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Window Seat or Aisle Seat: 8 New Family Boating Vacations

Locations in this article:  Baltimore, MD London, England Los Angeles, CA

Credit: Aracari blog

2. Steam Ship

Lake Titicaca, on the border between Peru and Bolivia, is known as the world’s highest navigable lake. Yes, kids will love the name, but the Lake is also home to a 19th century steam ship built in the old shipyards of London. The Yavari was sailed through the South Atlantic and round Cape Horn before being disassembled and transported in pieces on the backs of mules across the Andes to be rebuilt by English engineers on Lake Titicaca on behalf of the Peruvian navy.

It is now the oldest propeller driven working ship in the world, and has been converted into a unique bed and breakfast near the city of Puno. The boat can accommodate seven guests in four cabins, which sleep either one or two  people in original bunk style beds.

Each cabin has a private toilet, and they all share a communal shower. Visitors can stay one night or more for $38 per person, per night. You can also visit the ship without staying overnight, the captain is happy to provide a tour of the entire ship. The Yavari is a “special interest” attraction and not many mainstream tour agencies offer a stay on board the ship unless you know, Marisol Mosquera, owner of Aracari Travel, he is good friends with the boat owner and will hook you up. For more information, visit their blog.

3. Sailing

You don’t have to take a huge cruise to traverse the icy cool waterways of Alaska! Maple Leaf Adventures offers unique sailing adventures along the BC and Alaska coast. The ships can take up to eight guests, along with a crew of 5-6 (including naturalists and guides), on sailing cruises aboard a 92′ schooner, the SV Maple Leaf.

One of the top family adventures is the Whales & Totems tour of Haida Gwaii. This five night educational tour takes guests into the 200+ islands of the Broughton Archipelago.

4. Rafting

For the more adventurous family, consider Whitewater river rafting through the Grand Canyon. Experiencing the landmark along the water offers a different take on one of the natural wonders of the world.

Arizona River Runners operate with customized state-of-the-art rafts provide all the camping and rafting gear you will need for your time on the Colorado River. Trips are from 3 to 13 days, motor or oar powered, and all the food, drinks, snacks, camping equipment, rafting gear is included. Prices range from $1175- $3350 per person.

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