A boat is the dream family activity on the French Riviera — provided you follow a few rules. Preferred boats, safe beaches, recommended ages, managing seasickness and safety. Our guide based on 7 years of families on board.
From what age to bring children boating?
Technically from 6 months, per pediatricians. In practice, we recommend 3 years minimum: at that age, the child stays put, understands safety instructions (mandatory jacket, no running on deck), and tolerates rolling well. Before 3, favour short outings (morning half-day, Port Grimaud).
From 3 to 8, full day is manageable with good preparation: planned onboard nap, cap, waterproof SPF 50 cream, frequent snacks. From 8 to 12, the golden age — they love swimming, snorkelling, paddling, and behave like "little sailors".
Best boats for families
Three criteria: safety (high railings, non-slip deck, sturdy swim ladder), comfort (nap cabin, sun pads, deck shower to rinse salt), capacity (space for toys, floats, beach bag).
- Lady L (Axopar 28 ST Aft Cabin, 8 pax): nap cabin, high railings, €650/day
- La Vie Est Belle (Whiteshark 28, 10 pax): secure walkaround, ideal for large families, €650/day
- Mimi 2 (day cruiser 6 pax): smaller, manoeuvrable, ideal for young parents with 1-2 kids, €550/day
Best anchorages for children
Not all anchorages suit families. We favour: shallow sandy bottoms (so child touches quickly), wind-sheltered zones (no chop), proximity to kid-friendly restaurant (ice cream, kids menus).
- Plage de Saint-Pons (Port Grimaud): shallow waters, fine sand, tender to kid-friendly restos
- Plage de Gigaro: white sand, calm water, Le Club de Gigaro welcomes kids well
- L'Escalet cove: easy snorkelling, no depth, fish visible from first metres
- Pampelonne bay offshore (not the public beach, crowded): anchorage off Tahiti Beach, tender access
Avoid Cap Camarat (too deep, currents) and Cap Taillat (isolated, no nearby rescue infrastructure). For a first try with children, stay in the Gulf.
Safety and equipment provided
All our boats are equipped for children. Life jackets in 3 sizes (baby 10kg, child 10-30kg, junior 30-50kg), all CE-standard. Distress flares, liferaft, distress VHF, GPS with preventive alert. Complete first aid kit (burns, bites, seasickness).
Our safety briefing includes a children section: onboard rules (no running, no climbing the gunwale), swim management (always with an adult in water), seasickness protocol (shade break, hydration, sugar avoidance). The skipper checks every jacket before departure.
FAQ
Do you offer onboard activities for children?
Yes: child-size masks and snorkels, inflatable paddle (suitable from 8 with adult), beach balls, "unicorn" floats towed behind the boat (from 10, +€30/outing). Content: kids playlist, card games, beach books.
What if my child gets seasick?
Preventive strategy: an over-the-counter anti-seasickness tablet (Dramamine or equivalent) 20 min before departure, light breakfast. If seasickness hits on board: shade break, lemon sparkling water, focus on the visible horizon (look at the coast). We return to port if symptoms persist more than 30 minutes, no extra charge.
Can we warm a baby bottle or meal?
Yes. All our boats have a 12V/USB socket for car bottle warmers. For jar meals, we have a small microwave on Lady L and La Vie Est Belle. Let us know at booking to confirm.
Do children pay a seat?
No. Rental is billed per boat, not per seat. A child costs nothing extra. If you're 6 adults + 2 children = 8 people, the 8-seat boat price (€650) is identical to 8 adults.
