A Guide to Family Yacht Charters in Singapore
Are you looking for a family day out that works for the children, the adults and the grandparents all at once?
That combination is harder to find than it should be. Most places suit one group and leave another bored or uncomfortable.
A yacht charter handles it well, because the day has enough going on for children and enough quiet for everyone else.
In this article, we will guide you through planning a family charter in Singapore, from picking the right boat to shaping the day around meals and naps. Let's get started!
Why a Yacht Suits a Family Day
Everyone gets what they want without anyone having to compromise much.
Children get swimming, kayaks and the novelty of being on a boat. Adults get a shaded seat, a view and a few hours where nobody is asking to go somewhere else.
There is also nowhere for anyone to wander off to, which parents of small children tend to appreciate more than they expect.
Choosing a Boat for All Ages
Look for shade first. It is the single thing that decides whether older relatives and small children enjoy the afternoon.
A boat with an air-conditioned cabin gives you somewhere to retreat to when the sun is high, and somewhere for a toddler to nap.
Catamarans sit steadier at anchor, which helps anyone prone to seasickness. Our family charters page sets out which boats work best for different family sizes.
Keeping Younger Children Happy
Small children need less entertaining on a boat than people expect. The boat itself is the entertainment for the first hour.
After that, swimming and the kayaks usually carry the afternoon.
Bring a few familiar things for the quieter stretches, especially the cruise out and back. A tablet, a book or a favourite toy covers the gap between activities.
Thinking About Older Relatives
Boarding is the part worth planning for. Getting on and off a boat involves a step and a slightly moving surface, so let the crew know in advance if anyone needs a hand.
Once aboard, a shaded seat with a backrest makes all the difference over a few hours.
Grandparents often enjoy these days more than anyone. They get to watch the grandchildren enjoy themselves without having to run after them.
What to Pack for a Family Day
A few things are worth having with you:
- Swimwear and a change of clothes for everyone, children especially
- Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses
- Towels, if the boat does not provide them
- A light layer for the run home
- Any medication, including anything for seasickness
- Wet bags for damp swimwear on the way back
Food and Snacks
Children get hungry on the water faster than they do on land, so bring more than you think you need.
Fruit, sandwiches and anything that does not melt travel best. Skip anything that needs careful handling.
Ask what your boat provides before you plan, since drinks, ice and cutlery differ from one to the next.
Swimming and Water Activities
The stretch at anchor is what the children will remember, so give it plenty of time.
Life jackets are aboard in children's sizes, and it is worth having younger swimmers wear one even if they are confident in a pool.
Kayaks and paddle boards suit older children well. Younger ones are usually happiest simply in the water near the boat.
Timing Your Day Around Naps and Meals
Build the charter around your family's rhythm rather than trying to work against it.
A late morning start suits families with toddlers, since the cruise out lines up neatly with a nap.
Afternoon slots suit families with older children better, giving them the warm part of the day for swimming and a calmer ride home.
Conclusion
A family charter is one of the few days out that genuinely suits every age in the group at the same time.
Pick a boat with good shade, plan around naps and meals, pack more snacks than seems sensible and give the swimming plenty of room.
If you are putting a family day together, our family charters page will help you choose the right boat.
So, set sail and give everyone a day on the water they will remember!