Activities - The Adventure Travel Site

Abu Dhabi Leisure Activities

The capital of UAE and a rapidly developing city has a range of leisure activities for visitors to partake in. Whether you’re staying in the city or exploring the beauty of Sir Bani Yas Islands, Abu Dhabi offers fun for all!

Desert Safari

Enjoy a scenic and adventurous desert safari ride on4X4 vehicles – a must do activity when you’re in the emirate. Some of the major hotel chains in Abu Dhabi offer this excursion for their guests. Sit back and get ready for the ride of your life on the golden sands of the Arabian Desert.

Archery

Archery; an ancient method of hunting, is offered by many shooting ranges across the country. However, those staying at any of the Minor Hotels in Abu Dhabi will be able to enjoy this activity, whether you’re a beginner or professional.

Snorkelling

Explore the refreshing waters surrounding the magnificent Sir Bani Yas Island during a snorkelling expedition, as you discover a whole new world that flourishes beneath the surface.

Nature and Wildlife Drives

Another popular excursion to partake in when you’re in Sir Bani Yas Island is a nature and wildlife drive. During this expedition, you’ll be able to a variety of wildlife from giraffes to Arabian Oryx in their natural habitat.

Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+

Discovering Hanifaru Bay in Maldives

Image Credit-Shiyam ElkCloner, Dharavandhoo Thila – Manata Black Pearl, CC BY-SA 3.0

One of the most precious marine habitats in the Maldives, Hanifaru Bay has a rich marine biodiversity and offers plenty of amazing sights to be discovered. Those lucky enough to dive here will also see a wide range of marine life that swim wild and free in its waters.

Where can it be found

Image Credit-Frédéric Ducarme, Baa atoll islands, CC BY-SA 4.0

Hanifaru Bay can be found in what is known as the Baa Atoll in Maldives. While this site is part of a Biosphere Reserve it is also a Marine Protected Area. Those in search of a hotel near Hanifaru Bay from which to head to this site can consider options such as Dhigali Maldives.

The highlight at Hanifaru
The main draw at Hanifaru Bay is undoubtedly the chance to see manta rays. In fact, this site is known as one of the largest manta ray feeding destinations in the world. Little surprise that underwater photographers love coming here!

Best time for mantas

Image Credit-TANAKA Juuyoh (%u7530%u4E2D%u5341%u6D0B), Manta alfredi maldives, CC BY 2.0

When it comes to seeing mantas feeding on plankton at Hanifaru Bay, the best time to visit is the period from May to November. Literally, hundreds of mantas can be seen during this time and make for an unforgettable underwater spectacle.

Other marine inhabitants

Image Credit-Shiyam ElkCloner, Dharavandhoo Thila – Hanifaru Bay Sharks, CC BY-SA 3.0

Apart from manta rays, this underwater area is home to other species too including sting rays and whale sharks which add to the allure of Hanifaru Bay. Diving here is bound to be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Windsurfing in Bentota Sri Lanka -Exhilarating Water Sports

The idyllic island nation of Sri Lanka offers many delights for the visitor from overseas and significant amongst these is the array of water sports that may be enjoyed on the country’s attractive beachfront locations.

The beaches of Sri Lanka
The beaches of Sri Lanka also offer delightful conditions for a number of other water sports. These include surfboarding and waterskiing, two popular water sports which are much loved by enthusiasts.

Bentota
The golden sandy beaches, the waves, the surf all bring about an exhilarating beach experience to Bentota, the wind surfer’s paradise. Being a popular tourist hotspot, visitors can also go on a river cruise in Sri Lanka offered by places such as Yathra by Jetwing, along the beautiful and mysterious Bentara River.

Diving
For deeper exploration, diving in Bentota is a great option to try. Those without proper diving certification will have to get certified at a training centre. You will be rewarded with a chance to experience mesmerising sights deep beneath the waters where you will find everything from colourful coral to fascinating fish species.

Banana Boat Rides
A banana boat is a type of large inflatable tube that participant can sit on; of course merely sitting will not suffice for you will also have to hold on and enjoy the ride as it gets pulled by a speedboat at exhilarating speeds.

River Safari in Galle Sri Lanka

Boat safari on Bentota River | Img. Crdt : Jetwing Hotels

Apart from the beach bound excitement, visitors of the west coast of Sri Lanka may engage in boat safaris in the many rivers flowing into the Indian Ocean. This is usually a laid back boat ride ideal for bird watchers and nature lovers.

Where to find river safaris
The Bentota river is popular for these outings and is only about one hour away from Galle; a key tourist city along the west coast of the island. Thus visitors seeking accommodation in Galle boutique hotels or other luxury accommodation such as Jetwing Kurulubedda may drive down for a relaxed nature infused experience.

Prices
The Bentota River is used by most hotels and resorts in the area for jet skiing and other water sports. Boats are stacked in the riverbank can be hired by those wishing to explore the river and its mangroves. A one hour excurision will cost you about Rs1500.

What to expect
The southern side of the river is infested with dense mangrove plantations. This is a lush green canopy screening the warm sun rays. You may catch a glimpse of kingfishers, vibrant butterflies lurking about and even huge water monitors chilling under the sun if you are lucky.

Keep in mind
Tourist boats are usually supposed to have life jackets. Do not get on a boat without life jackets and make sure to fasten your jackets before leaving the bank.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

5 scuba diving tips

Scuba diving is one of the best ocean bound activities to engage in when you’re in Sri Lanka. Here are 5 things to keep in mind for a smooth diving experience.

Scuba Diving | Photo via Pixabay by joakant , CC0 Public Domain

Getting down
If you’re finding it a bit hard to stay under water with your diving equipment, fix your gaze towards the ocean bed, and slowly breathe out while imagining that your body is getting heavier. If you feel “floaty”, you are doing it right.

Always recheck your pressure gauge reading
This is often explained by diving schools or activity providers especially in the Passikuda, Unawatuna or Mirissa beach hotels such as the Esprit d’ici Hotel Mirissa. Anyway, if you miss it all you have to do is take three breaths off your regulator with your gear on while looking at your gauge. If the needle does not point away from the full position, then the air is on and if it bounces back up, the air is not on.

Trust your instincts
When in the water you are on your own. Therefore, if you feel uncomfortable diving deeper, don’t do it. Simply stick to your comfort zone and relax your mind.

Slow down
Diving into the pristine ocean can be exciting, however don’t rush or you’ll scare the fish away, so slow down and enjoy the view.

Keep a log
Keep a record of all your diving experiences to plan your next trip diligently. This is also a perfect way to re-visit your underwater adventures when you are old and grey.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Algarve Buggy Adventures

Portugal is a land that is chock full of adventurous prospects as well as tremendous heritage. A great way to explore both of these at once is through an Algarve Buggy Adventure.

Dirt and Dust

This is the most basic adventure in the various packages that are offered, and it consists of a short but unforgettable ride through the rugged Algarve countryside.

Cross Country
If you’re looking for a completely unforgettable experience then this is the one for you. Taking over a span of one night and two days, this tour takes you into the heart of regional culture, and involves a distance of more than 200km. The night will be spent in one of many Vilamoura hotels such as the Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort.

Safari Tour
If you wish to explore the real Algarve, then this 3-hour tour will allow you to explore the amazing scenery, take a dip in a river, and sample local products ranging from freshly prepared jams and liqueurs while discovering traditional villages.

Buggy Adventure
This is the most balanced of all the experiences, and provides a six-hour long experience where you can explore the Algarve mountains with their national parks and rivers, have lunch at an authentic restaurant in the hills, and visit villages such as Cortelha and Querenca.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Watersport activities in Maldives -Exciting must-try water sports

Maldives is a heavenly beach paradise where there is less land and more sea and there’s something for everyone between the turquoise waters and the golden sun.

Parasailing in Maldives

Parasailing | Image Courtesy : By Badr Naseem (Parasailing) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

This unique water sport combines speed with the adrenaline pumping aspect of lifting you off the ground. Participants are strapped securely to a harness with one end fastened to a speed boat. The vessel pulls you on an awe-inspiring journey that provides breathtaking aerial views of the coastal landscapes below.

Kayaking, Windsurfing and More

In a country where water exceeds land, you can expect a range of water-sports. Consider staying in a Maldives resort such as the COMO Hotels & Resorts that offer facilities for enjoying the sea and sunny weather.

Surfing Paradise

Most locals spend endless hours surfing; it’s a way of life here. Surf buffs will benefit from the massive waves brought on by the southwest monsoon around the months of June to September

Diving in Maldives

Blessed with stunning marine and coral life, the Maldives is one of the best places for diving. As you explore the world beneath the waves, you will come across vivid corals of all shapes and sizes as well as fish species including angelfish, sweet lips, butterfly fish, barracudas and even sharks.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Bali Safari and Marine Park -Wildlife and wild life

This theme park is the ultimate day of fun, be it with family or friends, and is the island’s most visited animal theme parks of all time.

Wild Animals | Image Courtesy: By Yogwi21 (Own work) [<a href="//creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>], <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ABali_Safari_Animal_4.jpg">via Wikimedia Commons</a> — Wild Animals | Image Courtesy: By Yogwi21 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The Bali Safari and Marine Park opened in 2007 and not a day has gone by since without it having a full house. Covering 40 hectares of natural habitats, this park is home to about 60 species of animal and birds, all of which are free to roam and enjoy the enclosure while in their natural habitat.

About

Bali Safari and Marine Park | Image Courtesy: By William Cho (Bali Safari & Marine Park) [<a href="//creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0">CC BY-SA 2.0</a>], <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ABali_Safari_%26_Marine_Park_(2688927963).jpg">via Wikimedia Commons</a> — Bali Safari and Marine Park | Image Courtesy: By William Cho (Bali Safari & Marine Park) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The majority of species come from 3 regions, namely, Indonesia, Africa, and India, including Himalayan bears, spotted deer, nilgai, bucks, African hippos, elephants, camels, zebras, ostriches, lions, and baboon. The classic safari jeep takes you through the different habitats created by man, and let you see a collection of wildlife you would otherwise have to travel 3 different countries to see.

Going inside

Wild Animals | Image Courtesy: Walter Lim

It takes one full day to enjoy everything the park has to offer, and for some nature lovers, even that isn’t enough. It is a different world in there, a world of magical forests and mighty lions and this visit is not something you’d forget easily.

Stay

Accommodation in Bali | Image Courtesy: By Simon_sees from Australia (Hotel Intercontinental Bali) [<a href="//creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0">CC BY 2.0</a>], <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AHotel_Intercontinental_Bali_(7373589284).jpg">via Wikimedia Commons</a> — Accommodation in Bali | Image Courtesy: By Simon_sees from Australia (Hotel Intercontinental Bali) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

After a tiring day at the park, all you’d want is a luxury wellness and spa visit. Don’t you worry, there are ample choices when it comes to spas in Bali, and one of them is at the COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Railay Beach

If you set foot on a heavenly stretch of white sand running along the beautiful blue sea in the Krabi Province of Thailand, you can be sure that you are standing on Railay Beach.

How to get there
Once in Thailand, you can catch a flight or bus from Bangkok to Krabi or Phuket, from where you can get on board a small boat or ferry. You can rest in a Phuket luxury resort for some time. Many options like COMO Point Yamu, Phuket are available for this purpose. Another option is getting a boat from Ao Nang, which is a mere 10 minutes distance from the Railay Beach.

Getting familiar
Railay is a widespread beach with three separate areas, namely the Phra Nang Beach, West Railay Beach, and the East Railay Beach.

What to see
The Diamond Cave or the Phra Nang Cave is a famous attraction on the Railay Beach. With its naturally illuminated walking paths, this is quite a beautiful sight. The Phra Nang Beach had been named after a princess, whose remembering temple, the Phra Nang Shrine can be seen on the beach. There is also a nice lagoon and a high viewpoint, which you might enjoy seeing.

What to do
Railay is a famous spot for rock climbing, with a steady range of steep mountains that make the adventure somewhat challenging. Diving, Snorkeling, and Kayaking can also be added to your activity list.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Kayaking in Tioman -Paddling Away in Paradise

Kayaking | Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Lying off the east coast of Malaysian peninsular, the stunning island of Tioman is a vacationer’s paradise with its many attractions and things to do. Kayaking is one of these.

Beginner or Pro?

It doesn’t matter as kayaking is as easy as pie! Excepting during the monsoon season which extends from late November to late February; Tioman is a haven for kayaking with its calm waters. You have the choice of either going on an adventurous kayaking expedition or just trying it out by the beach at your hotel in Tioman Island. The distances vary depending on your level of skill. But, don’t worry most of the hotels like Berjaya Tioman Resort Malaysia or even the diving centres; will have an instructor who will carefully take you through the steps of mastering kayaking. Once you’ve used to it, it’ll be quite a smooth ride as most of the kayaks available here are stable and comfortable.

Where?

For a truly memorable kayaking experience head over to the beautiful island of Pulau Renggis. This is said to be the ultimate destination for snorkelling in Tioman but kayaking is quite a breathtaking experience as well. The reason why it’s so popular is that the waters around the island are really shallow, crystal clear and teeming with fish of many colors and sizes. So if by any chance you tip and fall into the waters, you can make some new friends! LOL If you’re in luck, you’ll be able to meet some of the famous turtles who call Pulau Renggis their home like Fred and Dolly.

What to Bring

Before going on an kayaking adventure, don’t forget to take with you a pair of flippers, a mask, some snacks and of course, the kayak! 😀

Fishing anyone?

After a long day of kayaking, you’re bound to become ravenous. So why not catch your dinner while you’re on your kayaking trip? The waters surrounding Tioman has a no-angling zone but if you want to fish, you will be taken about 2 miles off-shore with kayaks and everything to fish! After all, that’s where all the big catches like giant sharks are anyways right? Just kidding! You’re the only one that’ll be hunting. However, to go kayaking in such deep waters, you must be a pro kayaker.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+