Reaching paradise in Palawan isn’t necessarily the final destination. The Philippine province bases resorts and activities in a series of exotic locations. If you keep on traveling after you’ve discovered the perfect spot you’re likely to come across something even more perfect. Continue to explore and you will be greatly rewarded.Continue
Boundary Waters Canoe Area; Minnesota
As you propel forward along the pine tree lined waters, you hear gentile lapping of waves against the canoe and loons off in the distance.
Boundary Water Canoe Area is a slice of heaven for anyone wanting to forget modern day technology and head into the vast wilderness.
The Apostle Islands of Wisconsin
It’s a sea kayakers dream. On many a calm day the gentle waters create a sublime glide across the cobalt blue lake, where only the sound of lapping paddles breaks the silence. Honeycombed caves of red sandstone line the shores of several small islands, creating many enchanting channels with arched ceilings that are just big enough to glide through.
Once inside you marvel at the beauty of nature’s bounty- incredible rock formations shaped by water and ice. You can hardly believe that you are in Wisconsin…Continue
Diving the Dalmatians; Croatia
It’s an underwater wonder world. Like being in a fishbowl of art, history and beauty. Weightless and careless you absorb the big blue world with wide eyes, taking in the peaceful harmony of this dancing, submerged world.
Quite simply, diving the Dalmatians is unforgettable.
Diving by the Numbers
Croatia has 1,200 scenic miles (1,800km) of Adriatic Sea coastline, bordered by Italy to the north and Montenegro in the south. It has more than 35 fantastically diverse dive sites, while licensed diving centers can be found on most islands and coastal cities throughout the country.
Island Life; Likoma Island, Malawi
There is a certain quality that makes islands a desirable destination. Perhaps it’s the concept of isolation. Or maybe its the extensive shoreline. Either way, islands will continue to draw both romantics and adventurers.
When looking for an island that combines privacy and activity, consider the Malawian region of Likoma.Continue
Tropical Paradise; San Blas Islands, Panama
The San Blas Islands, located off Panama’s southeastern coast, is the best kind of Caribbean island: postcard perfect white-sand beaches, extremely friendly locals, a chance to experience indigenous life with the Kuna Yala tribe, and just enough infrastructure (electricity is provided via generators) to provide simple comforts while keeping the tourist machine at bay.
For now, anyways.
In 2011 Lonely Planet listed San Blas – also known as Kuna Ayala – as the #3 “tropical paradise” in the world.
So consider yourself warned: word is officially out about San Blas.
But thanks largely to the Kuna people (who control this area), development has unaffected the islands’ charm. You won’t find giant hotels, overcrowded cruise ports or any other byproduct of over development here. The Kuna simply will not allow it.
And that’s a good thing. It means you can enjoy everything San Blas has to offer – from world-class beaches to indigenous cultures – without the crowds.
Speaking of which, here are some incredible… Continue
Kayak the Emerald Beauty; Soca River, Slovenia
This river is so pure you can cup some in your hands and drink it. And it’s green. Not the dull forest green of the typical mud river, but the completely transparent green of the most vivid emerald hue. The kind of green that makes you stop, and say “Wow.”
The Soca River, (pronounced ‘Sotcha’) or the Emerald Beauty as it’s called in Slovenia, is an alpine river with its source high in the picturesque Julian Alps. The river meanders its way south, passing several cities before spilling out into the Adriatic Sea 86 miles (140km) later.
It is a rare river, the only of its kind to retain its brilliant green color from start to finish.Continue
Seaside Life in Morro Bay; California
Arguably the best coastal town of California, Morro Bay just might tempt you for a permanent relocation.
Situated along the central coast of California this sleepy yet tourist town is back-dropped by a gorgeous bay, the Pacific Ocean, and Morro Rock.
You can see the town pride in the smiling and friendly faces of the community whom host several festivals and events to share their love for the seaside town.Continue
Kayak the Fjord; Flam, Norway
The silence is nearly total.
The only sound is the occasional lapping of a paddle gently entering the water. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs soaring into the skies, you glide through glass-smooth glacial water that is so pure you can cup some in your hands and drink it. As you marvel at the scenery, a whale surfaces beside you, rocketing a burst of water from her blowhole.
Welcome to heaven on earth.Continue
Fishing the Main River; Salmon River, Idaho
Renowned as the “River of No Return,” the Salmon River in central Idaho leads up to its name.
Waters flow 425 miles (684 km) and fall 7,000 feet (2,134m) from the mountain pass at Galena Summit down to the confluence with the Snake River.
The Middle Fork section of the river flows for over 100 miles (161km) and is arguably the best catch and release fly fisheries in the United States.Continue
Ride Zambezi’s Rapids; Livingstone, Zambia
Hold on, you’re almost there. Though you’ve been bucked around like a helpless bull rider, this set of rapids is nearly finished.
And you survived! The ordeal is over.
Oh wait, that was just the first part of your trip down the Zambezi River.Continue
Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge; Florida
Certain places are best seen on foot, others from a boat, while some require scuba gear. Then there are places like “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where if you really want to get an intimate view of the astonishing array of birds, reptiles and mammals, then you will need to paddle.
In Ding, kayaks go where nothing else can take you, but you will need a little courage because those waters are rife with alligators…
Sea Kayak; Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
There is something to be said for traveling slowly through natural settings. The speed of your journey can dictate how integrated you will feel with your surroundings. And a slow pace ensures that you’ll be soaking it all in.
In a kayak, unless you’re competing in the Olympics, odds are you’ll be taking your sweet time. And that’s just as well when you’re paddling through New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds.Continue
