Family sailing
A dahabiya with children
A dahabiya is one of the best ways to see Egypt with children aged about six and up: the boat is small, the crew knows every child by name, the guide pitches the temples at their level, and there is time to swim, fish and play on river islands between visits. Younger children are welcome on many boats, but decks have open rails and no lifeguard, so they need watching at all times. Child rates are common: on Lazuli dahabiyas, for example, under-sixes travel free and six to eleven year olds pay a child rate. A family or group of friends can charter a whole boat.
Is it right for us?
Which ages suit a dahabiya
- 1Under five. Possible, and some boats provide a cot, but decks, gangways and riverbanks need constant supervision. Many families with toddlers prefer a larger ship with a lift and a fenced pool.
- 2Six to eleven. The sweet spot. Old enough to enjoy the tombs, the felucca and the island barbecue, young enough to love the crew. Often a reduced child rate.
- 3Twelve and over. Usually priced as adults, and often the most engaged guests on board, especially with a private guide.
Our picks
Dahabiyas that suit families
Lazuli dahabiyas publish a clear child policy: under six free, six to eleven at a child rate, twelve and over as adults. Loulia has cabins that take an extra child bed or a baby cot. Iris has a heated pool and jacuzzi on the top deck and a single cabin for an older child. Akhnaton, with six cabins, is easy to charter as one family.
See family rooms and connecting cabins for ships, and the best Nile cruise for families.
What children love
What keeps children busy
- 1The crew. Children are often invited to help raise the sail, steer for a minute with the captain or learn a few words of Arabic.
- 2Island stops. Dahabiyas moor at sandbanks and islands where children can run, build in the sand and paddle where the captain says it is safe.
- 3Short temple visits. A good guide tells the stories of gods and pharaohs and turns hieroglyphs into a game. Keep visits to the morning.
- 4Evenings. Barbecues ashore, music from the crew and stars over the river.
Good to know
Safety on board
Bring or ask for life jackets in your children’s sizes, agree a no-running rule on deck, and keep children off the gangway unless holding an adult’s hand. Wi-Fi is often weak while sailing, so download games and films before you go. See staying healthy on a Nile cruise for water, sun and swimming advice.
The whole boat
When to charter the whole boat
If you are two or three families, a private charter is often the best value and lets you set meal times and nap times around the children. Dahabiyas run about US$140 to US$1,500 per person per night, depending on the boat, cabin and season. See chartering a dahabiya.
Asked often
Dahabiyas with children, answered
- Is a dahabiya good for children?
- Yes, especially from about six years old. The boat is small, the crew is attentive, and the slow days leave time for island stops and swimming between temple visits.
- What is the minimum age for a dahabiya?
- Many dahabiyas accept children of any age, but decks have open rails and no lifeguard. With toddlers, ask about cots and choose a boat you can charter or a larger ship with a lift.
- Do children pay less on a dahabiya?
- Often. Lazuli dahabiyas, for example, let under-sixes travel free and charge a child rate for six to eleven year olds; twelve and over pay as adults. Policies vary by boat.
- Which dahabiya is best for a family?
- Lazuli dahabiyas for a clear child policy, Loulia for cabins with a cot or extra bed, Iris for a heated pool, and Akhnaton for a whole-boat family charter.
- Dahabiya or Nile cruise ship for a family?
- A dahabiya for children who are six or older and a slower, more personal trip. A large ship for toddlers, lifts, a bigger pool and evening entertainment.
