Before going on vacation, I wanted to buy something new for the kids. Usually, we pack books, markers (which end up getting lost), and some LEGO pieces that eventually end up underfoot. But this time, I decided to look for a toy for the pool or the sea. Something that didn’t need charging, syncing, or 27 apps to work. And that’s how I found the ROBO ALIVE Robo Boats: White Shark & Dino Shark from ZURU.
They looked funny in the photos. Two sharks that move like motorboats. “Swims in five directions,” it said. “Water activated” — even better. Simple. And it was that simplicity that sold me.
Bath Time Without Drama and a Shark Trap in the Pool
On the day of departure, the sharks were already packed. When we arrived at the hotel, the kids immediately ran to the children’s pool. I barely managed to shout, “Don’t soak your heads!” before hearing “DAAAD, SHAAARKS!” They activated right away. The toys, not just the kids.
As soon as they hit the water — they came to life. They zipped around, spun in circles, crashed into the pool edges, and bounced back like boomerangs. Other parents were asking me, “Is that remote-controlled?” — “Nope. Just water.”
Then came the best part. One of the kids came up with a “shark trap” made from a plastic cup floating in the pool. Others joined in. Within 10 minutes, five kids from different families were gathered, building barriers, mazes, and holding races. And there I was, sipping iced coffee, not having to calm anyone down for the first time in ages.
By the way, I didn’t expect it, but these toys are actually pretty powerful. The speed is enough to keep both kids and adults entertained. The mechanism works flawlessly — even when the boat hits an edge, it reverses and redirects. Extra points for the soft propellers that won’t hurt little fingers.
They’re loud. Not deafening, but in a small room, you’ll notice. Also, the batteries drain fast. If your child plays with them constantly, be ready to replace the batteries in a few days. Sometimes, bubble bath water messes with the activation — you’ll have to pull them out, dry them off, and drop them back in.
One of ours stopped working once. I thought it was done for. Turns out, some hair had gotten wrapped around the motor. Cleaned it out — worked like new. So don’t rush to throw them away — sometimes the fix is simple.
Should You Buy It?
Here’s the truth: these two sharks gave me three full days of poolside peace. The kids played, ran, invented rules, and never once asked for a phone. Best of all — no complex setup, no instructions. Just toss them in the water, and play.
They’re a great option for the bath, the pool, or even at home. Even if something goes wrong — it’s not the kind of toy you’ll regret buying. They spark real joy. Yes, they’re noisy. But if your kids actually beg to take a bath because of them — you’ve already won.
Just make sure you check the bathroom at night. Because if one of them wakes up in the sink… that’s not a vacation — that’s a horror movie.