The world’s best beaches for adventure seekers

The ultimate beach vacation usually involves laying out on the sand, splashing around in salty waves and topping it off with a frothy cocktail. But who says beaches are only for lounging and sipping umbrella drinks? For active travelers, beaches can supply hours of adventure. Here are the world’s best beaches for activity seekers:

Also: 3 perfect days in Playa del Carmen

Kite surfing in Tarifa, Spain | Flickr CC: simonsimages

Kite surf in Tarifa, Spain

Ranked as the busiest kite surfing destination in the world, Tarifa’s sprawling beaches highlight the region’s spectacular coastline. Andalucia is noted for its beach culture and Tarifa, with its sophisticated food scene as well as kite schools everywhere, is no different. Valdevaqueros is the main beach, but you’ll find the vividly colored kites and surfers everywhere.

Paddle Boarding in San Juan, Puerto Rico | Photo courtesy of Puerto Rico Paddle Board Tours

Stand up paddle board in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Stand up paddle boarding has earned lots of fans all over the globe, but few places can supply the striking urban/island backdrop that boarders enjoy in Puerto Rico. The water sport is a popular activity in the heart of San Juan, at the Condado Lagoon. Beginners and experts alike paddle along the lagoon where buildings, iguanas and starfish are all part of the view.

Humpback whales in Silver Bank, Dominican Republic | Flickr CC: Christopher Michel

Interact with humpback whales at Silver Bank, Dominican Republic

Technically not a beach, the Silver Bank is a submerged limestone plateau in the Dominican Republic and part of the Sanctuary for the Marine Animal of the Dominican Republic. The waters supply a winter haven for thousands of North Atlantic humpback whales and Silver Bank is one of only three places in the world where humans can interact with these rare creatures. Visitors can gently swim or snorkel near the whales, allowing them to choose to engage or not.

Kayaking in Vanuatu | Flickr CC: Greg Watt

Kayak coastal Vanuatu, South Pacific

Kayaking off the coast of one of the most remote islands in the Pacific tops the bucket list for scenic beach excursions. Startingfrom Mele Bay, a local guide leads visitors through the coral reefs and unspoiled natural wonders of Vanuatu. The tour stops on a small sand island near Port Vila, where kayakers learn about the town’s history and wildlife. Kayaking back to the bay, you might be lucky enough to see a dolphin or turtle.

Swimming with whale sharks | Flickr CC: Charlie Marchant

Dive with whale sharks in Holbox,Mexico

This tiny island just west of Cancun features uncrowded, sublime beaches that provide enough low key entertainment by itself, but it’s the whale sharks that draw most visitors. Holbox is one of only a handful of places in the world where these gentle, spotted creatures gather. Noted as the largest fish on earth, travelers come from all over to swim and snorkel with them off the island’s coast.

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Tagged: Caribbean, Mexico