Make a splash: 8 great trips for fun in the water
Whether you’re taking your first plunge or are a seasoned pro, nothing beats getting out on, in or under the water while on vacation. We’ve rounded up the destinations with the clearest seas, best breaks and most serene coves for aquatic adventures to remember. Dive in…
Perfect paddling for any ability in Maui
Maui, HI
Want to try stand-up paddle boarding (pictured top), kayaking or canoeing? You won’t find a better place to learn than the calm, clear waters of Maui—especially the sheltered shores of Kapalua Bay. (More advanced paddlers can get their fix at Molokini crater.) Maui has all the aquatic bases covered: snorkeling, scuba diving, and world-class surfing at Ho‘okipa Beach—worth visiting even as a spectator. Take a recovery day for whale watching, where you’ll spot humpback whales breaching and tail-slapping, an experience sure to surprise and delight all ages.
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A cultural guide to Honolulu, Oahu
Close coral encounters in Key West
Key West, FL
You don’t have to go to Australia’s Barrier Reef for a spectacular underwater show. The Florida Keys are home to the only coral reef in the continental United States—and third largest in the world. Those who prefer to stick to the surface can join a boat trip to the spots with the best visibility; while underwater adventurers can dives to shipwrecks (such as the U.S.N.S. Vandenberg) teeming with life that ranges from grouper to nurse sharks. The many dive sites (including Sand Key and its iconic 19th-century lighthouse) offer sights of snappers, parrotfish, barracuda, and all the swirling magical colors found in coral formations.
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A cultural guide to Key West
High-flying kitesurfing in Tarifa
Tarifa, Spain
Why is this part of Spain nicknamed the “Wind Capital of the World”? Tarifa has a unique advantage: Since it’s the southernmost tip of continental Europe, the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic and creates consistently strong wind. Bad news if you’re trying to fold a newspaper, but excellent if you’re into kitesurfing. The gusty wind from the east is ideal for jumps and tricks; the softer wind from the west is perfect for beginners. Carve out time for bird-watching, as Tarifa lies on the migration routes between Europe and Africa—with some luck you’ll see flamingos, herons, ospreys and storks.
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Surf’s up, cost’s down in Canggu
Canggu, Bali
Every surfer knows that surfing is more than just a sport—it’s a vibe. And the vibes are impeccable at laid-back Canggu, whether at the aggressive breaks of Echo Beach (advanced only) or the more forgiving ripples of Batu Bolong Beach (ideal for newbies). The lessons and rentals (not to mention the food and drinks) are surprisingly budget-friendly given the world-class conditions, and non-surfers can find snorkeling at nearby Menjangan Island, known for its pristine coral walls. For extra credit, you won’t regret waking up at 3 a.m. for a sunrise hike up Mount Batur.
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A raft of Colorado River options
Colorado River, southwest U.S.
The Colorado River has something for everyone: For the true adrenaline junkies, white-water rafting through the Grand Canyon—as iconic as it gets—offers Class V rapids and a lifetime’s worth of glorious pits in your stomach. For the rest of us, the Upper Colorado River (Rancho Del Rio to State Bridge) has mild waters for beginners; and Glenwood Springs‘ Class II and III offers something in between. Regardless of your skill level (or attitude to risk), at night, the minimal light pollution allows for epic stargazing.
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Snorkel and scuba goals in Belize
Ambergris Caye, Belize
The shallow reefs around Ambergris Caye offer idyllic waters for snorkeling, where you can get up close and personal with coral gardens, tropical fish, and sea turtles. And for those that are scuba-qualified, there’s the bucket-list site: The Great Blue Hole. This enormous marine sinkhole—1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep—has deep blue water, dramatic stalactite formations, dripstone sheets, and the chance to swim with sharks. It also doesn’t hurt that when drying off you’re in Belize: Kick back and luxuriate in those white sandy beaches.
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Waves and wellness in Nha Trang
Nha Trang, Vietnam
Your mantra for Nha Trang: Thrills then chill. For thrill-seeking, conditions are reliably excellent for kite- and windsurfing, which is why you’ll find plenty of schools, rental shops, and lessons for both rookies and experts. Then for the chill: Nha Trang’s mud baths are rightly celebrated for their wellness benefits, as the mud is rich in minerals (from sulfur to magnesium) and believed to help detoxify the skin and relieve muscle tension. Or soak in the hot mineral waters at the Thap Ba Hot Springs, surrounded by waterfalls and lush gardens.
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Hvar’s secret beaches and secluded coves
Hvar, Croatia
Croatia is a kayaker’s paradise—the Pakleni Islands, off the coast of Hvar, feature hidden beaches and secluded coves accessible only by small boats and kayaks. (Take your time, pack a picnic.) At night, paddle under the stars (tours make this safe) and witness the bioluminescent creatures that light up the Adriatic Sea. And try some underwater photography: The sea life spans from eels to nudibranchs to brilliant shoals of small fishes; go at midday to maximize natural light.
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Jeff Wilser is the author of seven books, a frequent traveler (living in 24 countries in the three years to 2020), and a contributor to The New York Times, GQ, and Fast Company.
