Surf 'n' Paddle: Top Watersports Holidays to Take
Content and CRM Executive
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.
Snorkelling and kayaking in the tropics of southern Thailand
The islands and bays of southern Thailand, characterised by towering limestone karsts and pristine beaches, are perfect for a bit of fun in the water. That’s certainly the case on this tropical 11-day adventure. Our arrival in the southern region starts with a longtail boat ride, which takes you to your floating raft house – home for the evening. From there we’ll be kayaking through mangrove forests, spotting wild birds on a boat safari and spotting a kaleidoscope of tropical fish while snorkelling around Hong Island. There’s even time for an afternoon spent splashing around at an inflatable water park on Coco Beach.
From US$1657
Next available from 19th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Bangkok, Thailand
ENDS AT
Phuket, Thailand
DURATION
11
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
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$2099
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
San Jose, Costa Rica
ENDS AT
Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
17
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
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$1350
Next available from 7th Oct 2023
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Bali, Indonesia
ENDS AT
Bali, Indonesia
DURATION
12
GROUP SIZE
18
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Kayak with sharks and snorkel with penguins in the Galapagos
This famous Ecuadorian archipelago is a place of discovery, populated with some of the most extraordinary wildlife species on the planet. Our five-day exploration of Darwin’s favourite haunt doesn’t just stick with the giant tortoises on land, though. We’ll be making friends with animals above and below the water. You’ll kayak past white-tipped reef sharks in the Itabaca Channel, snorkel with penguins off the coast of Bartolome and with sea lions on Punta Carola Beach. There’ll be opportunities for stand-up paddleboarding and scuba diving, too, so there’ll be plenty of tales to regale with the tortoises back at our glamping site.
From US$1869
Next available from 6th Jan 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
ENDS AT
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
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$1386
Next available from 29th Mar 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.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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