling, fishing, rowing the dinghy to shore. In the evening, when the boat is at anchor in a bay, board games or stargazing on deck work well.
Older kids can help sail: hold the helm, pull the lines, follow the route on the map. It often becomes their favourite part of the trip.
Frequently asked questions
From what age is a sailing holiday suitable for kids?
Usually from about 4, when a child understands simple safety rules. It's possible with younger ones too, if you pick a calm route and a boat with a skipper.
Is it safe to sail with children?
Yes, if you follow simple rules: life jackets on deck, a calm route, and safe anchorages. With a skipper, a professional is responsible for safety.
Do you need sailing experience?
No, not if you choose a boat with a skipper. Then no experience is needed and the skipper handles everything to do with the boat.
When is the best time to sail with kids?
June and September: a warm sea, not too hot, and fewer crowds than July or August.
How much does a trip like this cost?
Catamaran charter starts from about €2,000 a week, depending on destination and season. Marinas, food, and fuel come on top. We'll quote an exact price on request.
Will the kids get seasick?
With a catamaran and short crossings, it's unlikely. A catamaran barely heels, and on calm routes the sea is usually gentle.
Planning a family sailing trip?
We'll help you choose the destination, boat, and route for your children's ages and your experience.
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