Family boat trip with kids on the Costa Brava
A family boat trip with kids on the Costa Brava works when you keep it short, calm and close to the coast. From Port Marina Palamós there are sandy coves within a few minutes, so children spend their time swimming, not sitting through long crossings. This page is about choosing the right boat, the right route and the right rules for a day with children.
A route that suits children
Think in short hops of 10–20 minutes, with a long stop at each:
- La Fosca: a sheltered sandy bay just round the headland. Shallow water near the beach and an easy first swim.
- Platja del Castell: an undeveloped beach backed by pines. Anchor outside the buoys on sand and swim in.
- Cala Estreta: small rocky inlets where older children can snorkel from the boat.
With teenagers, a run to the Formigues Islands or to Calella de Palafrugell adds a bit of open sea. With toddlers, stay inside the bay and come back before lunch.
Choosing the boat
Llaüts are traditional Mediterranean boats: stable, slow and with plenty of flat deck space. They suit small children well. Our two electric llaüts are also silent and fume-free, which children and parents both notice. Motor boats get you further, faster, and the biggest carry up to 12 people.
Safety with children on board
- Lifejackets: boats carry them by law. Children’s sizes vary by boat, so tell us your children’s ages and weights when you book.
- Children wear their lifejackets while the boat is moving and sit in the middle, away from the bow.
- The engine is off and the ladder is down before anyone gets in the water.
- One adult watches the swimmers at all times. Another one watches the boat.
- Stay outside the buoyed beach zones and anchor on sand, never on posidonia seagrass.
- Bring sun hats, high-factor cream and water. Shade varies from boat to boat, so check the listing.
- Seasickness: go in the morning, when the sea is usually calmer, and keep the first leg short.
Licence or skipper?
Since 1 October 2026 (Royal Decree 1188/2025) anyone who skippers a rental boat in Spain needs at least the Spanish Licencia de Navegación or an equivalent licence. The old rule that let you take a small boat out with no licence no longer applies to rentals. National licences from EU and EEA countries are normally accepted within the limits they cover, and so are the UK certificates recognised by the Spanish rules, such as the RYA Powerboat Level 2, Day Skipper or the ICC. Licences from outside Europe may not be valid here. Send us a copy before you book and we will confirm which boats it covers. If you have no licence, choose a boat with a professional skipper: nobody on board needs any paperwork.
With a skipper, both parents are free to be with the children instead of at the helm.
Prices
Per boat per day, VAT included. “From” prices, higher in July and August.
- Motor boats: from €170
- Llaüts: from €215 (electric llaüts: price on request)
- RIBs: from €230
- Sailboats: from €245
- Yachts with skipper: from €2,200
Fuel is usually charged separately on motor boats according to consumption. Insurance, deposit and extras are shown on each listing.
FAQ
From what age can children come?
It depends on the boat and on suitable lifejackets. Tell us the ages and we will suggest the right boat.
Is there a toilet on board?
Only on some of the larger boats. Check the listing, or plan a shorter half day.
Half day or full day with kids?
For under-sixes, a half day is usually enough. Older children often enjoy the full day.
Do we need a licence?
Yes, to skipper the boat yourself. With a professional skipper, nobody needs one.
Plan more stops with our coves route from Palamós, discover the quiet electric llaüts, or see the skippered boats. Compare every option on the boat rental in Palamós page and contact us with your children’s ages: we will match you with the right boat.