Swim Stops on the Side Pirate Boat: Coast and River Mouth
Swimming is part of both pirate-ship days, but not in the same water. One day stops in the open sea along the coast; the other stops where a river runs into it.
Short answer
The pirate boat trip cruises along the coast and makes swim stops in the clear Mediterranean. The kids' pirate programme goes down the river instead and has one swim break at the river mouth, where chilly river water mixes into the warm salty sea. Both swims come with the fare; everyone needs swimwear, a towel, a hat and sun cream.
Swimming on the pirate boat trip
This is the coast day. After the pickup and the drive to the harbour, the children are handed their costumes, the games and the treasure hunt begin, and the ship cruises along the coast. The swim stops come during that cruise, in the sea, with lunch on board as well. The day runs from morning to afternoon, about 6 hours in all.
Swim stops in the plural mean more than one chance to get in, so a child who hesitates at the first can try again at the next. Keep towels and sun cream to hand between them, and a hat on whoever is drying off on deck.
Swimming on the kids' pirate programme
The children's day leaves the Side departure dock — the ship sails at 10:00 — and goes gently down the river. Its swim break is at the river mouth, where cold river water and warm sea water meet. The river-mouth guide explains that stop in more detail.
Later in the day the foam party gives the children a second soaking of a different kind, so a dry change of clothes is worth packing.
Swimmers, non-swimmers and parents
Nobody has to swim on either day. On the coast trip, parents stay with their children throughout; on the kids' day, parents are welcome to join the swim alongside the games. If a child in your party cannot swim, or if anyone has a health condition that affects swimming, tell us before you book — we do not give medical assurances, and the crew decides on the day.
If your child uses armbands or similar at home, bring them, and keep a close eye on younger ones whenever they are in the water.
Packing for the swims
- Swimwear, ideally worn under clothes from the hotel
- A towel for each person
- Sun cream — high-SPF for the kids' day — and hats
- A camera or phone in a dry bag or pocket
- Dry clothes for the transfer back
- Euros for any drinks you buy on board, since extra drinks are not in either fare
Choosing by the water
If you picture the children swimming in the open sea off the ship, book the pirate boat trip: €20 per adult, €14 per child aged 2 to 10. If the river and the river mouth sound more of an adventure, book the kids' pirate programme at one fare of €23 for everyone from 2. Children under 2 ride free on either. The full comparison covers everything else that differs.
