6 safe nautical travel destinations to dive into this summer

Travelling has been very restricted lately due to coronavirus. The global pandemic has affected international tourism and the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer estimated tourism fell by 87% in January 2021. With these numbers, uncertainty becomes a growing worry for many who are unsure on whether travelling is safe again in different countries or not.

However, as vaccination against COVID-19 increases in many countries and there is more awareness regarding the virus, travelling is becoming safer. Moreover, nautical destinations are a key spot as these sports are practiced outdoors. We recommend these 6 safe travel destinations worldwide. Dive in!

Greece

Greece is a gem in the Mediterranean Sea. Combining tradition with the latest technology in water sports, Greece has thousands of beautiful islands worth visiting and is often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization. It is a great summer spot to visit ancient ruins, eat delicious food and swim by the Mediterranean blue waters. 

We highly recommend you discover Karpathos or Symi in the Dodecanese Islands. Greece has over 20,000 kilometers of coastline, and is therefore a paradise for nautical lovers. It offers high-quality sea sport services and satisfies even the most demanding enthusiasts.

Naxos is well known for being a wind sports destination. However, scuba diving in this island is also highly recommended, as you can explore the Express Samina wreck or an underwater cave. If you are more into sea kayaking, then Santorini offers a great variety of hidden beaches and coves. 

If you would like to try some surfing, then Tinos is a burgeoning surfing spot. Kolibithra beach, on the north of the island is a perfect location to catch some waves. However if you would like some sailing action, then you should come to Rhodes. You will have the possibility of sailing in two different seas: the Aegean and Mediterranean sea.

Croatia

Nautical tourism has grown in Croatia over the past years. Most of Croatia is by the coast, and there is a huge variety of water sports. Croatia is a stunning nation with amazing landscapes as the Paklenica National Park, the largest in Southeast Europe. From kayaking to jet ski or diving, Croatia has it all.

We recommend locations such as Split for the variety of marine sports it offers. If you would prefer a bigger adventure, travelling to other destinations as Dubrovnik or Zadar is highly recommended as well. You might find useful: Watching Sail-Ho Croatia to discover the most beautiful marinas and nautical spots in this Adriatic paradise.

Sailing enthusiasts are most commonly seen in Split, though sailing from Dubrovnik to the nearby islands including Hvar and Korcula is also highly recommended. Best swimming and snorkelling spots include the uninhabited islands of Kornati National Park or the gorgeous Stiniva Beach. 

For kitesurfing and windsurfing popular spots to go include Premantura on the south of Istria, Viganj and Zadar. If you would like to try some sea and river kayaking, Dubrovnik and the Elafitis islands is a top destination for sea kayakers. Meanwhile, the Cetina River or Karlovac are fantastic spots for some river action.

Spain

Blue Flag status has been awarded to more than 577 beaches around Spain this last year. This position is given to beaches with the best water quality and the top facilities as providing a safeguard, access for people with disabilities and restrooms. Spain tops the global ranking, meaning it probably has some of the best beaches of the world.

Spain is a sunny destination and ranked third in terms of number of tourists. Lately, many hotels have been focusing on quality over quantity. This means they provide sustainable accommodation in the most mesmerizing destinations.

Places to travel in Spain to practice water sports: the Balearic and Canary Islands, Barcelona and Cádiz. Sofía is an inspiring show on a Canarian surfer with beautiful scenery, check it out! 

If you travel to Gran Canaria, windsurf is practiced in the Pozo Izquierdo area. However, if you end up deciding for the Balearic Islands, in Majorca there are many sailing spots. Cala Figuera or Cabrera for example are some of local's favourite spots. 

France

France remains at the top in international tourism. Almost 90 million people visited the country in 2018, and despite coronavirus has affected its tourism, it is still a country worth enjoying. Destinations such as Saint-Tropez, Marseille or Nice in the Mediterranean Sea are calming places for sailing or diving in the ocean.

On the other side of the country, Les Sables-d’Olonne is the emblematic location where the Vendée Globe departs from. Also, Lorient is also home to many nautical races.

If you end up deciding for France, you cannot miss NAUSICAA. It is a unique centre for discovery of the marine environment in a very fun, educational and scientific way. It largely focuses on the relationship between humanity and the ocean, raising awareness of the resources and challenges ahead.

For sea-kayaking: the best sports to try in France are in the north Somme Bay, Aber Wrac'h or Belle-Ile-en-Mer. In the south of the country you can visit the creeks or islands of Friuli near Marseille and the coves of Corsica. 

Moreover, France is filled with streams and rivers. These have been receiving more popularity over the past 10 years. We recommend Auvergne and the Rhône-Alps areas to practice canoeing and kayaking. 

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a summer paradise for many. The Central American country touches the Caribbean and Pacific, and in between is filled with a tropical rainforest. Beach water sports or extreme sports are easy to find in this beautiful destination.

Roughly a quarter of Costa Rica is made up of protected jungle, with a diverse wildlife. Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes and biodiversity, so besides practicing sports by the beach, go on a hike to the rainforest or try some kayaking!

We recommend: Chasing Jaguars is the journey of a group of brave kayakers in the Costa Rican jungle.

Whitewater rafting is one of the most surprising water sports in the Central American country. These range from Class II, for novice, to Class V for professionals. Río Reventazón and Río Pacuare are the two best rivers for rafting down. 

For surfers, windsurfers or SUP lovers, Lake Arenal has become the premier destination in Costa Rica. Moreover, Jaco and Tamarindo are spots with growing popularity for Stand up paddle surfing.

Zanzibar

Escape to Zanzibar!

The paradise with white sand beaches and blue clear water. It is known for being a great location for diving between turtles or relaxing by the beach. There is clearly no place on earth like Zanzibar.

Divided in two unique islands, it offers distinct experiences for all travellers. For most of the year, its sea is calm and ideal for waterskiing or wake-boarding. For a more chilled evening, we can enjoy the sunset from a sailing dhow. This is the traditional style boat used for sailing around.

If you decide this destination, we recommend visiting Nungwi. It is home to the Nungwi Mnarani Aquarium and the Baraka Natural Aquarium, home to endangered sea turtles. If you are more into kitesurfing, then Paje beach is just for you.

For scuba diving and snorkeling: spots as Kendwa Beach, Nungwi Beach and Nakupenda Beach are incredible options to appreciate the marine biodiversity. If you are more into paddleboarding, then Kiwengwa Beach, at the eastern coast of Zanzibar offers a quiet place for tourists. 

Where will you go this summer? Let us know where you will be practicing water sports on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.