Water based multi activity vacations

Get your kicks both over and under the water on an action packed, multi sport adventure.
Want your waterside vacations to be more about getting active than lying comatose on a sunbed? Then consider going on a water based multi activity vacation. Not only will you be able to try your hand a multitude of different water sports, you’ll be able to do so while exploring a new part of the world from an unusual perspective, too.
One of the best things about multi activity vacations is that you get to take part in a different activity every day or so, instead of focusing on just one thing for an entire week. So, if you don’t take to kayaking it doesn’t matter one bit, as there could be wild swimming, canyoning and rafting right around the corner.

Where can I go on a water based multi activity vacation?

Whichever part of the world you’re interested in there’s a water based multi activity vacation to suit your interests and energy levels. Perhaps the most popular destination is Croatia. There’s a huge variety of landscapes and activities here, and families, couples and solos will feel equally at home, with highlights including the sparkling Dalmatian coast, the rapids of the Cetina River and the pristine waters and lush green interior of low-key Vis Island.
The French mountains also offer top notch water based action, with the Pyrenees providing rafting, canyoning and waterfall swims, including under the Grande Cascade – the highest, free hanging waterfall in Europe. Wales’ wild Pembrokeshire coastline, meanwhile, offers a magical mix of wildlife watching and adventuring, with surfing and coasteering top of the activity charts.
For those keen on more tropical climes, the Maldives and Guadeloupe aren’t just for honeymooners; multi activity breaks in these two stunning countries concentrate on sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving in pristine reefs. Or you could try Costa Rica, Ecuador, Madagascar… the choice is pretty impressive when it comes to finding that adventure sweet spot.

Our top trip

Activity vacation in Montenegro

Activity vacation in Montenegro

An active villa vacation at stunning Lake Skadar, Montenegro

From £745 to £845 8 days ex flights
Small group travel:
2024: 7 Apr, 14 Apr, 21 Apr, 28 Apr, 5 May, 12 May, 19 May, 26 May, 2 Jun, 9 Jun, 16 Jun, 23 Jun, 30 Jun, 7 Jul, 14 Jul, 21 Jul, 28 Jul, 4 Aug, 11 Aug, 18 Aug, 25 Aug, 1 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 29 Sep, 6 Oct, 13 Oct

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Water based activities

Water based multi activity vacations range from easy to challenging. A decent level of fitness is required for most trips as you’ll be keeping active all day, and for the most part, you’ll need to be able to swim. The majority of our trips are small group adventures, though there are some tailor made trips available too, if you want to design your own itinerary.

Kayaking

Exploring the waters from a kayak is often a key part of water based multi activity vacations, whether it be on rivers, lakes, through Caribbean mangroves or along stretches of Croatian coastline. You’ll be provided with full instruction and safety kit, including helmets and life jackets, and young children needn’t miss out; they’ll be able to share a double kayak with a parent or guardian.

Canyoning

Canyoning – climbing, scrambling, swimming and sliding your way through deep gorges and caves – features on many itineraries too, with options on offer everywhere from France to Costa Rica, and children aged eight and over usually able to take part. Alternatively, coasteering, which is hugely popular along the Welsh coastline, is a mixture of shore scrambling, wave riding, cave exploring and cliff jumping.

Underwater pursuits

If you want to head under the water, then many water based multi activity vacations offer a day or two of diving and snorkelling; for example, around the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean or the colourful reefs of the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean. You’ll be spending your time in calm, clear waters with experienced guides, so as long as you can swim, snorkelling should be easy to pick up. For those who want to try their hand at diving, there are often PADI-certified scuba diving lessons available.

Other activities

If you want to take to the water with the wind in your hair, then surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing will suit you down to the ground, and again there’s always full instruction for nervous newbies or those who want to brush up on existing skills. Want to take it easy on the active front? You can try a trip that includes wild swimming in European lakes and rivers. Or sailing among the islands of the Mediterranean or the Maldives, when all you have to do is sit back and admire the view – or maybe take a dip in the sea.
Written by Nana Luckham
Photo credits: [Page banner: Dudarev Mikhail] [Canyoning: Roberto Lumbreras]