Floating is naturally one of the most relaxing experiences, and I believe this extends to being on a boat as well. Being suspended in the water, blue skies above, the occasional dolphin leaping out of the water: it’s the perfect way to unwind.
There’s many ways to have an on-the-water holiday, from chilled-out cruises to sailing adventures. We’ve picked out five great options to inspire you for your next trip on the water.
San Cristóbal, Galapagos to San Cristóbal, Galapagos expedition cruise
The Galapagos Islands is one of the most biodiverse and ecologically fascinating places on the planet, with a rich array of endemic species that make it the perfect destination for a nature lover.
This 15-day cruise gets you up close and personal with the wildlife of the islands, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, snorkelling, diving, and nature photography. By day, you can see rare birds, colourful iguanas, and long-lived tortoises while at night you can relax onboard with all the amenities of a modern cruise ship. Find out more here.
Wellbeing Weekends sailing on the Norfolk Broads
The Norfolk Broads are a unique part of the UK, comprising of rivers, marshes, and lakes that host a wealth of birdlife.
With a strong history and local identity associated with sailing, a sailing holiday on the Broads is an ideal way to de-stress and set your rhythm to the natural world.
Eastwood Whelpton runs Wellbeing Weekends for women, which offer the chance to spend a weekend on the water along with guided walks, yoga, meditation, and even a bit of cocktail tasting.
Each weekend takes place on a traditional Norfolk sailing yacht with a supportive skipper, so you don’t need any sailing experience to take part. Find out more here.
From New York to the Caribbean
For urban adventures, it’s hard to beat New York. Crane your neck at the dazzling skyscrapers, get lost walking around Central Park, explore the diverse neighbourhoods and boroughs, and experience the lights and sounds of Times Square.
But what’s even better is combining a trip to the Big Apple with a cruise to the Caribbean, offering you the chance to complement the thrills of the big city with the bliss of relaxing on a golden beach.
Along the way on this 10-day journey, you have the chance to visit Cape Canaveral, explore Nassau, the idyllic capital of the Bahamas, and enjoy fine dining and entertainment onboard the Symphony of the Seas, one of the world’s most impressive cruise ships. Find out more here.
Enjoy a ‘small cruise’ in Croatia
Croatia is simply one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, with turquoise lagoons, sandy beaches that stretch for miles, and historic cities which are perfect for strolling around.
By joining a ‘small cruise’, which usually consists of a ship carrying around 20-40 passengers, you’ll be able to visit ports that most other cruises don’t get to visit, jump in the water for a swim straight off the back of the boat, and enjoy a more social experience than on a bigger vessel. Find out more here.
Experience music on the Mississippi
If you’re a music lover, this trip is for you. It begins in Nashville, the Country Music Capital, and you’ll be able to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and the historic RCA Studio B along with seeing plenty of live music.
You’ll then head to Memphis, home of Beale Street and renowned for its blues, soul, and rock and roll music, along with landmarks like Sun Studio and Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, which you’ll be able to visit as a VIP. Of course, there’s plenty of opportunities for barbecue as well.
From Memphis you’ll cruise down the Mississippi on an authentic paddlewheel riverboat, with local musicians and great food onboard. You’ll also visit Vicksburg with its Civil War history, spectacular Southern towns, and end up in New Orleans to enjoy Cajun food, the ornate French Quarter, and the jazz, funk, and blues that fill the air as you explore the streets. Find out more here.