By AURA Private Yachting ·
AURA private boats welcome children of all ages, with appropriately-sized life jackets available on board. The most family-friendly destinations are Preveza (calm sheltered water, shorter crossing) and Lefkada (sandy beaches accessible by boat). Paxos involves a longer crossing and is better suited for children aged 6 and over.
Is a boat trip safe for children?
The most common question from parents, and a reasonable one. The short answer is yes — with the right destination, the right preparation, and a private charter that gives you full control over the schedule.
AURA boats carry life jackets in children's sizes, including infant sizes. The boats have handrails, shade canopies, and stable platforms for swimming entries. The captain is trained in first aid and emergency procedures. And because you've chartered the entire boat, there are no strangers on board — just your family, and the flexibility to change plans if someone isn't feeling well.
The most important safety variable is choosing the right destination for the ages in your group.
Which ages work for which trips
Infants (0-2 years): Possible but demanding. The heat, the sun exposure, and the time at sea require careful management. If you bring an infant, choose a short cruise (Preveza local tour, 4 hours), depart early morning before peak heat, and bring significant shade.
Young children (3-5 years): Manageable with preparation. They'll love the swimming stops but may struggle with longer passages. Preveza and Lefkada work well at this age. Pack entertainment for the boat.
Primary school age (6-12 years): Ideal. Children this age can snorkel, fish with a line, swim from the boat, and genuinely engage with the experience. This is when boat trips become a holiday highlight rather than a logistical challenge.
Teenagers: Usually the most enthusiastic passengers on the boat.
Best destinations for families
Preveza local cruise (best for young children): Calm, sheltered water close to the marina base. Short crossing times, easy return if needed. Suitable for all ages.
Lefkada full-day cruise (great for school-age children): Sandy beaches (Agios Ioannis, Kathisma), sheltered bays, spectacular scenery. The crossing from Preveza takes about 30-40 minutes. Lefkada's west coast beaches have shallow areas for children, and the scenery — white cliffs, turquoise water — is impressive even for children who normally claim boredom.
Sunset Cruise (good for young children): Three hours, late afternoon, back before dark. Less demanding than a full day. The golden hour light makes it memorable without requiring a long day at sea.
Ithaca/Paxos (best for children 6+): Longer crossings and more open water. Perfectly safe in normal conditions, but more demanding for very young children.
What to pack
This list is the difference between a smooth day and a difficult one:
- Sunscreen SPF 50+, enough for multiple reapplications throughout the day
- Wide-brim hats for every child
- Children's polarised sunglasses
- Plenty of water (more than you think) — soft drinks and snacks are on board, and there's a cooler for anything extra you bring
- Anti-nausea medication appropriate for children's ages — ask your pharmacist
- Entertainment for boat passages: tablets (downloaded, not streaming), books, small toys
- Change of clothes in a waterproof dry bag
- A light layer for the return trip (evenings can feel cool after a hot day)
What happens if there's swell
The captain monitors sea conditions continuously and will advise before departure if conditions are unsuitable. For family cruises particularly, if the sea forecast shows significant wave height on the route, the captain may suggest an alternative destination or postpone.
This is one of the advantages of a private charter for families: if conditions change during the day and a child is uncomfortable, you can return early. An organized group tour cannot do this.
Why private beats group for families
Group tours put your children in proximity to strangers for a full day. The schedule is fixed; if your child is tired or unwell, you're committed regardless. The boat is crowded.
A private charter is your family's space. You adjust the pace to your children's energy. You stop longer at beaches they love and skip stops that don't interest them. You eat your own food at your own timing. The captain adapts.
For a family boat trip in the Ionian, book here and mention the ages of your children — we'll suggest the most suitable destination and departure time.