ADVENTURE
A bluestriped grunt fish and a pair of schoolmaster snappers swimming through a coral reef, Belize LEFT: Paddleboarder making his way over a reef in Croatia
7 S C U BA DI V IN G
WHERE For vibrant fauna and flora both
above and below the waterline, it’s hard to beat Belize. The PADI open-water qualification can be attained on the island of Ambergris Cay, with the final qualifying dive likely to be nearby on the world’s second-largest barrier reef among turtles and spotted eagle rays. You can also extend your trip with rainforest tours on the mainland. WHEN Anytime other than the June-November hurricane season. WHAT Qualification starts with some e-learning at home, followed by a couple of pool sessions and four open-water dives at the destination. You’ll learn all the basics along the way and be able to dive independently to a depth of 60 feet. WHO If you’re the kind of swimmer who loves being underwater, scuba diving is a dream. PADI’s minimum age for open water divers is 10. HOW Dive Worldwide offers a week at Ramon’s Village Resort starting from £1,250 per person including air transfers from Belize City and the full PADI Open Water course, but not international travel.
diveworldwide.com
8 S E A K AYAKING
WHERE Sea kayaking has a relatively
low barrier of entry, so first-timers can target somewhere adventurous from the get-go, such as the Johnstone Strait and Broughton Archipelago in British Columbia. Offering sheltered waters, wilderness camping and a mosaic of serene, forested islands, they’re a paddling paradise. The wildlife is truly exciting, with a might-see list that includes orca, humpback and minke whales, dolphins, bald eagles, black bears and sea otters. WHEN Most tours run from June to September. WHAT Landlubbers might find the long, sleek hulls of a kayak a little wobbly at first but a good expedition itinerary will provide enough time to get acquainted with the craſt before the serious paddling starts. Expect four to six hours of paddling a day, with wind strength and weather varying the tempo. HOW Spirit of the West Adventures offers a five- night Johnstone Strait Expedition at £1,310 per person, full board and including camping and kayaking equipment, but not travel to and from the Alder Bay start point.
kayakingtours.com
9 WIN G FOI L IN G
WHERE Dakhla is composed almost entirely
of desert, wind and ocean, making this Moroccan lagoon on the edge of the Western Sahara heaven for aspirant wing foilers. Its sheltered waters, consistent cross-shore winds and complete lack of distractions make it the perfect spot to muscle through the difficult early days of learning. WHEN Between March and October. WHAT Wingfoiling was born as an offshoot of windsurfing, swapping out the big sail for an aerodynamic wing based on the shape of a flying fish. It may seem daunting at first, coordinating the hand-held wing with a fiendish little board underfoot. But when they work together, the board’s underwater foil generates liſt and pushes you up, clean out of the ocean. WHO While many people say that wing foiling is more accessible than kitesurfing, you’ll still need to be fit, flexible and light on your feet. HOW Seven nights’ full board at the Lagon Energy Dakhla resort starts from £1,500 including flights and transfers and six hours of private tuition.
planetwingfoilholidays.com
National Geographic Traveller – Coastal Collection 15
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