Sailing with children in Croatia works smoothly when the rhythm, the bays and the boat suit your family. Experiences and tips for your week.
Sailing with children in Croatia works best with short legs, sheltered bays and a boat that offers space and calm. A catamaran is particularly well suited because it sits stably in the water and provides plenty of room to play and relax. Written from the guest perspective, this guide describes how a family week on the water unfolds and what to consider when planning.
A catamaran rests on two hulls and barely heels under sail. That makes everyday life with children on board noticeably more relaxed: glasses stay put, breakfast happens at the table, and nobody has to hold on constantly. Then there is the space. The trampoline between the hulls is the most popular spot on board for children, the aft deck offers shade, and the galley allows a perfectly normal family life with a view of the water.
The shallow draft also plays into your hands: a catamaran can get closer to shallow swimming beaches than most monohulls. For families, that means shorter dinghy rides and more choice among the swimming bays.
The key point is the rhythm. Children need reliable routines, and the sea almost provides them by itself: a swim before breakfast, then a short leg to the next destination, arriving at midday, lunch, a siesta in the shade. The afternoon belongs to the water, snorkeling or a trip ashore. In the evening the family sits in the cockpit while the bay grows quiet.
Short legs are the be-all and end-all. In Central Dalmatia, the islands of Šolta, Brač and Hvar lie so close together that the daily distances stay small while a new place appears on the plan every day. Exactly this density makes the cruising ground from Trogir so pleasant for families.
Family-friendly stops are defined by gently sloping water, a village within walking distance and a konoba for the evening. On Šolta, for example, Maslinica and the bays of the west coast offer exactly this mix. Brač scores with pebble beaches and small harbor villages, Hvar with lively towns and fortresses that children experience like a trip into the Middle Ages.
Ashore, simple programs are the winners: ice cream on the riva, a walk through an old town, a jump off the quay. Our experience page shows what such a week feels like, and the Maslinica on Šolta collects further destinations for your planning.
Food on board runs through the shared boat kitty. Plan in your children's favorite foods, because the selection in small island villages is limited. Waterproof sunscreen, hats with straps and long UV shirts belong in every bag. Our packing list for your catamaran holiday sums up what has proven itself on board and what you can safely leave at home.
MANAIA has no minimum age for children on either a private charter or a cabin charter. Children should be able to swim unaided for at least 15 minutes. Parents remain responsible for supervision. Before the trip, confirm with us which suitable children's life jackets are actually available in the required sizes. The skipper discusses the onboard rules with the whole family at the start.
On MANAIA, your family travels with a skipper and crew. That means the vessel is in experienced hands and your head is free for your children. On the private charter, the catamaran belongs entirely to you, and we discuss the route according to weather, wind and your family's wishes. Four double cabins offer space for up to eight guests, including grandparents or a befriended family.
You will find the transparent weekly rates and all included services under rates and services. If you are unsure whether a week on the water suits your children, write to us. We advise honestly, even if the answer is to wait another year.
Yes, very much so. A catamaran sits stably in the water and barely heels under sail, which makes everyday life with children relaxed. On top of that come plenty of space, the popular trampoline between the hulls and a shallow draft that makes shallow swimming bays accessible.
MANAIA has no minimum age for children on either a private charter or a cabin charter. Children should be able to swim unaided for at least 15 minutes. Parents remain responsible for supervision. Confirm suitable children's life jackets in the required sizes with us before the trip. Short daily legs and a reliable routine are discussed together.
In Central Dalmatia, the islands of Šolta, Brač and Hvar lie close together, so the daily distances stay small. That is ideal for families: a swim in the morning, a short leg, arriving at the new destination by midday. The afternoon belongs to the water or a trip ashore.
Waterproof sunscreen, hats with straps, long UV shirts and your children's favorite snacks, because the selection in small island villages is limited. Soft bags instead of hard suitcases make stowing easier. Our packing list for the catamaran holiday provides a detailed overview.
No. On MANAIA, the skipper and crew are always on board and handle the vessel. You can join in if you like or simply enjoy the time with your children. The route is discussed according to weather, wind and your wishes.
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