Compact board games for yachts and boats

Eight entertaining board games for everyday life on board – little space, lots of fun

A sailing trip not only offers fantastic views, a fresh breeze and a maritime lifestyle – life on board also needs to be organized.

When the weather is not ideal for swimming or sailing, as entertainment in between or when you want to end the day together on board: then it’s time for board games. But which games are particularly suitable for the yacht?

Which games should you take with you on your sailing vacation?

We present seven board games for adults and children that take up very little space, are easy to transport and still provide maximum entertainment – ideal for your next cruise.

Tip: Take an anti-slip mat with you!

Anti-slip mats have proven their worth in keeping everything where it should be, even in light seas.

Board games for your sailing vacation: our tips

City-Country-River

The classic with a creative twist

For whom? All age groups
Number of players: from 2
Playing time: variable

Why on board?
Whether as a pastime in a lull or to round off the day – this game has entertained generations. It gets even more exciting with board-specific categories such as “Sailing maneuvers”, “Marinas”, “Cocktail names” or “Fish species”.

Advantages of the game:

Requires only paper and pencil
Customizable for children and adults
Ideal for creative minds

➡️ Tip: Laminated templates save paper – erasable pens are worth their weight in gold here.

Exploding Kittens

Chaos in cat format

Number of players: 2-5 (up to 9 with expansion)
Duration: approx. 15 minutes
For whom? Adults with a sense of quirky humor

Why on board?
A slightly chaotic, extremely entertaining card game in which everyone tries to escape the “exploding cats”. With cards such as “See the Future”, “Tacocat” or “Nope”, you bluff, gamble and sabotage for all you’re worth.

Perfect for:

Players who love action and silliness
Casual rounds without long rules
Entertainment with a great fun factor
An adult-only version is available as an extension

UN

The classic for every Crew

Number of players: 2-10
Duration: 15-30 minutes
For whom? Children, adults, families, large crews

Why on board?
UNO is one of the most popular card games in the world – and for good reason. The rules are quickly understood and the game reliably provides excitement and schadenfreude. Change of color, change of direction, penalty cards: Whoever plays cleverly (or is lucky) wins.

Perfect for:

Spontaneous game rounds
Intergenerational entertainment
Rainy port days or waiting times

➡️ Tip: There are waterproof UNO variants!

Skip-Bo

Tactical, but easily accessible

Number of players: 2-6
Duration: 20-60 minutes
For whom? Families, casual players, groups of friends

Why on board?
The aim of Skip-Bo is to discard cards in ascending order and empty your own stockpile as quickly as possible. A bit of luck, a bit of strategy – and plenty of opportunities to slow each other down.

Perfect for:

Players who like it a little more strategic
Longer sailing days or a relaxed evening atmosphere
Adults and children alike

➡️ Tip: Also available in a mini version – extra space-saving!

Dice poker

(or: Kniffel, Yatzy)

Number of players: 1-6
Duration: approx. 30 minutes
For whom? Adults, older children, inventors

Why on board?
With five dice and a small block, dice poker is one of the most space-saving games around – and surprisingly captivating. Whether full house, straight or poker – every roll counts.

Perfect for:

Tactics fans with a lucky streak
Competitive crews

➡️ Tip: Laminated score sheets + erasable pen = reusable and suitable for onboard use.

“Hosn obe”

depending on the region also “31erln”, “Schwimmen” or “Knack”

Number of players: 2-6
Duration: approx. 15-30 minutes
For whom? Adults, families and friends who like simple card games

Why on board?
31erln is a classic game in Austria and southern Germany that is also finding more and more fans on yachts. The aim is to score as many 31 points as possible in one color with three cards – or at least to be better than the other players. The values of the cards count as points (ace = 11, face cards = 10, number cards correspondingly).

The special feature: You can bluff, swap and outwit your opponents, which makes for excitement and conversation. The rules are simple, the playing time short – ideal for sociable rounds that can start and end quickly.

Advantages of the game:

Only one normal deck of cards required (preferably a compact deck with German or French colors)
Fast rounds that can be flexibly integrated
Fun for children aged 10 and over as well as adults

Activity Pocket

Communication and fun in a small space

Number of players: 3-16
Duration: 30-60 minutes
For whom? Adults and families who like to be creative

Why on board?
Activity Pocket is the compact version of the popular party game Activity – it combines pantomime, drawing and rewriting in one handy set. Ideal when space is limited but great entertainment is still required.

The task cards challenge players to guess terms and provide plenty of laughter and action without the need for a large playing area. The game is ideal for raising the mood on board and ensuring lively evenings.

Advantages of the game:

Small, light and handy – fits in any pocket
No need for a large table
Suitable for all age groups

Board games on board

What you should look out for

On a yacht, compact packing size counts – this also applies to leisure activities. That’s why board games that take up little space without sacrificing entertainment are recommended. Card games, small dice games or travel-sized versions are particularly practical.

Waterproof playing cards or laminated accessories are also useful, as moisture and splash water are part of everyday life on board.

Equally important: games should be easy to explain and playable in short rounds – this leaves flexibility for everyday cruising. Whether in a calm, in the rain or simply at the end of the day – with the right choice of games, every break on board becomes a sociable experience.

Fun, strategy and togetherness at sea

Whether classics such as UNO and dice poker or modern games such as “Exploding Kittens” – the right selection of compact board games makes everyday life on board varied and sociable. This will keep you moving and in a good mood not only while sailing, but also at Crew.

FAQ

Compact board games for a vacation on a yacht or catamaran

About the Nautic Alliance

Board games with a compact format and few accessories are ideal for everyday life on board. These include card games such as UNO, Doppeldeutsche or French playing cards and Skip-Bo, as well as dice games such as Kniffel/dice poker. Pocket or travel-sized games – such as Activity Pocket or Skull – are easy to stow away and are perfect for small on-board tables. Games such as “Stadt-Land-Fluss” have also proven themselves time and time again!

To prevent game boards and cards from slipping during the trip, a non-slip base, such as the anti-slip mats often used in the pantry, is recommended. Alternatively, silicone placemats or small rubber mats can also help to hold the game material in place – especially in light seas.

Games such as UNO, Skip-Bo, Dobble or Halli Galli offer entertainment for all age groups – simple rules, short game rounds and compact formats make them ideal for families on board.

On a sailing boat, games are needed that require little storage space, are quickly explained and also work in windy or rough seas. Recommended games for sailing vacations include Love Letter, Dice Poker, 31erln, UNO, Activity Pocket, Skull and card-based quiz games. Cooperation games or creative team games are ideal for groups to promote team spirit on board.

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