Top 3 boating vacations for families – What others have booked
A family vacation on the water is something very special: no noisy hotel complexes, no scheduled entertainment programs, no crowded beaches, no fixed meal times—instead, you can enjoy freedom, nature, and shared experiences. But when it comes to planning, the same questions often arise:
- What does a vacation like this actually look like?
Which boat best suits our needs?
Is it safe for children?
What equipment do we need?
With or without a skipper?
How long should we be on the water?
To help you make your decision, we have selected three testimonials from families who booked with us – and enjoyed their very own dream vacation.
1. Discovery tour – natural wonders & adventure
For families who want to be active and see something new every day
- A typical route for your active boating vacation could be a combination of well-known natural highlights and secret favorite spots. For example: Start in a lively harbor with a visit to the market, then continue on to hidden swimming bays, spend a day at the waterfalls of a nature park, and finish with a stop on a charming island with small restaurants and traditional food.
- Onboard amenities: Air conditioning for hot summer days, washing machine for longer tours, modern navigation technology to safely navigate even more remote destinations.
- Extras: SUP boards for fun in the water, snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment for group fishing trips.
- With skipper: This allows the family to enjoy the whole day while the skipper takes care of navigation, mooring, and safety.
Experience report: Family S. wanted to see the famous Krka waterfalls, but also discover hidden beaches. With a skipper, they were able to react flexibly to the weather and their mood – and had a highlight every day.
2. Family comfort route – Relax and enjoy
For families with small children or when grandparents are coming along
- A typical route with short stages is very popular here, so that no one gets seasick or impatient. Overnight stays in sheltered bays or family-friendly harbors with play facilities and shallow water.
- Onboard amenities: Air conditioning, washing machine, spacious living area, and sun awning for shady afternoons.
- Extras: Children's life jackets in all sizes, comfortable loungers, board and card games for cozy evenings.
- With skipper: Yes – especially for families who are new to boating. The skipper knows safe routes, helps with mooring, and gives tips for child-friendly excursions.
Experience report: Family M. traveled with a toddler – 3 years old – and the grandparents. The days consisted of leisurely trips in the morning, lunch breaks in the shade, swimming in quiet bays, and evening meals on deck, as well as a visit to a restaurant on the beautiful island of Šolta – without stress or hecticness.
3. Freedom Tour – Steer yourself & stay flexible
For families with a boat license who love to set their own pace
- We can also help with route planning here, but most families prefer to choose their own routes – depending on weather conditions and their mood on the day – often combining well-known hotspots with spontaneous detours to small islands discovered along the way.
- Onboard amenities: Air conditioning, modern navigation technology, and a practical galley kitchen for self-catering.
- Extras: SUP boards, small gas grill for onboard picnics, binoculars for dolphin sightings.
- With skipper: No – but on check-in day, there is a detailed briefing by an experienced skipper who answers all safety and navigation questions.
Experience report: Family L. wanted to be independent and decide spontaneously where to stay with their two children, aged 11 and 15. With the thorough briefing, they felt safe – and were able to drift wherever the wind and their mood took them.
What all three vacations have in common
- Individual planning: No rigid packages—everything is tailored to the family during the consultation.
- Safety: Child-friendly equipment and clear safety standards on every boat.
- Experiences instead of mass tourism: Whether a nature park, a secluded island, or a small harbor town—the families had the freedom to choose their own destinations or be inspired by the experienced skipper.
Conclusion
There is no such thing as the perfect family boating vacation. The perfect vacation is one that suits your needs, desires, and pace. Whether you are an explorer, a connoisseur, or a self-driver, the possibilities are as varied as the families who have already traveled with us on the water.
How to find your ideal boating vacation
Simply answer the following questions to find out which type of vacation suits you best:
1. How would you like to travel?
- We want to see as much as possible & be active → Explorer Tour
- We want to relax & travel short distances → Family Comfort Route
- We want to steer ourselves & be flexible → Freedom Tour
2. Who is coming on board?
- With small children or grandparents → Comfort and safety are important → Family comfort route
- With older children or sporty friends → Variety and action → Discovery tour
- Only with an experienced crew or boat license → Freedom and flexibility → Freedom tour
3. Skipper – yes or no?
- Yes: Safety, insider tips, no navigation stress
- No: Only with a valid boat license & after thorough instruction
💡 Tip: Many families start with a skipper the first time – and then steer themselves on their next vacation. This way, you combine safety with the freedom to plan your own routes later on.
We look forward to accompanying you on your journey >>> Click here for a consultation!