Wet and wild: 9 aquatic adventures from around the world
Surf, sail and snorkel your way through some of the most beautiful corners of the planet on these amazing active aquatic adventures. Grab your swimming suit now…
1: Dive into Turkey’s clear Lycian waters
Immerse yourself in a wide range of aquatic activities along the breathtaking coastline, canyons and rivers of southern Turkey on this Lycian adventure with Exodus.
Steeped in history and unfathomably beautiful, this part of Turkey will satisfy your body, mind and soul.
By day, you’ll be swimming, diving and sea kayaking in the Mediterranean or canyoning in the awe-inspiring Saklikent Gorge. By night, the ancient streets and laid-back atmosphere of Kas await.
Who:Exodus
When: 5 Aug & 21 Oct
How long: 7 days
How much: From £499 (exc. flights)
2: Chill out in southern Thailand
Swim under wild waterfalls and soak in hot springs hidden deep in the jungle on this southern Thailand adventure with Evaneos.
From canoeing through the Kha Sok Maritime National Park to swimming with giant sea turtles in Surin National Park, you’ll enjoy everything this spectacular part of Thailand has to offer.
A dip under the mighty Punyaban Waterfall is waiting for you, as is pleasant downtime on white sandy beaches and a chilled glass of wine at the Hua Hin Vineyard.
Who:Evaneos
When: Flexible departures throughout 2017
How long: 10 days
How much: £1,391 (exc. flights)
3: A Chamonix river adventure for the whole family
Head to the French Alps this summer for a week of aquatic fun with KE Adventure Travel.
Based in a chalet just outside Chamonix, each day brings a new water-based activity on the River Avre.One day, you’ll be canyoning; the next, white water rafting.
There’s also the chance to go on an exhilarating hydrospeed ride. Finally, end your Alpine adventure with a two-day trek to a mountain refuge.
When: 5 & 9 Aug 2017
How long: 7 days
How much: From £995 (exc. flights)
4: Luxury and serenity in the remote Philippines
Escape the crowds and discover an aquatic wonderland unlike any other on this idyllic island getaway in the Philippines with the Turquoise Holiday Company.
Starting on the remote island of Dedon, you’ll explore crystal clear waters by paddleboard or kayak or with a snorkel and flippers. This is a real barefoot resort experience in an intimate and serene setting with only nine villas.
Next, it’s off to El Nido Pangulasian Island in Palawan, with its dramatic seascape of limestone karsts, just begging to be explored by kayak or outrigger boat, or simply viewed from the comfort of a sugar white beach.
When: Flexible dates throughout 2017
How long: 14 days
How much: From £7,475 (inc. flights)
5: Swim with Beluga whales in Manitoba
Join the elite few who have swum with Beluga whales and seen polar bears in the wild on this small group adventure on Canada’s pristine Hudson Bay with Wildlife Worldwide.
You’ll explore every nook and cranny of the Seal River estuary: by boat, in search of whales, and by foot and tundra tracker, in search of polar bears.
You’ll be accompanied by a fully qualified and knowledgeable guide, and if the conditions are right, you’ll get the chance to suit up and go ice diving in the company of a magnificent and inquisitive pod of whales. Truly, this is a journey to remember.
When: Departures Jul-Aug 2017
How long: 8 days
How much: From £7,795 (exc. flights)
6: A scenic paddle around Halong Bay
Hike, bike and kayak your way through the best of northern Vietnam on this active adventure with Worldwide Expeditions.
This is a journey that will take you from Hanoi to the Mai Chau Highlands and back to the coast. You’ll stay in local homes in ethnic minority villages, cycle past rice paddies and stilted villages and, finally, the unforgettable highlight, paddle around the magical limestone formations of Halong Bay.
When: 4, 25 Sep, 30 Oct, 27 Nov & 11 Dec
How long: 10 days
How much: From £1,390 (exc. flights)
7: Whales, reefs and volcanoes in Tonga
Sail through the myriad of islands that make up the Pacific nation of Tonga on this 10-day liveaboard trip with Dive Worldwide.
This is a trip very much on Tonga time, with the location and activity of the local humpback whales determining the day’s events.
Most mornings will be spent spotting and observing the whales, as well as having opportunities to enjoy a swimming encounter. Afternoons are generally reserved for diving on remote and pristine coral atolls and reefs. The sunsets are spectacular and the hospitality of the locals unforgettable.
Who:Dive Worldwide
When: Departures Jul-Sep 2017
How long: 10 days
How much: POA
8: Swim amongst the Swedes
Summer may not be long in Sweden but the locals certainly know how to make the most of it, as do Discover The World with this week-long adventure on the River Klaralven in Varmland.
The River Klaralven is one of the longest waterways in Scandinavia and, in summer, it’s a hive of activity. Build a raft, float downstream and look out for the otters and beavers that are at their most active.
Whether you hike, bike or canoe, there is no better place to experience a traditional Swedish summer.
When: Departures Jun-Sep 2017
How long: 7 days
How much: From £1,028 (inc. flights)
9: Dip your toes into Costa Rica warm waters
Surfing in Costa Rica (Dreamstime)
Raft on rivers in rainforests, surf the Pacific Ocean and snorkel in the Caribbean on this 16-day active adventure through the pristine landscapes of Costa Rica with TravelLocal.
No matter what water-based activity floats your boat, Costa Rica is guaranteed to deliver. You will kayak through Tortuguero National Park, snorkel in the Cahuita National Park and raft down the mighty Pacuare River.
There’s also the opportunity to learn to surf or simply soak up the sun on gorgeous beaches along both of Costa Rica’s breathtaking coastlines.
Who:Travel Local
When: Flexible dates throughout 2017
How long: 16 days
How much: From £1,710 (exc. flights)
Main image: Kayaking in Thailand (Dreamstime)
