Whether your children are very young or are more adventurous teenagers, a crewed yacht charter offers a safe environment and plenty of entertainment for everyone. It is also a great way to enjoy spending some real, quality time together.

Many crews specialise in family vacations and have had a lot of experience with children. This means that they understand the level of care and attention they need to keep them amused as well as putting together special children's menues, if required.

Whilst the crew aren't babysitters (as they'll already have their hands full looking after everyone) they will be happy to take the children snorkelling or kneeboarding and make sure that the whole family has a great time. Many families bring a nanny with them on the larger boats.

The minimum age varies from yacht to yacht, but most require that children are 'watersafe' and will take children from 6yrs old.

Catamarans are particularly well suited for families. They offer an enormous amount of relative space and it's very easy to get in and out of the water from the back transome steps - an important consideration for the very young or more senior family members. They also don't heel when under way providing a stable platform and comfortable ride.

We recommend that chartering a catamaran in the British Virgin Islands is the ideal way for most families to enjoy a crewed yacht charter. The sailing is very sheltered and you don't have to sail for more than an hour or so before you reach your next destination (although sails can be longer if you choose).

The water is also very clear making snorkelling trips a magical experience for anyone.

Teenagers and older children will also have plenty to entertain them. As well as snorkelling gear, most crewed yachts have an enormous range of water toys from kneeboards to wakeboards, waterskiis and doughnuts. There is also plenty to do ashore on most of the islands you'll visit.

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