Water fun is back in

Mini Captains

Safe and Fun Water Adventure for Toddlers in West Cork

Toddler Mini Captain boat rides Cork

Mini Adventures for Young Explorers

Looking for a gentle and exciting activity that’s perfect for toddlers and small children? Mini Captains at The Lagoon Activity Centre offers a colourful, child-friendly water experience that’s easy to enjoy and designed with young families in mind. 

Whether it’s your child’s first time on the water or you’re simply looking for a short, memorable outdoor activity, Mini Captains is the perfect introduction to water-based fun in a calm and scenic setting. 

Mini Captain ride gliding across calm waters with two young children accompanied by an adult, all wearing life jackets.
Young child and adult enjoying a calm ride in a colourful Mini Captain watercraft on the lagoon at The Lagoon Activity Centre.

Toddler-Friendly Water Fun in West Cork

Climb aboard and join your shipmate for a light-hearted journey around the lagoon. With simple controls and calm surroundings, this Mini Captains experience gives little ones a chance to build confidence while having fun beside their grown-up. It’s a great option for young families exploring things to do in West Cork, combining safe water fun with lasting memories. 

Popular ride combinations: 

  • 1 adult + 1 child 
  • 1 adult + 2 small children 
  • 2 adults + 1 child 
  • 2 adults + 2 small children 

Each session is €20 per ride. You’re welcome to enjoy it at your own pace, with no set time limit at the moment. We currently have three Mini Captain units available, with a maximum combined weight of 250kg per ride. 

Why Families Love Mini Captains

Mini Captains is a gentle and enjoyable way to introduce young children to water activities without the need for swimming skills. It offers a break from high-energy attractions and suits families looking for something short and calm. The activity is ideal for little ones who may be trying this kind of experience for the first time, giving them a chance to feel in control in a safe and relaxed setting. Many parents also appreciate how easily Mini Captains fits into a full day out, pairing well with other activities like pedal boats or a relaxed visit to Jack’s Shack for lunch or a treat. 

Family on a Mini Captain water ride smiling as they navigate the shallow waters of the lagoon surrounded by gentle waves.
What our visitors say...
google

Went to the Lagoon Activity Centre today for the first time and we had a ball. Went on the paddle boat and got a kayak each. Everything was very straight forward. Staff were very friendly and extremely helpful and such amazing value. Will definitely come back for some more fun when I come to west cork again.

Melissa Bambury July 18, 2021
google

Very well run adventure park.Theres a pretty big inflatable park with water slides, trampoline & obstacles which you get to by speed boat & overseen by lifeguards.There are also peddle boats,kayaking & paddle boards for hire.It has a small shop for drinks & sweets & they make homemade pizzas as well.Good COVID19 measures here & the toilets are spotless.There are a few benches outside & it's great for a picnic in the good weather.

Jim Quinm August 17, 2020
tripadvisor

3 kids from 8 to 11 had a brilliant time on the waterpark activity whilst mammy and 2 small ones had some ice cream and enjoyed the good weather 😀

Stacy August 1, 2021
tripadvisor

Book early. Always a hoot. For all ages! I'm early 50s and go with the teenagers every summer. The new pyramid is a testing climb but worth it. I started with this and got the wetting out of the way early on! Could do with clearing out of the pond scum which accumulates in two

JECTHK July 1, 2021
tripadvisor

It’s my third time in the Lagoona and it never disappoints. I came to do SUP and it was very enjoyable. Prices are also reasonable. Beautiful setting and so many other things to do around

Anna K August 4, 2022
google

Loved it big time. Must do experience of county cork, right after the butter factory.

Thomas McArdle May 23, 2022
tripadvisor

This was such a fun day out for adults AND kids. We kayaked, SUPd, and went on the activity park. They have a great set up, and great staff

missdaraq August 6, 2022
tripadvisor

Brilliant, Went there with 4 kids aged between 8 and 13 plus a big 50yr lol. Kids loves every minute. Staff were great.

Noel C August 16, 2022
tripadvisor

We had a fantastic day with our three chikdren at the floating water park...even our 16 year old enjoyed it. Even the rain couldnt dampen the experience and the staff were very friendly. I would recommend wearing aqua shoes as it can be shallow and stony underfoot.

WalkTheLyne July 1, 2021
google

Fabulous

Dawn Russell August 3, 2021
tripadvisor

We took the trip from Cork City to The Lagoon Activity Centre for the day and it did not disappoint. We had an 8 year old with us and he really enjoyed the water park, as did we it is really great for all ages. Wetsuits and life jackets were provided and there was lovely hot

Nuala R August 1, 2021
google

Great craic, safe for all ages, well worth it.

Brian Dempsey September 10, 2019
tripadvisor

Really, really enjoyable experience at the Lagoon. Wetsuits and life jackets provided, with both changing rooms and showers (for rinsing off only) available. Staff at reception and on the boat were very friendly and chatty. The course was very fun, and the 45 minute time was

Laura S July 1, 2021
google

Lovely well maintained park . Have seen the bin collection guy here even in a sunday morning good parking area.tennis court for older kids lovely lake view and only a walk from the shops and restaurants.

Sylvia Vincent August 8, 2021
google

Great place for both adults and children, wetsuit available if you done bring your own, life jackets also, the lagoon is on about 3/4 foot deep so safe for all type of swimmers, water is salty (seems maybe dirty and stagnant to me but I'm no water expert). Big area for running around on and plenty of obstacles to tackle and then the slides

kieran lavin August 9, 2021
google

It is a very family area for all ages and I really enjoyed my day

Nellie Cohen August 15, 2020
tripadvisor

Excellent - would highly recommend. Everything went so smoothly from when we arrived until the end. The kids all had a great time - they varied from 10-14 years of age. We will definitely be back.

EmmaS581 August 2, 2022
tripadvisor

Heading towards the 40s but still love the inflatable water park so much, my teenagers always have a ball too.

Mimi June 26, 2022
google

Kids had a ball... Lots or running, swimming & climbing... For the spectators, the coffee was really good

Eoin O'Riordan July 15, 2021
google

This activity centre is so much fun, and easy to find in Roscarbery! The staff were wonderful and friendly. Life jackets are supplied, and wetsuits are available if you need them. There are showers and restrooms available, and food to purchase also. The Lagoon Activity Centre is a great laugh. It's a bit on the slippy side, so be prepared to fall into the water if you're walking or running too fast! The water is salty, and while it's around 3ft deep in some places, it's much deeper in other parts. You can also hire out peddle boats, stand up paddle boards and kayaks also. A great activity centre for both adults and kids! 5 out of 5!!

Jenny Clancy July 23, 2021
google

Brilliant

Sean Geary August 13, 2021
google

Very good

Barry Joyce August 17, 2021
google

Very nice staff were very nice

Marcus Finn July 16, 2021
google

Great spot. My 2 boys had a ball. Great facilities, great value. Friendly staff.

tripadvisor

Kids loved it definitely will do it again well worth the money, will do kayaking and pedal boats next time make a day of it

Karen B July 1, 2021
tripadvisor

Fun facilities and a lovely relaxed atmosphere at the centre. Very friendly staff at the centre base. Aqua park was fun but very daunting. Be prepared for essentially a slippery bouncy castle. Those in charge of the Aquapark we very unhelpful, bordering on rude. Myself and others were the ones pulling the dingy closer to the inflatable to help people on and off while they looked on. No positive interaction, just looked constantly bored by our existence and us possibly being in need of a hand. Nothing to wipe the very many cuts I witnessed on the way back. Those on shore were very helpful. Please remember that it is all of our first time on a wobbly, slippery inflatable in deep water that most of us are only on to keep out children happy. Our old bodies ache. It costs nothing to give us a fake smile and a hand onto wobbly polyethylene. In fact, it would go a really long way. You catch more flies with honey then with vinegar. Still had a great time though!

Martha D August 22, 2022
tripadvisor

Had a fab time here with my family. Staff were so friendly and helpful and made sure to look after my little girl.

Danielle M August 1, 2021
google

Pure fun, great staff, fab setting, great value

Fiona O Mahony August 20, 2020
google

Absolutely fantastic place well worth a visit

John Barrett August 1, 2020
google

Great place. Very well run and very safe. A must visit if in west Cork.

Liam O'Grady August 27, 2021
google

Kids loved it!

Garry Helen July 14, 2021
google

Had a fab time here the kayaking was brilliant

Sharron McGee August 4, 2021
google

Great fun all (kids and adults).

Peter O'Higgins July 17, 2020
google

Great family day out. The centre is run very well. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. We've done a few of these water activities and this one is by far out favourite. You take a short boat ride out to it which was very exciting for the kids also. Toilet facilities are very clean and plenty of hand sanitizer. The whole experience from start to finish was fantastic. We'll definitely be returning. Would highly recommend. Our kids are 13 and 11.

Lorraine O Flynn July 21, 2020
tripadvisor

So much fun, staff were brilliant and great value for money. Would definitely recommend this for a family activity……..

Nomad151967 August 7, 2022
google

We loved it...well run with friendly helpful staff...change in your cars as changing rooms are limited...

Cheetra Varian July 9, 2020
tripadvisor

Had a great time with my kids on the inflatable water park. Staff were helpful and friendly. Change rooms are a little small when everyone is trying to get changed after, but thats a minor complaint. Will definitely go again

philpom July 30, 2022
tripadvisor

A really great thing to do with children of all ages!! Tired arms today but such good fun! nWell organised and safe out with lifejackets. They provide wetsuits if needed. nDefinitely recommend

DayTrip328571 August 1, 2022
google

Great fun, great staff.

Avril Kingston August 26, 2019
tripadvisor

Took my two grandchildren to The Lagoon today. They had an absolutely great day and are already planning a return trip! The efficiency and friendliness of staff is second to none! Couldn't recommend it enough. Well done everyone!

Kittythehare27 August 1, 2021
google

It's brilliant but changing rooms are small.

Elbin C Joseph June 26, 2021
google

Very kind, friendly and helpful people behind the desk today and in the boat. Thanks a mill.

tripadvisor

The experience was mixed. If you’re fit you’ll get lots from it . Less so if you’re less so. We went with our Autistic son who felt limited in the things he could because the access to certain obstacles involved going through others he couldn’t manage. Other reviewers have

HoweDublin August 1, 2021
google

Great place during the summer when the water park is there they allso have kenewing peddle boats and paddle surfing and a small shop that sells ice-cream and other stuff.

Ciarán Forsythe October 27, 2020
google

Great fun day out

GM Os September 4, 2021
tripadvisor

Had an amazing day at The Lagoon in Rosscarbery yesterday. We had 13 kids varying in ages from 8-18. They all had an absolute ball. So we’ll organises and safe. All of the employees, lifeguards etc were extremely helpful and great wit the kids. We will be back

Sandra O July 1, 2021
tripadvisor

We went as a family (4 kids ages 16, 14, 6 and 4, and 2 adults) a day out to celebrate the 16th birthday! It's hard to impress the older lads, but they thoroughly enjoyed this! They went on the water park, we watched for a while before bringing the smallies out on a pedal boat.

Niamh H August 1, 2021
tripadvisor

Went with my 8 year old, had an absolute blast,was in bits after the activities and still went out on the kayak after. Staff are amazing and so helpful. Will return on our next trip.

Simon Q August 1, 2021
tripadvisor

I would likely recommend The Lagoon Activity Centre. The family really enjoyed the Total Wipeout style course. They were all smiley and tired afterwards. The coffee was good and the place is very well run and easy to navigate. It is a must see and do in West Cork!

rameire August 5, 2022
google

Brilliant a must for family fun in West Cork

Shane Kennedy August 21, 2021

Try also our other activities

Inflatable water park in the Lagoon Water Activity Centre Rosscarbery - perfect for school tours primary schools

Water Park

Rosscarbery Water Park in West Cork

Young people kayaking in the Lagoon activity Centre

Kayaking

Kids kayaking in West Cork

Two people using stand up paddle boards (SUP) at the Lagoon Activity Centre in Rosscarbery

SUP

Two visitors out paddle boarding in West Cork.

Directions

How To Get Here

The Lagoon Activity Centre is ideally located in Rosscarbery, Co. Cork, just over an hour away from Cork City and around 2 hours from Limerick. Easily accessible by car and on a main bus route (230 bus from Cork City!) The Lagoon is a breeze to get to. 

Mini Captains FAQs

It’s €20 per Mini Captains ride. The price is per unit, not per person.

There’s no set time limit at the moment. Most families enjoy it for around 20 minutes.

We allow combinations like 1 adult + 2 children or 2 adults + 2 small children, provided the total weight doesn’t exceed 250kg.

Yes. Every group must include at least one adult.

Yes, and they’re required for both children and adults. Our staff will help you get fitted and ready.

Definitely. It works great alongside kayaking or a bite at Jack’s Shack.

We recommend it, especially during weekends and holidays, as we only have three units available.