A family boat day in West Palm Beach works best as a private, captained charter of two to four hours, with a stop at Peanut Island or a calm sandbar for swimming and snorkeling. Pick a boat with shade and a restroom, pack sun protection and snacks, and share children’s ages when booking. Our family boat rentals are built around this kind of day.
A day on the water is one of the best ways for a family to enjoy the Palm Beaches together. Kids get to swim, snorkel and look for wildlife, while parents and grandparents relax without anyone needing to drive the boat. This guide covers where to go, how long to stay out and how to keep the day easy for every age.
Why Choose a Private Charter for a Family Boat Day?
Group boat tours run on a fixed schedule with other passengers. A private charter lets your family set the pace: swim when the kids are ready, take a snack break when someone gets hungry and head back early if a toddler needs a nap. A captain handles the boat, the anchoring and the route, so parents can focus on the kids. For a full comparison, read private boat rental vs group tours.
Best Places to Take Kids by Boat
Peanut Island
Peanut Island near the Palm Beach Inlet is a favorite family destination by boat. The water is clear and calm in protected areas, the shoreline is sandy, and kids can snorkel and spot fish close to shore. Our Peanut Island tour charters make it an easy stop.
Calm Sandbars
Sandbars along the Intracoastal Waterway, such as the Jupiter Sandbar near the Jupiter Inlet, offer shallow water where younger kids can splash and float near the boat. Your captain chooses the spot based on the tide and wind.
Munyon Island
Munyon Island sits in the Lake Worth Lagoon at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, a short ride from Lake Park. It pairs well with Peanut Island for families who want to go island hopping.
The Reef
Older kids and confident swimmers can try reef snorkeling, which suits beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
A cruise north to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse adds a bit of local history to the day.
The Palm Beach Waterfront
A relaxed sightseeing tour past the estates and large yachts of Palm Beach is a good choice for grandparents and anyone who prefers to stay dry.
How Long Should a Family Boat Day Be?
- Toddlers and preschoolers: two hours, with one swim stop
- School-age kids: three to four hours, with time for an island stop and snorkeling
- Teens and mixed-age groups: four hours or more, with paddleboarding, fishing or a sightseeing cruise
Morning trips avoid the strongest afternoon sun and the summer storms that often build after lunch. An evening sunset cruise is another good option for families with younger kids.
Choosing a Family-Friendly Boat
Look for three things: shade, a restroom and enough deck space for everyone to move around.
- Axopar 26: up to 7 guests, from $250 per hour, with a picnic setup and paddleboard and snorkel gear included
- Century 29: up to 10 guests, from $275 per hour, with an onboard restroom
- Nimbus T11: up to 12 guests, from $400 per hour, with sun lounges and a private head
- D’Antonio 50: up to 13 guests, from $925 per hour, with a full cabin, bathroom, floating island and paddleboards
See all of our charter boats to compare layouts.
What to Pack for a Boat Day With Kids
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hats and sunglasses
- Rash guards or swim shirts for extra sun protection
- Towels and a dry change of clothes
- Plenty of water and easy snacks such as fruit, crackers and sandwiches
- Swim diapers for babies and toddlers
- Motion sickness remedies for anyone prone to it, after checking with your doctor
- A waterproof bag for phones and wallets
Our what to bring on a yacht charter guide has a complete checklist.
Boat Safety Tips for Families
- Share every child’s age when you book so properly sized life jackets are on board.
- Keep life jackets on young children while the boat is moving. Florida law requires children under 6 to wear one on boats under 26 feet while underway.
- Set a simple rule that kids sit down while the boat is moving.
- Stay with young swimmers in the water at all times.
- Take regular shade and water breaks, especially in summer.
Family Charters From Lake Park to West Palm Beach
Palm Beach Charters is based in Lake Park, FL, and runs family boat rentals and yacht charters across all of West Palm Beach, with routes to Peanut Island, the sandbars and the Palm Beach waterfront.
Make It a Celebration
Family charters are also a popular way to mark a birthday, reunion or visit from relatives. Read our guide to a private boat charter for a birthday party for ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Boat Days in West Palm Beach
Is a boat charter safe for young children?
Yes, when the trip is planned with kids in mind. A captain handles the boat and chooses calm anchorages, children wear properly sized life jackets, and adults stay with young swimmers. Share children’s ages when you book so the crew can prepare the right life jackets.
Do kids have to wear life jackets on a boat in Florida?
Florida law requires children under 6 to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on a vessel under 26 feet that is underway. Federal rules also require a properly sized life jacket for every person on board. We recommend young children keep theirs on whenever the boat is moving.
What is the best age for a child’s first boat trip?
There is no set minimum age, but many families find that kids from about age two enjoy a short trip most. Babies can come along on calm, short cruises if they have a properly fitted infant life jacket, shade and a familiar routine.
How long should a boat trip with toddlers be?
Two hours is a good length for toddlers. It allows for one swim or beach stop and gets everyone back before naptime or fussiness sets in. Morning departures often work best for this age group.
Where can families swim near West Palm Beach by boat?
Peanut Island is the most popular family swim spot, with clear water and sandy shoreline near the Palm Beach Inlet. Munyon Island and sandbars such as the Jupiter Sandbar also offer shallow water for younger kids, and your captain picks the calmest spot for the day.
Are there restrooms on family charter boats?
Several of our boats have a restroom, including the Century 29, Nimbus T11, Marquis 44 Yacht and D’Antonio 50. If you have young children on board, choose one of these boats for a more comfortable day.
How much does a family boat rental cost in West Palm Beach?
Family charters with Palm Beach Charters start at $250 per hour for up to six or seven guests. The Century 29, a popular family boat with a restroom, starts at $275 per hour for up to 10 guests. Larger yachts for 12 to 13 guests range from $400 to $925 per hour.
What can kids do on a boat charter?
Kids can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, play on a floating island and look for dolphins, fish and seabirds. Older kids may enjoy fishing or a cruise past the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, while younger children are usually happiest splashing at a shallow sandbar.
What should families do if a child gets seasick?
Routes in the protected water of the Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Worth Lagoon are usually calmer, which helps. Have the child look at the horizon, sit near the middle of the boat and get fresh air. Ask your doctor about motion sickness remedies before the trip.
Can we bring food on a family boat charter?
Yes. Most families pack their own snacks, sandwiches and drinks. Choose easy, low-mess foods, bring plenty of water and use a cooler to keep things fresh. The Axopar 26 also includes a picnic setup, which makes a midday snack stop simple.
Is a morning or afternoon boat trip better for kids?
Morning trips are usually better for young children. The sun is gentler, the water is often calmer and summer storms tend to build in the afternoon. A morning charter also leaves the rest of the day free for naps, lunch and pool time.
Can grandparents and guests with limited mobility join a family charter?
Yes. Boats with more deck space, shaded seating and a restroom, such as the Century 29, Nimbus T11 and D’Antonio 50, are more comfortable for older guests. Let us know about any mobility needs when you book so we can suggest the best boat.
How do I book a family boat rental in West Palm Beach?
Choose your date, share your group size and children’s ages, and pick a boat and trip length. Weekend dates in peak season fill early, so book three to four weeks ahead. You can contact Palm Beach Charters to reserve your family charter.
