Family Boat Charter in the Hamptons
Calm Water. Happy Kids. Easy Day.
A boat day with little kids can go two ways. It can be a stressful afternoon of worry, or it can be the best day of the trip. We make it the second one.
We are Charters in The Hamptons, cousins who grew up on these waters. We know the calm routes, the quiet swim spots, and how to keep a five year old happy on a boat. Our family boat charter is built around calm water and short distances.
Why The Back Creeks Are The Family Pick
For families with young kids, we point the boat toward the calm back creeks around the Mashomack Preserve. The water is sheltered, so the ride is smooth. And there is plenty to look at.
Osprey sit on the nest poles. Herons work the shallows. Sometimes a deer stands right at the waterline. A quiet creek beats the choppy open bay every time when kids are aboard. It keeps little ones calm and gives them something to watch the whole way.
Safety First
Safety is simple with us. Every captain holds a USCG license. Federal law says children under 13 must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket while a boat is moving. We carry life jackets in all sizes, so your kids are set before we leave the dock.
Our boats are stable, and we keep the route close to shore for families. If the bay is rough, we move to the sheltered side. Your captain is watching the water and the kids the whole time.
Trips That Work By Age
Little ones do best on a short, calm trip with a swim stop and lots to look at. Older kids often want more action, like a longer cruise, a swim off the boat, or a look for fish and seals. Tell us your kids' ages and we will shape the trip to match them.
Comfort On Board
Little things make a family day work. Many of our boats have a head, which is the boat word for a bathroom, and shaded seating to get out of the sun. We can keep the trip to a short half day, about four hours, and leave in the morning when the water is calmest. Tell us you are bringing kids and we will put you on the right boat.
What To Bring For The Kids
Pack sunscreen, hats, water, and snacks. Bring a layer for the ride home. Bring a towel and a change of clothes if the kids plan to swim. If anyone gets seasick easily, tell us, and we will keep the route close to shore and the water calm. A calm creek and a slow pace solve most of it.
Swimming And Wildlife
There is usually time for a swim off the boat in a calm cove. In midsummer, your captain watches for jellyfish and picks a clear spot. In the cooler months, seals sometimes show up, which kids love. The wildlife is half the fun for younger kids, and it costs nothing extra.
Pickup And How To Book
We run out of 63 S Menantic Rd, Shelter Island, NY 11964, with pickup at Greenport on the North Fork and Sag Harbor on the South Fork. That means a shorter drive for families staying out east or on the South Fork. Most family trips run about four hours.
Mike and JT earned their USCG licenses in 2019 and have run more than 200 charters since. Call (631) 251-1777 or email captain@chartersinthehamptons.com to plan an easy day with the kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a boat charter safe for young kids? Yes. We keep the route calm and close to shore, the boats are stable, and life jackets in all sizes are on board. Our captains are USCG licensed.
Do you have kid size life jackets? We carry life jackets in all sizes. Tell us your kids' ages when you book so we have the right ones ready.
Is there a bathroom on board? Many of our boats have a head, the boat word for a bathroom. Tell us you are bringing kids and we will match you to a boat that has one.
Which trip is best for little kids? The calm back creek route around the Mashomack Preserve. Sheltered water, a short distance, and wildlife to watch keep little kids happy.
Do you pick up at Greenport on the North Fork? Yes. Greenport is one of our pickup points, along with Sag Harbor. Just tell us where you are staying when you book.
What if a child gets seasick? Tell us ahead of time. We keep the route close to shore and pick the calm side of the water. The sheltered back creeks are smooth, which heads off most of it.
