Very few things in life compare to a hot summer day spent near water. With thousands of beautiful destinations perfect for water enthusiasts, it can, however, be difficult to pick the perfect one for you. Whether you decide to go to a famous surf spot or choose to spend a week exploring a remote location in central Europe, good fun is guaranteed.
Of course, making your choice is much easier when you have some inspiration to start with. Regardless of whether you’re a surfer, kayaker, or scuba diver, the following seven destinations are all well worth checking out.
Coron, Philippines
Few places in the world compare to Coron, a town in the Palawan province. This place has got it all – opportunities to laze on a sandy beach and read a book, or to go on an adventure like no other. Water enthusiasts, particularly those into snorkeling or diving, will feel like they’re in heaven in Coron.
Head to Coron Bay to snorkel among 1940s shipwrecks surrounded by natural reefs, Barracuda Lake for diving, or pay a visit to the Twin lagoons for a wonderful swimming experience. You can also take a dip in some of the region’s hot springs, or, if you prefer to spend time on land, go for a hike.
Algarve, Portugal
This southern region in Portugal is immensely popular with European tourists, and for a good reason. It has 360 sunny days per year and offers access to beautiful nature, including both water and mountains, and every single view is postcard-worthy.
If you’re one for kayaking, you’ll definitely want to go on a tour of the Benagil caves, but it’s also great for those into kitesurfing, windsurfing, or wakeboarding. It’s an awesome trip to take if you want to do more than just splash in the water, as you can take a couple of day trips to Lisbon or Sintra for a bit of historical and cultural exploration.
Sydney, Australia
Surfers should head down under at least once in their life, as the Australian continent offers some of the best opportunities to catch the perfect wave. One beach you simply can’t skip is Bondi Beach in Sydney – a place that has become a definite must for all water enthusiasts. If you’re a beginner, you can learn how to surf at one of the many schools in the area, or you can head to the southern part of the beach that has some more powerful waves.
Once you’re done on the water, make sure you grab a bite to eat, something to drink, and marvel in the relaxed atmosphere of this iconic place.
Cape Town, South Africa
Another great city in the southern hemisphere, Cape Town is an excellent destination for all adventurers. It offers a plethora of opportunities for surfers, kayakers, and even something for those seeking a thrill, such as shark cage diving. It’s a superb place to try stand up paddleboarding, as there are locations for beginners and advanced paddleboarders alike. In order to get the best SUP experience, however, make sure you know what to look for when buying one. That’s because you’re likely to need something versatile if you want to take advantage of everything that Cape Town has to offer.
Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
This picturesque town in the north of the country is ideal for those who want to take a vacation slightly different from what they’d get at the seaside. The region offers an abundance of waterways – over 6,700km of them, in addition to well over 3500 lakes. Canoeing, water skiing, and sailing are particularly popular watersports here. Furthermore, you can take a bike tour of the town, or simply enjoy the food and beer, do some fishing, or just relax. Being 60km from Berlin, this is a great stop for those heading to Germany’s capital.
Lake Tahoe, California
The second deepest lake in the United States is also one that’s a favorite among water sports enthusiasts. It’s perfect for parasailing, rafting, and SUP, and advanced divers can go scuba diving for a unique experience. Once you’re done on the water, hit the trails for some hiking, or visit a casino on the Nevada side of the lake.
Uluwatu, Bali
Last but not least, there are a few places on Earth that have gained almost mythical status among water enthusiasts. Uluwatu, Bali is one such destination: a haven for surfers, with thousands flocking here every year. In addition to water sports, you can also enjoy some pretty amazing sights, including the Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple, where you can experience the Kecak fire dance.
Of course, these are not the only destinations for water enthusiasts. In fact, there are so many places to visit, you could probably spend a lifetime going across the world, looking for fun summer activities. Whichever continent you’d prefer to visit next, there are plenty of surfing opportunities – but for a more complete experience, definitely try out snorkeling, diving, SUP, kayaking, and rafting as well.
Author Bio:
Sarah Kaminski is a life enjoyer, positivity seeker, and a curiosity enthusiast. She is passionate about an eco-friendly lifestyle and adores her cats. She is an avid reader who loves to travel when time allows.
