Are you planning a sunny vacation? You want to make the most out of the good weather, so it’s always worth booking a trip to somewhere with lots of water. This could be a coastal destination with sandy beaches or a gorgeous lakefront. In any case, these vacations are wonderful and pave the way for loads of fun water activities.
So, if you’re deciding what to do during your next vacation, here are some of the best water-based activities to try:
Jet Skiing
If you’re looking for a water activity that scores high on the thrill factor, then jet skiing is a brilliant place to start. You don’t need a license to use a jet ski – and a lot of vacation rentals by the sea offer them as a perk. Head out on the ocean in one of these to experience the wind in your hair and the fresh breeze hitting your face.
It’s an invigorating activity that never gets boring. You can spend hours each day out on your jet skis just exploring the open water. Also, if you’re vacationing at a large lake, then you might be able to use them there. Jet skiing is also relatively safe when compared with other high-octane water activities. It’s way safer than windsurfing or general surfing, so you get the thrill without the spill.
Fishing
From a thrilling activity to one that’s way more relaxing. Fishing is one of those things that looks boring but is genuinely fun when you try it. It’s an activity synonymous with old men and lakes, though you can enjoy fishing in all sorts of aquatic areas. Be sure there aren’t any “no fishing” signs before you get started, or you’ll be in a lot of trouble.
You don’t need to take it seriously – if anything, it’s better when you make it more relaxed and fun. Don’t catch fish for dinner; just dangle some bait and see if you get a bite or two. Make it a fun competition to see who can get the biggest fish, then release it back into the water.
Fishing is a fun little way to see more of the aquatic life around you. It draws different fish to your location, which moves us nicely to the next option.
Scuba Diving
Do you want to see loads of beautiful fish and marine life? Are you keen to get closer to the ocean floor and marvel at majestic reefs and other underwater surroundings? Scuba diving is easily the ultimate water activity for a vacation. It’s incredibly fun to do – and it’s one of those “once in a lifetime” experiences.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to go on a course before you book open water diving adventures. Thankfully, almost all diving providers will have courses for you to take before heading out to sea. You’ll also end up with a certification that lets you go on other diving experiences in different places.
This is a brilliant activity if you’re vacationing somewhere with coral reefs and lots of underwater life. It’s eye-opening to see the world below you, and you get a true sense of how vast the ocean is.
Snorkeling
Does scuba diving seem too extreme for you? Some people don’t want to do it because of health issues or simply because they have young children. If that’s the case, then snorkeling is a wonderful substitute. It’s like scuba diving, only way safer and you’re barely going below the surface. This is a kid-friendly vacation activity as well, so your children can have fun looking below the ocean.
You won’t need any special equipment or breathing gear to snorkel, and you can technically do it wherever there’s water. Just wear the snorkel and dip your head underwater – ensuring the breathing tube isn’t submerged. The goggles make it easy to see everything, and it works best when you’re near reefs or places with lots of fish close to the surface.
Paddleboarding
Let’s round things off with another relaxing water activity. Paddleboarding is when you stand on a board and use a long paddle to move across the water. It requires a decent amount of balance, though beginners can start kneeling.
You’ll like this option for lake vacations or if you’re near a bay area. It’s not suitable for young children without a guide or in places with strong currents or waves. The whole idea is to paddle along at a slow pace, taking in the beauty around you.
Water activities force you to go out and enjoy the sun. They’re perfect for summer vacations as you’re not sitting down sunbathing and barely moving a muscle. Plus, if you have kids, then these activities are a must to tire them out and stop them from whinging!
