Family Sailing Vacations in the Netherlands

Sail With Family and Friends

Bring your family or friends together aboard a historic sailing ship and explore the Netherlands from the water. With BoatBoatBoat, you can charter an entire ship exclusively for your group, complete with a professional captain and crew. Plan a family reunion, a weekend with friends, or a multi-day sailing vacation on the IJsselmeer or Wadden Sea.

No sailing experience is needed. Help raise the sails, take a turn at the helm under the crew's guidance, or simply relax on deck and enjoy the scenery. With approximately 70 historic sailing ships to choose from, we'll help you find one that fits your group size, travel plans, and budget.

A private sailing trip for family or friends

A private sailing charter gives your group the freedom to spend time together without following the schedule of a traditional cruise or sharing the ship with unrelated travelers.

Your group has the vessel to itself, along with an experienced crew responsible for sailing and navigating. Some guests can join the sailing activities while others read, chat, play games, or enjoy the view.

It's a great way to bring different generations and interests together.

Popular occasions include:

Family reunions: Celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or family milestone while spending a day together on the water.
Multigenerational family vacations: Bring parents, children, and grandparents together for a weekend or longer trip.
Family sailing vacations: Explore Dutch harbor towns and sailing destinations with your family or several families traveling together.
Friends' getaways: Charter a ship for a weekend of sailing, shared meals, and evenings in port.
Group celebrations: Turn a special occasion into a private sailing experience with the people who matter most.

Families with young children or older relatives can also find suitable options. However, accessibility, safety features, and sleeping arrangements vary by ship. Tell us who's coming, and we'll help you understand which vessels meet your group's needs.

A day trip, weekend, or sailing vacation?

Your charter can be as short as one day or extend into a longer sailing vacation. The right choice depends on how much time your group has and what you'd like to experience.

Family sailing day trips

A private day charter lets your group experience traditional sailing without staying overnight.

After boarding, you'll meet the captain and crew, get familiar with the ship, and discuss the day's plans. Once underway, you can help handle the sails, enjoy lunch together, or simply watch the coastline and open water pass by.

A sailing day trip works particularly well for a family reunion, birthday celebration, or special gathering during a trip to the Netherlands.

At the end of the day, your group returns to port with a shared experience and plenty to talk about.

Family sailing weekends with overnight stays

For a weekend charter, the ship becomes both your transportation and your accommodations.

Spend the day sailing, dock in a Dutch harbor in the evening, and stay aboard overnight. There's no need to change hotels between sailing destinations.

Most historic ships equipped for overnight charters feature sleeping cabins, a shared lounge or dining area, a kitchen, and bathroom facilities. Cabin layouts and comfort levels vary, so we'll help you compare the options before choosing.

An evening might include cooking dinner together, exploring a nearby harbor town, or relaxing in the ship's salon. The next morning, you can set sail again.

Multi-Day family sailing vacations

A longer charter gives you more time to enjoy the Netherlands at a relaxed pace.

Depending on your departure harbor and sailing conditions, you can combine time on the water with visits to historic towns, island stops, and activities ashore.

For families traveling together from the United States, a multi-day charter can also become one part of a larger European vacation.

Instead of booking separate accommodations for every destination, your group can sleep aboard and travel together by sail.

The ultimate recharge, letting go of all worries. Exploring new things in nature!

— Joep & Fleur

What can you do on a family sailing trip?

You don't have to be an experienced sailor to participate.

The captain and crew handle the professional operation of the ship and can show interested guests how traditional sailing works.

Depending on the vessel and conditions, you may be able to:

Help raise and lower the sails.
Take the helm under the captain's guidance.
Learn how the ship changes direction using wind power.
Discover the basics of navigation and sailing knots.
Spend time together playing games or relaxing on deck.
Explore a harbor town during a stop.
Enjoy nature and coastal scenery from the water.

For children, watching a large historic sailing ship in action can be an interesting introduction to sailing. Which activities are appropriate depends on their age, the ship, and the captain's instructions.

Participation is always optional. If you'd rather sit back with a book or catch up with family and friends, that's perfectly fine.

Where will you sail in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands has a long maritime history, and its waterways offer a different perspective on the country than you get from its roads and cities.

Two of the main sailing areas for BoatBoatBoat's historic vessels are the IJsselmeer and the Wadden Sea.

Sailing on the IJsselmeer

The IJsselmeer is a large freshwater lake in the Netherlands, northeast of Amsterdam. Its open waters and historic harbor towns make it an attractive destination for family sailing trips.

From the historic port of Enkhuizen, for example, you can set out on a day trip or a longer charter.

Depending on your route, a sailing vacation may include stops in traditional Dutch towns where your group can explore the waterfront, enjoy a meal, or spend an evening ashore.

The IJsselmeer is particularly appealing if you want to combine sailing with visits to historic Dutch destinations.

Sailing on the Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea stretches along the northern coast of the Netherlands and is a tidal coastal region known for its islands, shallow waters, and expansive mudflats.

Historic sailing ships depart from ports such as Harlingen for trips into this distinctive landscape.

Depending on the vessel, route, tides, and weather, you may be able to visit one of the Wadden Islands or experience drying out on the tidal flats.

Drying out is a traditional sailing experience in which a suitable flat-bottomed vessel settles onto the exposed seabed as the tide goes out. When the tide returns, the ship floats again.

For families and friends interested in nature and a hands-on sailing experience, the Wadden Sea offers something quite different from a conventional vacation.

Choosing your departure harbor

BoatBoatBoat works with vessels departing from several locations throughout the Netherlands, including Enkhuizen, Harlingen, Lelystad, Muiden, Makkum, Kampen and Monnickendam

The departure harbor depends on the ship you choose and the sailing area you'd like to explore.

If you're visiting from the United States, it's worth considering how your charter fits into the rest of your European itinerary. You might be spending time in Amsterdam before or after your sailing trip, or visiting other parts of the Netherlands.

Tell us where you plan to be and which sailing area interests you. We'll help you explore suitable ships and departure locations.

Alternative departure or arrival ports may also be possible on request.

Find the right historic sailing ship for you

BoatBoatBoat offers a selection of approximately 70 historic sailing ships, ranging from smaller traditional vessels to large multi-masted ships.

Each vessel has its own layout, character, guest capacity, and onboard facilities. Your charter includes the professional crew needed to operate the ship.

Choosing the right vessel is especially important for family groups with different ages and accommodation preferences.

Consider these questions before making your selection:

How many guests are joining? Day-trip capacities and overnight guest capacities may differ.
Will everyone stay overnight? Check the number of beds and the layout of the cabins.
Are private cabins important? Some ships offer different sleeping arrangements and bathroom configurations.
Are children or older travelers coming? Discuss accessibility and appropriate safety features before choosing a vessel.
Would you like to cook? Compare kitchen facilities and the space available for shared meals.
What's your budget? The ship, season, charter duration, and catering arrangements all influence the cost.

Some vessels offer more basic accommodations, while others feature additional comforts and more spacious cabins.

Not sure where to start? We know the ships and their captains personally and can recommend options that make sense for your group.

View All Historic Sailing Ships

Food and drinks during your sailing vacation

Sharing meals is often an important part of a family vacation or getaway with friends.

On many BoatBoatBoat charters, you can choose between preparing your own meals and arranging catered food.

Cook together on board

Many historic sailing ships have an equipped galley, the nautical term for a kitchen.

You can organize groceries before departure and prepare meals together during your trip. This offers flexibility if your group has particular dietary preferences or enjoys cooking as part of the vacation.

Kitchen equipment, storage space, and dining facilities vary by vessel, so check the details before booking.

Choose catering or a ship's cook

Would you rather leave the cooking to someone else?

Depending on the ship and your arrangements, catering services or a ship's cook may be available.

Some charters also offer all-inclusive packages with meals and other agreed-upon services.

We'll help you understand the available options and clarify what's included in your quote.

How Much Does a Family Sailing Vacation Cost?

The cost of a private sailing charter depends on the vessel, group size, travel dates, trip duration, and any additional services you choose.

A day trip without overnight accommodations has a different price structure from a weekend charter or multi-day sailing vacation.

Catering, onboard accommodations, and the level of comfort can also influence your total budget.

BoatBoatBoat lists starting prices for individual ships, allowing you to compare options before requesting a personalized quote.

Prices are displayed in euros (€), the currency used in the Netherlands.

Before booking, make sure you understand which services are included and whether any additional expenses apply to your chosen charter.

For a quote tailored to your group, share your preferred dates, number of guests, and travel plans.

Compare Ships and Starting Prices

Personal help planning your private sailing trip

Planning a group vacation involves plenty of decisions. Which ship is large enough? Where should you depart? How many cabins do you need? What about meals and the overall budget?At BoatBoatBoat, you'll receive personal guidance from people who know the vessels and their captains.Owner Deniz Hammudoglu brings 40 years of experience in the sailing industry and personally knows the ships and skippers he works with.Rather than leaving you to compare dozens of vessels on your own, we'll help narrow down the options based on your group's needs.

How to arrange your sailing trip

Tell us about your plans. Share your preferred dates, approximate group size, and whether you're interested in a day trip, weekend, or longer vacation.
Discuss your preferences. Let us know about your preferred departure area, overnight accommodations, food arrangements, accessibility needs, and budget.
Compare suitable ships. We'll help identify vessels that fit your plans and discuss their availability.
Review your quote and booking details. Once you've selected a ship, we'll explain the next steps and confirm the arrangements before your booking is finalized.

Our goal is to help you find a ship that suits your family or friends, without adding unnecessary complexity to your travel planning.

Spend a day sailing the IJsselmeer, plan a weekend aboard a historic Dutch ship, or explore the Wadden Sea on a multi-day private charter.With around 70 sailing ships and 40 years of industry experience, BoatBoatBoat can help you find a vessel that fits your group, preferred dates, and budget.Tell us what you're planning, and we'll help you explore the possibilities.Request a No-Obligation QuotePrefer to speak with someone first? Call us at +31 85 006 2820 or email info@boatboatboat.eu

Frequently asked questions about family sailing vacations

No. Your charter includes an experienced captain and crew who operate the vessel. Guests who want to participate can help with the sails and other appropriate activities under the crew's guidance.

Yes, children can join suitable sailing charters. The right vessel depends on their ages, your group's needs, and the ship's layout and safety features. Let us know who's traveling so we can recommend appropriate options.

Yes. When you book a private charter with BoatBoatBoat, the entire vessel is reserved for your group. The captain and professional crew are also aboard. You aren't joining a public cruise with unrelated passengers.

Yes. Many historic sailing ships offer overnight accommodations in cabins. The number of beds, cabin layouts, and bathroom facilities vary by vessel, so it's important to review these details before booking.

The captain evaluates the conditions and determines how the trip can be conducted safely. Sailing plans or routes may need to change. Specific arrangements depend on the vessel, conditions, and agreed booking terms.

You can discuss your preferred destinations and activities with the captain. The final route depends on the departure harbor, trip duration, wind, weather, and, on the Wadden Sea, tidal conditions.

Yes, all vessels have equipped kitchens where your group can prepare meals. Catering and ship's cook options may also be available, depending on the vessel and arrangements.

Geef aan BootBootBoot het aantal gasten, de gewenste datum en de geplande reisduur door. Wij helpen je bij het vinden van schepen met een geschikte capaciteit en de gewenste voorzieningen.

Dutch sailing holiday with family & friends