What to Bring on the Pirate Boat in Side: A Family Packing List
One bag per family is enough if it holds the right things. This list starts with what the operator asks every family to pack, then adds what makes a long day on the water easier with children.
Short answer
For both pirate days, pack swimwear, a towel each, sun cream (high SPF), hats and a camera or phone. Add dry clothes for the ride home, water for the drive, and euros — you settle the fare on the trip, and drinks or photos cost extra. On the pirate boat trip costumes are provided for the children, but you can bring your own.
What the operator asks you to pack
These come straight from the two days' notes, so treat them as the core of the bag.
- Swimwear for everyone who might go in — on the pirate boat trip for the swim stops, on the kids' programme for the river-mouth swim and the foam party.
- A towel per person.
- Sun cream. The kids' programme's notes ask for high SPF, and for everyone, not just the children.
- Hats, again for adults as well as children.
- A camera or phone. The pirate boat trip's notes mention it by name.
What makes the day easier
These are our own suggestions for about 6 hours away from your hotel room.
- Dry clothes, top to toe, for every child. Wet swimwear on the drive home is nobody's favourite end to a day.
- A plastic or waterproof bag for the wet things.
- A light layer for the transfer, because the vehicle is air-conditioned.
- A small bottle of water per child for the drive.
- Any medicine your child needs during the day, in your own bag.
- A waterproof pouch for the phone if you plan to take it near the water.
Costumes and dressing up
On the pirate boat trip, children are handed pirate costumes as they board, so you do not need to buy anything. If your child already has an outfit they love, bring it — your own costume is welcome.
On the kids' programme, the dressing up is done with paint: face painting is free and turns the children into pirates. A costume from home is up to you; bear in mind the foam party at the end, and keep anything precious in the bag.
More on both in the costumes and face painting guide.
Money to bring
Seats are settled in euros when you travel, so carry enough for the whole party — the prices page lists every fare. Then add a little for what neither fare covers: extra drinks and tips on the pirate boat trip; bar drinks, extra snacks and professional photos on the kids' programme.
The extra costs guide lists each one, with what to ask before you buy.
What to leave at the hotel
Anything you would be upset to see covered in foam, splashed or dropped over the side. Jewellery, a good watch and passports can stay in the hotel safe.
Leave inflatables and other water toys at the hotel unless you have checked with us first.
