Is sailing with children safe on the Veluwemeer?

Yes. The water is sheltered, without tide or big waves, and distances are small. With life jackets in children sizes, calm sailing and the briefing beforehand, it is a safe environment for young families.

Are there life jackets for children?

Yes, on request we put life jackets ready free of charge, including children sizes (2 of them). Let us know at booking how many children are coming and their ages, and the right sizes will be ready.

Can you swim from the boat?

Certainly. You moor at a beach or island and jump in from the swim platform. Near the shore it is shallow, ideal for children. The water map shows the nicest swimming spots.

How many people can come along?

The Primeur 615 seats up to 8 people. Plenty for a family, possibly with grandparents or friends along.

What do you bring when sailing with children?

Think of sunscreen and caps, plenty of water and snacks, towels and swimwear, and a spare set of dry clothes. We take care of the briefing; life jackets we put ready free on request. Sun and wind protection is always wise on open water.

Sailing with children on the Veluwemeer: safe and fun

Sailing with children on the Veluwemeer

The Veluwemeer is one of the nicest places to sail with children: sheltered water without waves or tide, shallow beaches and islands to moor at, and space to swim everywhere. No licence needed, life jackets in children sizes free on request, and a calm boat on which everyone sits at ease. This page shows how to make it a safe, fun day, from the harbour of Elburg.

Why the Veluwemeer is ideal with children

The water is sheltered and easy to read: no tide, no big waves and no busy sea traffic. You sail calmly, keep an easy overview and are quickly at a beach or island. Distances are small, so you do not have to sail for hours before you can swim or picnic. That is exactly why the lake suits young families so well.

Swimming and mooring at the islands

Around Elburg there are islands where you moor for free during the day or for 1 euro per person, such as De Eekt and De Kleine Zwaan on the Drontermeer and De Ral and Pierland on the Veluwemeer. Pierland has small swimming beaches and toilets, and De Eekt lies in narrow, sheltered water where it is quiet. Perfect to tie up the boat, jump in from the swim platform and have a sandwich on shore. The water near the shore is shallow, so small children can paddle safely too. Our water map shows where it is deep enough to sail and where the nicest swimming spots are.

Safe with children aboard

Safety comes first. We carry 2 child-size life jackets, free on request; if you need more or other sizes, please bring your own. For children and non-swimmers we recommend simply keeping the jacket on. Sail calmly, stay between the buoys and keep distance from swimmers and other boats. At departure we calmly explain everything, from the controls to where you can swim safely. So you enjoy the day without worry.

Practical: people, duration and price

Our Primeur 615 seats up to 8 people, plenty for a family with grandparents along. Choose a half day to cruise and swim for a few hours, or a full day for a complete outing with a picnic along the way. A half day costs €239, a full day €399, all-in with fuel, insurance and briefing; life jackets free on request. No licence needed, the hirer must be at least 21 years old.