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.
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.
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.
DISCOVER MORE SPLASHY FUN WITH ZURU ROBO ALIVE BOAT