In the “Travel” section of this site you will find photos, descriptions and interesting facts about travel destinations that are known for water related activities. Whether you’re looking for the most beautiful beaches of the world, that next big wave to surf, coral reefs and underwater wild life to explore while snorkeling, ship wrecks and other underwater sites to explore while scuba diving or the best places to visit on your next fishing trip, you can find it here.
With a countless array of enticing travel destinations at your disposal, just how do you go about choosing the perfect location for your next trip?
It is no mistake that a huge percentage of vacations planned each year revolve around destinations where there are bodies of water. People flock to the world’s best beaches, lakes and rivers for everything from surfing and sailing to jet skiing and fly fishing.
Since it would take us a decade to list each and every one of our favorite travel destinations where there are awesome water sports, we decided to pull together a list of our top ten personal favorites, including some of the best beaches in the world, as well as some of the most scenic lakes and rivers. You can also link to other pages from here to explore more about specific destinations, including in-depth descriptions, photo galleries, interesting facts and safety tips.
So here it goes, in no particular order, our list of the top destinations where you can enjoy a combination of water sports and other activities for the whole family, access to all kinds of great food and entertainment, and scenic views and vistas that you will not soon forget. These are the kinds of places that you find it difficult to leave by the end of the trip; the kinds of places where you find yourself returning, year after year, only for longer periods of time, each time. You get the idea- these destinations are certifiable travel gold and people the world over visit them for very good reason.
Lake Tahoe has been a preferred destination for informed travelers for decades.
You are sure to have a memorable experience, whether you are planning your trip for Tahoe City, Incline Village, Squaw Valley (where the 1960 Winter Olympic Games were held), Northstar, or Emerald Bay, to name only a few of the hottest spots in Tahoe. Carved into the Sierra Nevada mountain range on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in all of North America. It is second in depth only to Crater Lake in Oregon. Next to the Great Lakes, it is the largest lake by volume in the United States.
One of the best things about Lake Tahoe is that you can quite literally enjoy it year-round. Skiers and snowboarders flock to the pristine ski resorts for prime powder from Mother Nature at her finest, whether in late fall, winter or spring. Summer affords an opportunity to get out onto the lake for fishing, jet skiing, parasailing and so much more.
Lake Tahoe also has an interesting history all its own, which attracts scuba divers who plumb the depths in search of wreckage and Tahoe’s hidden history and treasures. Whether you’re planning a warm or cold-weather trip, Lake Tahoe is amongst the most attractive and multi-dimensional destinations in the continental United States.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is at the top of many travelers’ “I really want to go there” lists in 2019, and we can understand why.
Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, with expansive white-sand beaches for as far as the eye can see, this tiny country in the southern part of Central America attracts people in search of gorgeous beaches in memorable natural settings. The Costa Rican beaches provide an idyllic backdrop to any vacation, situated amongst lush tropical rainforest, and boasting towering palm trees, breathtaking, rugged coves and crystal-clear waters.
Some of the best beaches in Costa Rica include: Conchal Beach, Tamarindo Beach, Dominical Beach, Montezuma Beach and Nosara Beach. And that is truly just a short list. Explore our site for more in-depth information about some of these arrestingly beautiful Costa Rican destinations.
The Bahamas
Home to some of the most stunning beaches, crystal blue waters, and technicolor coral reefs in the world, the Bahamas is one of the most alluring vacation hot spots. With over 700 islands and cays in this coral archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, there are virtually limitless possibilities for exploration, activities… and FUN!
For quick-start purposes, check out the three most developed islands in terms of tourism in the Bahamas: Grand Bahama, Paradise Island and New Providence. Oh so many enticing options are there for you to enjoy, from Andros and the Berry Islands to Eleuthera and The Abacos. Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island are adventures unto themselves, with tons of activities for both kids and adults and a focus on tailoring the experience to the tourist crowd.
Maui, Hawaii
It would be fairly easy to make an argument for Maui topping any list of the world’s best beach destinations, no matter how you slice it. The sheer remoteness and vastness of the beaches and the arresting beauty of the horizon are awe-inspiring to say the least. A huge bonus is that Maui boasts more miles of coastline that are suitable for swimming than any of the other Hawaiian Islands, making it an ideal destination for families and people looking to enjoy time basking in some of the calmer waters that Hawaii has to offer.
There are many breathtaking beaches on Maui, and a variety of factors should inform your decision about which of them to consider, not the least of which is the time of year you plan to visit. To get you going, take a look at some of Maui’s finest, including Napili Bay Beach, Kapalua Bay Beach, Ka’anapali Beach and Keawakapu Beach.
Ibiza, Spain
Beach lovers from all over the world flock to Europe in the summer to enjoy the alluring and elegant beaches, attractions, entertainment and nightlife on this small but world-famous island. Ibiza is a part of the Balearic Islands, a Spanish archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. It boasts some of the best nightlife in this part of the world and has held a spot as one of the top destinations for party-goers looking to burn the midnight oil in style next to some of the most pristine beaches in the Mediterranean.
And there is far more to enjoy than just nightlife on Ibiza. From daytrips to the lush, white-sand beaches of Formentera to the amazing, authentic Spanish restaurants, there is something for everyone. Some of the top beaches in Ibiza include Las Salinas (a hotspot for celebrities), Cala d’Hort, Cala Jondal and Benirras Beach. There are activities and water sports for adventure-seeking adrenaline junkies, as well as beginners looking to try their hand at surfing, water-skiing, or scuba diving. It’s all waiting for you in Ibiza.
Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos is a veritable paradise on earth. It is a hugely popular destination for tourists because of its gorgeous beaches, unfettered nature, laid-back lifestyle, and amazing cuisine, shopping and entertainment. Located in the Aegean Sea, Mykonos quite aptly is home to beaches with names such as “Paradise,” and “Super Paradise.” That’s right… those are the actual names of the beaches, and if you get a chance to visit them (which we highly recommend), you will quickly understand why.
Besides the wonderfully scenic beaches, Mykonos is also widely popular for water sports. Known as the “Island of the Winds,” the small island attracts surfers and sailors from around the world. For surfing, windsurfing, and other such activities, take a look at Meyali, Kalafatis, and Korfos, just to get you started. Ornos Bay and Psarou are two more can’t-miss Myknonos beach destinations well worth your exploration.
The French Riviera is without a doubt one of the most enviable travel destinations in the world.
The brand name alone rings of affluence, but even if you don’t have a huge budget to travel on, savvy vacationers who know how to make the best use of today’s travel planning tools can still enjoy a taste of luxury and elegance in this sun-bathed slice of Eden on the Mediterranean Sea.
Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Monaco are three of the most well-known destinations on the French Riviera, but you should also look into Cassis, Antibes, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, and Sain-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Besides the beautiful beaches and the luxurious relaxation afforded in the French Riviera, you can also enjoy a wide array of activities, including taking in the various coastal towns’ art and culture scenes and enjoying nightlife, dining and shopping. Use our site to read up on these destinations in greater detail and for tips on day trips and the best restaurants, shops and entertainment on the elegant Mediterranean coast of southeastern France.
Bali is a universe unto itself.
The unique culture, ability to commune with nature, and access to fascinating and historic culture makes it a one-of-a-kind choice for those looking for a slightly different brand of beach-going vacation. Visiting this majestic locale in Indonesia is truly an unforgettable experience. The scenic beaches and sweeping vistas are not to be outdone by the multitude of breathtaking Hindu temples distributed throughout the landscape.
Parts of Bali can tend to get a little overrun by tourist activity, especially during peak travel season, so be sure to do your planning in advance. The best way to take in Bali is by making sure you plan in such a way that you don’t have to rush. You’ll want to soak in every minute of the culture, history and natural wonder in this paradise retreat in Southeast Asia.
North America’s Rivers
For the purpose of getting the conversation started around some of the best river and whitewater rafting vacation hot spots, we thought we’d go ahead and condense a number of the top picks into one small summary. From here, explore the rest of our site for more details on trip planning, safety tips, gear options and helpful resources.
Keep in mind- this is only a short list of the top rivers in North America for whitewater rafting. This will get you going, but keep your exploration alive. North America is connected by a spectacular river system that spans from coast to coast. Some of the most famous include the Arkansas River in Colorado, the Chattooga River in South Carolina and Georgia, the Tuolumne River in California, the Deschutes River in Oregon, and the Colorado River in Arizona.
When it comes to whitewater rafting, safety is paramount, so be sure to check all the boxes and be prepared for both a fun and safe outing.
Cancun
Yes, Cancun is a major tourist destination and home to many all-inclusive resorts, and many people vacation here. But this doesn’t mean that Cancun doesn’t offer an amazing experience, especially if you know how to plan and visit during non-peak season months.
The shimmering blue water and white sand of Cancun’s wide-spanning beaches are like a soothing balm to anyone in need of relaxation, rest and tranquility. On the other hand, for those who like to amp it up and get the juices flowing, there are limitless options for water sports and activities, as well as entertainment and nightlife. If you stray from the private beach area outside your hotel or resort, think about giving Playa Delfines a try, for a less-crowded, more peaceful vibe.
Although you can’t go wrong with any of the best beach destinations in Mexico such as Cozumel, Acapulco, Playa del Carmen or Cabo San Lucas, Cancun takes our prize for the most scenic beaches and the best access to an array of water-related sports and activities.
