Surf 'n' Paddle: Top Watersports Holidays to Take
Content Editor
Not one for lounging on the beach? Make a splash on your travel plans with these adventurous trips in some of the world’s best watersports destinations.
There’s something majestic about the sheer power of a large body of water. Harnessing that power, be it on a surf board or a kayak, is thrilling. So slide into a wetsuit and get ready to kayaking, snorkelling, whitewater rafting and surfing on these small-group Culture Trips.
Whitewater raft and surf your way around Costa Rica
You can go from the serene to the adrenaline-pumping in no time here, whether you’re in the geothermal hotspots of Arenal or the Pacific coastline of Tamarindo. Meanwhile, we challenge even the most stoic traveller to not go misty-eyed over the cloud forests of Monteverde. Our eight-day Costa Rica trip is not short on adventure, with highlights including waterfall dips in Arenal, whitewater rafting down Tenorio River and an optional surf lesson in Tamarindo. Refuel with an authentic Costa Rican cooking class, and soothe those well-worked muscles in the natural hot springs of Arenal Volcano National Park.
From US$1911.65
Next available from 9th Nov 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
San Jose, Costa Rica
ENDS AT
Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Summer Sale
Snorkel with turtles and dive to underwater statues in Bali
Does snorkelling with sea turtles, swimming in waterfalls and surfing sound like heaven? How about sunrise hikes with a blessing at sacred temples? Cool off in the lush rainforest that’s home to the Banyumala waterfalls, then sample nasi bungkus – you’ll try your hand at making your own version of this banana-leaf staple after an aerial yoga session. Off the coast of Gili Trawangan, snorkel among hawksbill and green turtles, dipping down to see the dreamlike, life-size stone statues on the seabed. Add a surf lesson in Canggu to your active 12-day Balinese break, and you have a watersports retreat like no other.
From US$2098.55
Next available from 5th Oct 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Bali, Indonesia
ENDS AT
Bali, Indonesia
DURATION
12
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Summer Sale
Go canyoning and abseiling down waterfalls in the Azores
Islands are perfect for watersports, and nowhere is that more true than in this remarkable Atlantic archipelago off the coast of Portugal. Its rugged volcanic landscapes make it the perfect adventure playground for adrenaline junkies. On our six-day tour you’ll cycle around and kayak across the surreal crater lakes of Sete Cidades, go whale-watching on an optional marine safari and splash around in waterfall rock pools. The real watersports enthusiasts will love day four the most, as we head to the subtropical forests of Ribeira dos Caldeirõesas to go abseiling across waterfalls and canyoning down slippery ravines. Toast your adventurous achievements in the evening with a cocktail making class and a soak in some geothermal hot springs.
From US$2345.15
Next available from 15th Sep 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
ENDS AT
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
DURATION
6
GROUP SIZE
8
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
This is an updated version of an article originally written by Jo Fernandez.
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