Maui, HI

Want to try stand-up paddleboarding (pictured up top), kayaking or canoeing? You won’t find a better place to learn than the calm, clear waters of Maui—especially the sheltered shores of Kapalua Bay. More advanced paddlers can get their fix at Molokini Crater. Maui has all the aquatic bases covered: snorkelling, scuba diving and world-class surfing at Ho‘okipa Beach—worth visiting even as a spectator. Take a recovery day for whale watching, where you’ll spot humpback whales breaching and tail-slapping, an experience sure to surprise and delight all ages.

Key West, FL

You don’t have to go to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef for a spectacular underwater show. The Florida Keys are home to the only coral reef in the continental United States—and the third largest in the world. Those who prefer to stick to the surface can join a boat trip to the spots with the best visibility. While underwater, adventurers can dive to shipwrecks (such as the USNS Vandenberg) teeming with life that range from groupers to nurse sharks. The many dive sites (including Sand Key and its iconic 19th-century lighthouse) offer sights of snappers, parrotfish, barracuda and all the swirling magical colours found in coral formations.

Tarifa, Spain

Why is this part of Spain nicknamed the ‘Wind Capital of Europe’? Tarifa has a unique advantage. Since it’s the southernmost tip of continental Europe, the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic and creates consistently strong wind. Bad news if you’re trying to fold a newspaper, but excellent if you’re into kitesurfing. The gusty wind from the east is ideal for jumps and tricks; the softer wind from the west is perfect for beginners. Carve out time for bird-watching, as Tarifa lies on the migration routes between Europe and Africa—with some luck, you’ll see flamingos, herons, ospreys and storks.

Canggu, Bali

Every surfer knows that surfing is more than just a sport—it’s a vibe. And the vibes are impeccable at laid-back Canggu, whether at the aggressive breaks of Echo Beach (advanced only) or the more forgiving ripples of Batu Bolong Beach (ideal for newbies). The lessons and hires (not to mention the food and drinks) are surprisingly budget-friendly given the world-class conditions, and non-surfers can find snorkelling at nearby Menjangan Island, known for its pristine coral walls. For extra credit, you won’t regret waking up at 3am for a sunrise hike up Mt. Batur.

Colorado River, Southwestern US

The Colorado River has something for everyone. For the true adrenaline junkies, white-water rafting through the Grand Canyon—as iconic as it gets—offers Class V rapids and a lifetime’s worth of glorious butterflies in your stomach. For the rest of us, the Upper Colorado River (Rancho Del Rio to State Bridge) has mild waters for beginners; and Glenwood Springs’ Class II and III offers something in between. Regardless of your skill level (or attitude to risk), at night, the minimal light pollution allows for epic stargazing.

Ambergris Caye, Belize

The shallow reefs around Ambergris Caye offer idyllic waters for snorkelling, where you can get up close and personal with coral gardens, tropical fish and sea turtles. And for those that are scuba-qualified, there’s the bucket-list site: The Great Blue Hole. This enormous marine sinkhole—1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep—has deep blue water, dramatic stalactite formations, dripstone sheets and the chance to swim with sharks. It also doesn’t hurt that when you dry off, you’re in Belize: kick back and luxuriate on those white sandy beaches.

Nha Trang, Vietnam

Your mantra for Nha Trang: thrills then chill. For thrill-seeking, conditions are reliably excellent for kite- and windsurfing, which is why you’ll find plenty of schools, hire shops and lessons for both rookies and experts. Then for the chill. Nha Trang’s mud baths are rightly celebrated for their wellness benefits, as the mud is rich in minerals (from sulphur to magnesium) and believed to help detoxify the skin and relieve muscle tension. Or soak in the hot mineral waters at the Thap Ba Hot Springs, surrounded by waterfalls and lush gardens.