Our Family Boat trip in Ibiza, now in its sixth year of existence, has welcomed onboard more than 11,000 passengers. All families and couples looking to spend a beautiful day at sea in the Nature reserve of Conejera island.
Every day from May to October, except the crew´s day off on mondays, we set out to sea. Our boat comfortably sits forty passengers and is a proud wooden vessel that sails steadily surrounded by the blue and green waters of Ibiza. Brisa III seems to feel happier when she carries children and parents looking forward to a joint adventure.
The welcome onboard
Once everyone is on board, I take a deep breath and I welcome everyone: “Hi, my name is Greg and this is Meet the Sea, a celebration of sea and family…” As I list the safety precautions that we adopt to ensure that snorkelling is a safe adventure, I begin to study the faces of the younger ones sitting with their parents. There are the ones who haven’t yet completely woken up, those who are nervous about what lies ahead and a few that seem really excited about putting on mask and snorkel and meet some of the sea creatures we see in ibiza!
Arriving at Conejera Island
Once we drop anchor in Conejera island, the silence that surrounds the nature reserve is only broken by the occasional seagull. When children hear the anchor being dropped and the engines turn off shortly after, their anxiety increases. Soon, they will be able to swim in those calm and beautiful waters.
As we go around each child fitting them with mask and snorkel, most look at their parents looking for reassuring words and encouragement. This is a key moment where the combined action of the Meet the Sea team and parents determines the success of the trip.
How Parents Can Help Their Children Succeed in the Snorkeling Tour
To get every child to participate in the guided snorkelling tour, we advise parents to do the following:
1. Make sure that mum or dad does participates in the tour with your child. We always take a maximum of 12 in every tour, to keep it small, tight and personal. It is important that your child feel your presence near them, so get into the water with them.
2. If your child is unsure, swim right along them and encourage them to hold on to the lifesaver pulled by our guide, even if they are wearing a life vest. The calm we generate is the calm we pass on. And our team know about hat!
3. If you as an adult are afraid of the sea, let our snorkelling guide know and we will make sure that you always feel comfortable. The tour is short, slow paced and with stops along the way where you can sit or stand.
4. Stay near your child during the tour, the combination of safety materials and the expertise of your guide leading the children will make the child feel secure and willing to carry on.
5. Always let us know if at any time your child wants to go back to the boat. We have a high success rate in convincing them to continue without pressuring them. Do not just swim away and return to the boat. Most times, a few words from our guide and your presence will be enough to calm them.
Understanding Children’s Fear of the Sea
The most important message to understand as parents is that fear of the sea, or a certain discomfort when thinking about swimming in open waters is perfectly natural. Let our team members know when you board and we will reassure you with specific steps to follow. Remember, your child will only follow your example, feelings and attitude.
To succeed together, we must work together. Your child’s success is only a few words of support away and our team is there to guide you.
We are here to guide you every step of the way. Read what our clients say about us!
