When traveling to a coastal destination, it can be tempting to simply grab a beach towel, find your spot on the sand, and chill. But there’s so much more to do at many of the world’s top beaches.
So, which beaches have the best activities for you? Peruse this list of the most exciting activities in exotic beach paradises and you’re sure to have some ideas for your next beach vacation.
1. Swim With Stingrays in the Cayman Islands
Stingray City is a collection of sandbars off the coast of Grand Cayman where southern stingrays love to gather and take advantage of the shallow seawater. Book an outing with a licensed tour guide to experience this particular corner of the Caribbean Sea and safely get up close and personal with these surprisingly friendly creatures.
2. Hike From the Mountains to the Sea at Tayrona Park, Magdalena, Colombia
Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Tayrona National Park is one of the world’s greatest ecological treasures. Ambitious hikers can hit the mountain and jungle trails and encounter wildlife like howler monkeys, jaguars, armadillos, eagles, and red deer. At the end of their journey lies some of South America’s most pristine and spectacularly scenic beaches.
3. Ocean Kayak in Cape Town, South Africa
If you prefer to row your boat well into the sea, head to Cape Town and sign up for a local kayak tour. Once you paddle your way into the vast seascape of the Atlantic Ocean, you can take in the fantastic views of Table Mountain and Lions Head. Along the way, you might see whales, seals, and sunfish navigating the open ocean.
4. Explore the Ancient Ruins of Santorini, Greece
Travelers usually pack onto this Aegean island to enjoy its stunning beaches and posh luxury hotels. But if you know where to go, you can visit sites like Akrotiri and Thera, where you can explore ancient settlements that date as far back as the Bronze Age. In addition, you can visit still-inhabited towns with medieval architecture, such as Emporio, that have remarkably withstood the many tests of time.
5. Meet the Monkeys of the Sacred Forest in Bali, Indonesia
Though Bali may be well-known for its serene land and seascapes that facilitate tranquil journeys of spiritual discovery, you can also embark on more exciting journeys on this iconic Indonesian island. Among them, the Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud will introduce you to the cute and furry population of long-tailed Balinese macaques who watch over the temples.
6. Discover the Wildlife of the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Hidden some 600 miles off the coast of mainland Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are anything but easy to reach. But adventurous travelers who take the time to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime will be rewarded. From great white sharks and Sei whales to leatherback turtles and Galápagos penguins, animal lovers will have a field day spotting the awe-inspiring native wildlife of these remote Pacific islands.
7. Dive Into the Great Barrier Reef Off of Queensland, Australia
As the world’s most extensive coral reef system, it’s no surprise that the Great Barrier Reef has over 2,900 individual reefs, 900 islands, 400 types of coral, 1,500 fish species, and 4,000 mollusk species. If you’re interested in exploring a world full of amazing underwater sights, take a scuba diving expedition and prepare to be wowed by the many wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8. Go Spelunking in Capri, Italy
If you’re a spelunking aficionado always ready to jump into caves and explore every nook and cranny, then you will likely love the many sea caves of Capri. It’s particularly worthwhile to check out the Blue Grotto on the southern coast of Capri, where the water appears to glow whenever sunlight reaches inside.
9. Windsurf at Puerto Soley, Costa Rica
At first glance, the fishing village of Puerto Soley is another quaint town on the Guanacaste coast. But because this corner of Guanacaste regularly gets high winds, this is the ideal spot for windsurfers at all levels to hit the water and take advantage. While Puerto Soley gets plenty of wind year-round, December to March is the best time to pick up a windsurfing board, or a kiteboard, and hit the water.
10. Sail to Majahuitas Near Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Only accessible by boat, even the ride from Puerto Vallarta to Majahuitas feels downright magical. Take in the majestic mountain views of Puerto Vallarta and look out for the iconic arches of Mismaloya. Upon arrival, you can snorkel in the sparkling emerald waters offshore and explore the verdant jungle on dry land.
11. Ride the Epic Waves of Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Surfing was once considered “the sport of kings” in Hawaii because it was reserved for royalty. If you’re beginning your surfing journey, Poʻipū and Kalapakī are perfect for a scenic, easy ride. But those more experienced surfers searching for epic thrills should ride the great waves of Kauai’s north shore to join surfing royalty.
12. Chase the Waterfalls of Papenoo Valley, Tahiti
While Tahiti may be best known for its gorgeous black-sand beaches, Papenoo Valley has three more of the territory’s greatest natural treasures: Topatari Falls, Vaiharuru Falls, and Puraha Falls. These three waterfalls dramatically pour down the mountains towards the jungle floor, and the valley has roads and trails that let you witness these marvelous waterfalls and the region’s unique native wildlife.
13. Discover the Natural Bridges of Arikok National Park, Aruba
Located southeast of Aruba’s capital city of Oranjestad, Arikok National Park offers a serene respite from the island’s hectic resort corridor. Come to discover the natural bridges perched 25 feet above the sea, and stay to find unique treasures like indigenous rock art, native animals and cacti along the hill trails, and multiple secluded bays at the coastline.
14. Ride the Zip Line on Catalina Island, California, USA
This island south of Los Angeles offers a sweet escape from big city life. When you want the ultimate escape from the ordinary, try riding a zip line 600 feet down the hills at 35 miles per hour. As you ride through the eucalyptus grove, you can spot some of the 60 animal species that can only be found on Catalina. Then, make your way to the town of Avalon’s only beachside restaurant and bar at Descanso Beach Club.
15. Try “Bicycling” on a Catamaran in St. Lucia
While staying at the Viceroy Resort at Sugar Beach, you can pick up multiple exciting activities on and offshore. For something truly unique, try your hand at bicycling—on a miniature catamaran! Take the world’s finest aquatic spin class that offers scenic coastline views and marine wildlife all while riding your bike through the sea.
16. Go Hiking in Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Located just over an hour’s drive north of Los Cabos lies the charming beach town of Todos Santos. The area has several incredible hiking trails, including those at Punta Lobos, that take you up the hills to enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific coastline and down to the quiet beach perfect for surfing and seasonal whale-watching.
17. Camp on the Beach at Apple Tree Bay, New Zealand
Nestled on the southern end of Abel Tasman National Park on New Zealand’s South Island, the Apple Tree Bay campsite can be reached by hiking or boat. Once you’re here, you can set up your camp, spend quality time at its incredible beach, swim in the calm waters, hike, and discover more picturesque vantage points and beach trails.
Enjoy Your Action-Packed Beach Vacation
Paradise can mean many things to many people. If your version is a little more active than passive, get out, explore the world’s beaches, and find an activity that makes paradise a more memorable experience.
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