If you’re stuck for adventure travel inspiration consider jetting off to one of these idyllic island destinations for an active escape. The best adventure travel destinations in the world need not take place in a travel hotspot, but rather may feature few other travelers and just the chance to enjoy the best the great outdoors offers.
In my opinion, it’s fair to say that some of the best adventure travel destinations in the world, are islands. Separated from the mainland by water, islands boast a concentrated supply of opportunities for adventure. Here are a few of my favorite islands perfect for adventurous travelers:
1. Wind Surf in the Turks and Caicos
Fueled by the reliable south east trade winds that whistle their way through the Caribbean, the Turks and Caicos offers fantastic conditions for water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing. Book accommodation on Providenciales and spend your days chasing an adrenaline hit on Long Bay Beach in the Caicos Banks; it is by far the best spot for kiteboarding in the Turks and Caicos.
2. Swim with Wild Atlantic Grey Seals in the Isles of Scilly
An archipelago of Eden-like beauty, the Isles of Scilly are just 28 miles from the coast of Cornwall in England and I can tell you it’s here you will have one of the most intimate wild animal experiences in the world.
If you don’t mind taking a dip in the cold waters of the Atlantic (don’t worry you’ll be clad in a thick wetsuit), Scilly Seal Snorkelling will introduce you to wild Atlantic grey seals off the coast of the island of St Martin’s. The seals here are curious of humans and often spend time swimming alongside snorkelers, chewing on their fins, and pushing their noses into camera lenses.
Travel Tip: The quickest way to get to the Isles of Scilly is to book a Skybus flight from Newquay, Exeter, or Land’s End. The checked luggage allowance is 15kg so I decided to travel with just a carry-on and convertible backpack for easy transit.
3. Hike to the End of the World on Navarino Island, Chile
Constantly tussling with Ushuaia to be known as "end of the world," the island of Navarino is remote and wild. Head to this adventure travel destination for an epic hiking trip and traverse a five-day circuit through some of Chile’s most dramatic natural landscapes. You’ll quickly find yourself in true wilderness country surrounded by fjords and glaciers—you’ll return home with some truly fantastic photographs.
Travel Tip: Pack a shoe sac to enable you to store your dirty hiking boots in your backpack once the hike is over. If you have high top or wide fitting boots then consider getting two sacs or a larger shoe cube so that you’ve ample room to get even the most muddy boots packed neatly away. Believe me, it’s well worth it!
4. Go Sailing in Lefkada, Greece
Fishing villages, turquoise waters, and pristine swathes of sand make Lefkada an obvious choice for visitors to Greece, however this adventurous destination has managed to remain somewhat under-the-radar. With the island boasting consistently strong winds you should consider booking a bare-boat yacht charter to explore its spectacular coastline and soak in the sight of its highest peak, Mount Elati, which sits a whopping 1158 meters (3799 feet) above sea level.
5. Night Dive with Manta Rays in Kona, Hawaii
Under the cover of darkness scuba dive or snorkel with Kona’s aquatic gentle giants. Recognized as one of the world’s best night dives, here you can get up close to wild manta rays—quite possibly the ocean’s most majestic creatures. Currently top of my scuba bucket list, divers are taken to a site known as a “cleaning station” where manta rays gather to feed on plankton. Then, the dive boats shine bright lights into the water, which attracts large numbers of plankton. This in turn sends the manta rays into a feeding frenzy and provides an incredible show for the onlooking divers. Sounds epic, doesn’t it?!
Travel Tip: A PADI Open Water certification is required and most dive outfits charge an additional fee to rent dive equipment.
Need packing tips for your active escape? Check out our ultimate travel packing checklist and travel lighter and smarter than ever before.
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