Sailing in Miami with Family and Small Kids

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Looking for kid-friendly things to do in Miami with the family? Read all about our time sailing on Biscayne Bay with our kids and learn why you should experience it too.

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Sailing as a Fun Learning Experience for the Whole Family

This summer we set our intentions on creating opportunities for the kids to explore the coastal landforms in and around our area.

We live in beautiful sunny South Florida just north of Miami, so naturally, the waters bordering the Magic City made our list of places to adventure to. 

As homeschoolers, we see everything we do as a learning opportunity, and sailing was no exception. We learned so much while having a blast sailing and swimming in the waters. We discussed and gained hands-on experience in water safety, sailor jargon, and basic geography.

While aboard the sailboat our kids observed and the sailboat’s compass, learned how to raise the jib sail, and worked as deckhands to help drop the boat’s anchor.

They also learned of what life at sea is like as they listened to our Captain tell stories of his time sailing the world over 1 and half times throughout his career.

Chooosing a Sailboat

Availability is another reason we decided to go sailing in Miami as opposed to Broward or Palm Beach Counties. We used the Get My Boat App to find and book our boat rental.

Through the app, we were able to choose from a number of boats available in the Miami area. We sailed for just under 5 hours and enjoyed every moment of our time.

This was our first time sailing, so we sought to sail with a captain who was experienced and willing to answer questions about the ins and outs of sailing. 

Not all sailboats are the same. If you are planning on chartering a sailboat you will want to do some research and choose the boat that best fits your needs and preference. 

We sailed on a Catamaran. Because my husband has spent heaps of time researching the topic of sailing. He had a strong preference for sailing aboard a Catamaran.

A Catamaran is a multi-hull so it has two hulls (body or bottom of the boat that touches the water). Catamarans are very stable because of their build. They have natural buoyancy that makes them virtually impossible to sink.

Where to Sail

We decided to go sailing in Miami in part because of accessibility.

Because boating is so widely popular in South Florida, Miami is a wonderful place for beginners to rent a boat. There are a number of large marinas and waterways to visit. We met our captain at the Bayshore Landing Marina in Coconut Grove and rode a water taxi out to the sailboat.

Miami, America’s tropical jewel, is famous for its beautiful skyline and turquoise waters. While sailing on Biscayne Bay, one of Miami’s most prized waterways, we sailed past the Port of Miami, the Bayside Marketplace, and the Miami Skyview.

Sailing under the Rickenbacker Causeway and viewing the Miami Skyline was a highlight for the kids. They waved at the buildings and oohed and ahhed as they took it all in.

The Haulover Beach sandbar is a popular spot for boaters to stop while out on the water. Our captain asked if we wanted to stop but we declined as we wanted a kid-friendly experience.

What to Bring

If you are sailing with kids you will want to make sure your children have life vests. Your captain will let you know if life vests are required and whether or not they will be provided for you on the boat. I suggest having life vests for everyone, but, especially children. 

A few other items you want to bring with you include:

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Towels
• Life Vests
• Hand Sanitizer
• Disinfecting Wipes
• Boating Hat
• Snorkeling Gear

Water Play in Miami with Kids

Before we chartered our sailboat we confirmed with the owner that we would have an opportunity to do activities in the water. Our Captain anchored us in a nice spot away from other boaters and put out a large floating water mat and paddleboards.

The kids flipped, swam, and splashed their hearts out.

We all had a blast playing in the warm beautiful waters and can’t we wait to do it again. I hope you go sailing in Miami with your family and have just as much fun as we did.

Have you ever gone sailing? I’d love to hear some of your favorite things to do in Miami with your family. Share below in the comments.

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Sailing in Miami with Family and Small Kids