Family Holidays with Sailing & Watersports
Yo ho ahoy! Sailing and other watersports can be brilliant fun for all the family – a perfect way to soak up the sun, feel the wind in your hair and perhaps learn a new skill or perfect one you've already tested the waters with.
Watersports can also give you a totally different perspective on a destination - just imagine having a cove to yourself, where you can drop anchor and swim, or paddling into sea caves not reachable from the shore, or seeing the joy on your child’s face when they set sail in their own boat for the first time, unaided.
Whether you fancy cruising on a sailing dinghy, exploring caves and coves by kayak, or zooming along on waterskis, we have a range of hotels and active beach holidays that offer watersports for families with children of (almost) all ages.
We also offer a range of small-group family adventures based on an adrenaline-packed programme of watersports and other activities, in an exciting array of destinations.
Learn to Sail or Learn to Windsurf
If you’ve never sailed or windsurfed before, or if you want to continue honing your technique, we offer hotels complete with their own sailing schools. Some of these offer certified RYA sailing and windsurfing courses for both kids and adults.
Holidays like this can be a great way to introduce your offspring to the sport you love - and they'll also make new friends along the way.
Family Flotilla & Bareboat Holidays
Whether you’re already keen sailors or if you just like the idea of exploring aboard a yacht, our flotilla and bareboat holidays are opportunities for the whole family to get involved, as you essentially have the freedom of your very own boat.
In a flotilla, you’ll be part of a group of yachts that you sail with, following a professionally crewed lead yacht. On a bareboat holiday, you decide where and when you sail, but we will provide suggested itineraries.
To skipper your boat on a bareboat trip or in a flotilla, you’ll need to have passed a yacht sailing qualification - what you need depends on your destination, and we can advise. Or we can add a professional skipper to your booking, to join you on your trip and take charge of the boat, with you and the kids assisting and learning from them while taking in spectacular landscapes.
Best Family Sailing Destinations
Whether you want to sail dinghies or charter a yacht, there's a huge variety of wonderful destinations to choose from. We are happy to suggest some that are particularly well suited to your family, your budget and the time of year you want to go.
Among our most popular destinations for family sailing holidays are Croatia, the Greek Islands, Turkey, Sardinia in Italy, the Seychelles, the Caribbean, Phuket in Thailand, and the Whitsundays in Australia.
Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Canoeing & More
We work closely with a fabulous choice of hotels that include non-motorised watersports in the price of your holiday – some unlimited, others for a set number of sessions or a set amount of time. A few very high-end hotels might even include some motorised watersports.
Mauritius is a particularly good option for all-inclusive family watersports holidays in warm, glittering turquoise waters off sparkling white beaches. In other popular family destinations, from the Maldives to Greece and Turkey, watersports often come at an extra charge.
For a more adventurous family holiday, ask us about joining a small-group adventure trip to explore the coastlines of destinations such as Croatia, Turkey, Gozo, Iceland or Madeira by sea kayak, as part of an itinerary of activities. Find out more on our Active Family Adventures page [add link].
Waterskiing & Other Motorised Watersports
If you’re particularly keen on waterskiing, wakeboarding or another motorised watersport (as opposed to just wanting a one-off session, which are available on beaches all around the Mediterranean and further afield), we know the best places for the right holiday for you.
Some of the resorts and hotels we partner with offer pre-booking, so you know in advance that your favourite activity is already locked in before you arrive and you won't be disappointed if slots are in short supply.
If you're new to motorised watersports, no problem. We have a huge choice of hotels that offer tuition as well.
What's the Difference Between Neilson & Mark Warner?
We're often asked what the differences are between Neilson, Mark Warner and Club Med active summer holidays. All are watersports and activity specialists. Our writer, Rhonda Carrier, compares the three for you and also offers some suggestions for alternatives.
Price Match Guarantee
We're here to help you find the perfect holiday and guarantee to match or beat the price you'd get if you booked direct with Mark Warner, Neilson or Club Med. Call us to arrange your next family holiday.
