Fun for Kids! Pirate Cruises & Dolphin Encounters in Side
If you’re planning a family holiday to Side, one thing’s for sure: the kids won’t be bored. This sun-soaked town on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast is packed with activities that are perfect for curious, energetic, and fun-loving children—and their equally curious, tired, and fun-seeking parents.
From swashbuckling pirate adventures to up-close encounters with dolphins, Side knows how to keep little ones entertained. Here are two experiences your children will probably talk about long after the holiday ends.
Set Sail on a Pirate Adventure
Forget your typical sightseeing tour—Side offers something much more exciting for young explorers: pirate-themed boat cruises. Picture this: the crew dressed in pirate outfits, music playing, and kids running around the deck with foam swords and eye patches. It’s not just a boat ride—it’s a floating theatre of fun.
There are games, dancing, foam parties, treasure hunts, and lots of swimming stops in calm, clear waters. Some boats even have slides on board. While kids enjoy all the action, parents can sunbathe, swim, or just relax on the upper deck with a drink and a sea breeze.
It’s an ideal way to spend a full day at sea that’s safe, supervised, and completely geared toward family fun.
Meet the Dolphins
Just a short drive from Side, you’ll find a magical place that combines education, joy, and awe—the dolphin park. It’s a place where children can watch dolphins leap and play, and in some programs, even get in the water and interact with them.
For many kids, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The trainers are warm and welcoming, the environment is controlled and safe, and the smiles on your children’s faces say it all. Even if your child doesn’t swim, most parks offer shallow-water interactions with life vests and full supervision.
Some shows also feature seals and sea lions, adding even more variety and excitement.
What Parents Should Know
Both pirate cruises and dolphin parks in the Side region are very well-organized and family-friendly. Staff are trained, safety is a priority, and the schedules are designed with children in mind—meaning no long wait times, too much sun, or overwhelming crowds.
It’s also worth noting that these activities often become the highlight of the trip for children—something they write about in school, tell their friends, and want to do again. And when the kids are happy, let’s be honest—everyone’s happy.
Making Memories That Matter
It’s easy to fall into the usual holiday rhythm of beach-pool-repeat. But these special experiences offer something more: they create shared memories. A pirate sword fight on deck. A high-five from a dolphin. A snapshot of your child laughing in the sun.
So if you’re heading to Side with kids in tow, leave room in your itinerary for a bit of magic. You won’t regret it—and neither will they.