8 Ocean adventures with The Family Adventure Company

Dive into your family adventure

When the sun’s beating down on you, the feeling of plunging into cool refreshing water is hard to beat. The Family Adventure Company has been running family adventure trips for years, and they know better than most the value of being able to play in, learn about and explore the world’s oceans with your kids. They offer families a number of exciting ocean-based activities, at beautiful destinations across the world. To help you and the kids make a splash on your next family holiday, don’t miss these awesome water adventures.

1/8 Finding Dory at Monterey Bay, USA

Finding Dory is 2016’s big hit (as far as kids are concerned anyway), so imagine your kids’ faces when you tell them they can relive the movie in the actual ocean it is set in? Head to San Diego’s Monterey Bay, the inspiration to Pixar’s Finding Dory, and hit the beach. The lake is home to plenty of interesting fish, has warm temperatures and calm waters. Bliss.

2/8 Snorkel between the Earth’s plates at Silfra Fissure, Iceland

Nothing brings geography lessons to life quite like discovering the shift of Earth’s two tectonic plates by swimming directly between two of them. Taking education to the next level, kids will be fascinated by the marine life of the Silfra Fissure. Plus the water is so clear, you’ll be able to see for over 100 metres!

3/8 Discover the underwater paradise at Kornati National Park, Croatia

With 89 islands, islets and reefs around Kornati, the Croatian archipelago is a stunning place to spend the day. With ample opportunities to snorkel and swim among the hundreds of colourful fish and other marine life, the national park is often described as a nautical paradise. Visit and you’ll soon discover that the islands really live up to their reputation.

4/8 Search for sea turtles in the Indian Ocean, Tanzania

Even for the most well-travelled families, this is a stand-out experience. Not only is Sadaani National Park one of the most beautiful and diverse in Africa, with wild savannas and pristine beaches, but the water is just as interesting to explore as the land. With wild open ocean, warm water that runs into mangroves and plenty of friendly aquatic wildlife, Tanzania’s safari opportunities continue well into the waves.

5/8  Swim with the sea lions in the Galapagos, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are a world of their own. With volcanic-like landscapes, pristine oceans, unique wildlife and other-worldly creatures, they’re an incredible place for kids to learn about Darwin and explore the islands’ fascinating history. It’s very likely you’ll spot a sea turtle or white tipped reef shark (don’t worry, they don’t eat children!) as well as plenty of curious sea lions.

6/8  Swim with wild dolphins in the Azores

Although the prospect of swimming alongside wild sea creatures may seem a little daunting, dolphins are one of the most intelligent and tuned-in animals in the ocean. Atlantic, bottlenose, spotted and Risso’s all frolic in the Atlantic Ocean and some days you can catch a glimpse of all four species. Head out early on a specialist boat to find the best spot before diving in with your new friends.

Find out more about swimming with wild dolphins in the Azores

7/8  Snorkel and kayak in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Before spending the night floating on Halong Bay, you and the kids can enjoy an afternoon exploring the adventure playground that is the Bay itself. Halong Bay gets its name from a Vietnamese Dragon and the story goes that the gods sent a dragon to descend on the Bay to protect its people, and the dragon’s thrashing tail gauged out the huge limestone formations. There’s plenty to do and see in the water, including kayaking, snorkelling and exploring spectacular caves covered in stalagmites.

8/8  Float in the Dead Sea, Jordan

If you’re in need of a lazy day and a well-earned soak after a night of family camping with the Bedouin in Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea is your answer. The extreme levels of salt in the water create an ocean that is much denser than other water, which allows bathers to float effortlessly. Kids will marvel at the feeling of weightlessness and even the less accomplished swimmers won’t need floats, as the water does the hard work for them.

Find out more about floating in Jordan’s Dead Sea