British Virgin Islands (BVI)
- Visit a real-life Treasure Island
- Steady trade winds, calm currents
- World-famous yachting destinations
Sailing Holidays for Families
Looking for a family holiday that’s anything but ordinary? A Sunsail sailing holiday combines adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories for everyone.
From island hopping and fun cruising in the Caribbean to high-energy sailing in the Med or dramatic scenery in the Exotics, a family sailing holiday is a great adventure for everyone. The best part? Sailing holidays for families can be as chilled or adventurous as you wish. Enjoy snorkelling, fishing, and fun-filled days discovering new destinations, or sitting back, relaxing and feeling your cares melt away as you soak up the golden sun on a breathtaking beach.
Whether you’re taking the helm for the first time on a family sailing holiday for beginners or carrying on an annual tradition, we know you’ll have the time of your lives on and off the water.
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Family Sailing Holiday Destinations
Discover your perfect family sailing adventure with our curated destinations, offering calm waters for beginners, vibrant cultures, and thrilling activities for seasoned sailors.
From the breathtaking beaches of the BVI to the cultural wonders of Dubrovnik, explore our top family-friendly sailing spots below and book your idyllic charter today.
Lefkas
- Easy, rewarding sailing
- Sail the famous Heptanese Islands
- Enjoy fantastic watersports
Dubrovnik
- Gentle winds and occasional Mistrals
- Rich history and spectacular scenery
- Line-of-sight navigation and island hops
Agana
- Easy line-of-sight sailing
- Short island hops and longer trips
- Explore quiet islands and national parks
- Discover Croatia's rich and two-millennia old history
Types of Sailing Holidays for Families
We offer sailing holidays for families of all experience levels. Set out on your own family adventure with a bareboat charter, giving you the freedom to explore at your pace. Enjoy a mix of sailing and fun social activities with the support of a lead crew on a Sunsail flotilla. If relaxation is the priority, let a professional skipper handle the sailing whilst your family enjoys quality time together on the open waters.
Family bareboat charter holidays
Choose a bareboat charter holiday, and you’ll discover a fantastic family activity where everybody can get involved. A family learn to sail holiday will teach you new skills, from plotting the course and tying knots to navigating, making it the perfect way to entertain the whole family.
Family flotilla holidays
Barbecues, kids’ activities, treasure hunts, fun water activities—our flotillas are perfect for a family holiday. Sit back and enjoy a G&T while the kids play or get involved in the games. Flotillas let you enjoy the best of sailing with your family, while our lead crew supports you every step of the way.
Family skippered yacht charter
Family sailing holidays are a great way to enjoy quality time together and learn about teamwork. But if you want more time to play, book a skippered yacht charter with your family. Joining you onboard on your yacht for as many days as you like, your experienced skipper can show you the ropes or take you to whichever destinations you prefer, leaving you to enjoy more time with your family.
Embark on a family sailing adventure, together
Benefits of sailing holidays for families
A sailing holiday is perfect for families and groups looking for fun on and off the water. When you book a family sailing holiday with Sunsail, you can say hello to:
- Worldwide destinations full of beautiful history and culture
- Time to switch off, relax and unwind
- Breathtaking views of idyllic coastlines, uninhabited islands and beautiful sunsets
- Amazing opportunities for discovering gorgeous beaches and secluded coves that are only accessible by boat
- Countless underwater adventures while swimming, snorkelling and kayaking
- Mouthwatering, authentic local cuisine
- The chance to spend quality time together, learning a new skill as a family
- Flotilla options for discovering new routes and sailing conditions
Things to do on a family sailing holiday
On a family sailing holiday, there are activities for everyone to enjoy. Spend your days swimming in crystal-clear waters, snorkelling to discover vibrant marine life, or simply relaxing on deck while sunbathing under the warm sun.
For families who love exploring, there are countless opportunities for hiking along scenic coastal trails, offering breathtaking views. These adventures, combined with the freedom of sailing, make for an unforgettable family experience full of both relaxation and excitement.
We also have a range of optional extras for you to add to your family sailing holiday, such as stand-up paddleboards, noodles and floats, and sea kayaks in selected destinations.
Wherever you visit on your family sailing holiday, you have the freedom to create your own itinerary or follow one of our carefully-crafted routes, ensuring you make the most of your time on the open waters.
Family learn to sail holidays
Are you looking for family sailing holidays for beginners? If this is your first time experiencing the beauty of a family yacht charter, hone your skills on one of our family sailing courses and take the open waters by storm.
We are proud to have a series of sailing schools across the UK, Greece and Croatia where you can develop your sailing skills and become confident navigating the crystal clear waters. The best part? In Portsmouth, we have family sailing courses where you can build your teamwork and communication skills together.
Heading on a fun-filled family flotilla? We have dedicated flotilla hero courses in Lefkas and Agana.
If you have any questions about our family learn to sail holidays, please get in touch with us today.
Family sailing holiday FAQs
Are sailing holidays suitable for young children?
Absolutely, family sailing holidays are great for giving children the opportunity to explore the world from a young age. With the chance to spot beautiful marine life such as sea turtles, learn to swim in crystal clear waters and taste new foods from local cultures, sailing is perfect for young children.
We understand that the thought of taking very young children away on a family sailing holiday may seem daunting, but we’re here to support you every step of the way. You can hire a skipper for all or part of your family sailing holiday so they can navigate you around the crystalline waters while you concentrate on making wonderful memories with your children.
Learn more about why sailing is great for young children.
Why is sailing good for children?
Family sailing holidays are great for children because:
- Children can learn a new skill
- It develops a sense of responsibility
- Sailing can help build confidence
- Being out on the open waters is a very sensory experience, ideal for children
- Sailing offers valuable problem-solving experience
- You can work in a team
- Sailing also helps develop spatial awareness and directional/navigational skills
How much do family sailing holidays cost?
Your family sailing holiday will differ depending on a number of factors, including:
- Which destination you’re setting sail around
- How many of you are going
- How long you want to go for
- Which type of family sailing charter you choose
- The yacht you decide to book
- Whether you add any optional extras to your family sailing holiday
- Any excursions or activities you want to take part in
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