greek catamaran family cruise

A Quick Guide to Catamaran Cruising in Greece with Kids

Article written by Vanessa Rousselot, Booking Manager and Cruise Coordinator at Archipel Club.

For many years, we have been welcoming families on board our boats in search of an extraordinary trip that will stay with them forever. What could be better than chartering a private sailboat and hopping from island to island? It is a dream that can easily come true, but it immediately raises many questions!
While traveling with children in large cities can be a challenge, finding activities on a boat—especially on wide and stable yachts like catamarans—is usually never an issue. Fishing in small harbors, swimming in crystal-clear waters, playing and running freely on fine sand beaches or in the pedestrian alleys of small Greek villages, sleeping on deck under the stars, setting sail for a different island every day, spotting a dolphin or a sea turtle... these are just some of the things that children love above all else.
According to the father of an 8-year-old boy who sailed with Archipel Club, sailing has an incredibly calming effect on hyperactive children! We also fondly remember the words of a client who sailed for the first time with her 15-year-old daughter: "I realize that many of my needs as a parent are actually not essential!"

To give you a glimpse of what a catamaran cruise in Greece with children is really like, here are a few of the many photos you have shared with us, along with a compilation of the answers I frequently share during our exchanges. As a mother of three myself, I naturally know exactly where you are coming from.

Our Family Catamaran Sailing Trips Through Your Eyes

Finally, before taking your project any further, keep in mind the absolute priorities for a successful family sailing holiday in Greece (or anywhere else):
• Choose boat charter companies that are genuinely attentive to questions regarding children.
• Opt for a realistic itinerary with sailing stretches that do not exceed three or four hours. Keep in mind that travel guides are primarily written for travelers using public ferries, not for sailboats that can access secret spots, even on very well-known islands.
• Have confidence in your own ability to travel off the beaten track with your kids.

Charter the Punch 41 catamaran | Frequently Asked Questions

How safe is Greece?

Greece is consistently ranked as one of the safest travel destinations worldwide and is an deeply family-oriented country. Everywhere you go, even in the busiest places, you will find locals who will stop to smile, chat, or play with your child. Tavernas are incredibly family-friendly; it is completely normal to see children playing safely in the pedestrian streets nearby while parents relax over dinner. Crime rates are very low, and the warm, protective culture surrounding families makes traveling through the Greek islands with your kids a deeply peaceful and worry-free experience.

Do we need any sailing experience to book a skippered cruise?

Not at all! At Archipel Club, thanks to your professional skipper on board the Punch 41, no prior sailing experience is required. All you need is a reasonable level of fitness and a desire to take the helm and participate in maneuvers if you want to learn how to sail, or simply to lend a hand to your skipper—such as mooring the boat at the dock or, for the more adventurous, diving to check the anchor.

Can we customize a child-friendly sailing itinerary?

Absolutely! We will gladly tailor for you a custom itinerary taking the needs of children and parents into account so you can be sure that your sailing cruise in Greece will be suitable and enjoyable for everyone in the family, in all weather conditions. Starting your sailing cruise in Paros in the heart of the beautiful Cyclades is ideal for exploring the nearby islands while avoiding the long sailing from Athens. With families on board, we often head towards the Small Cyclades, a cluster of paradise-like islands perfectly sheltered from the winds. With Archipel Club, you'll be sailing just brief hops, favoring swimming, fishing, snorkeling and island exploration.
Our expert tip: don't plan too far ahead. Give yourself the pleasure of discovering magical places that are only accessible by sailboat and never mentioned in travel guides, which our skippers will be delighted to reveal to you!

Do you offer short sailing charters?

Yes, absolutely! We offer 4, 5, or 6-day charters with departure and return from Paros. These cruises are available throughout the season, except during the peak season from mid-July to the end of August. To guarantee you a memorable holiday in the Cyclades, we have designed specific itineraries tailored to each charter duration. Thanks to its central position in the heart of the Cyclades, a departure from Paros offers you multiple itinerary options, whatever the wind!

What about children's safety measures on board?

The safety and well-being of your children on board our boats is our absolute priority. During the day, while sailing, children must wear life jackets and, most importantly, remain under the constant supervision of a parent or adult. While the skipper will always point out any situation where your child might be putting themselves at risk, they cannot replace your vigilance and parental authority. At night, we systematically close off deck access to prevent young children from wandering outside the boat's interior spaces. It is also good to know that boat and catamaran portholes are either securely locked or simply too small for a child to slip through. While it is completely natural to have questions about safety, you can rest assured: children adapt incredibly fast to life on a sailboat, and everything always goes smoothly on our cruises! Note: We carry official certified life jackets on all our yachts, as well as comfortable recreational life jackets for kids to wear at all times while on board.

What about seasickness and children?

According to medical professionals, seasickness can be more prevalent in children and women, though children under the age of two rarely experience it. Having a child who is prone to motion sickness doesn't guarantee they will get seasick, but it does mean they are slightly more at risk. Fortunately, our bodies typically adjust within a day or two, and there are plenty of simple ways to help your kids feel great in the meantime. On the first few days of your cruise, make sure they eat light, frequent meals, get plenty of fresh air, and focus on the horizon. For a natural remedy, ginger candies or acupressure wristbands work wonderfully. If you prefer medication, child-friendly options like Dramamine for Kids can be used for children aged two and older. If you are traveling with a toddler under two, always consult a physician before administering any over-the-counter medications, including antihistamines.

What to expect on embarkation day?

There you are, arriving on the beautiful island of Paros, either by plane or by ferry. From the airport, it takes about 20 minutes by taxi to reach the Paroikia marina. From the ferry terminal, you only have 150 meters to walk to reach our boats. The catamaran 'Cyclades Sun' is very easy to find, as the Paroikia marina features only one main pier. Our embarkations take place at 11:00 AM (but if your ferry or flight arrives a bit later, rest assured, your skipper will be waiting for you!). You will receive a warm welcome on board from our local team and your skipper: the adventure begins! Once you have settled in on board, you will design your itinerary hand-in-hand with your skipper, based on your preferences and the latest weather forecasts presented to you. All that's left to do is stock up on provisions at the harbor shops before weighing anchor!

How to get to Paros?

To reach our base in Paros, you have several options:
- By plane: Daily direct flights from Athens International Airport (approx. 30-minute flight).
- By ferry from Athens: Daily departures from the ports of Piraeus or Rafina. The crossing takes about 3.5 hours (estimated fares starting at €45 per adult, one way).
- By ferry from Mykonos: Daily departures. The crossing takes about 1 hour (estimated fares starting at €35 per adult, one way).
Practical transfer tips from Athens Airport:
- To Piraeus port: About 1 hour 15 minutes away via the direct X96 bus shuttle, or 50 minutes by taxi.
- To Rafina port: Closer to the airport, it is only a 40-minute taxi ride away.
To compare ferry companies and find real-time schedules in the Greek islands, we highly recommend using Ferryhopper or FerriesHub.

How is provisioning for the boat organized?

Once on board, after settling in and checking the galley’s storage spaces on the Punch 41, you can easily do your grocery shopping on foot around the port of Paroikia in Paros, where you will find all the necessary amenities. Our expert tip: stock up on bulky items and dry goods for the entire duration of your sailing trip, but only buy fresh products for the first three or four days. You can then easily top up your supplies at local markets as you hop from island to island!

How do meals with our skipper work?

In a warm and friendly atmosphere! Breakfast is enjoyed on board before pulling up anchor around 9 or 10 AM. Lunches, which you prepare in the Punch 41’s fully equipped galley, are most often shared with your skipper during a stopover in a quiet cove. These are usually simple, fresh meals such as salads, sandwiches, and fruit. If we happen to reach our destination early enough, you can absolutely have lunch ashore. For dinner, you are completely free to invite your skipper to your table or not. Our skippers know how to be discreet and will never intrude on your private moments, especially if you are traveling as a couple. If he does not dine with you ashore, it is customary to provide for his meal by giving him a 12-euro allowance. In any case, he will be delighted to share his best recommendations for excellent local Greek tavernas with you!

What about kids and Greek food?

Dining in a traditional taverna is an experience you shouldn't miss in Greece. At Archipel Club, we aim to provide our guests with a true Greek food experience in a relaxed atmosphere that the whole family will enjoy. If your kids are a bit hesitant about trying new dishes, don't worry! All tavernas serve familiar favorites like french fries, pasta, eggs, tomatoes, cucumber, meatballs, roasted chicken, cheese pies, and ice cream (though the best ice cream is usually found in local gelaterias). Please note that few Greek tavernas offer highchairs, so you may occasionally need to share your meal with your baby on your lap. Unless, of course, someone at the restaurant offers to entertain them, as it often happens! Greek people naturally adore children and welcome them with incredible kindness and warmth, making everyone feel right at home.

Can the skipper teach the kids how to sail during our cruise?

While our skippers are not officially certified sailing instructors, they will be absolutely delighted to show your children some fun sailing basics! They can learn how to hoist a sail, tie marine knots, take the helm, help moor the boat at the dock, and more. It is a fantastic, hands-on way for kids to feel like a real part of the crew.