7 Things to Consider When Planning a Family Charter

This guide covers the following crucial details to ensure your yacht charter is the perfect family getaway:

• The Charter Destination
• A Well-Suited Yacht Style
• The Layout of the Yacht
• A Family-Friendly Crew
• The Age of Your Kids
• Watersports & Activity Options
• A Kid-Friendly Menu

The BVI: An Ideal Family Yacht Charter Destination

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is our top choice for family yacht charters in the Caribbean. With its white-sand beaches, easy sailing between islands, and a wide range of yacht options at every price point, it’s the perfect family escape.

Known as “Nature’s Little Secret,” the BVI offers a limitless itinerary and breathtaking beauty above and below the water. The islands are close together and well-protected, making for easy line-of-sight sailing and keeping the adventure level high.

Families love the BVI’s laid-back vibe and water-centric activities. Kids can snorkel into pirate caves, explore underwater swim-throughs, jump off cliffs, try the latest water toys, or hike to amazing viewpoints. Happy kids mean happy parents, and the BVI does not disappoint.

For older families, the BVI also has some of the coolest beach bars in the world. Jost Van Dyke, with its white sand beaches and famous beach bars like Soggy Dollar, is a favorite. Parents can enjoy the vibrant scene, try the ring game, or sample a “painkiller” rum drink at this iconic spot.

With ample yacht choices and family-friendly crews, the BVI has something for every family’s style, adventure level, and budget.

Choosing the Ideal Yacht Style

The popularity of catamarans has exploded in the last decade, making them the majority of the crewed fleet in the BVI and Caribbean. Sailing catamarans are more numerous than power catamarans and offer the option of sailing or motoring, adding an extra dimension to your charter.

Power catamarans provide faster mobility and a motor yacht-like feel while offering the stability, space, and layout of their sailing counterparts. Traditional motor yachts, although fewer, are exceptional choices for higher-end charters.

Selecting the Right Layout

Choosing the right layout is key for a comfortable family charter. For single-family charters, a yacht with a master cabin or suite offers parents more space and privacy. Many yachts also feature equal Queen cabins, which are great for family groups.

Some yachts have a Twin cabin, perfect for kids who don’t want to share a bed. Options include traditional bunk beds, side-by-side twin beds, convertible Queen or King cabins, and split Queen mattresses, made up as twin-like beds.

Picking a Family-Friendly Crew

Selecting the right crew is essential for a successful family charter. An experienced broker can help match you with a crew that suits your family’s style and interests. Whether you prefer a veteran crew or a younger, energetic team, we can recommend the best options.

On-Board Watersports & Activities

A crewed charter offers an abundance of activities to keep kids entertained. Each day brings new adventures, from learning to sail and snorkeling with sea turtles to wakeboarding, e-foiling, and tubing. Many yachts also offer scuba diving.

Consider the size of the dinghy, on-board water sports, and the availability of scuba diving when choosing your yacht. Common equipment includes dinghies, kid water skis, wakeboards, tubes, snorkel gear, paddleboards, floating mats, and beach games. Some yachts also offer sea scooters, sea bobs, e-foils, and scuba diving.

How Young is Too Young for a Yachting Charter?

Kids are never too young to charter; it depends on the parents. Some yachts have no minimum age, while others specify “water-safe” or a minimum age. We will select suitable options based on your family dynamic and the ages of your kids.

Family groups with kids of all ages, from infants to teens, and multi-generation charters are popular. Many families return year after year as their kids grow older, making it a favorite experience for both kids and parents.

The Length of the Charter

Most family charters are 7 nights, which provides plenty of time to enjoy all the activities and scenery. However, for busy families, 6-night charters are a popular alternative and offer a budget-friendly option. Anything less than 6 nights, and your kids will likely ask why you have to leave so soon.

Kid-Friendly Menus

Our family yacht charters cater to picky eaters and adventurous parents. Chefs create simplified kid meals as well as adult options. You’ll fill out an online preference form detailing your kids’ likes and dislikes, ensuring everyone is happy.

We will also go over your menu choices during a pre-charter call. You can make changes or fine-tune your choices before the crew stocks the yacht for your departure. 

Chefs often surprise families with new and adventurous foods that kids enjoy. This is a highlight of the charter experience for many family groups.

Learn more about our Family Yacht Charters or Contact Carefree Yacht Charters to learn more today!