9 Exciting Beach Vacations Featuring Snorkeling, Hiking, and Thrilling Water Sports

A fantastic goal for your next trip is to return home feeling more invigorated than when you departed. While beach vacations often tempt you to relax, incorporating activities like hiking or snorkeling allows you to fully enjoy your surroundings. Staying active not only boosts your health but also enhances your appreciation of the destination.

We've explored the world to find the top active beach vacations, from rock climbing over water in Thailand to hiking in Acadia National Park. Here are nine thrilling choices for those who cherish outdoor adventures alongside a beach lifestyle.

Canggu, Bali

From Seminyak to Jimbaran, each beach town in Bali has its unique charm. In Canggu, a vibrant community of expats and locals fosters a culture centered around healthy eating, surfing, and mindful yoga practices. For those seeking a yoga retreat in a picturesque location, consider The Practice Bali. Its main studio features an open-air design with a beautiful thatched roof, creating an ideal atmosphere for strengthening, restoring, and perfecting your savasana pose.

Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Costa Rica's northwestern coast features stunning beaches and a vibrant culture, attracting visitors to Guanacaste for a variety of water sports. This region is renowned for windsurfing, while Jet Skiing, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and diving also thrive. No resort embodies the detox-retox lifestyle quite like the W Costa Rica - Reserva Conchal, where you can enjoy an active lifestyle alongside a lively nightlife. Here, you can golf, snorkel, kayak, bike, trail run, and fit in daily workouts—all without leaving the resort.

Todos Santos, Mexico

Approximately an hour's drive north of Los Cabos on the western coast of Baja California Sur lies the rapidly growing surf town of Todos Santos. Despite its recent rise in popularity, it has retained the relaxed charm of an undiscovered gem. For those looking to stay active, it's an ideal spot to spend a week taking surfing lessons, whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer refining your skills. While Los Cabos is known for its rough waters, Todos Santos features several fantastic beaches for swimming and snorkeling, such as Playa Los Cerritos and Punta Lobos. Many accommodations here offer a boutique experience, with Hotel San Cristóbal and Paradero Todos Santos being local favorites.

Acadia National Park, Maine

For a domestic getaway that offers as much hiking as beach time, look no further than Acadia National Park. This dog-friendly park features over 150 miles of trails, including popular hikes like Cadillac Mountain (easy), the Gorham Mountain Loop (moderate), and the challenging, iron-rung Beehive Loop. After a morning of strenuous hiking, relax at Seal Harbor Beach or along the picturesque shores of Echo Lake.

Railay Beach, Thailand

Railay Beach is renowned not only for its soft white sand and relaxed Thai vibe but also for its exceptional rock climbing opportunities. Located just outside Krabi city in southern Thailand, this area is surrounded by limestone cliffs that attract climbers of all levels from around the globe. Beginners can opt for introductory courses, while experienced adventurers may wish to try deep water soloing, allowing free climbing on cliffs that overlook the ocean—just be prepared to plunge into the water if you lose your grip. Take a boat from Krabi for a day at Railay Beach, where you'll find numerous guided rock climbing excursions available.

Lanai, Hawaii

At the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, you can craft your own wellness retreat in paradise by combining healthy dining options, yoga classes, fitness sessions, and ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Golf lovers can enjoy the stunning Jack Nicklaus-designed Manele Golf Course, featuring breathtaking ocean views and cliffside holes. Meanwhile, tennis and pickleball enthusiasts can take lessons before unwinding with a sports massage. The Four Seasons Resort Lanai promotes a holistic approach to wellness, encouraging guests to balance relaxation with active pursuits in a luxurious tropical environment.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

In the Galápagos Islands, you'll find yourself constantly active, whether you're observing native wildlife on land or at sea. Several islands in this archipelago, located about 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast, feature fantastic hiking trails. Don’t miss the Frigate Bird Hill hike on San Cristobal, and on Isabela, explore the trails around Sierra Negra, an active shield volcano and one of the world's largest craters. For scuba diving enthusiasts, top dive spots include Wolf Island (where you may encounter turtles), Darwin Island, and Punta Carrión.

Crete, Greece

While many Greek islands focus on beach life—swimming, boating, sunbathing, and beach clubs—Crete boasts a wealth of hiking opportunities. The scenery here transitions effortlessly from rocky shores to lush jungles, allowing you to explore remote beaches and gorges on foot. Journey south to Samaria Gorge for a picturesque six-hour hike—the longest gorge trek in Europe—or visit Zakros Gorge on the island's eastern side, famously known as the Gorge of the Dead, which served as a burial site for the ancient Minoans.

St. Lucia, Caribbean

In addition to its breathtaking beaches and exquisite cuisine, St. Lucia stands out as one of the top hiking spots in the Caribbean. The trails leading to Gros Piton and Petit Piton are favored by adventurous travelers eager to explore the island's iconic twin peaks. There are also numerous water activities to enjoy, such as tennis, beach volleyball, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling, all offered by St. Lucia's luxurious resorts, including Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort.