This guide covers a variety of water-based adventures, from an underwater submarine experience to stand-up paddle boarding with a Humpback whale.
As the proud owner and lead travel designer of Adventures by Sky, I’ve explored some of the world’s most stunning aquatic experiences. From the rush of cold water against your skin to the exhilarating speed of wild river currents, each experience offers unique excitement and joy. In this guide, I’m sharing 10 unique aquatic experiences to add to your bucket list ideas.
If you’re ready to get your adrenaline pumping with an itinerary designed just for you, contact Adventures By Sky to start planning your trip today!
Substation Curaçao’s underwater submarine dive allows you to explore the ocean’s depths, descending almost 1000 feet with views of ancient wrecks and vibrant marine life. This adventure takes place off the coast of Curaçao, a Dutch Caribbean island renowned for its coral reefs and diverse marine life. This particular underwater submarine offers 360-degree views and more than 60 feet of visibility.
TIP: Check out my favorite travel essentials here!
Where to Stay: Norwegian Cruise Line
→ Reach out to me for PERKS on your next cruise to Curaçao!
Exploring the depths of the ocean & sunken treasures aboard Substation Curaçao’s underwater submarine
While in Curaçao, you can also check out Wilemsted’s CuraçaoSea Aquarium for an unforgettable guided snorkeling experience, observe a colorful variety of fish species, and even get to feed lemon and nurse sharks.
Daring dining: Serving food to great whites through a hole
Polar plunges in Antarctica are not for the faint-hearted. You’ll leap from your ship into the below-freezing ocean, emerging to cheers, warmth, and celebration—a genuinely unforgettable and shared adventure.
To experience an Antarctic polar plunge, the Adventures By Sky way is to book a stay aboard the Scenic Eclipse || cruise ship. This will allow you to jump off the back of the ship and be surrounded by towering glaciers.
Polar Plunging into Antarctica’s freezing waters
TIPS: Bring cozy clothes to change into after! See my favorites here & check out these cute and comfy boots I wore on my trip here!
Where to Stay: Scenic Eclipse Cruises
→ Reach out to me for PERKS on your next cruise to Antarctica!
Experience the thrill of white water rafting Denali as you ride the rapids near Alaska’s Denali National Park. This journey blends excitement and serene beauty, offering a true Alaskan wilderness adventure. The expedition includes all necessary gear: raft, paddle, dry suit, life vest, helmet, river boots, and a dry bag to keep your belongings safe.
Paddling the wild waters of the Kenai
Where to Stay: Norwegian Cruise Line
→ Reach out to me for PERKS on your next cruise to Alaska!
The excursion begins with a breathtaking seaplane ride landing on the Kenai River, where you’ll board a small boat to search for the prized salmon. Few experiences make you more at one with nature than reeling in your salmon while a nearby grizzly does the same – only they use their massive paws instead of a fishing rod. After a successful fishing expedition, your Kenai river fishing guides will lead you into the forest, where they’ll help you grill and prepare your freshly caught salmon amidst the pristine wilderness.
Wild catch: Sharing Alaskan rivers with the mightiest fishermen
Experience the tranquil beauty of Antarctica via stand-up paddle boarding. Wrapped in the silence of the world’s final frontier, this unique and immersive adventure offered by the Scenic Eclipse cruise ship takes you into Fournier Bay. If you’re lucky, you’ll find yourself up close to dozens of Humpback whales! Paddling across the world’s largest ice sheet, admiring towering glaciers while listening to whales sing beneath the water, was the most incredible experience I have ever had.
Fun Fact: Humpback whales can grow up to 60 feet long, weigh up to 80,000 lbs, and live up to 90 years. Did you know their singing can be heard up to 20 miles away!?
Being serenaded by whale song while paddle boarding amidst the icy grandeur of Antarctica
TIPS: Bring warm winter clothes to bundle up – see my favorites here!
Where to Stay: Scenic Eclipse Cruises
→ Reach out to me for PERKS on your next cruise to Antarctica!
This guided boat tour will sail you to Exuma Island, Bahamas, where you can participate in the famed swimming with pigs Exuma adventure. Exuma Island – also known as Pig Island – is an isolated island home to friendly pigs that spend their days frolicking in crystal-clear waters. The island is also home to Nurse Sharks – a gentle breed of shark – that you can also take a swim with!
Where to Stay: Rosewood Baha Mar – Book Here
→ Reach out to me for PERKS on your next trip to the Bahamas!
The West Yellowstone fly fishing trip offers a tranquil immersion into the American outdoors. The all-inclusive package provides top-of-the-line Sage rods and reels and quality Simms waders. They even include a delicious streamside lunch with drinks to fuel your best angling excitement. Transportation to and from the river is taken care of, so all you need to do is sit back, relax, and reel in trout and memories that will last a lifetime.
TIPS: Check out my travel must-haves here!
Where to Stay: The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection – Book Here or Amangani Jackson
→ Reach out to me for PERKS on your next trip to Yellowstone!
Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef snorkeling is unparalleled! Don’t miss the chance to snorkel near the world’s largest coral reef. The expert local guides will guide you through crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral gardens and point out the diverse wildlife that calls the reef home.
TIPS: Get cleaned up after with my favorite hair & skin products here!
Where to Stay: Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach – Book Here
→ Reach out to me for PERKS on your next stay in Australia!
If my earlier mention of swimming with Nurse sharks didn’t scare you off, you’re probably a great fit for Whale Shark swimming in Cancun, Mexico. It is an extraordinary experience that allows you to encounter one of nature’s most awe-inspiring marine animals in their natural habitat. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean, growing up to 40 feet long and primarily feeding on plankton and small fish. The best season to spot Whale Sharks in Cancun is May – September. You’ll have the chance to swim alongside these majestic creatures, witness their graceful movements, and observe their distinctive markings.
TIPS: Check out my essentials here & take care of your skin/hair with my favorites here!
A serene swim alongside the gentle giants & largest fish of the sea
Where to Stay: Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun – Book Here
→ Reach out to me for PERKS on your next stay in Cancun!
TIP: Check out Cancun Sailing for an incredible boating experience in Cancun!
If you’re not quite ready to jump into the deep end, Enva Tours’ glass bottom boat tour of Cabo is perfect for you! The glass bottom boat will glide gracefully over the crystal-clear waters, allowing you to marvel at the vibrant colors and intricate ecosystems and witness schools of tropical fish amongst coral reefs below – without getting your feet wet. Your glass-bottom boat tour of Cabo even includes views of the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas, a natural rock formation jutting dramatically out of the sea.
Where to Stay: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal – Book Here or Montage Los Cabos – Book Here
→ Reach out to me for PERKS on your next stay in Cabo!
At Adventures by Sky, we’re dedicated to creating personalized itineraries that match your unique interests and adventure level. We offer a range of services, from simple hotel and activity bookings (with perks!) to fully customized daily itineraries. We help you bring your dream vacation to life. Your journey begins here!
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