Now you may think that setting sail and traveling to destinations far and wide would be enough to keep everyone amused. Yet the truth is that kids like to have plenty of activities to keep them busy whether they are at home, staying in a hotel, or vacationing on a boat. The good news is that boating with the family opens up the possibility of engaging in many fun water-based activities. Just keep reading to find out more about the ones that are sure to liven up your trip. 

Swimming 

Another obvious but very fun activity that our kids love to do when spending time on the boat is going swimming. Indeed, there is nothing more wonderful than slashing about in the warm, salty waters of the ocean. 

Of course, swimming in the sea is very different from swimming in a pool, and safety needs to always be at the front of your mind. To that end, picking the right spot for swimming, one where there are no strong currents or dangerous wildlife is essential.  

Making sure you have floats, a life jacket, and life rings on hand is vital too, just in case someone does get into difficulty. Lastly, be sure that the kids take regular breaks to recharge, hydrate, and apply more sunscreen in between swimming sessions. 

Freediving 

Of course, if you spend enough time on a boat, swimming becomes like second nature, and so while enjoyable may lose its appeal for some. The good news is there are other water-based activities to try such as freediving or diving without a tank. 

Indeed, there are some real benefits to freediving, not least that you don’t have to take up precocious room on your boat with bulky air tanks. However, because freediving relies on the diver to hold their breath for the duration they are underwater, safety is a vital concern. 

The good news is there are some measures you can take to make sure freediving is as safe as possible. The first of these is to choose the right spot, while the second is to make sure that both adults and children get comprehensively trained in this skill before they dive independently of a professional. 

Last of all, making sure all divers are equipped with the right kit, such as wetsuits like the ones from HiWetsuits as well as depth gauges, and the right weight belts are also vital. Not to mention using flippers that will help anyone diving move more efficiently through the water and so use up less oxygen as they dive. 

Fishing 

One of the most obvious activities to get the whole family engaged while spending time on the boat is fishing. The best bit is that if this activity is successful you can grill up the spoils for lunch or dinner too. 

A successful fishing session depends on a variety of factors including your location, the skill of those fishing, and the equipment you have. Not to mention a little luck. In particular, kitting your boat out with both deep-sea fishing and regular fishing gears such as rods, reel and bait is a smart idea. Educating the kids on how to catch and return is a good idea too, especially if they aren’t so keen on eating their catch.