If you are seeking ideas for your next family holiday, consider boating as an option! Being on a boat offers a sense of adventure that inspires curiosity and a love of nature in children and adults alike. The open waters provide a unique opportunity to disconnect from technology and strengthen family bonds. Transform your family into a crew through collaboration and teamwork to navigate and handle the boat.
Boating is also a fantastic way to stay active and learn new things. Your family can pick up valuable sailing, navigation, and fishing skills. In addition, you can learn about marine animals and gain a deeper appreciation for their ecosystems when snorkelling and free diving. So, what are you waiting for? Head to Click&Boat and let the family boating adventure commence!
Do you have a boat licence?
Boat licence requirements change depending on the country you are in and the boat you want to rent. Check out this guide for clarification. You can also hire a skipper on whichever type of boat you choose to make your family boating adventure easy. Some benefits that a skipper can provide are:
- Local knowledge and recommendations for the best places to sail, snorkel, and sightsee.
- Extensive boating experience and safety training. They know which boating procedures to follow and what equipment is needed before embarking.
- A stress-free experience by navigating and piloting the boat, allowing you to take it easy and spend more time with your family.
- Information about the local sea and weather conditions and give boating tips and insights that improve your skills.
Best Boats for Families
Whether you love fast-paced adventure or prefer to sit back and enjoy the view, your dream boat awaits you! Check out this blog to explore and learn more about the various boat types. Keep in mind that choosing the right boat type for your family will depend on which activities you enjoy.
Catamarans
A catamaran is perfect for families looking for a relaxing, fun, and adventure-filled holiday. Their stability, size, and ease of use make them ideal for longer trips. In addition, there is plenty of room to hang out and play while allowing space to spread out and unwind.
Catamarans have less draft than other boats, allowing you to navigate shallow waters. This offers convenient access to picturesque coastal regions, such as beaches, coves, and islands, which provides opportunities to discover prime snorkelling spots. Spend your days in the sun admiring the scenery while the kids have fun exploring below the surface. You can even bring along kayaks or paddle boards to explore coastal caves. Next, make the most of your trip by visiting a secluded beach for a barbecue or a picnic. Finally, end the day with an enchanting sunset dinner shared with your loved ones!
Motorboats
Do you want your family boating trip to be a thrilling and fast-paced experience? Consider renting a motorboat for the weekend. They are great for more adventurous kids who want to try wakeboarding or water-skiing. Ensure they are over the age of 8, have previous experience, and are supervised by an experienced adult. Motorboats are also ideal for fishing enthusiasts, as they can take you to the best spots! Why not teach your little ones about the different kinds of fish or how to hook and catch a line?
A motorboat can transport you to remarkable places if you want to snorkel or free dive. Check out the local coral reefs, shipwrecks, and fantastic underwater rock formations. You could also spend the weekend sightseeing along the coastline. Visit various sights that appeal to everyone’s interest, such as beaches, islands, coastal towns, and cities.
Sailboats
There is nothing quite like the experience of being on a sailboat. Sailing offers a serene atmosphere with the soothing melodies of the wind and the waves. Therefore, a sailboat is a perfect choice for slower-paced family boating trips.
Encourage your children to learn about different aspects of sailing, such as navigation, steering, raising and lowering the sails, and knot tying. They might fall in love with a new sport! Spend the night stargazing in secluded coves free of light and sound pollution. Sailors dating back to 600 BC used constellations and the North Star to navigate the high seas. While modern times utilise compasses and GPS, astronavigation remains integral to maritime history. You can learn how to find the North Star and other constellations using this helpful guide.
A sailboat allows you to explore places otherwise overlooked in a faster boat. So, spend a few days island hopping at a leisurely pace. Sailboats are also quieter than other boats. As a result, marine organisms such as dolphins, seals, and turtles are more likely to swim alongside you!
Family Boating Safety Tips
- Ensure everyone on board, especially children and babies, wears well-fitting life jackets.
- Check the wind and weather and prepare accordingly. This includes bringing enough food and water, sunscreen, hats, and blankets in case it gets cold.
- Teach your children basic safety skills such as swimming, holding on to the boat, entering and exiting the ship, and calling for help.
- Keep a close eye on your children and ensure they follow safety rules.
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Watch for other boats, swimmers, and hazards like rocks or shallow waters.
- Familiarise yourself with and follow local boating laws and regulations, such as speed limits, no-wake zones, and age restrictions.
- Familiarise yourself with your boat and all its equipment, including safety gear, navigation equipment, and communication devices.
- Be prepared for emergencies by having a first aid kit and a plan in case of accidents.
