Whether it's the gentle lapping of the sea, the mirror-smooth surface of a mountain lake or the rush of a river, water has always held a special fascination for people. It's the source of life, sustenance and, last but not least, an adventure playground. If you've already had your fill of stand-up paddling, snorkeling and the like, you should take a closer look at these extraordinary ideas for activities by and in the water.

Swimming with manatees

Where: St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida
When: year-round

The giant animals are very peaceful. On select tours, snorkelers can venture into the water to meet them. © Shutterstock

They weigh up to 500 kilos and are up to four and a half meters long, yet they glide majestically through the water: manatees are as cute as they are imposing. They live in both salt and fresh water. One of the most popular places to see (and even swim with) manatees is Florida. While in some places they are only seen seasonally, they can be seen year-round in Clearwater.

Hotel recommendation:

Guests of the Bellwether Beach Resort sleep in modern rooms and suites with a sea view. Located directly on the fine sandy beach, it's the ideal starting point for adventures by and in the water. Standout: their personalized beach service!

Bellwether Beach Resort
5250 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, USA
Web: bellwetherbeachresort.com
Tel.: +1 727-360-1811
Price: doubles from €219 per night

 

Sleeping underwater

Where: Queensland, Australia
When: year-round

A sight you'll hardly be able to get enough of: colorful schools of fish passing by outside your suite. © CWS/Ross Long

There are certainly more luxurious ways to spend a night on the Whitsunday Islands. But none that are this spectacular: in the Reef Suites, guests stay in Australia's first underwater hotel. The pontoon floats in the sea, and the suite is 4.5 meters below sea level. Equipped with a bathroom and other amenities, you'll experience what others need a wetsuit for from the comfort of your bed.

Contact:

Cruise Whitsundays
24 The Cove Road, Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia, 4802
Web: cruisewhitsundays.com
Tel: +617 4846 7000
Price: suite from approx. €2,100 per night

 

Golfing for the benefit of fish

Where: Seychelles
When: May-October (best time to travel)

Golfing in luxurious surroundings and with a clean conscience – much more fun that way! © Raffles Seychelles

It normally takes between 100 and 1,000 years for a golf ball to completely decompose. That's quite a long time when you consider that around 300 million golf balls disappear every year in the USA alone. On the Seychelles island of Praslin, people are now pursuing the sport in a completely environmentally friendly way – they use so-called "eco golf balls," that disintegrate within 24 hours. And then turn into fish food. Guests at Raffles Seychelles hit the balls from specially equipped golf tees on the helipad onto four new golf buoys. They anchor at a distance of 35 to 50 meters in the bay of Anse Takamaka.

Hotel recommendation:

The noble "Raffle Seychelles" is located on the island of Praslin overlooking the Indian Ocean. Guests of the all-villa resort can look forward to unique nature, luxury and gourmet delights.

Raffles Seychelles
Anse Takamaka Baie Saint Anne Praslin Praslin, Seychelles
Web: raffles.com.
Tel.: +248 4 296 000
Price: villa from €1,080 per night

 

Black Water Diving

Where: Laamu Atoll, Maldives
When: at night

At night, a variety of creatures that remain out of sight during the day come out in search of food. © Six Senses Laamu

Every night, one of the largest migrations of the planet takes place completely unnoticed. It's when the many animals emerge from the depths of the sea in search of food. You can observe them during Blackwater Diving. LED lights simulating the moon attract a number of exciting creatures. You'll need some diving experience and will be briefed before each dive, so you'll know what to look out for.

Hotel recommendation:

On top of blackwater diving, guests of the Six Senses Laamu are also treated to an all-around pampering. The luxurious and sustainable resort also offers comprehensive wellness experiences. And is dedicated to numerous marine projects.

Six Senses Laamu
Laamu Atoll 15090, Maldives
Web: sixsenses.com
Tel.: +960 680-0800
Price: villa incl. breakfast from approx. €960 per night

 

Submarine Trip

Where: Maldives
When: year-round

No need to worry if you tend to get claustrophobic: one half of the semi-submarine always remains above the surface. © Ozen Reserve Bolifushi

You won't need a wetsuit to be immersed in ocean life. The breathtaking reefs around Bolifushi can also be explored while staying completely dry. How? With the semi-submersible boat of the Ozen Reserve Bolifushi. Guests sit one meter below the surface. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide wonderful views of the underwater world while the upper part of the boat always remains above sea level.

Hotel recommendation:

The experience is made possible by the Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, known for its all-inclusive experience and elegant decor. Sublime: the Ocean Pool Villas with a water slide.

Ozen Reserve Bolifushi
Bolifushi Island Kaafu Atoll, 20222, Maldives
Web: theozencollection.com
Tel.: +960 664-2020
Price: villa incl. all-inclusive board from €1,750 per night