As a father of a 7-year-old boy, I understand what it’s like to take Children out on tour as a parent. Lucus, my son, has been coming out on boats since he was 6 months old and I’ve found that as he gets older the kinds of tours that he can join the change.
Based on my personal experience with my son Lucus and the children we’ve had on board here is what we would recommend in terms of Private Boat Tours for young children.
Age 6 Months to 2 Years Old – Private Boat Tours
At this age, your child is most probably too young to really experience any of the tours so the tour selection should come down to something that you would like to see and is safe for your child as well.
Generally, this means you should consider a tour into Phang Nga Bay / James Bond Island as the water is calm, the speed of the Private Boat slower, and the chance of bumps during your ride considerably less. Also, Phang Nga Bay tours can be done in as little as 3hrs if you wish to push through the tour between nap and feeding times. In our experience, though you can have your child nap on our large outdoor cushions or in your pram/stroller.
A secondary location that also offers a similar level of safety and sea conditions would be Hong Krabi. This location also offers the ability for you to snorkel whereas Phang Nga Bay does not.
Age 2 Years Old – 6 Years Old – Private Boat Tours
At this age, your child needs to be kept engaged with multiple new things to see, explore, and do otherwise they may become agitated on tour. My son from 2-4 years old, personally loved the Phang Nga Bay Private Tour, Khai Island Private Tour, Raya Island Private Tour, and Hong Krabi Tour.
As he got older, around 5-6 Years old his preference moved towards Phi Phi Island Private Tours as there was more to see and he was a confident swimmer. Again it’s important for her to time stops frequently and use our outdoor cushions for nap time.
7 Years And Above – Private Boat Tours
Generally, any tour would be suitable for a child of 7 years and above. Just check on sea conditions prior to departing as one negative experience with a child could ruin any future chances of going on a Private Tour.
