I'm a superyacht nanny. Parents take me all over the world with them to keep their kids happy.
Ella Peters
- Ella Peters became a superyacht nanny after attending university and has now been to 46 countries.
- She charges up to $415 per day on superyachts that can cost $500,000 to charter for one week.
- In addition to nannying, she coaches other superyacht nannies through her online business.
This as-told-to essay is based on an interview with Ella Peters, a 27-year-old superyacht nanny and the founder of superyachtnanny.co. It has been edited for length and clarity.
Every time I set sail on a charter, I can't help but pinch myself. Over the past eight years working as a superyacht nanny, I've traveled to 46 countries.
The yachts I work on contain spas, helipads, huge fish tanks, and even Picassos lining the walls. They can cost $500,000 to charter for one week.
When I'm not nannying full-time, I coach other superyacht nannies on succeeding in this industry.
I've been sailing since I was 10
After I finished my A-levels in 2015, I worked as a yacht steward for two years in Antibes, France. I drove the tender and did laundry, housekeeping, and childcare. My favorite part of the job was spending time with the kids.
While at university, I had the idea of leveling up the guest experience for children on yachts.
I needed a pediatric first aid certificate, police background clearance, and public liability insurance. I already had an SDCW certificate, which includes survival techniques, and an ENG1, which is a seafarer's medical.
In June 2017, I got my first job
I accepted a job on a 70-meter yacht in the Greek islands. A chief stewardess I'd worked with recommended me.
Clients want to see references and proven experience. They don't want to gamble on whether you have sea legs or can handle working in a fully-staffed household.
Families usually book a superyacht nanny when their nanny is on holiday or if the full-time nanny's passport has visa restrictions. The typical day rate is between $310 and $415. I set my rates after chatting with industry professionals.
The majority of my bookings take place during the school holidays
I give myself at least three days between trips to return to London to wash my clothes and recharge my batteries. I receive my bookings through yachting and private household agencies in the UK. My clients usually book me for a week to two weeks at a time.
The client's PA will usually interview me. During this meeting, I'll determine if the children have allergies and what they like in their full-time nanny.
If I'm unfamiliar with the yacht, I check out the Facebook group Yachties: Name, Shame, and Fame to see if there's anything to know before I accept any job.
The only time I've turned a job down is when the child has a medical issue I'm not qualified to deal with. At sea, you can't get to a hospital quickly.
There are a few differences between working as a nanny on a yacht and on land
Safety is critical — many families will always wear lifejackets, and plans can change quickly due to bad weather.
On land, you've got house managers and PAs to liaise with. On water, the captain is in charge, and the chain of command must be followed for safety reasons.
You must also help the children adapt to life on board. They're used to going to the bathroom alone or getting a drink, but a galley filled with chefs cooking can be dangerous. They can get trapped in a bathroom if they're not strong enough to open a fire door.
I usually look after one or two children. The most I've looked after is four.
I wake up at 6 a.m. each day
I get a coffee and updates from the crew before the children wake. I'll usually take the children jet skiing or wakeboarding in the morning after breakfast. I like the children to wear orange swimwear, so it's easier to spot them in the water.
In the afternoon, we may play board games, do arts and crafts, or decorate cupcakes. To prepare them for the next destination, I'll learn some fun facts about the next country, such as whether any dinosaurs used to live there.
Most of the time, the parents just want to enjoy peace and quiet, but they'll always participate in the pirate treasure hunt. We usually pretend the captain has been taken hostage — it's so much fun.
After dinner, we'll have a movie night under the stars. Last year's favorite movie was Wonka, so I created a Wonka-style dessert bar for the children to enjoy while watching the movie.
Bedtime can be at 7 p.m. or 11 p.m. The rules disappear because everyone's on holiday and just having fun.
A lot of my charters take place in Cannes, Nice, St. Tropez, and Sardinia
The route is popular because it's beautiful, well mapped out, and the weather is pretty guaranteed.
I've jet-skied between the Faraglioni rocks in Capri, joined one family for a private tour of the Acropolis, and had a charter in the Adriatic, where a barge was brought out, and we were treated to a private fireworks show.
I love visiting Rovinj in Croatia. The local children run around the port and play together; sometimes, the kids I'm with will join.
My favorite part of the job is the connections you build with the families
The only downside to being a nanny is that you reach a point when the children don't need you anymore. We keep in touch with Christmas cards, and if they're in London, we will meet a few times a year.
The only days I find challenging are the last, as I don't like to say goodbye, and the first day, because the children are excited to be on board and have so much energy.
I don't get lonely, but if I miss home and have five minutes to call a friend, I'll catch up with them, and then I'm good to go again.
I've turned this into my own business to help others
In February 2023, I launched superyacht nanny.co, where I offer coaching sessions to other nannies and produce online guides. I charge $106 for a 45-minute coaching session. I plan to do both nannying and coaching in the future.
They say all you need to have a good charter is good weather and food — I'd add you also need happy kids. If the kids aren't happy, everyone's stressed. If you've got a great nanny, everything's sorted.