ADVENTURE TRAVEL
SNORKELLING AND KAYAKING IN PALAU This archipelago of over 500 islands in Micronesia is home to more than 1,300 species of fish and 700 types of coral. There are emerald forests that stretch out to clear turquoise waters, with more pops of colour underwater. Conservation-focused Palau runs a 193,000sq-mile marine reserve (one of the world’s largest) here that’s an ideal place to snorkel over coral gardens to spot sharks and turtles, or kayak between inlets to Rock Island Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. National Geographic Expeditions leads a
small (16 people) group trip here with expert guides. The 10-day itinerary starts and finishes at Koror in a luxury hotel overlooking the lagoon. From here, the group sets out to snorkel, paddle, cruise and swim around part of the archipelago, through stalactite-adorned caves and into hidden coves for lunches before staying in resorts along the way, with smaller inland hikes scattered throughout. Part of the itinerary goes to one of Palau’s most unusual natural wonders, Jellyfish Lake, a saltwater home to around 20 million non-stinging golden jellyfish, as well as to Milky Way Lagoon, where guests can bathe in calcium- rich clay. ESSENTIALS: From £6,095 per person, including meals, accommodation, activities and transfers.
nationalgeographicexpeditions.co.uk
DIVING IN OMAN Oman’s coastline stretches for almost 2,000 miles and most of it is relatively untouched, leaving an abundance of marine life to thrive in its nutrient-rich waters that are warm throughout the year. Many of the same coral species and marine life native to the Red Sea can also be found here, with 22 species of dolphin and whales and schools of mobula rays populating the warm waters. With golden mountains as a backdrop, the capital, Muscat, makes the perfect base for diving excursions — there are over 40 dive sites nearby that take in wrecks, islands and deep drop- offs. Having a slightly cooler water temperature than the rest of the coastline brings in plenty of plankton, which attracts dolphins, reef sharks, turtles, stingrays and whale sharks. Responsible Travel offers an 11-day luxury trip
that takes in both these dive destinations through daily shore and boat dives. Partners behind the trip promote inclusivity for LGBTQ+ travellers, plus, with every trip booked, Responsible Travel arranges a day trip for a disadvantaged child. ESSENTIALS: From £2,116 per person, including flights, accommodation, dives, equipment hire and some meals.
responsibletravel.com
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nationalgeographic.co.uk/collection
ICE DRIVING IN SWEDEN On the border of the Arctic Circle in Sweden, Laponie Ice Driving is unlike anywhere else in the world. Here, visitors can drive around a full-size replica Formula 1 course carved into a frozen lake. Porsche, Audi, Maserati and other renowned cars are all available to test out on the 13 circuits, etched into around 3,000 acres of icy lake. Given its location, it’s not uncommon for the Northern Lights to display above the track, too. Ker Downey offers a five-day Arctic Ice Driving
adventure. The trip starts with a stay in the capital, Stockholm, at the Grand Hôtel. In the city, guests can explore by bike or on foot, take a boat through the archipelago or view the city by air in a hot air balloon or private helicopter. The next morning, the trip moves to Arvidsjaur for three nights of ice adventure at Laponie Ice Driving, where professional drivers are on hand to provide instruction. Guests stay at luxury Hotel Silverhatten, which features a spa for soothing the aſter-effects of earlier adrenaline spikes. ESSENTIALS: The itinerary starts from $35,000 (£25,800) per person and includes accommodation, experiences and most meals.
kerdowney.com
PREVIOUS PAGE: Lake and snowy mountains, Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Divers in Palau’s coral reef explore giant gorgonians and giant fan corals; ski mountaineering decent in Antarctica; Nansen Island, Antarctica; vicunas, with Chimborazo volcano in the background, Ecuador
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