Boat days with kids from Split

Boat days from Split work well for families with young children under specific conditions. Here is what parents consistently ask and what the reality looks like.

Age and sea state

There is no minimum age for a private boat charter with Nini Tours. Children of any age are welcome. The caveat is sea state, a child under 3 in choppy water is uncomfortable for the child and stressful for parents.

In normal summer conditions on the Blue Lagoon route (Split to Šolta), the crossing is 12 km of open water. Typical wave height in July: 0.2 to 0.5m on a calm morning, 0.5 to 1.0m with a light NW breeze in the afternoon. Children under 3 are generally comfortable up to about 0.4m wave height. Beyond that, it becomes a significant bounce.

For families with very young children (under 3), we recommend morning departures (07:30 to 08:00) when sea conditions are calmest, and routes that involve longer anchor time relative to transit time. The Blue Lagoon half-day achieves this: 55 minutes transit, 2+ hours anchored in a sheltered lagoon.

Life jackets

All boats carry adult and child life jackets to Croatian maritime regulation. Infant life jackets (under 15 kg) are available on request, confirm at booking. Children are required to wear life jackets during transit. In anchored swim areas, jackets are optional.

Swimming

Children who cannot swim confidently should not be in open water without close supervision. Swim vests (buoyancy aids, not life jackets) are not standard equipment on our boats but parents are welcome to bring their own. If you are bringing small children, a swim vest per child is the most important piece of personal gear.

The Blue Lagoon swim area is 3 to 5 metres deep over white sand. It is clear, sheltered, and has no current in normal conditions. It is one of the most suitable swimming locations on the Dalmatian coast for families with young children. The ladder from the stern is standard height; children under 8 typically need an adult hand for the entry and exit steps.

Sun exposure

Children burn faster than adults on the water. Bring SPF 50 children's sunscreen, UV-protective swimwear (rashguard or full-suit), and a hat. Apply sunscreen before departure and reapply every 90 minutes regardless of water activities. The boat has a shade canopy over the stern seating area but the bow sun deck is fully exposed.

Food and drinks

Boats have a cool box but no kitchen. Bring snacks and lunch. Children are less tolerant of heat and unfamiliar food options when hungry. A lunch bag with familiar food, water bottles, and cold snacks is the single most effective comfort item for a long boat day with children.

Seasick bags are on board. Children are more prone to motion sickness than adults in some cases. For children with known motion sensitivity, the same anti-nausea preparation applies (ginger tablets or mild antihistamine) and the route choice matters, shorter crossing time reduces the window for discomfort.

Recommended routes for families

Blue Lagoon half-day (4-5 hours): best fit for families with children under 8. Short transit, long sheltered anchor time, clear shallow swim water.

Šolta bays full day (7-8 hours): works for children 6 and up who are comfortable on boats. Multiple swim stops in sheltered bays with clear water.

Hvar and Šolta full day (8-9 hours): longer transit time. Suitable for children 8+ who are confident on boats. Hvar town has restaurants and shade.

Blue Cave (9+ hours): recommend children 10+ given the early departure, long transit, and queue time at the cave.