There is nothing quite as exhilarating as getting out on the water and enjoying watersports holidays. Have great fun with family and friends while getting some exercise and a different perspective on your destination. We have family-friendly watersports holidays where new skills can be learnt or resort destinations where experienced watersports enthusiasts can find all the thrills they want.
With beautiful coastlines and superb sea conditions, Greece has long been a popular sailing destination. Experienced sailors can island hop across the Aegean Sea or take sailing courses at places such as Rhodes or Lefkas.
There is a wide choice of sailing schools in the South of France where novices can learn new skills with qualified instructors. Experienced sailors can indulge their passion while enjoying the Mediterranean scenery and gastronomy in resorts such as Cannes or Nice.
Book tall ship experiences or day-long sailing courses off the varied coastline of Cornwall. Cruise past dramatic cliffs, immersing yourself in bygone tales of smuggling and trade. Great Cornish spots for sailing include Falmouth, Fowey and Helford.
Explore the varied coastlines and lakes of New Zealand from a kayak. The Abel Tasman National Park is ideal for beginners and experts alike and you may be joined by the park's resident fur seals. If you prefer inland kayaking, Lake Taupo offers rock carvings, waterfalls and volcanic pools.
Miles of coastline, rivers and fjords guarantee kayaking fun in Norway. It's a truly relaxing way of enjoying the spectacular landscape. Take part in guided kayaking trips such as water-based tours of Alesund's Art Nouveau architecture.
Summer and autumn in San Diego bring calm weather and crystal clear waters, making it safe for kayakers of all ages and abilities. Kayaking off La Jolla Shores Beach and explore sea caves or visit sea lion colonies.
Scotland's coastlines, lochs and rivers make it a true kayaking paradise for both beginners and experts. Paddle on remote lochs to truly appreciate Scotland's remote beauty or head to islands such as the Shetlands for challenging sea cave kayaking.
With its Indian Ocean setting and choice of all-inclusive resorts Mauritius is a luxurious winter destination for kitesurfing. Windsurf in the waters of Le Morne's wide lagoon while advanced kitesurfers can enjoy the thrills of offshore waves.
Hawaii delivers sea breezes, warm weather and long stretches of shoreline in abundance making it the ideal kitesurfing destination for both beginners and experts. There are kitesurfing schools at resorts such as Oahu while designated kitesurfing beaches can be found around the coastline.
The Canary Islands of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are both ideal for kitesurfing holidays. All year round sunshine, warm waters and sea breezes provide both beginners and seasoned kitesurfers with the perfect conditions. Fuerteventura is home to the world's largest kitesurfing school.
Fuerteventura literally means 'Strong Wind' so it's no surprise that the island is an all year round windsurfing destination. The north coast resort of Corralejo caters for both beginners and experts while on the south coast, Sotavento offers reliable year-round conditions.
Essaouira is known as Morocco's windy city with perfect windsurfing breezes. Sandy beaches, a buzzing atmosphere and tasty north African food combine with the weather conditions to deliver great windsurfing holidays
A sheltered lagoon and a bay of windswept waves turn Tarifa into one of Spain's hottest destinations for windsurfers. Whatever your level of expertise, this windsurfing paradise has board and equipment rental or windsurfing schools to suit you
Kiotari in Rhodes has a protected bay, ideal for both beginner and advanced waterskiers. The water and air temperatures will tempt you out on the water every day of your Greek island holiday.
The USA has no shortage of coastal and lake waterskiing destinations. Louisiana has man-made waterski lakes for all levels of experience while schools can be found along the Gulf of Mexico coast. Why not combine waterskiing with all the fun of Orlando's Walt Disney World Resort?
Andalucia's warm coastal waters are ideal for waterskiing while inland lakes provide perfect surroundings for beginners to practise their skills. Hire a boat by the hour or day while numerous schools offer qualified instruction.
Calm bays and inlets dot Costa Rica's coastline giving the ideal conditions for paddleboarding. Both beginners and experts can enjoy paddleboarding holidays at destinations such as Guanacaste or the Golfo Dulce off the Osa Peninsula.
Discover hidden Cornwall from a stand-up paddleboard in the creeks around Helford or Truro. The more adventurous can glide over shipwrecks and kelp forests while paddleboarding off the Lizard coastline.
The wonderful clarity of the La Jolla Cove waters reveal California's marine life on paddleboarding holidays. Further inland, Lake Tahoe is reminiscent of the Caribbean with its clear waters and forested shores.
If this selection has "wetted" your appetite for activities on holiday, then we've got loads more suggestions to make your trip a little more physical.
We've got a range of cycling holidays and golf breaks, if you prefer your sports to be land-locked.
When it comes to more watersports, our diving destinations and surfing suggestions are great options.
If it's relaxing you're after, a yoga retreat might help you return refreshed and more flexible,
And check out our main sports holiday pages for more options including moutainbiking and skiing.
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