colorful coral reef with many fishes and sea turtle

If you are traveling to an exotic beach for winter vacation these sunny destinations offer wonderful opportunities to get out on the open water and explore the great outdoors with friends or family. Whether you want to snorkel with your older kids in Nassau; take your toddler on a glass bottom boat ride in Cozumel; race your partner on a jet ski in Barbados; join a kayak eco-safari in Turks and Caicos with your bestie; or go scuba diving in Costa Rica, there is a sunny escape for every water lover out there. Here are five ideas to get you started.

Snorkel Nassau, Bahamas

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Every time my son and I visit Nassau, Bahamas we go snorkeling. We love searching for free swimming marine life and exploring the secrets of the ocean. We have snorkeled with Stuart Coves Dive Bahamas several times and they are a reputable family operated company located on the southwest side of New Providence. They are a full service recreational diving centre and round trip transportation is included in the package. Should you want to experience the underwater world via SUB a personal submarine - you can zoom around underwater and visit coral gardens with your professional guide. Although we havent been brave enough for the SUB yet we have been very close to Caribbean reef sharks that left us in awe. You will have the opportunity to swim with schools of colorful fish in the shallows of Nassaus famous reefs and may even visit Hollywood movie sets or old sunken shipwrecks.

Glass Bottom Boat Tours Cozumel, Mexico

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If you are traveling with small children or anyone that doesnt particularly want to get into the actual water but still wants to experience all the wonders of ocean life, then a glass bottom boat tour is the answer. Meet up with Safetours Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen next to the ferry pier and your guide will escort you to the gorgeous Mexican island of Cozumel. While out on the glass bottom boat you will pass by stunning coral reefs and exotic sea life of the Caribbean Sea. Should anyone in your group want to explore off the boat there is the option to snorkel at three shallow reefs. Life vests, water and a Mexican lunch is provided.

Jet Ski - Barbados

jetskies on beach

Crystal clear waters and soft white sandy beaches surround beautiful Barbados and there are a wide variety of exciting ocean activities to choose from. If you feel the need for speed consider renting a jet ski or waverunner. There are several places renting personal watercraft from bays, beaches and coves around Barbados. Get My Boat is a locally owned and operated dive and snorkelling centre and they rent out jet skis in Bridgetown, the capital port city and the largest on the island. As with all reputable operators ensure you are provided with a life vest and instructions before heading out on the water.

Scuba Diving- Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is one of the most bio diverse regions in the world with so many opportunities to get back to nature in the heart of Central America. Scuba lovers have many options to choose from including locations around the Osa Peninsula where you can head below the surface of the Pacific Ocean in search of astounding flora and fauna. Visibility ranges from 30 to 100 feet year round with unhindered views of marine life all around you. There are several exceptional scuba diving spots at the Cao Island Biological Reserve and you may see spotted dolphins and bull sharks and an endless amount of colourful fish. Only ten divers are permitted in the water at once at the five nearby designated diving locations. Take a diving tour with Cao Divers for the adventure of a lifetime.

Clear Kayaking - Turks and Caicos

Woman Kayaking on Grace Bay in Turks & Caicos

If you are traveling to the glorious islands of Turks and Caicos you are already off to a good start. Oasis Divers Grand Turk offers a Clear Kayaking and Eco-Safari tour in a two- person glass bottom kayak so you can see all the beauty of the sea below. A skilled guide will get you set up and then its off to explore the fish swimming all around you, the nearby mangroves and the local birds flying overhead. There are small coves to discover and your guide will point out the plants and birds that you paddle by on your eco-adventure. There will be time to search for abandoned seashells and a sunny walk along the shore of Grand Turk.

See the rest here:

Five Must-Try Water Activities For Your Next Beach Vacation - Forbes