A multi-deck wooden pirate galleon, a treasure hunt and a foam party — few family days out in Side are this easy to get right. Still, sailing with children raises fair questions: how safe is the swimming, what will the kids actually do all day, and what costs extra on board? Here are the honest answers before you book.
The galleon itself is half the adventure
This is not a standard excursion boat. The tour runs on a proper multi-deck wooden galleon, and for most children simply climbing aboard feels like stepping into an adventure film. Live music plays throughout the day, so the atmosphere never goes flat between activities.
Hotel pickup runs between 08:30 and 09:30, the ship sets sail at 10:00, and the whole trip lasts around 7 hours — which sounds long, but the day is broken up by games, swimming and lunch. The cruise operates on selected days of the week, so check available dates on the pirate boat adventure page before planning the rest of your holiday around it.
The kids' programme: treasure, ropes and painted faces
Once the galleon drops anchor at the river delta, the children's programme begins:
- Treasure hunt — the classic pirate mission, run by the crew.
- Tug of war — one rope, two teams and a lot of laughter.
- Face painting — free for every child on board.
- Foam party — reliably the loudest highlight of the day.
The activities are designed for children aged 3 and up. Younger siblings are welcome too — kids aged 0–2 travel free on all group tours — but the games themselves are aimed at the 3+ crowd.
Safety: what parents ask first
The swimming stop happens right at the anchorage, where the river meets the sea at one shallow spot. Children get to splash in both river and sea water in the same place, and parents can watch from close by instead of tracking a moving boat.
Life jackets are available for children, the crew supervises the activities, and marine insurance is included in the tour. As on any boat, the usual rule still applies: keep your own kids within sight, especially around the water.
Drinks are not included — bring cash
This is the detail that surprises families most: all drinks on board, including water, are sold at the bar. Nothing to drink is included in the ticket price, so set aside some cash specifically for drinks.
Food is easier: a kid-friendly lunch menu is served on board, so fussy eaters are covered without extra planning.
What to pack and how booking works
- Swimsuits and towels
- Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses
- A spare set of clothes per child
- Cash for drinks at the bar
Booking with Side Boat Trips is straightforward: your reservation is confirmed instantly, you pay on the day of the tour on board by cash or card, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure. Your exact hotel pickup time is confirmed the day before the tour.
Frequently asked questions
Is the pirate boat suitable for a 3-year-old?
Yes. The on-board activities — treasure hunt, tug of war, face painting — are designed for children aged 3 and up, and babies aged 0–2 travel free on all group tours.
Are drinks included in the price?
No. All drinks, including bottled water, are sold at the on-board bar, so bring cash to keep things simple.
Is the swimming safe for children?
The galleon anchors at a shallow spot in the delta where river and sea meet. Life jackets are available and the crew keeps watch, but parents should supervise their own children as usual.
How long is the tour, and can we cancel?
The day lasts around 7 hours, with pickup between 08:30 and 09:30 and departure at 10:00. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour.
Ready to set your little pirates loose on a real galleon? Book the pirate boat adventure now — confirmation is instant and you pay nothing until tour day.