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The website for your vacation hotel advertises a pool, so you pack your goggles, eager to swim a few laps and stay in shape. When you arrive, you find out that the pool is only 10 yards long, three feet deep and ninety degrees warm. No workout for you. Later, you jump in the ocean for a quick mile, only to be waved in by a lifeguard who tells you that you're not allowed to actually swim at this beach, but you should try the pool at your hotel.

Many swimmers are realizing that enjoying themselves on vacation includes exercising. After working out, they are in a better mood and have more energy. The sun seems to shine brighter, food tastes better and adult beverages feel well-deserved. Enter the swimming-based vacation.

As evidenced by the increasing number of companies offering them, guided swimming vacations are the hot new thing in adventure travel. Fueled by the recent explosion in the number of open water swimmers (due largely to triathlon and the new 10K Olympic event), week-long swimming trips are available all over the world, many led by experienced long-distance champions and channel-crossers. But even though the guides can swim like a yellowfin tuna, their clients need not grow gills to enjoy these adventures.

"We like having clients with diverse swimming abilities", says Tim Fitzpatrick, a guide for SwimVacation , a small adventure travel company that offers swimming vacations in the British Virgin Islands. A former Division I collegiate swimmer and veteran of many grueling long-distance races, Fitzpatrick says "It's not about swimming as fast as you can; it's about enjoying the underwater scenery and the camaraderie of fellow swimmers. Our motto is swim, relax, repeat—with an emphasis on relax".

Vacationing swimmers, especially those from northern climes, are looking for a break from the mind-numbing repetition of doing laps in a 25-yard pool. From the exotic to the historic, guided swimming vacation companies have dreamed up dozens of chlorine-free adventures. SwimTrek , based in the United Kingdom, offers week-long trips to Sicily, Malta, Germany, Scotland, Croatia, and the British Virgin Islands, among several more. Many of SwimTrek's trips are island-hopping adventures, so luggage is hauled by boat from place to place. Simon Murie, a former mining engineer in Australia, Africa and the Philippines, founded the company in 2003 and now hosts over 500 swimmers each year.

Distances vary from day to day, but most swimming adventure companies have one or two daily swims that range from one to three miles. Oceanducks offers swimming excursions to California, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Their Chilean trip includes some one and two mile swims in a beautiful cove called Zapallar, but they also offer stronger swimmers a six-mile swim in rougher waters.

One common theme among all of the swimming adventure companies is safety. Boats or kayaks accompany the groups at all times, and swimmers are encouraged to hop in the trailing vessel if they become too tired. Swimmers are also encouraged to arrive for their vacation in good physical shape as another safety measure. SwimTrek even provides a detailed pre-trip training plan for their clients.

Accommodations for these adventures tend to be on the comfy side. SwimTrek clients stay in hotels and inns as they hop from island to island. Many of Oceanducks tours include lodging in an inviting local home. SwimVacation clients live aboard a spacious 65-foot trimaran sailing yacht.

Good food in large quantities is crucial to tired swimmers, and most vacationing groups take their meals together to discuss the day's adventures. A sense of accomplishment is enjoyed by the group as they sip local libations and watch the sun set over a body of water they just swam across.

Gary Emich, a SwimTrek guide and one of the first people to have made the Alcatraz crossing 100 times (he's now crossed over 500 times), is a big fan of the swimming vacation, "I think the thing that's great about them is that you can eat, drink and be merry as you would on any other vacation, but when you're doing a swimming vacation you work it all off the next day and go to even greater excesses the next evening." Well said, Gary.

SwimVacation offers 7 days of tropical open water swimming aboard the Promenade, a luxury trimaran sailing yacht in the British Virgin Islands. $2,850 to $3,600 all inclusive.

SwimTrek offers many far-flung adventures to destinations such as the Croation Dalmation Coast, the Isles of Sicily and the BVI. $380 to $2,100 for 2-day to 7-day trips.

Oceanducks , based in Santa Barbara, California, offers ocean swimming excursions in California, the Caribbean, Central and South America. $1,750 for the Chilean trip.

Adventure Holidays

Swim adventure.

The Big Blue Swim is the only Greek specialist swimming holiday company, taking you around some of the most beautiful, spectacular and timeless locations in Greece. An attention to detail, passion for what we do combined with local knowledge from our bi-lingual company make our swimming trips an unforgettable experience.

Ionian 12 Islands

6 swimming days, 7 nights’ hotel, 3 guides plus 1 captain

Lefkada island is situated in the clear, warm and calm waters of the Ionian Sea to the West of mainland Greece and is positioned in a haven...

The Minoan Trail

The Big Blue Swim are pleased to release The Minoan Trail, a series of swims based around the truly untamed coastline of Sfakia region, south Crete...

The Volcanic Swim

4 swimming days, 5 nights’ hotel, 3 guides plus 1 captain

Come and experience Santorini, the most spectacular destination in the Mediterranean, a timeless Cycladic island, its rich ancient history still evident in its historical bronze age sites, with deep blue seas yet to be discovered by the discerning swimmer.

HOMER’S ITHACA

The passage home.

…Have Ithaca always in your mind. Your arrival there is what you are destined for. But don't in the least hurry the journey…

The Big Swim Week

The ionian challenge.

Following the success and popularity of the longer swims The Big Blue Team is very excited to offer once again The Big Swim Week, which will run...

Paros - Antiparos

The cycladic swim.

The Big Blue is pleased to announce a new destination in the Aegean Sea which will run in summer 2024. Swimmers should email us to register their interest and get more information.

Following the success and popularity of the longer swims The Big Blue Team is very excited to offer once again The Big Swim Week, which will run:

#TheBigBlueSwim

Spotlight on… calypso island.

Learn a little more about this fascinating, almost deserted island that is known as Calypso Island. We swim around Tripiti Cape, the southernmost part of Europe, where the nymph Calypso fell in love and held captive Odysseus for 7 long years on his way back to Ithaca. Inhabited since Neolithic times...

Swimrun 2022

Over the last few years a new multi-sport combination has become increasingly popular, and that is Swimrun. The purpose of the event is to complete multiple repetitions of swim and run sections...

THE WATER, THE GYM & YOU - WEIGHT TRAINING FOR SWIMMERS

Sometimes swimmers can be sceptical of weight training...but it can help to enhance your overall strength, reduce swimming injuries and will help to increase core strength as well as explosive power whilst in the pool.

Big Blue’s 10 Best Gift Ideas For Swimmers This Christmas

Now, we know many of you may well be super organised and finished your Christmas shopping back in August… but we know some of you may not have even started, or still have a few bits and pieces to get, so here are some ideas...

The big blue swim Awards & Nominations

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Manatee Snorkelling at Crystal River

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The REAL Florida Manatee Adventure

• Transportation Included
• Tour Guide Included
• Groups Allowed
• Lunch Included
• Approx. 12 hours

Swim with Giants on our Manatee Crystal River Tour

Looking for the most immersive Orlando, Florida manatee tours? No other excursion provides such a wide-ranging, in-depth experience as Real Florida Adventures’ carefully crafted Orlando manatee snorkelling in Crystal River. If you’d prefer a more personal experience, choose our Private Manatee Tour in Crystal River . Swim with manatees near Orlando, Florida and enjoy an easy, fuss-free tour experience from start to finish.

What's Included

• Boat tour of Kings Bay and Crystal River
• Complimentary Mask and Snorkel
• Packed Lunch
• Admission into Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
• A wild airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River
• Roundtrip Transportation from International Drive, Disney and Kissimmee areas
• Professional, Certified and Licensed Tour Guide

What's Not Included

• Mandatory $12 wetsuit rental fee for any swimmers

Pick-up Time & Schedule

Margaritaville Resort at 7:45am Main Lobby, 8000 Fins Up Circle, Kissimmee FL 34747

Golden Corral – Lake Buena Vista at 8:00am 8707 Vineland Ave, Orlando FL32821

Orlando Star Flyer at Icon Park at 8:30am 8265 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

What To Bring

• Insect Repellent
• Proof of Confirmation

Here at Real Florida Adventures, we are the no.1 reviewed tour operator in Orlando, and we’re confident we live up to the hype! Keep on reading to find out more about our manatee snorkelling in Crystal River, and please get in touch if you have any questions!

This action-packed Real Florida manatee adventure day starts with a full overview of what’s in store as we head out to the beautiful Crystal River area on the Gulf Coast, 80 miles northwest of Orlando. This is the manatee capital of the world  and the only place in America where it is legal to swim with manatees.

Manatees & Other Wildlife on our Manatee Tour of Crystal River

Crystal River, Florida, is also home to stunning natural springs and lots of wildlife, and you’ll get to meet an essential part of it as we gear up for the signature manatee experience from Orlando under the supervision of a Coast Guard-certified captain *. You will learn all about the unique West Indian manatee – and then get a chance to see some of them up close and personal in the crystal-clear waters of the aptly named Crystal River! While we see these gentle giants almost every time on our Orlando manatee tours, they are wild animals and we can’t guarantee with 100% accuracy where they will be.

Then we head off to 210-acre Homosassa Springs State Park, a genuine hidden gem of Florida nature, where there is plentiful local wildlife to see and hear about, including the endangered Florida panther, black bears, red wolves, bobcats, and alligators, as well as a profusion of birdlife – most notably whooping cranes and flamingos.

Visit Nature’s Fish Bowl

Also here are the unique sights at Nature’s Fish Bowl, an underwater observatory built over the mouth of the main spring where a huge number of fish hang out. The park also has its own manatee rehabilitation program, offering another exciting glimpse of these rare sea mammals. Lunch is also included here.

Airboat Ride on the Withlacoochee River

Finally, the day will conclude with an exciting airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River, another natural haven where you can see more wildlife in its natural habitat. Enjoy the thrill of skimming the water at up to 45mph in these exhilarating, flat-bottomed crafts.

For more incredible experiences during your stay in Florida, you might also like to check out our Tours in (and from) Orlando — our Kennedy Space Center tours are especially popular! We have 40+ years of experience in the industry and we love designing the best possible Florida adventures.

NB: Any person wishing to take part in manatee snorkelling from Orlando must hire a wetsuit prior to boat departure. Snorkel equipment is provided free. This is also a wild setting, so we can’t guarantee exactly when and where the manatees will be.

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Swimming Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 211 most popular swimming trips. compare tour itineraries from 29 tour companies. 319 reviews. 5/5 avg rating., popular swimming tours.

Glimpse Of Indochina In 15 Days

• Enjoy an overnight cruise in the stunning Halong Bay
• Cycle around the villages of Vietnam and attend a cooking class
• Explore the biggest temples complex in the world, Angkor Wat
• See cascades waterfalls right in the middle of lush jungles

At World's End: Embrace the Biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands | April 16, 2022

• Snorkel, kayak and stand-up paddleboard in the Itabaca Channel
• Sleep alongside giant tortoises in El Chato nature reserve
• Hike along lava trails and encounter spectacular birdlife on San Cristóbal
• Swim with sea lions at Punta Carola Beach
• Explore remote, uninhabited islands

Indochina Essence

• Travel through 3 countries by boat, cruise, cyclo, tuk-tuk, and bicycle.
• Sail on one of the world’s most magnificent bays
• Stay one night on the Mekong
• Walk along the small streets of Hanoi Old Quarter
• Discover the famous tunnel network of Cu Chi

5 Days Discovering Galapagos Islands

• Learn about the natural history and conservation efforts of the Galapagos Islands through interactive exhibits and informative displays.
• Encounter colonies of playful sea lions, snorkel among colorful fish and marine life, and relax on pristine beaches surrounded by volcanic landscapes.
• Explore the crystal-clear waters surrounding Kicker Rock, where you can encounter an array of marine life including sharks, rays, sea turtles, and colorful fish.
• Observe unique species such as the waved albatross, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and Galapagos mockingbirds in their natural habitat.
• Explore the pristine beaches and tranquil coves of Puerto Chino, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation amidst breathtaking scenery.

Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour

• Hop on a cyclo and pass through the famed Old Quarter, catching the vibe of city life in Hanoi.
• Drift among the unspoiled areas of Halong Bay, on AH’s overnight cruise. Our more-private crafts are half the size of the usual group-tour boats.
• Paddle a traditional Vietnamese basket boat along the coconut palm-flanked waterways to learn about the local fisherman’s lifestyle.
• Enjoy an evening foodie tour, walking around the ancient town of Hoi An, where colorful lanterns light up the night.
• Take a sampan ride through the picturesque canals of the Mekong Delta.

Colombia 2023 Colombia With Coffee and Culture

• The historic center of Bogotá, "La Candelaria",
• The Gold Museum,
• Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, one of the main tourist sites in Colombia,
• Coffee Farm, beautiful specialty coffee plantations,
• The beautiful landscape of the Cocora Valley

Spirits Of Vietnam - Cambodia -Thailand In 17 Days

• Enjoy an overnight cruise at the UNESCO World Heritage site
• Take a ride in a traditional Vietnamese unique basket boat
• Explore the largest religious monument in the world - Angkor Wat
• Sit back for a relaxing time at the stunning beaches of Phuket

At World's End: Embrace the Biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands | August 27, 2022

All Swimming , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Swimming

Small Group Swimming Tours

Essential Brazil 7 Days/ 6 Nights

• Our tour to Brazil offers rich and fulfilling sightseeing with adventure, relaxation and romance mixed together.
• The alluring nature in the Amazon jungle and its tributaries (like the Rio Negro), elusive native tribes!
• The massive, raging Foz de Iguazu, the biggest waterfall system in the world,

7 Day Cartagena & Caribbean Express Comfort Over 50 Shared Tour

• Cartagena City Tour
• Rosario Islands - Relax in a Tropical Paradise.
• Cabo San Juan in Tayrona Park
• The Lost City of Taironaka

12 Days Exotic North to South Vietnam

• Embark on stunning Hanoi then move to landscape in North of Viet Nam
• Explore Ha Long Bay – one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature
• Marvel at the stunning Paradise Cave, offers a mesmerizing glimpse into Vietnam's natural wonders.
• Explore the ancient allure of Hue through its temples and citadel.
• Relax in the ancient town of Hoi An

7 Day Amazing Tanzania Safari

• Enjoy a day by day wildlife viewing in nature with your professional driver guide
• Visit Arusha town which is a gateway to the Northern Safari circuit
• Game drives in Tarangire National Park, Serengeti Plains and Ngorongoro Crater.
• Spot the ""big 5"" in a 4x4 specially buit for safari
• Enjoy your evenings at the hotel ( you can arrange with your driver to go back to your hotel early after game drives)

Luxury Tour Package of Egypt

• Egypt Luxury Vacations is an Egypt Tour that lets you live your dream by having the most enjoyable tour of Egypt.
• Visit the most famous sites in Cairo and Giza, such as the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Sakkara, Memphis, and the Egyptian Museum.
• Fly to Luxor to visit the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, and the Karnak & Luxor temples.
• Spend the rest of your Egypt travel packages on the beach at leisure in Sharm El Sheikh.
• Book now your Egypt Luxury Tour with us today.

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Trip reviews, above our expectation.

It was a marvellous trip for us in Indochina. Everything was above our expectations except for the vegetarian food for my wife. The itinerary was perfectly organised...

Good choice to South East Asia

I will HIGHLY recommend this tour to my family, friends and work colleagues who are thinking about travelling to Vietnam and South East Asia – and will personally re...

Fanstastic itinerary

Wow!  I couldn’t have asked for a better trip!  Thank you so much. The cities were fantastic as were the rural and water based adventures. The tours and gu...

Warmest greetings from Australia

We made it back to Australia and our home town safe and sound. It is a three hour drive to my home town from Brisbane and I didn’t think it was safe for me to make ...

Best travel consultant ever

All of the tour guides were brilliant – Tony in Hanoi and Sody in Cambodia were my personal faves. All the guides spoke very good English, were very friendly, court...

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Step aboard..

Enter the world of Powerboat Adventures: Board our high speed powerboats for the most exciting trip of your life.

A rush of adrenaline as you leave Nassau to chill with the Exuma Swimming Pigs, feed wild stingrays, sharks and iguanas… surrounded by spectacular views on our very own private Exuma island…

Or Read What Actual Guests Say.....

Our All New Private Charter is Here!

Visit us on our own private island!

Book Your Private Charter Now!

For over 20 years, Powerboat Adventures has been delighting guests from across the globe with the most amazing Exuma Excursion in The Bahamas.

We were the original pioneers of the Exuma tour, and remain the most popular and well received day trip available. Our blend of excitement, natural beauty and impeccable service is unmatched ,

One key to our amazing day is our island, Ship Channel Cay…

No waiting for 30 other boat tours to leave before you can find space to pull up for 10 minutes with the wildlife.

Having our own private place for our guests allowed us to build out the old cottage on the island to provide our bar, dining areas, and a perfect base to hang out in some shade. Throw in sweeping panoramic views of the most amazing water in the world, and we truly do have it all !

The Swimming Pigs, The Stingrays and our Other Friends

And then there’s our wildlife… long before swimming pigs became a ‘thing’, Ship Channel Cay island was home to wild pigs that settled there many, many years before we were on the cay.

They would regularly come down to the beach and nudge a guest for a treat, or just lounge in the sun before cooling off in the water, unphased by the sharks lazily circling close by, or the stingrays gliding up and down the shallow sands.

Today, the swimming pigs on the island are still as friendly, still as cheeky, and still as cute! Our love and respect for the pigs, sharks and stingrays prompted us to ensure all our crew were fully trained in both handling the wildlife and ensuring our guests are kept safe throughout the day.

So come, join us for the experience of a lifetime – you’re in good hands!

Check us out on NassauParadiseIsland.com !

20% off Manatees Tours - Must Travel by June 15th -Promo Code NOW20 - BOOK NOW

Swim with the Manatees, Wildlife Park, Airboat Ride - the original 'Florida Adventure Tour'

Home > Tours > Swim with the Manatees, Wildlife Park, Airboat Ride – the original ‘Florida Adventure Tour’

Swim with the Manatees, Wildlife Park, Airboat Ride – the original ‘Florida Adventure Tour’

Dive into an extraordinary day with Gray Line Orlando! Immerse yourself in the magic of Crystal River as you swim/ snorkel alongside gentle manatees in their natural habitat. After this awe- inspiring encounter, venture to Homosassa State Park, a haven for Florida wildlife rescue. Enjoy a delectable lunch amidst nature's wonders. The excitement continues with an airboat ride at Wild Bills Airboat Tours, adding a thrilling touch to your day. Unforgettable moments await as you explore, dine, and experience the best of nature with Gray Line Orlando!

• Boat ride on the Crystal River and through Kings Bay
• Swim and snorkel where wild manatees live
• Visit the Homosassa State Park to see rescued Florida Wildlife
• Enter the water and snorkel alongside wild manatees
• Enjoy a fun/ thrilling airboat ride at Wild Bills Airboat Tours
• Roundtrip transportation from Orlando, Kissimmee, Universal, or Disney areas
• Equipment provided: mask, snorkel and fins
• Boat ride on Crystal River and Kings Bay
• Admission to Homosassa State Wildlife Park
• Licensed, professional & friendly guide-driver
• Comfortable & air-conditioned transportation
• Picnic Lunch
• Airboat Ride at Wild Bills
• Mandatory $15 wetsuit rental for any swimmers to be paid on tour day
• Food and beverages
• Optional gratuities

Please Note

• Please wear swimsuit under clothes in the morning as it will make things easier upon arrival at the dive shop.
• Bring towels and a change of clothes for after the dive time.
• Mandatory $15 wetsuit rental for swimmers to be paid on tour day, they are cleaned and sanitized between use.
• This activity may not be available on some holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

When would you like to go?

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Pickup points

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Pickup Info

We have meeting points throughout the tourism corridors of Orlando, Lake Buena Vista, and Kissimmee including the Disney and Universal areas. Please arrive to your meeting location at least 5 to 10 minutes prior to the departure time. Wait outside the meeting point as the Guides will not go into lobbies or stores to look for guests

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Swimming Adventure Holidays

Adventure Swimming Holidays with SwimTrek

• Award-Winning Globally Recognised
• Pioneers 15+ Years Experience
• Adventurous & Safe Expert Guides on your trip
• Widest Range Of Locations Over 40 Locations Worldwide

SwimTrek is a UK based travel company running open water swimming holidays both around the British Isles and across the world.

We offer all types of swimming getaways, if you're new to open water we have our introductory course in Mallorca . Our classic SwimTrek trips are up to 7 days but we also offer short escapes and weekend trips closer to home in Scotland and the Lake District .

If you're looking for the ultimate swimming challenge be sure to reserve your place on the world's oldest swim - the Hellespont .

Use the menu below or click here to give us a call and we will help you discover your perfect swim.

Below are a selection of our most popular trip locations, or you can find explore all our destinations.

For further information on any of our swimming holidays, you can call us on 01273 739 713 or email our friendly Customer Service team at [email protected] and to make sure you’re always up to date with our latest events, trips and news join our mailing list below.

We look forward to seeing you in the water!

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Ready to swim with whales?

Join us for the adventure of a life time!

We take you swimming with whales in the ocean around the world!

Operating for more than 24 years , our WhaleSwim Adventures team is your most trusted and experienced Tour Company to go swimming with humpback whales, orca and blue whales . 
We are away from the crowds in some of the most exceptional locations , for you to experience magical encounters with different species of whales (and sometimes, other marine mammals!).

Everything is taken care of, you just have to join us, relax, slip quietly into the water & experience it all in wonder... 

It will touch your heart.   



Our amazing team are  passionate & experienced professionals who have been working closely with whales for the longest time. Our skippers & guides have frequently been labelled as ”Whale Whisperer" .

Every encounter is guided with the most respect for the whales, the environment and your safety. We care for our oceans and they give it back to us to the highest level. We are always in gratitude!   

Newsflash!! We have some incredible Last Minute Specials available for the final few spaces on our Tonga, Tahiti and Aitutaki 2024 tours! Email us at tours@whaleswim for info - be quick though!

Swim with Humpbacks

Tahiti, french polynesia.

A very popular tour! There is nothing that can describe the beauty and gentleness of a humpback whale despite their enormous size. You have to experience it for your self. Even though we have been snorkelling with them for 24 years, we are still deeply touched  on every encounter.  And Moorea, Tahiti is definitely the most magical, stunning island to experience it!

AITUTAKI, COOK ISLANDS

The humpbacks around the "most beautiful island in the world" during their breeding season & we will be there! This is a new exclusive destination allowing us for even more incredible interactions in the South Pacific paradise. A place where you have the whales for yourself!

Get ready to be gob-smacked with the people, the whales & the beauty!

VAVA'U, TONGA

Where our love for the whales began 25 years ago! 

The Vava'u archipelago in northern Tonga is perhaps the most famous place in the world for swimming with humpback whales— and for good reason. The islands form a natural nursery for migrating humpback whales between July and late October, allowing them to raise their calves in peace.

Swim with Blue Whales

Timor leste, ombai wetar strait.

Another new destination for 2024! While looking to get away from the crowds, we found this new destination on an island, in the Ombai Wetar Strait, north of Australia. A little gem, where you will swim with the legendary, biggest animal on the planet, the Blue Whale! You will also connect with so many different mammals & sea life, such as the pilot whales, many different species of dolphins and sometimes, sperm whales!

Swim with Orcas

Tromso, norway.

Close your eyes and picture yourself in one of the most beautiful backdrop swimming with Orcas. This liveboard is for our passionnate ocean lovers. In the comfort of a dry suit, jump in to meet for a week one of the most beautiful and misunderstood underwater creature, the Orca.

Join us for an adventure you will never forget!

Heidi, Colorado

« I cannot put into words how amazing this trip and company were. The entire crew was exceptional. They all made us feel very comfortable in the water and were true whale whisperers! I also liked the fact that they were very respectful of the whales. If there were too many people in the water we would go look for other whales and were always able to find them.  This was by far the best trip of my life and was truly life changing. I could not recommend this company enough and would love to come back some day!  »

Carmen, Melbourne

« I knew when we booked this tour it would be special but i had no idea how life changing it would be. Each day on the water provided a different and equally incredible interaction with the whales. From seeing babies come up from below, mothers and babies swimming together, hearing whale song as we swam, seeing juvenile whales and breaching whales it was as close to a spiritual experience that I could imagine. A big heart fell thank you to the whole team for the most amazing and unforgettable experience of my life.»

Rafa, San Diego

« My wife and I had an experience of a lifetime swimming with whales. Words cannot do justice to how amazing it was. The crew made our trip unforgettable, they treated us like family. Thanks to their expertise, we were able to swim with Humpback Whales every day, and they made sure we were all safe while providing an extraordinary experience. Another note, the food prepared by Emma was exceptionnal! We could definitely come back just for the amazing dishes she prepared!

 Thank you so much for this amazing week!»

"The moment you lock up with the eye of a whale, you will want to do it again, again and again"

What makes us special

Small groups, intimate encounters with the whales, experienced tour leaders and skippers known as the Whale Whisperers & your private chef on some tours... We aspire to make your experience with us not only special but also exclusive, ensuring a truly personalised and exceptional journey over the time you are here with us. You are our priority!

WhaleSwim Adventures Ltd.

New Zealand  based

Operating tours in the Pacific, South East Asia & Norway

For enquiries about Moorea, Aiutaki, Timor Leste, contact Rae :

Whatsapp : +64 21 1101 818

[email protected]

For enquiries about Tonga & Norway, contact Annah:

Whatsapp : +61 483 196 880

[email protected]

Thanks for contacting us! We will get back to you as soon as possible!

COME JOIN US AND TAKE PART IN THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME!

Explore the island’s Northern coast on this 5-hour, swimming pigs adventure tour.

WELCOME TO PIGS BEACH

Come and meet our four legged superstars.

Board one of our roomy catamarans and cut through the crystal clear waters during a short 30 minute boat ride to Pig’s Beach where you will meet, feed, and plunge around in the waves with our world famous swimming pigs.

TOUR CONTENTS

With the splash of an anchor, arrive at the charming Pearl Island.. This quaint and quiet, sun-drenched paradise is the perfect place to unwind for the remainder of your afternoon.

Beach Day at Sun Cay

Lunch package, harbour tour, 30 min swimming pigs, total 5 hours, view complete tour.

WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY

“I just wanted to send a brief (that’ll end up being long) review because this was hands down, the best experience ever! We cruise a lot with carnival and this was the best shore excursion we’ve been on. The staff was fun, kind and AMAZING towards the animals! It’s a true representation of the owner that trickles down to having great staff! The pigs were so friendly and well taken care of compared to another excursion that I’ve been on. The pigs here are even properly protected by the sun! The trainers truly love their jobs! We will return to his quaint island as it’ll forever hold a special memory! I can’t wait to bring my entire family back! Thank you all for what you’re doing and keep spreading the good vibes!” – Ashley from NC –

“If visiting the Nassau area, you definitely have to put Pigs Beach on your MUST DO list! While the pigs are absolutely adorable and the complete stars of the show, the staff was so friendly and accommodating. The facility also has fun things to do like volleyball to entertain us all!! You don’t want to miss this opportunity of a lifetime!” – Ryan Malloy from NC –

wildlife encounters

Pick your next adventure.

Whale Shark Tour

Unique opportunity to swim and snorkel with the biggest fish in the ocean. A full day adventure. Ideal for the whole family to spend some quality time together enjoying the ocean.

Turtles & Cenotes

We will swim in the cenotes’ crystal clear waters surrounded by nature and we will have a guided tour to discover stalactites, stalagmites, sacred plants and the rituals of the ancient Mayans.

BULLSHARKS ADVENTURE

No experience in the open ocean can compare to diving with the bull shark. This dive is truly exhilarating, unique and will forever change your perception of these powerful predators.

SNORKELING ADVENTURE

An escape from a “classic” touristic experiences and known paths. A way to learn that Mexico is not just Piñas Coladas and infinity pools but also traditions, arts and nature!

about eco tours

love and passion

We are proud to be ‘different’ because the experiences we offer are unique and we work with small groups who want to discover the wonders of the Riviera Maya.

Respect for wildlife is an absolute priority for each member of our team, who are marine biologists and certified guides, committed to deliver an unforgettable experience without exploiting natural environment.

we stand for

Minimal environmental impact, an active participation of local communities, conservation, education and the economic benefit to the community.

the neverland island of contoy

Contoy island is a small mexican island located in the state of quintana roo, around 30 km north of isla mujeres., the perfect paradise….

THE NEVERLAND ISLAND OF CONTOY

Feel the beauty of the untouched nature, turquoise water of the Carribean sea and explore the wildlife at its best.

Holbox paradise

Part of the Natural Reserve is a paradise home for flamingos and pelicans which will welcome you for this amazing whole day tour.

Learn more about  eco-tourism, wildlife and nature

good read from our blog

• WHALE SHARK TOUR, ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Meeting the bull shark

TURTLES VS PLASTICS IN THE SEA

Overfishing is happening all over the world

people think we’re

Snorkeling with whale sharks was on our bucket list and we were not disappointed! Mark and Cesar were great guides. They really seemed to care about the sharks and were very knowledgeable about them. The boat crew did a great job and were able to get us some great pictures. We had great service and would not hesitate to do this tour again next time we are in the area.

Un unforgettable trip to Isla Contoy. Amazing time, wonderful experience, great people and delicious meal! Truly recommend!

I don't think I will ever forget the experience and it was a truly incredible one - the whale sharks were incredible and our small group was able to get plenty of time swimming by them! I would come back again through Eco Tours without a doubt.

There are a couple of ways:

• Directly on the site – just pick one or more adventures and follow the checkout process
• Y ou can call us an reserve you place
• You can send us a message on the website specifying a date and a number of persons

Free cancellation 24 hours before the tour.

In the case of not coming the day of the excursion: With the presentation of a medical certificate that proves unavailability 100% refund.

In case of bad weather, 100% of the money will be refunded

In the case of not coming the day of the excursion without any reason: there is no refund.

Actually, all our adventures are a great choice for a family to spend a quality time together in nature. Give us a call for great family packages. We’ll be happy to offer you a customized option based on your specific wishes.

48h – 24h before the adventure we’ll contact you with pick-up details and the exact pick-up time.

Need to add a traveler, change the date, or make another adjustment? Not a problem! In most cases, you can change your booking up to 3 days before your activity. The easiest is to send us an email with the required changes and we’ll get back to you with a reconfirmation. Or you can give us a call and one of our staff members will guide you through the process

Our guides speak:  English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian.

And we all speak the universal language of love towards beauty and nature.

• Eco Tours Adventure
• Playa del Carmen, Mexico
• +52 984 147 9678
• +52 984 147 8664
• info@ecotoursadventure.com
• www.ecotoursadventure.com

We're not around right now. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap.

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World Wild Schooling

12 Incredible Underwater Adventures Across the Globe You Need To Experience

Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.

More often than not, most people travel to a destination with the ocean in mind. Whether it be to sit alongside it in the sunshine with a cocktail in hand, swim in turquoise waters, or explore coral reefs and find the marine life they hide. However, the ocean has so much more to offer.

Shrouded in mystery, the ocean’s depths offer many interesting and exciting activities and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. To learn more, we’ve compiled a list of 12 incredible underwater adventures across the globe. We’ve selected these based on their unique offerings, entertainment, and amazing opportunities. 

Shark Cage Diving in Cape Town, South Africa

Let’s kick things off with a terrifying yet spectacular experience that will get your blood pumping. There are so many great whites off the coast of Cape Town, the South African capital, that skilled shark spotters line the coastline, keeping a lookout. Therefore, you’ll have an excellent chance to see one during a shark cage tour.

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Shark cage diving excursions are available from Simon’s Town harbor. On a tour, you’ll be taken out into deeper waters, put in a wetsuit, placed in a cage with oxygen, and lowered into the water. Then, it’s a case of waiting for the sharks to arrive. If one does, you can get up close and personal with one of the world’s most fearsome predators.

Read also: Colorful Coral Reefs

Cave Diving in Mexico’s Cenotes

Not all underwater adventures across the globe take place in the ocean. Some can take place inland, too, like cave diving in Mexico’s cenotes. Cenotes are naturally formed sinkholes that form when a cave ceiling collapses. These sinkholes can be found all over the Yucatan Peninsula in the southeast of the country, and they’ve become a big hit with cave divers.

Some of the most fascinating cenotes that offer cave diving include Cenote Angelita, Casa Cenote, and Cenote Dos Ojos. The former is home to Quintana Roo’s deepest cave and a uniquely shaped cave called the Temple of Doom. Cenote diving is an extreme activity, so you should be an experienced diver or travel with a tour group. This underwater world is cold, dark, and vast.

Read also:  Iconic Places

Spend the Night in an Underwater Suite in Dubai

The following underwater adventure on our list will see you spend the night underwater in one of Dubai’s most luxurious hotels. Admittedly, this isn’t a natural experience, but it’s still well worth doing if you ever get the chance. Guests at the Atlantis on The Palm in Dubai can spend the night in the resort’s three-story aquatic suites.

🏨 Book this hotel here

The underwater suites at the Atlantis boast breathtaking views of the Ambassador Lagoon, an enormous aquarium home to mock ruins of the lost city of Atlantis and over 65,000 marine animals. You can spot sharks, rays, jellyfish, and groupers from your bedroom.

Read also:  UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Swimming With Orcas in Norway

As if getting into a cage surrounded by great white sharks wasn’t intense and exhilarating enough, underwater adventurers can swim with the top ocean predators – killer whales in Norway. Imagine sharing the Tromsø region’s crystal clear waters with a professional killer known to hunt great white sharks and blue whales. Sounds pretty scary, right?

However, contrary to their name, orcas are surprisingly friendly, curious, and protective marine mammals that don’t bother with humans, thankfully. Therefore, in the icy waters off the coast of Tromsø, travelers can sign up for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that sees them swim with wild orcas. Admittedly, you won’t get too close to the orcas, instead staying close to the side of the boat, but you’ll be close enough for them to sense you.

Read also:  Hidden Gems Across the Globe

Underwater Volcano Diving in Mahengetang, Indonesia

Another incredibly unique underwater experience you can participate in is a volcano diving tour in Indonesia. It’s believed that there are approximately 5,000 active underwater volcanoes worldwide, and one of the most fascinating is found off the coast of Mahengetang in Indonesia.

Here, you’ll find a unique dive site called Banua Wuhu. Adventures can explore a mysterious underwater environment at this dive site with an incredibly rich and diverse seafloor, a tall 1,312-foot (400-meter) submarine volcano, and a massive field of giant sulfur-covered boulders. During a dive, you’ll spot various species of marine life, fascinating rock formations, and three separate volcano cones that rise from the seafloor.

Read also: Incredible Volcanic Destinations

Scuba Diving in Port Royal, Jamaica

History buffs who love the ocean are in for a real treat in Port Royal, Jamaica. Until the 17th century, Port Royal was a thriving pirate stronghold. Known as the “Wickedest City on Earth,” infamous smugglers, privateers, and pirates treated the port as a playground for many years.

However, the port sank after an earthquake in 1692 and a series of hurricanes, tidal waves, and floods. Now, the seafloor where the port once stood is a historical treasure trove, and you can discover it on a scuba diving tour. On a scuba diving trip, you’ll explore the remnants of this once-infamous pirate city, observing the ruins of old buildings.

Read also: Surreal Places in the Caribbean

Explore Antarctica by Submarine

Have you ever wondered what exploring the underwater world of Antarctica would be like? Well, now’s your chance because two Viking cruise ships, Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis, are equipped with two U-Boat Worx Cruise Sub 7 MK II each. These U-boats allow adventures to explore the depths of Antarctica in comfort.

When conditions are right, the submarine can drop to 402 feet (122 meters). At first, all you’ll see is a wall of darkness. Don’t worry; the captain will turn the lights on and reveal a beautiful underwater world filled with underwater waterfalls and colorful marine life. During your dive, you might spot sea spiders, starfish, and sea sponges, among other things.

Read also: Spectacular Glaciers To Visit

Discover the Museum of Subaquatic Art (MUSA) in Cancun, Mexico

Museum enthusiasts looking for a new experience must visit the Museum of Subaquatic Art in Cancun, Mexico. This mind-blowing museum is the biggest underwater museum in the world and a must-see for snorkelers and divers.

At the museum dive site, travelers can explore a beautiful reef filled with unique exhibits and teeming with marine life. When not admiring the unique sculptures, explore the natural reef, keeping your eyes peeled for colorful fish species and unique coral formations. A selection of local and international artists constructed the sculptures on the reef. Most sculptures take the form of people sitting on the ocean floor.

Read also: Mystical Caves Across The World

Travel Across the Sea in a DeepFlight Super Falcon in Laucala, Fiji

For a more fast-paced underwater adventure, head to Laucala Island in Fiji. Laucala was owned by Dietrich Mateschitz, Red Bull’s billionaire owner. As you would expect from the man who gave the world wings, his island is home to an exhilarating experience. He debuted the world’s first resort-based DeepFlight Super Falcon submersible.

This private submarine allows guests at the exclusive resort to travel across the sea floor in style, exploring coral reefs and spotting tropical fish as they go. The two-winged submersible was created by Hawkes Ocean Technologies, who famously created James Cameron’s high-tech submersible. Aside from Laucala’s apparent beauty, this experience is one of the main reasons tourists travel to the luxury island, so don’t miss out.

Read also: Spectacular Tropical Islands

Swim With Manta Rays in Nusa Penida, Indonesia

Nusa Penida is a small island in Indonesia near the southeastern island of Bali . This island is most famous for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and tropical forests. However, one of the best experiences on the island takes place in the sea. On the island’s west side, travelers can snorkel in Manta Bay.

As the name would suggest, Manta Bay is home to many manta rays, a large species of ray that reaches 22 feet (7 meters) wide. Snorkeling alongside these gentle giants is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so make the most of it. During your adventure, you can explore the coral reefs, bursting with fish and attractive coral formations.

Read also: Most Beautiful Beaches in the World

Sleep in a Submarine Hotel in St. Lucia, Caribbean

Sadly, at $292,000 a night, this submarine hotel in St. Lucia is reserved for the world’s elite. However, if you have the funds, you could arguably experience one of the world’s most incredible underwater adventures. Known as the Lover’s Deep Submarine, this luxury submarine will take you around the Caribbean, providing you with a captain, a butler, and a chef.

The submarine crew will happily take their mega-rich guests wherever they want, reaching depths of 650 feet (198 meters) as they do so. Sitting back and drinking champagne, you can gaze out of the windows, spotting beautiful marine life like sea turtles. What’s not to like?

Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

If there’s only one underwater adventure on everyone’s bucket list, it’s most likely to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. Arguably the most iconic underwater destination in the world, it’s somewhere that has to be on your list of things to do before you die.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, featuring nearly 3,000 reefs and 900 islands and stretching for more than 1,429 miles (2,300 kilometers). There are various ways to explore the reef, but snorkeling is the best. On a snorkeling tour, you can take your time exploring the reef and get closer to marine life. Species you can spot include green turtles, clownfish, manta rays, and Maori wrasse.

Read also: Exotic Destinations

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USA TODAY 10Best

Go on epic expeditions with the best adventure tours of 2024

June 5, 2024 // By 10Best Editors

By 10Best Editors June 5, 2024

Summer is calling, and adventure awaits at every turn. Imagine the spray of water on your face as you navigate the rapids, the thrill of reeling in a catch on a sunlit sea, or the wind in your hair as you cycle through scenic trails. This season, embrace the call of the wild with our guide to the most amazing summer activities, from serene boat tours to heart-pounding white water rafting.

To help you plan your greatest adventure yet, we asked readers to cast their votes for the best outdoor adventures across nine categories, and the results are in.

Click on each category below to see the full winners list:

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Best Adventure Tour Operator: Wild Women Expeditions

Wild Women Expeditions specializes in “amazing outdoor adventures for all women.” The company leads trips to more than two dozen countries around the globe, with activities like canoeing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, surfing, sailing, and yoga.

Full list of winners: Best Adventure Tour Operator »

Best Aerial Adventure Park: Botanical World Adventures in Hakalau, Hawaii

See Hawaii from a new perspective as you zoom across eight zip lines that run above and through Botanical World Adventures' rainforest canopy. Fly over waterfalls, pools, and flowering trees, and view exotic plants in the gardens.

The zip lines get faster and longer as you fly through the jungle, and the ride includes two side-by-side ziplines that allow you to race your friends to the finish! This experience is great for both young and old and all expertise levels of “zipping.”

Full list of winners: Best Aerial Adventure Park »

Best Bike Tour: Carolina Tailwinds

Carolina Tailwinds offers multiday, inn-to-inn bicycle tours to destinations largely around the eastern United States, with all bicycle vacations providing a nice balance between physical activity and relaxation.

From flat and easy to hilly and challenging, there are bike routes to choose from for all levels of riders. Guests stay at boutique hotels and country inns, with breakfasts and most lunches and dinners included.

Full list of winners: Best Bike Tour »

Best Boat Tour: Chicago's First Lady Cruises in Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady is led by highly trained docents. On this 90-minute cruise, you'll hear highlights of the city's history, including stories about the visionaries who shaped Chicago's skyline. Options include both daytime tours and evening cocktail cruises.

Full list of winners: Best Boat Tour »

Best Fishing Charter: Hubbard's Marina in Madeira Beach, Florida

In business since 1928, Hubbard's Marina is one of the top authorities for water-based recreation along Florida's Gulf Coast. Fishing trips range from half-day jaunts to 44-hour marathon excursions under the glow of the full moon. Beyond the realm of the reel, guests can also take part in sunset cruises, dolphin tours, and even camping trips on stunning Shell Key.

Full list of winners: Best Fishing Charter »

Best Helicopter Tour: Island Helicopters Kauai in Lihue, Hawaii

There are few things more scenic than seeing the world from a helicopter, and the splendor of Kauai provides an ideal backdrop. Experienced pilots with Island Helicopters share facts about Kauai as you enjoy a bird's-eye view of lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, coastlines, and famous landmarks.

Full list of winners: Best Helicopter Tour »

Best Hot Air Balloon Ride: Grand Adventure Balloon Tours in Winter Park, Colorado

Grand Adventure Balloon Tours in Winter Park offers year-round flights above spectacular Colorado scenery. Views include the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain National Park, with the chance to fly low and spot local wildlife or splash and dash in a nearby pond or river.

Full list of winners: Best Hot Air Balloon Ride »

Best Kayak Tour: Santa Barbara Adventure Company in Santa Barbara, California

Renowned for its balmy Mediterranean climate, Santa Barbara is the perfect city for a lengthy kayak tour. Outdoor adventure aficionados can book both wildlife and sunset excursions along the coast with Santa Barbara Adventure Company, and as an added bonus, there’s no shortage of voyages to nearby Channel Islands National Park.

Full list of winners: Best Kayak Tour »

Best White Water Rafting Tour: Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours in Durango, Colorado

Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours leads rafting trips in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona, with a river for just about any thrill level and trips lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days.

Full list of winners: Best White Water Rafting Tour »

Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in more Readers' Choice Awards.

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Get ready for your next iconic adventure like a pro with these tips

From climbing Kilimanjaro to walking the Camino de Santiago, we asked guides, travelers, and explorers for hacks on how to train for these trips of a lifetime.

The start of a new year is often the time people resolve to tackle bucketlist travel goals: rafting the Colorado River , scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef , exploring the poles. But how does an entry- to intermediate-level adventurer start preparing to make those big dreams a reality?

In 2010, to train for an assignment that required me to live for weeks at Mount Everest Base Camp (elevation 17,598 feet), I snuggled into my cold-weather sleeping bag on the deck outside my home in northern Minnesota during a few weeks of sub-zero temperatures in January. I started with a few hours in daylight and eventually slept out all night without a tent. That exercise helped me discern the number of clothing layers I would need to stay warm and put to rest my fear that I would freeze to death.

The best training isn’t always physical, sometimes it’s psychological or even spiritual. And every adventure requires developing a specific set of skills. That’s why we’ve asked the following experts for their advice on how to approach seven iconic travel experiences.

Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef

“It’s preferable to learn to dive in a place where there’s warm, clear water, as poor visibility can be disorienting and cold water makes it difficult to equalize and draw deep breaths,” says Carrie Miller, co-author of National Geographic’s A Diver’s Guide to the World . Neither should be a problem on the Great Barrier Reef, off the northeastern coast of Australia . There, visibility ranges between 30 to 100 feet depending on the season and water temperatures range from 72 degrees Fahrenheit in the austral summer to 84 degrees in the austral winter.

With many dive training organizations, she says, you can do the coursework and pool sessions in your hometown and complete your course on the Great Barrier Reef.

“Some people don’t take to scuba diving straight away and that’s okay,” she says. “It’s common to struggle with skills like mask clearing and the experience can feel overwhelming.” Practice doing laps in a pool wearing a mask that’s half full of water. This will help you get used to the sensation of water sloshing around your nose.

( Scared to scuba? Here are five reasons it’s finally time to learn .)

One thing to know about the reef is that it has already lost half its corals, so instead of expecting to dive in pristine beauty, use your trip as “an opportunity to learn about the pressures facing the reef,” says Miller.

Whitewater rafting the Grand Canyon  

Extreme heat and submersion are two major risk factors when rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon —neither of which are easy to prepare for in advance, says Kevin Fedarko, a former Colorado River guide and author of the forthcoming book , A Walk in the Park: The Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon.

“There’s an old saying among river guides: ‘If you’re hot, you’re stupid.’ ” To cool off in summer temperatures that often rise well above a hundred degrees, Fedarko recommends that rafters, always under the supervision of their guides, jump into placid sections of the river with their clothes on several times per day. “The Colorado is the best AC you’ve got,” he says. “Getting all of your clothing completely wet allows the effect of evaporative cooling to bring your body temperature back toward normal.”

( Explore 10 amazing river trips in North American parks .)

As for getting dunked in a monster rapid, says Fedarko, “unless you’re a Class V kayaker, the pure shock of being tossed in is so overwhelming there’s little you can do to prepare short of filling up your bathtub with 59-degree water and trying to simulate what it’s like.”

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

The trip to the “ Roof of Africa ,” which soars 19,340 feet above Kilimanjaro National Park , Tanzania , does not require technical climbing skills, but it still calls for caution. Many people ascend too quickly before properly acclimatizing, ultimately succumbing to altitude sickness.

To prepare physically for the ascent, Dave Hahn, a mountaineer and guide for RMI Expeditions , recommends pushing pre-trip workouts beyond just one or two hours at a time. Spend entire days outside doing just about anything. “Ski, snowshoe, pull weeds, whatever. Be slightly uncomfortable for twelve hours at a time,” he says.

( Here’s how the pursuit of one European peak gave rise to modern mountaineering .)

On Kilimanjaro, Hahn tries to time it so that he reaches Uhuru Peak with the sunrise, requiring a near-midnight start, followed by a nearly 10,000-foot descent back to Mweka Camp. “Summit days are extremely long, like 11 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Kili.”

Skiing the Alps

“Skiing in the Alps is so different,” compared to the U.S., says Gordy Megroz, the author of National Geographic’s 100 Slopes of a Lifetime . “The resorts are enormous and often connected.”

For example, Matterhorn Ski Paradise , the highest ski area in the Alps, spans Switzerland and Italy . Because “the hotels are better in Zermatt and the food is better in Italy,” Megroz prefers to stay in Switzerland and ski 6.5 miles in the shadow of the Matterhorn to Cervinia, Italy, to eat lunch.

To prepare for such epic runs, he says, build your endurance and strength by signing up a few months in advance for two- or three-times-per week CrossFit (a workout that focuses on varied, high-intensity, functional movements) or Orange Theory (a workout that focuses on heart-rate zone training) classes. Or find a personal trainer who can set you up with a specific ski training plan.

( Climate change is altering how visitors experience Switzerland’s Eiger mountain .)

“There are no ski areas in the Alps that are easy,” says Megroz—the reason he advises beginner or intermediate skiers to stay on groomed trails, known as “on-piste,” in Europe. If you’re an advanced intermediate and want to explore off-piste, says Megroz, hire a guide. In Europe, unlike in the U.S., many of the ungroomed runs are not bombed by the ski patrol to clear avalanches. “You can certainly ski the off-piste stuff on your own,” says Megroz, “but it’s dangerous.”

Cycling in Tuscany

Few journeys are more idyllic than cycling past the olive groves and vineyards of the Tuscan countryside. On trips like these, “endurance serves travelers more than speed,” says Lauren Hefferon, the founder of 35-year-old bike tour company Ciclismo Classico .

“I always remind people that if they are going on a bike trip, they have all day to cycle the 35 to 40 miles from point A to point B. But even if you ride three to four times per week [pre-trip],” she says, “that will not prepare you for the hills of Tuscany.”

( Take a road trip through Tuscany's breathtaking countryside .)

In addition to logging hours on your bike, Hefferon also recommends going to a gym two to three times per week to build core strength, always reminding clients that multi-day cycling trips are not a race. “Speed might cause exhaustion, disappointment, and an accident.”

Exploring the poles

“People look at these big trips and see the end product,” says Eric Larsen, the polar explorer who in 2010 was the first to reach the North and South Poles and climb Mount Everest in one year. “What you don’t see is the process of getting there.”

This January, Larsen is leading an eight-day polar training course that aims to train BIPOC polar adventurers. His co-leader is Emily Ford , the first Black woman to hike Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail . “I have this philosophy: Train hard, travel easy,” says Larsen. During the course, held on Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota, the attendees spend three days learning how to dress even before they step on to the ice to train.

“It’s very deliberate how slow we go,” says Larsen. “We’re not just throwing people into the woods and telling them, ‘Here’s a toothpick and a piece of jerky.’ The more time you spend outside getting to know your body, the better off you’ll be.”

Walking the Camino de Santiago

Millions of people have walked the Camino de Santiago, the iconic pilgrimage created in the ninth century by the Catholic Church. It’s the one bucket-list travel experience that doesn’t require much—if any—preparation, according to Andrew McCarthy.

In the 1990s, the actor and writer, a self-professed “long-ago lapsed Catholic,” walked the route from Saint Jean Pied-de-Port, France , crossing the Pyrenees mountains, and arriving 500 miles later in Santiago de Compostela, Spain . Halfway through, McCarthy had a life-changing moment when he broke down sobbing in the middle of a field, realizing that fear had dominated his life, a story he retells in his book The Longest Way Home . McCarthy returned to Spain in 2021 to walk the Camino again with his then-19-year-old son, which resulted in his latest book, Walking with Sam .

( Here are three ways to plan a Camino de Santiago hiking pilgrimage . )

So, what is it about this path that is so compelling? “I find walking a powerful thing,” says McCarthy. “It’s the natural rhythm at which we are meant to process things.”

His advice? “Go! Buy your ticket and go within a week. The beauty of the Camino is that it requires no preparation, just a good pair of walking shoes.”

Related Topics

• EXPEDITIONS
• EXPLORATION
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL

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10 Best Travel Adventures For Animal Lovers

Posted: May 29, 2024 | Last updated: June 6, 2024

For travelers who love to be close to animals, there are some remarkable destinations and excursions around the world. Whether you want to swim with sea life, be surrounded by butterflies, or watch magnificent mammals in their natural habitat, one of these adventures could offer you an unmatched experience. Check out ten of the most amazing places where you can see and sometimes touch the most spectacular creatures on the planet.

1. Penguins, Seals, and Whale Watching in Antarctica

For a truly life-changing and unforgettable experience, you can go on a nature tour in Antarctica. The wildlife encounters at the bottom of the globe are unmatched. You can see a variety of penguin species, different types of seals, and humpback and orca whales breaching. And that doesn’t even include all the seabirds and small creatures that pop up.

2. Float Above Manta Rays in Kona, Hawaii

Kona is a gorgeous place where you can admire exotic plants and vibrant greenery, but the wildlife in this area is even more spectacular. Take a boat ride from the Big Island to a manta ray hotspot and then gracefully float on the ocean’s surface. These majestic sea creatures will glide around the water below you, and you can even pet these gentle animals.

3. Alaska’s Running Reindeer Ranch

For Christmas enthusiasts, Alaska’s Running Reindeer Ranch offers a magical and whimsical experience where you can wander around the snowy forest alongside sweet reindeer. This unique adventure is wonderful for families and allows you to spend substantial time with these darling animals, who are more playful and personable than you may think. They’re like hooved puppies!

4. Hang Out With Pandas in Chengdu, China

The Chengdu Panda Park is an exhilarating place where you can walk among these huge and lazy bears in their natural habitat. Pandas are surprisingly rambunctious creatures who have a mischievous side, so watching them go about their business is thrilling and adorable. Depending on the time of day and current park policies, you may even get to hug or hold a panda!

5. The Singapore Butterfly Garden

The Singapore Butterfly Garden is a fabulous destination for anyone who wants to see something magnificent. The garden itself is lovely, but it’s teeming with fluttering creatures that come in all colors. This breathtaking sight is a must-visit for animal enthusiasts, and it’s conveniently located at Changi Airport.

6. Wild Albino Squirrels in Olney, Illinois

You might not think of Illinois as a hotspot for animal lovers, but it’s one of the best places in the world to see albino squirrels in their natural habitat. The city proudly proclaims itself as “The Home of the White Squirrels,” and you can see these unique critters all around the area. Squirrels may not seem exciting, but albino animals are very rare and an interesting sight to behold.

7. Grizzlies at Katmai Falls in Alaska

Most of us have watched a nature documentary or two and seen wild grizzly bears masterfully grab salmon jumping from a stream, but you can see it in person. Katmai Falls is a fantastic place to spot huge brown bears hunting for fish in their natural habitat. Seeing these grand animals use their natural survival skills is wildly awe-inspiring.

8. Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park

This national park is home to a wide array of wildlife, from pigs to eagles to sharks to jaguars to monkeys and more. You can stay overnight at the ranger station and listen to the unique calls of each nocturnal animal and then wake up with all the vibrant creatures and vegetation. In general, Costa Rica is a marvelous place to see many animals in their natural habitat.

9. Galápagos Islands Boat Tour

The Galápagos Islands are another sensational place to see diverse wildlife. The boat tours offer the adventure of a lifetime. You’ll see iguanas, sea lions, cormorants, giant tortoises, albatrosses, hawks, penguins, and more. Plus, the guided tours teach you a lot about the islands’ ecosystem.

10. Dogsledding Outside of Banff, Canada

Banff is a lovely and underrated town in Alberta, Canada. This area offers several dogsled tours where you can glide over the freshly fallen snow pulled by a pack of enthusiastic pups. The tours are available from December to April, and they give you a glimpse at the stunning scenery and incredible wildlife in the snowy forests of Canada.

Misled by Myths: The Truth About 13 Countries’ Misconceptions

It’s time to set the record straight. There are countless popular myths surrounding specific countries that, for better or worse, are taken as fact by millions of people. Recently, men and women met in an online discussion to debunk many widespread misconceptions about certain nations. Let’s let the facts speak for themselves!

Overlooked Destinations: Why These 11 Spots Are Often Ignored

Going to tourist spots to mingle and party is one thing; relaxing is another, and for some, noisy and overcrowded places just defeat the purpose of it all. If you want to discover some hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists, look no further than this list. And a friendly note: Don’t spread the word yet if you don’t want too many people flocking to these places.

12 Unforgettable Tours and Excursions To Add to Your Bucket List

Going on vacation is usually one of the most enjoyable activities surrounding work. In America, we work all year for that one or two weeks of free time and hope to enjoy it thoroughly. Admittedly, exploring a new place on your own is fun and exciting. Still, if you’re in the mood to do some scheduled expeditions, this list can get you started on some incredible opportunities.

Discover 15 of the Most Romantic Destinations in the World

Sometimes, it isn’t where you’re going—it’s whom you’re with. But you can always level up your love story with your choice of a romantic getaway, which includes the experiences you can share and the moments you can capture with your camera. Here, we’re redefining what romance looks like across borders. Picture tranquil settings, thrilling adventures, and charm-filled corners that make these places perfect even for restoring lost love sparks.

11 of the Most Acclaimed and Renowned Museums of All Time

From iconic masterpieces to breathtaking exhibitions, museums are easily the epitome of cultural significance—maybe a shortcut for those who want to revisit history without going to many places. So whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious about the stories behind the brushstrokes, you’ll be thrilled to visit the most famous museums in the world. This blog post will serve as your ultimate guide to these treasures.

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8 North Cascades National Park adventures for this summer

Despite growing pains and staffing challenges, North Cascades National Park remains one of the most rewarding places to explore the mountains in Washington , if not the entire country. The superlative stretch of peaks motivated Bellingham-based nature photographer John D’Onofrio to pen the newly published guidebook, “ Hiking Mt. Baker & the North Cascades .”

“Sure, nowadays there are some places in the North Cascades that attract a crowd and require advance planning to secure a permit,” D’Onofrio said. “But there are also lots of places that are empty of people, where solitude can still be found and where serendipity holds sway. Hikers can experience true wilderness and — with a little effort — the increasingly rare experience of being alone.”

With a lower-than-typical snow year, many of the park’s hikes might melt out sooner than normal, potentially affording a longer-than-average hiking season. Nevertheless, check wta.org for trip reports (and submit your own!) and be prepared for snow travel at higher elevations. Boaters be advised, however, that those same conditions have led to lower-than-normal water levels in Diablo and Ross lakes.

Here are eight ways to explore the park this summer.

Stay at the North Cascades Institute

The North Cascades Institute maintains a world-class environmental learning center on the shores of glacial blue Lake Diablo. It offers spartan but clean and comfortable overnight accommodations in lodge rooms with bunk beds, three healthy cafeteria-style meals included (from $100 per person ; see ncascades.org ). The center is the closest North Cascades National Park has to a grand hotel — just don’t expect anything approaching the white tablecloth ambience of the Paradise Inn Dining Room or Roosevelt Dining Room at Lake Quinault Lodge. Rather, the experience is what my colleague Tan Vinh once called “ nature camp for grown-ups .”

Take a tour of Lake Diablo on a glass-roofed boat

Lake Diablo and neighboring Ross Lake, home to the coveted floating cabins at Ross Lake Resort and boat-in campsites along the lake’s 23-mile serpentine sprawl, are the result of Seattle City Light dams on the Skagit River. Much of the electricity that powers Seattle comes from water draining out of the national park, while tribes are challenging the dams’ future due to their environmental impact. You can ponder those issues on a lake tour aboard the Alice Ross IV , a glass roof boat, offered jointly by the institute and City Light on Wednesdays through Sundays starting July 3 ($50 for adults, $45 for seniors age 62-plus, $30 for youth ages 3-12). Reserve lodging and boat tours at ncascades.org .

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Swim in a “sea of peaks”

If there is one classic hike in the park, with the crowds to match, it’s Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm . Start at the end of Cascade River Road (unpaved for the final 16 miles, but suitable for low-clearance vehicles) and switchback up 1,700 feet across 3.6 miles to Cascade Pass. The view here is stunning as you immerse yourself in the North Cascades “sea of peaks,” as the collection of jagged summits is sometimes described, but it’s worth pushing another 2.5 miles and 2,400 feet up the rocky outcropping of Sahale Arm until you reach the Sahale Glacier Camp. The lucky few campers here (maybe you, if you snagged a lottery spot or a walk-up permit) are perched at the park’s highest-elevation trail-accessible camp.

Climb to an alpine lookout

For another dip into the sea of peaks, perhaps with fewer crowds, try the hike to Hidden Lake Lookout . The trailhead starts after a rutted 5-mile forest road — high clearance recommended — then ascends 3,300 feet over 4.5 miles to one of the most panoramic fire lookouts in the state, cabled to the side of a rock pile. The 360-degree views are spectacular, and you can even spend the night on a first-come, first-serve basis. Consider a donation to Friends of Hidden Lake Lookout to defray maintenance costs. Only a sliver of the trail just before the lookout enters the national park, but the lake itself down below is squarely inside the park — permit required for overnight camping.

Beat the crowds while hiding in plain sight

You wouldn’t know cars are zooming above you on North Cascades Highway while you meander along the cacophony of Ruby Creek . Starting from either the East Bank Trailhead or the Canyon Creek Trailhead, it’s a 6.5-mile round-trip walk through mossy forest and along the occasional sandy riverfront beach. If you’re driving over Highway 20 without plans to otherwise visit North Cascades National Park, consider this forest stroll a worthy pit stop.

Get way off the grid — then ride a cable car

There are many options for plunging deep into the North Cascades for days on end. But only Copper Ridge and the Chilliwack River trails offer you a chance to live an Indiana Jones-style moment, hauling yourself by hand over a raging river on a rickety cable car. Start at the Hannengan Trailhead off Highway 542 (the road to Mt. Baker Ski Area) and head 5.1 miles to Hannegan Pass. From here, you have a choice. Fork right and you’ll reach the cable car crossing at 10.7 miles. Fork left and you’ll reach Copper Lake at 11.2 miles, after passing the Copper Ridge Lookout and some spectacular views of surrounding, rarely seen high peaks like Mount Redoubt. Unfortunately, the trails east of the lake and the cable car are closed due to the 2021 Bear Creek and 2022 Chilliwack fires, so you cannot currently complete this loop hike. This is nevertheless a popular backpacking destination, so overnight permits may be limited.

Wing it below Black Peak

While crowds flock to Rainy Pass Trailhead during larch season for the way-too-popular Heather-Maple Pass Loop, take the offshoot trail west out of the basin and toward towering Black Peak, the 16th highest mountain in Washington. Cross a difficult talus field and ascend above Lewis Lake until you reach the alpine gem that is Wing Lake . This is a rugged 8-mile hike with off-trail sections — you’ll be following cairns or your GPS through the boulder field — but the lake is a stunner, especially if you stay the night for sunrise and sunset. On Labor Day weekend a few years back, my wife and I shared the area with just one other tent. We also got snowed on. That’s the North Cascades for you.

Take an easy stroll through ancient forest

Colonial Creek Campground may be full of families around the campfire, but the longer you stroll up the Thunder Creek Trail , the fewer people you’ll see. This aptly named waterway makes quite the roar when in earshot, a pleasant soundtrack to the old-growth forest setting. With campsites at regular intervals, backpackers of any level will find something they like. Families can start out little ones on a short 1.5-mile jaunt to Thunder Camp, while scenery seekers can press on 10.2 miles to Junction Camp for views out to the Boston Glacier.

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The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.