WATER SPORTS
Dive in! This theme plunges you into aquatic thrills, from riding epic waves to exploring vibrant underwater worlds. Off-season travel unlocks calmer waters, uncrowded breaks, and pristine marine environments, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the adventure of the sea.
Our Top Picks for Water Sports
Portugal: Atlantic Waves & Coastal Breezes
Portugal’s extensive coastline, particularly the Algarve and Silver Coast, is a haven for surfers of all levels, offering consistent swells and diverse breaks. Beyond surfing, its clear waters are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and coastal exploration. The country’s charming coastal towns and delicious seafood provide a perfect complement to days spent on or in the ocean.
Off-Season Benefits:
Autumn (September-November) and Spring (March-May) offer excellent surf conditions with consistent swells and warmer water than winter, but with far fewer surfers than the packed summer months.
Prices for surf camps, lessons, and accommodation are significantly lower.
Coastal towns are quieter, allowing for a more relaxed experience.
Costa Rica: Pura Vida on the Waves
Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts are legendary for their consistent, warm-water surf breaks, catering to beginners and pros alike. Beyond surfing, its lush rainforests meet the ocean, creating incredible opportunities for kayaking through mangroves, whitewater rafting on jungle rivers, and exploring vibrant marine life through snorkeling and diving in protected areas.
Off-Season Benefits:
The “green season” (May-November) is often considered the prime “surf season” with consistent, uncrowded waves.
While it’s the rainy season, showers are often brief and intermittent, and the lush landscape is at its most vibrant.
Accommodation and activity prices are substantially reduced, offering great value.
Egypt (Red Sea): Underwater Wonders Unveiled
The Red Sea is globally renowned as one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations, boasting crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an astonishing diversity of marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, and even sharks. Locations like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada offer easy access to pristine dive sites and fascinating shipwrecks, making it an underwater photographer’s dream.
Off-Season Benefits:
Shoulder seasons (March-May and September-November) offer ideal water temperatures and excellent visibility without the intense summer heat or peak winter crowds.
Dive resorts and liveaboards often have better availability and more competitive pricing.
The calmer conditions outside of peak winds can enhance the diving experience.
Belize: Barrier Reef Bliss
Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef system in the world, making it an unparalleled destination for diving, snorkeling, and marine exploration. Its warm, clear waters teem with exotic fish, nurse sharks, stingrays, and intricate coral formations, including the famous Great Blue Hole. Kayaking and paddleboarding around its idyllic cayes (small islands) offer a serene way to experience its coastal beauty.
Off-Season Benefits:
The wet season (June-November) offers fewer crowds and lower prices for accommodation and dive tours, with rain often occurring in short bursts.
This period can also coincide with better visibility for diving due to less wind, and offers opportunities for whale shark encounters (typically April-June).
Croatia (Dalmatian Coast): Adriatic Paddling & Sailing
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, with its thousands of islands, hidden coves, and ancient walled cities, is perfect for water sports that involve exploring its stunning coastline. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular ways to discover secluded beaches and sea caves, while sailing offers the ultimate freedom to island-hop across the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea.
Off-Season Benefits:
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer warm, pleasant weather for water activities without the intense heat and immense crowds of July and August.
Ferry services and boat rentals are more available and often cheaper, allowing for more flexible exploration.
The sea is still warm enough for swimming and snorkeling.
Thailand (Andaman Coast): Tropical Waters & Island Gems
Thailand’s Andaman Coast, including popular areas like Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands, is famous for its dramatic limestone karsts, emerald waters, and pristine beaches. It’s a prime spot for snorkeling and diving among colorful reefs, sea kayaking through hidden lagoons and caves, and enjoying longtail boat trips to secluded islands. The relaxed island vibe is perfect for water-based adventures.
Off-Season Benefits:
The “green season” (May-October) brings lush landscapes and significantly fewer tourists, leading to lower prices for accommodation and tours.
While there are more rain showers, they often occur in the afternoon, leaving mornings clear for activities.
Dive sites can be less crowded, offering a more intimate experience with marine life.
Morocco (Taghazout): Desert Waves & Surf Culture
Taghazout, a small fishing village on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, has transformed into a vibrant surf hub, offering consistent waves suitable for all levels, particularly during the cooler months. The unique blend of Berber culture, stunning desert landscapes meeting the ocean, and a relaxed surf vibe makes it a distinctive water sports destination. Beyond surfing, the long sandy beaches are ideal for unwinding.
Off-Season Benefits:
Autumn (September-November) and Spring (March-May) provide excellent wave consistency and comfortable temperatures without the intense summer heat or peak holiday crowds.
Surf camp packages and board rentals are often more affordable.
The relaxed atmosphere allows for a deeper immersion into the local surf culture.
Mexico (Baja California Sur): Desert Meets the Sea
Baja California Sur offers a unique combination of desert landscapes meeting the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. It’s a fantastic destination for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling in the calm, clear waters of the Sea of Cortez, which Jacques Cousteau famously called “the world’s aquarium.” Seasonal whale watching (December-April) is another major draw, offering incredible encounters with grey whales and other marine giants.
Off-Season Benefits:
Late spring (April-May) and early autumn (October-November) offer pleasant temperatures, excellent water conditions, and fewer crowds than the peak winter months.
Whale watching season can extend into the shoulder months, providing opportunities for close encounters without the highest prices.
Resorts and tours often offer better deals outside of the main tourist season.
Australia (Gold Coast & Byron Bay): Iconic Breaks, Quieter Shores
Australia’s Gold Coast and Byron Bay are iconic surfing destinations, known for their long, consistent point breaks and vibrant surf culture. While popular year-round, the shoulder seasons offer a chance to experience these world-class waves with fewer crowds. Beyond surfing, the region’s beautiful beaches are great for swimming, paddleboarding, and enjoying the relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Off-Season Benefits:
Autumn (March-May) and Spring (September-November) offer pleasant weather and good swell conditions with significantly fewer domestic and international tourists.
Accommodation and surf lesson prices can be more competitive.
The overall atmosphere is more relaxed, allowing for a better local experience.
Greece (Ionian & Cyclades Islands): Aegean Adventures
Greece’s myriad islands, particularly in the Ionian and Cyclades chains, offer incredibly clear, warm waters perfect for a variety of water sports. Sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are fantastic ways to explore hidden coves, ancient ruins accessible from the sea, and picturesque villages. Snorkeling and diving reveal a rich underwater world, often with historical artifacts.
Off-Season Benefits:
Shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) provide ideal temperatures for swimming and water activities, with warm seas and abundant sunshine but significantly fewer tourists.
Ferry services are still frequent, but accommodation and boat rentals are much more affordable.
The islands retain their authentic charm without the summer crowds.
Ready to make a splash? Click on any of the recommended destinations to explore detailed country guides, including essential travel tips, visa requirements, safety information, and more specific advice on the best times to visit for your water sports adventure.