The joy of a family vacation on the water is unrivaled but choosing family-friendly luxury yacht destinations can be an exciting but daunting task. With so many beautiful and unique locations to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide on the perfect spot.
Continue reading for highlights of several family-friendly yachting destinations that offer exciting excursions ashore as well as fun days enjoying in-water activities.
US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands dot a turquoise-coloured stretch of ocean that is amongst the most sheltered waters in the Caribbean Sea. It is considered to be the ultimate yachting destination, offering shorter hops between islands than many other Caribbean locations.
There are three main islands – St Thomas, St Croix and St John – and beyond these there are hundreds of tempting small islands and cays, many uninhabited, waiting to be discovered by you and your family while on your adventure in the Caribbean.
With these three islands to choose from, the U.S. Virgin Islands appeal to families who like to blend beach time with a bit of exploration. Virgin Islands National Park on St. John offers this combination – and more – with 20-plus trails and the popular Trunk Bay beach. Kids will also enjoy Coral World Ocean Park on St. Thomas, where they can swim with dolphins and sea lions.
Croatia
Croatia is an ideal family destination. Spending time there is like stepping back in time with ancient ruins, palaces and cathedrals, museums, and monasteries for sightseeing excursions. From the magnificent walled city of Dubrovnik to the stunning Split with the Diocletian’s palace history abounds.
Croatia provides plenty of places for inquiring younger minds to explore. And you can’t help but feel the sense of family along the Riva waterfront boulevard in Split as well-dressed young and old, stroll, interact and play together.
Another highpoint of a Croatia are the festivals that take place in various locations up and down the coast all summer long, with music and dancing, food and fun for all. There is also plenty of fun to be had on the water with windsurfing, kayaking, kiteboarding and parasailing all available.
The Bahamas
Their proximity to Florida and its balmy climate makes the Bahamas a year-round magnet for luxury yachts.
An ideal place to start is Nassau, home to the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and Marina with its own 141-acre water park including a marine exhibit, dolphin encounter and rides such as the Leap of Faith waterslide.
The Bahamas are a sprawling expanse of low-lying islands, sandy cays and vibrant coral reefs offering the opportunity to escape into carefree isolation on beautiful beaches, swim in some of the clearest warm waters imaginable, sample the unique local lifestyle in quaint settlements, and fish to your heart’s content.
One family favorite is to visit the tiny uninhabited island of Big Major Cay in the Exumas where kids of all ages will be captivated by the cute pigs that call this place home and you get to tick off the most unusual experience of swimming with these amazing and adorable animals.
Mallorca
The largest and best-known Balearic Island, Mallorca (or Majorca) comes as a surprise to many people with a marvallous blend of traditional and contemporary, with something for every inclination and age and the added advantage of the island’s easy accessibility.
There are numerous flights from all the major European airports. English is widely spoken and there is a relaxed kid-friendly vibe to the place. There are dozens of lovely beaches many of them with shallow calm water perfect for families. T
he Palma Aquarium is considered one of the best in Europe and will captivate all marine life lovers especially the younger ones.
There are resorts of all shapes and sizes on the coast that welcome outside guests. The 5 Star Hotel Zafiro Palace Alcudia offers a range of pools and restaurants that are family friendly. While the St. Regis Mardavall Resort, just up the road from the prestigious Puerta Portals Marina, has numerous children’s facilities as well as a kid’s club.
There’s also a well respected Golf Academy at the Son Muntaner golf course where kids between 7 and 13 can enjoy golf lessons.
Tahiti
Tahiti and French Polynesia is more accessible than many people think with daily non-stop flights from Los Angeles and it really does have something special that will please visitors of all ages.
With some 118 islands French Polynesia covers more than 2 million square miles of the South Pacific.
The area is known for its pristine beaches, soaring waterfalls, some of the best surfing in the world and warm crystal clear waters teeming with underwater life.
The diving and snorkeling are fantastic. With dolphins and stingrays, sharks and sea turtles as well as a myriad of colorful coral reef and fish there is a lot to see here.
Tahiti is a lush green oasis surrounded by bright turquoise seas, that is rich in culture and landscapes and home to a people whose welcome and friendliness is legendary.
Original article published on luxurychartergroup.com