Most kids watch wildlife on TV. Steve Backshall’s kids? They swim with it. Literally. In this episode of The Dadsnet Podcast, Steve shares what fatherhood looks like when your “normal” is manta rays, kayaks, and nose-to-nose encounters with seals.
For many dads, watching Deadly 60 with their kids has become a weekly tradition. But when we sat down with Steve himself, we got a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it’s like for his kids growing up in a world where adventure isn’t just on screen—it’s in their backyard.
“My little girl was four and free diving like a mermaid, with turtles zipping past her ears,” Steve casually drops in.
Yeah. Let that sink in.
Babies, Buggies… and Black Tip Reef Sharks
From a baby in arms surrounded by stingrays in the Indian Ocean to kayaking with dolphins off Cornwall, Steve’s family outings are what most of us would call “bucket list” adventures. But for him, these moments aren’t about being flashy—they’re about sharing joy, building confidence, and creating bonds that last a lifetime.
“I have the privilege and the contacts to give them something special,” he says, “but you can do it right here in the UK too.”
Whether it’s exploring the Isles of Scilly or rock climbing above Cornish seas, Steve’s passion is about getting all kids—his and ours—connected with nature in a way that feels real, thrilling, and totally unforgettable.
From Gray Seals to Growing Up
One of Steve’s most touching stories from the episode involves his son, Logan.
While out kayaking, Logan—just five years old at the time—slipped quietly off the side and swam up to a curious gray seal, meeting it nose to nose. Steve watched from above, stunned.
“I didn’t do that sort of thing until I was in my 20s,” he laughs. “These kids are going to have such a privileged start to life.”
But it’s not about raising little adventurers for show. It’s about giving them the same love for the wild world that Steve credits for giving him everything: happiness, clarity, and joy.
Takeaway for Dads
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Adventure is a mindset: It doesn’t have to be sharks and seals. It can be rockpooling or a trip to the woods.
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Confidence comes from curiosity: Let kids explore, even if it’s messy or muddy.
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Presence > perfection: The best memories aren’t scheduled—they’re stumbled into.
Want to hear more wild dad moments?
Steve’s stories are as entertaining as they are inspiring—and they just might change how you think about your next family outing.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Dadsnet Podcast with Steve Backshall here
