Quick answer
A practical operator's guide to how swim stops work for children on our Side and Antalya boat trips: anchored stops, ladders, life jackets in child sizes, parent supervision, and how cool freshwater at Green Canyon compares to the warmer sea for families.
Yes, children swim on our boat trips. We anchor in calm bays, drop a boarding ladder, and families get in and out from the platform while the engine is off. We carry life jackets in child sizes, but parents supervise their own children in the water at all times. On sea tours the water is warm; at Green Canyon it is cool freshwater.
How swim stops actually work on our boats
When we reach a swim spot, our captains cut the engine and drop anchor so the boat sits still. Only then do we open the ladder at the stern. Nobody swims while we are moving. Children climb down the ladder into the water beside the boat, stay within the area we point out, and climb back up the same ladder. Because we are anchored rather than drifting, the swim area stays predictable, which is exactly what you want with young ones aboard. If you are weighing up your options, our full list of family boat trips in Side shows which days include swimming and which are calmer sightseeing runs.
Life jackets, ladders and supervision
Every boat carries life jackets, and we stock child sizes alongside adult ones. Ask a crew member on the day and we'll fit one for your child. A jacket helps a nervous or non-swimming child feel steady, but it is not a substitute for a watching adult. Here is the honest rule we ask every parent to follow:
- Parents supervise children in the water at all times — our crew run the boat, the anchor and the ladder, not one-to-one lifeguarding.
- Keep younger children in a life jacket even if they can swim a little; open water is different from a hotel pool.
- Use the ladder to get in and out — no jumping unless the crew say it's safe at that spot.
- Tell the crew if your child is a weak swimmer so we can point you to the shallowest, calmest spot to enter.
Sea swim or cold Green Canyon freshwater?
This is the big choice for families, and it changes the whole day. The Mediterranean swim stops on our sea tours give warm, salty water and open bays. The Green Canyon boat tour is different: it's a dammed freshwater lake with still water and no waves, but the water is genuinely cold. Cold water suits some children and puts others off, so it's worth thinking about your own child before you book.
| Sea swim (Side / Antalya coast) | Green Canyon (freshwater lake) | |
|---|---|---|
| Water type | Warm, salty Mediterranean | Cool, still freshwater |
| Temperature for kids | Warm and inviting in season | Cold — some children love it, some don't |
| Water movement | Gentle swell in open bays | Flat and calm, no waves |
| Seasickness risk | Low on calm days, possible for sensitive kids | Very low — sheltered lake |
| Best for | Kids who want warm sea and lively swim stops | Families and non-swimmers wanting calm scenery |
If seasickness worries you, the calm freshwater of Green Canyon is the gentler introduction to a boat day. If your children just want to splash in warm sea, a coastal tour is the better fit.
Which of our tours suit which age
We run several boats out of Side, and they are not all the same day out. Picking the right one matters more than the price. Have a look at what leaves from our main departure point on the tours from Side hub, then match a boat to your family below.
- Little Pirates boat trip (from EUR20) — built for young children, with a fun, playful theme aimed at the smallest sailors.
- Side dolphin island boat tour (from EUR21) — a shorter sea day, good if you don't want to keep small children on the water for hours.
- Side pirate boat tour (from EUR23) — lively, with animation on board; better suited to older kids who want energy and fun.
- Green Canyon boat tour (from EUR28) — calm freshwater with no seasickness, good for families and non-swimmers; remember the water is cold.
- Side relax boat trip with waterfall — the quiet option when you want scenery and calm over animation and noise.
Not sure which one? Compare them all on our tours page and book the day that fits your children's ages.
Shade, comfort and what to bring for children
Shade varies by boat, so if a shaded seat matters for a baby or a fair-skinned child, ask us before you book and we'll tell you what that specific boat offers. Beyond that, pack for a full day on the water: high-factor sun cream, hats, towels, water shoes for the ladder, and a change of clothes. Bring your child's own snacks if they are fussy eaters, and let us know at booking about any dietary or baby needs — we'll do what we can, but we won't promise facilities we can't guarantee.
Non-swimmers and nervous children
Plenty of children on our boats don't swim, and that's fine. A life jacket, a calm anchored stop and a parent within arm's reach are usually enough for a nervous child to enjoy the water from the ladder without going out of their depth. For a first boat day with a non-swimmer, the still freshwater at Green Canyon is often the easiest place to start, because there's no swell to unsettle them. Ready to plan it? Browse the boats and book the calm option that suits your family.
Private days for families
If you'd rather not share a boat, our private VIP boat tour gives you the whole boat for your family, with pricing per boat on request. It's the most relaxed way to travel with young children, because you set the pace, the swim stops and the noise level. Ask us for a quote with your dates and group size.
Getting to the boat
Hotel transfer is arranged for our tours. Guests are picked up from their hotel in the morning; the exact time is confirmed the day before and varies from hotel to hotel. You book online and pay on the tour day, so there's no upfront payment to sort out before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Do children have to be able to swim to join a boat trip?
No. Non-swimmers are welcome on all our boats. We carry life jackets in child sizes, we anchor before anyone gets in the water, and children get in and out via the ladder while a parent supervises. Nervous or non-swimming children often do best on the calm freshwater of Green Canyon.
Are life jackets provided for kids?
Yes, we carry life jackets including child sizes on our boats. Ask a crew member on the day and we'll fit one for your child. A jacket adds confidence, but it does not replace a parent watching their child in the water.
Is the Green Canyon water safe and warm enough for children?
The Green Canyon lake is calm, flat freshwater with no waves, which makes it a gentle place for children and non-swimmers. Be aware the water is cold — that suits some children and not others — so pack a towel and warm layers for afterwards. Full details are on the Green Canyon boat tour page.
Which boat trip is best for very young children?
The Little Pirates boat trip is built for young children, and the dolphin island tour is a shorter sea day if you don't want small children on the water for too long. For the calmest water with the least motion, Green Canyon is the gentle choice. Compare all of them on our tours page.
What time is hotel pickup for a family boat trip?
Guests are picked up from their hotel in the morning; the exact time is confirmed the day before and varies from hotel to hotel. You book online and pay on the tour day.
Swim stops are one of the best parts of a family day on the water, and every one of our boats runs them safely from an anchored position with the ladder down. Pick the right day for your children's ages and confidence, pack for a full day in the sun, and book your family boat trip in Side online — you pay on the tour day.