Raising intrepid adventurers - family adventure yacht charters.

Which yacht?

An adventure yacht charter makes for a great shared experience, with plenty of bucket list moments to look forward to. From swimming with humpback whales to learning how to dive, life-affirming opportunities abound. As with any charter, picking a yacht that meets your needs and expectations is imperative to success, which means carefully considering activities, amenities, desired cruising grounds and sleeping arrangements before stepping onboard and lifting anchor.

Match the yacht to your destination

There’s no getting around it. Size matters. While most yachts carry accommodation for a maximum of 12 guests, there are other elements that impact your size of chosen yacht. If anchoring in small, intimate bays is on the hit list, a yacht in the 30-40m range is preferable to ensure you get close to shore. Likewise, for shallow atolls, large yachts with a deep keel will not suit. For the adventure seekers looking to escape into mountain ranges, a larger yacht with the capacity to carry a helicopter (or two) is advisable, not to mention all the deck space to entertain without cramping each other’s style.

What is on board

From indulgent spas with plunge pools, steam rooms and even cryotherapy, yacht amenities know no limits. When heading out on extensive diving charters, a dedicated dive set-up with an equipment room, on board Nitrox compressor and all-important post-dive sauna are integral. When looking to party every night away, a boat with DJ decks, integrated sound systems, disco lights and dedicated dance floors will satisfy. Arctic explorers should ensure Zodiac tenders are included, and flexible accommodation that can incorporate nannies, security and expert guides will take a comfortable charter to the next level.

Location, location

A yacht provides access to otherwise unreachable destinations. From the heritage-rich cruising grounds of the Mediterranean to the biodiverse waters of Indonesia, where you choose to go is just as important as with whom, and on which yacht. 

Where to go?

The world is a charter guest’s oyster. For gastronomic tours suited to both young and old, the Italian Riviera serves a feast for the senses. For gin-clear waters suited to watersports of all abilities, the sandy-bottomed Bahamas is a gem. And for island-hopping adventure aboard a sailing yacht of your dreams, with national parks, golden beaches, underwater caves and historic architecture to learn about and explore, Croatia’s cruising grounds are very hard to beat. 

The Caribbean 

A family yacht charter in the Caribbean means rock pools, treasure hunts and building sandcastles on a different beach each day. The country’s myriad islands offer a vast and varied itinerary, where mountain hikes, caldera lake swims and vibrant coral reefs abound. Dropping anchor off a new lagoon to enjoy a beach barbecue of your dreams is matched only by the chance to encounter manta rays, sea turtles and a kaleidoscope of fish. 

The Mediterranean 

The Mediterranean has it all, though a family yacht charter in Greece brings an added layer of cultural brilliance thanks to the legendary mythological sites that scatter the land. You’ll be spoiled for choice when choosing an itinerary, with the Cyclades, Ionian and Dodecanese comprising many of the 6,000 islands scattered across the Aegean Sea, from Santorini’s fabled sunsets to the quiet turquoise coves of Milos. And the winds that whip across lively Mykonos provide excellent conditions for learning new wind-based watersports.

The Bahamas 

The Bahamas’ popularity with US holiday makers is rooted in its proximity to Florida, yet when aboard a yacht, casting your nets of adventure further afield to the Exumas Land and Sea Park will reward with marine life riches and desert island discoveries. The largest of the cays is Great Exuma, but for something more private and remote, dropping anchor off uninhabited Conception Island will place you among nesting seabirds and hatching green turtles as your only neighbours.

Croatia and Montenegro 

Delivering ancient Roman cities with one hand and secluded aqua bays with the other, it’s not surprising that the Dalmatian countries of Croatia and Montenegro provide an increasingly popular family yacht charter. The fertile lands ensure the region’s famed vineyards provide an endless supply of thirst-quenching wine for the adults. For the kids, deserted beaches found on far-flung islands like Lastovo are paired with rich fishing grounds and endless snorkelling. Famed for its 300-days of sun, this is a location for outdoor pursuits.

Alaska 

Alaska, also known as bear country, presents an altogether laidback family yacht charter. Gentle paddle boarding across great lakes, slow sailing through glacial cruising grounds and encountering icebergs, majestic fjords and soaring eagles from the sun deck is hard to match. It’s a feeding ground for the humpback whale and the gateway to the frigid Arctic Ocean. For those who can brave it, it’s the ideal place to take your first polar plunge.

New England 

A yacht charter to New England is a step back in time, where famed destinations such as Cape Cod, Nantucket and Newport serve up a helping of America’s Cup sailing history with a healthy side portion of lobster roll. Pastel-coloured clapboard-clad houses line the oceanfront, where big-game fishing charters come into their own. If your child has ever dreamt of reeling in a big one, this is the place to do it, followed by a celebratory Red Sox game.

Insider tips...

A family charter provides the opportunity to pair a well-earned break with an educational slant, enabling young explorers to venture forth and learn about marine life, the environment, sailing skills and much more. Having marine biologists, ice pilots, naturalists and cultural guides on board will take it to the next level, as will yachts with crew who offer instruction and training in watersports, photography or even cooking. Enriching every experience with expertise is the best way to ensure that, on a family charter when every second counts, time is never wasted.

Set sail for your next family holiday in style. Speak to our team of expert charter brokers today

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.