Choosing a Boating Holiday

Looking for a boating holiday can be difficult because there are so many companies offering them and such a variety of different types. 

Which Type? Destination Children and Pets Boating holiday suggestions Safety Your Comments and suggestions Choosing a Boating School

Whether you want a crewed charter, bareboat, flotilla holiday, sailing tuition or a quiet plod along an inland waterway there are opportunities world wide.

First thing to do is narrow down your options, determine the type of boating holiday that would suit you best.

Is this a family boating holiday, quiet romantic getaway, a couple’s or singles trip, or a taster for a wanabe sailor?

Which Type?

You can chose anything from kayaking/camping to luxury yachts complete with crew.

With such a wide choice there's something to suit everyone.

For anyone new to boating why not try out a boating holiday on an inland waterway?

There are many reasons why they are becoming more popular.

For those who are a little nervous of being on the water for the first time, being close to land gives a feeling of security, however, this is no reason to become complacent, people still drown on the most tranquil of streams.

And for many people, the attraction is to simply cruise along peacefully, moor up at the end of the day, get a good night's sleep and to be able to get off the boat and go for a walk, if they feel the need for terra firma.

Another attraction is that many of the boat rental companies include some basic, boat handling instruction for beginners, before sending you on your way, on you own.

For those wishing to get to sea, especially if you want some luxury, an exotic location and a safe relaxed holiday there are crewed charters of every conceivable level of comfort to choose from.

You can also charter through a bareboat company and add a captain and or a cook, however a private crewed yacht can be comparably priced and can sometimes be better value.

A Bareboat Charter is for those with enough experience and confidence in their abilities to sail the boat themselves.

With these, the equipment standards and reliability can vary considerably, even within a company.

So it could be a mistake to choose a boat purely by price, the cheapest boat may not always be the best value.

A compromise between a skippered charter and bareboat are the numerous flotilla boating holidays.

With a flotilla you can opt to skipper and crew the boat yourself and sail in company with other boats.

As well as the reassurance of being part of a group of like-minded sailors, flotillas will have a ‘Lead Boat Crew’ sailing with the group, just in case anyone needs assistance.

The ‘lead crew’ will also be familiar with the area so, they will be able to recommend the best anchorages, harbours, restaurants and places to visit.

However, if you are serious about getting afloat why not make a  training course your boating holiday.

Back to Top of Page

Destination

Boating holidays, yacht charters, rentals are available around the globe, you pays your money and you takes your choice.

The Caribbean is probably the most popular destination.

However, the time of year when you plan to take that boating holiday should determine the cruising grounds you consider.

It is not just the cost or availability but the weather.

There are some superb bargains to be had in ‘off seasons’, however theses are usually ‘off seasons’ because of the climatic conditions.

Now it is possible that you could have superb weather off season, but a week spent in harbour, huddled in a small cabin while the wind and rain howl outside might not appeal to you. 

It is also worth considering other factors such as alternative things you might want to see and do on your trip.

Perhaps you might want some diversionary experiences along the way such as the odd day ashore sightseeing or shopping.

So, you need to plan your holiday on a stretch of water and with a package that caters for the activities you may wish to pursue.

But it is your holiday so, if you may just want to relax and do absolutely nothing.

Children and Pets

Go Cruising Children's Activity BookA boating holiday can be a great experience of kids.

But you do need to ensure that they understand the potential dangers, how to avoid them and how they should behave sensibly on the water.

Even if your child can swim, it's recommended that you get them into the habit of always wearing a life jacket whilst on board.

However,boating holidays aren't really suitable for babies and it can become very stressful having to maintain a constant vigilance on tearaway toddlers.

Unless you have complete confidence in your child's ability to stick to the safety rules, you may have to reconsider whether or not a boating holiday is right for your family or if it would be better to wait until your children are a little bit older.

What about your pet dog?

There are some boats which will allow you to have a dog on board, but most won’t.

But you should really consider your pet, even if it is allowed on board can its needs be catered for on route.

Boating holiday suggestions

	SAIL aboard AUTHENTIC 1875 Schooner & in the Med Experience sailing, experience the past aboard ANNA while she sails around the Med. We foster international relations; meep people from around the world. Available: 11 berths. Children very welcome. Simple pleasures to rebuild your complicated life! Starting at 350 Euro Per Week >> Click For Details & Pictures
RealAdventures | PREVESA, GREECE, Greece Sailing | Greece Sailing | Greece Vacations | Sailing | PREVESA, GREECE, Greece

	Caribbean Sailing Charter Private Sailing Charter in the Mexican Caribbean and Belize, 52 feet Classic Sailboat. . Scuba Diving & Quality Food. 52 ft classic ketch sailboat, scuba diving gear. Mexico, Yucatan , Belize , Bahamas,Cancun, Cozumel, Turks and Caicos, Virgin Islands, Saint Martin, St Lucia ... Starting at US $2,125 Per Week >> Click For Details & Pictures
RealAdventures | Riviera Maya, Mexico Sailing | Mexico Sailing | Mexico Vacations | Sailing | Riviera Maya, Mexico

Turkey Sailing Blue Voyages & Blue Cruises Weekly departures from Bodrum, Marmaris or down the coast of Turkey on a traditionally built wooden Turkish gulet saling yacht. We offer cabin charters and full ship charters. We offer a half week sailing from Bodrum and full service sailing cruise. Sail the Turkish Coast in a blue voyage and visit many historic sites on a one two, or three week sailing. Bodrum to Antalya sailing ship cruise. These are leisure cruises with swimming, diving, snorkeling, hiking, exploring, hot springing, ruins tours and fantastic eating along the route.Our yachts have wooden hulls and are built to an ancient design. They range from 22-28 meters. Cabins have their own shower and water closet. Our yachts actually sail. We don't like to spend money on fuel. All food and beverages ( bar ) are included except Friday evening when you will dine ashore. Note: We offer several itineraries. We usually sail from the Bodrum area. Late in the season we move further down the coast to warmer waterhs. There a... Starting at 595 Euro Per Person >> Click For Details & Pictures

RealAdventures | Bodrum, Turkey Sailing | Turkey Sailing | Turkey Vacations | Sailing | Bodrum, Turkey

Greece & Turkey: Private, Group & Singles Sailing REAL Sailing-Touring Trips, all levels Novice to Expert:sailing -in the front seat or back seat! Participate,or just enjoy being on board my 44' sailing sloop.Custom designed to suit your interests- live aboard sailing trips,May-August.book 2011 now! TAKE THE HELM! Come to the Aegean for R E A L SAILING on the sailing sloop, "PWYLL" A 44' Jeanneau Sunfizz. is a comfortable nicely equipped boat that handles very well and is easy to learn on. Our trips are very personalized and you will have direct contact with the captain from the time of your inquiry. Sit back and relax...or "learn the ropes", enjoy and learn sailing in a very relaxed atmosphere. We cater to all levels of experience from novice to expert. Sailing and touring among remote islands of the Dodecanese, or the beautiful and fascinating Turkish Coast. GRAB THE CHANCE NOW! One cabin available, single or double use, LADIES ONLY May 9, Turkey; EURO 1,400 single, 1800 double. ONE DO... Starting at 950 Euro Per Person >> Click For Details & Pictures

RealAdventures | Leros Island, Greece Sailing | Greece Sailing | Greece Vacations | Sailing | Leros Island, Greece

Charter Service, Sailing School & Romantic Getaway Sailing Florida Charter's & Sailing School located on Tampa Bay, downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. ASA sailing classes, Coast Guard licensed captains, bareboat charters, romantic getaway packages, resort location, near shops, museums, and fine dining Whether you are a first time sailor or a seasoned cruising couple, Sailing Florida Charter's & Sailing School can make the best of your time on the water. Experienced captains and ASA sailing instructors, the #1 Charter destination in the U.S. , and a fleet of new Beneteau, Catalina, Jenneau and Hunter Sailboats, provides a safe and exciting enviroment to experience all that sailing can be. Our school can start you in level #101, basic sailing all the way through coastal sailing and offshore passage making. If you are a qualified sailor already, bare boat charter from us or sail with one of our captains for a day or a week. Feel even more adventures, sail with us on a race to Cancun or Key West. Our fleet is located on Florida's Tampa... Great rates for RealAdventures visitors >> Click For Details & Pictures

RealAdventures | St. Petersburg, Florida Sailing | Florida Sailing | Florida Vacations | Sailing | St. Petersburg, Florida

Adventure Sailing Experiences and Holidays Join Big Spirit for a once in a lifetime sailing adventure aboard our 72ft ocean racing yacht. We offer everything from simple days sails through to cruising holidays and racing across the Atlantic. At Big Spirit Adventures we always deliver an exhilarating sailing experience be it a simple run about the sheltered Solent, dash around the Isle of Wight, sprint across the channel to the life changing experience of a trans Atlantic blast aboard our 72 foot global challenge yacht. We offer a full range of sailing experiences and training to enable you to understand what real ocean sailing is all about including:- * ARC Trans Atlantic Race - ARC Europe - Round the Island Race - Cowes Week - Rolex Fastnet * Uphill Trans Atlantic - Canaries Cruising - Biscay Crossing - Mile Builders - Norway Midnight Sun - Azores - Cape Verde During the summer Big Spirit is available for Corporate Entertainment, t... Starting at £ 995 Per Week >> Click For Details & Pictures

RealAdventures | Hampshire, England Sailing | England Sailing | England Vacations | Sailing | Hampshire, England

Raft-Kayak-Canoe-Bike-Hike-Sailing trip in Croatia Rafting, canoeing, sea kayaking, bicycling, sailing and walking one- and multi-day trips in Croatia. Huck Finn is the leading adventure travel operator and outfitter in Croatia. We operate in Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Istra and Zagreb areas All of Huck Finn activities/trips are soft adventure experiences designed for beginners and do not require more than average physical fitness. We operate only in safe, well preserved, most attractive and exciting (but often unknown) areas characterized by natural beauty, traditional way of life and hospitality. Valuable art and history places of interest are visited wherever available and our guides pass their enthusiasm and passion for outdoor activities to our clients for most enjoyment for all. Croatia has pleasant climate and we do not run trips in cold or stormy conditions. We make sure that you get to the trip starting point in a simple, fast and comfortable way. Your guides will provide the right equipment, information and basic... Starting at 460 Euro Per Trip >> Click For Details & Pictures

RealAdventures | Dubrovnik, Croatia Sailing | Croatia Sailing | Croatia Vacations | Sailing | Dubrovnik, Croatia

Hands on Adventure Sailing Expeditions We specialize in hands-on Adventure Sailing Expeditions. More than 15 years in operation and 100,000 miles under our keel. Plenty of happy repeat customers. Owner operated. Treat Yourself to an Adventure of a Lifetime Boat name:Ar Seiz Avel Which means “the Seven Winds” This is Breton a dialect spoken in the province of Bretagne in France. The Ar Seiz Avel is a very unique vessel she is custom designed, flush deck with plenty of headroom and traditional interior....a real beauty....build to sail the open oceans in comfort and style Boat Specifications: Cutter Rig LOA: 42’ Beam:11’ Draft:6.5’ Keel: full Registration: Canadian Accommodations Forward Cabin: 2x Main Cabin:2x Quarter berths:2x Headroom: 6.2 Shower: on deck handheld/sink forward Tenders: Kayaks: 3x inflatable, dinghy: 1x rowing inflatable Leisure: Music: Radio/CD/... Great rates for RealAdventures visitors >> Click For Details & Pictures

RealAdventures | Acapulco, Mexico Sailing | Mexico Sailing | Mexico Vacations | Sailing | Acapulco, Mexico

Sail the Maine Coast on the Schooner Stephen Taber The Schooner Stephen Taber offers 3-6 day sailing trips off the coast of Maine. Built in 1871 and based in Rockland, a trip aboard the Taber is unique, authentic, personal and relaxing. The ship carries 22 passengers and is a National Landmark. With 139 years under her keel and going strong, this Historic Maine Windjammer is a shining symbol of America's proud sailing heritage. Take your place in the Taber's family and let us show you the thrill, the warm comradeship, and the dramatic beauty of our nation's finest cruising grounds. Mount Desert, Stonington, Castine, Belfast, North Haven, Port Clyde, Isle au Haut to name a few. ... Starting at US $550 Per Trip >> Click For Details & Pictures

RealAdventures | Rockland, Maine Sailing | Maine Sailing | Maine Vacations | Sailing | Rockland, Maine

Sailing & Yoga - Greece onboard 47ft Private Yacht Sailing & Yoga (no experience necessary) holiday in the Greek Islands. Suit 4 friends or 2 couples! Fly into Samos or Athens summer 2011 and join our Yacht - 'Libertas'. Come be pampered with great food & learn to sail. Turkish coast by request. 47ft Jeanneau Sunkiss - 'Libertas' Dodecanese Islands- Flying into either SAMOS direct OR Athens then fast ferry out to meet us in Samos. Alternative pick up point can be made by prior arrangement. or Explore the TURKISH COAST ( by special arrangement!) ... Starting at £ 1,700 Per Week >> Click For Details & Pictures

RealAdventures | Greece, Greece Sailing | Greece Sailing | Greece Vacations | Sailing | Greece, Greece

Back to Top of Page

Safety

Boating is meant to be a fun activity, however it is important to use your common sense and to remember that you are travelling on water.

All reputable companies will, when you get to your boat, go through the health and safety guidelines and procedures on board, do pay particular attention especially if you are boating with young children.

And be sure to have a safety net, let’s face it, stuff happens.

Let your friends and or relatives know when and where you are going and when you are due back and don’t forget to alert them if you are delayed for some non-emergency reason.

A boating holiday is supposed to be a relaxing time for you, away from the stresses and strains.