Do you envision your spring break as more than parties and lounging? Embarking on outdoor adventures can give you amazing stories to tell your friends when you return to campus. And if you are a parent whose littles are out of school for spring break, then a trip packed with recreation will keep them moving and unglued from screens. Here’s some top spring break adventure recommendations ranging from scuba diving in Cozumel, to cycling through Everglades National Park. 

Hawaii

Visit Kauai, the northernmost Hawaiian island, to tackle the Kalalau Trail, known as one of the most technical and arduous hiking trails in the United States. The 22-mile trek has an intimidating elevation gain of 6,177 feet but you’ll be rewarded with views of incredible natural beauty. You’ll traverse the mountain jungles of Ha’ena State Park, the Hono O Na Pali Natural Reserve and the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Area and enjoy endless views of the Pacific Ocean. Budget at least two days to complete the trail, which should only be attempted by the most experienced hikers. Backpacking the second half of the trail requires a backcountry camping permit.

And what’s a visit to Hawaii without surfing? If you’ve never hit the waves, book a private group lesson on the beaches of Honolulu, where high rises tower over blue waters.  If you’re an experienced surfer, visit Diamond Head Cliffs on southern Oahu, where surfers of all experience levels enjoy the waves with views of the Diamond Head Volcano on the horizon. If you’re a particularly strong paddler, hit Sunset Beach, a classic surfing spot on the North Shore of Oahu. 

Cayman Islands

Recreational diving as a sport got its start on the Cayman Islands more than 60 years ago and the scene is still going strong. If you’re a new diver, numerous guided diving tours are available. Slip into your wetsuit and fins at Seven Mile Beach, an iconic spot for snorkelers and divers to mingle with rays and tropical fish in their reef habitat. Just off the shore is one of the most well-known wreck dives in the world, the USS Kittiwake. Swim among friendly stingrays at Stingray City.  The shallow and clear waters of Rum Point are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and its white sand beaches complete with huts, hammocks and volleyball nets scream spring break. If you want to explore land, take an e-bike tour with a naturalist to learn about the history, culture, wildlife and tropical plants of the Cayman Islands.

Cozumel, Mexico

Another diving hotspot, Cozumel is a small island off the coast of Mexico that can be reached by flying into Cancun and taking a 45-minute ferry ride. And the journey is worth it; Cozumel is home to some of the world’s best drift diving, in which you allow the current to carry you instead of swimming against it. The experience of letting the blue waters guide you past the walls of the Mesoamerican Reef is Zen like. If you want to move about on your own power, you’ll find plenty of caves and other underwater features to explore. 

The Everglades

Take a guided kayak tour of the Everglades, a 1.5-million-acre expanse of wetlands in South Florida known for its biodiversity. As you glide through mangrove tunnels and cypress groves, keep an eye out for osprey, bald eagles and American alligators. If you’re an experienced paddler, tackle the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway, which connects Flamingo and Everglades City. Ride the five bike trails in Everglades National Park on your own or with a ranger-led program during a full moon or meteor shower. 

New River Gorge, West Virginia

Experienced rafters and families alike will find rapids to tackle at the New River Gorge. Flowing through North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, the rugged New River is the oldest on the North American continent. And it’s second to the Nile as the oldest in the world. For those who want a calm adventure, there’s plenty of pools between the rapids, great for swimming and watching the river rush. The New River Gorge is also one of the most popular rock-climbing areas in the country, with over 1,400 established rock climbs. 

Travel is an investment, so you’ll want to protect any trip with travel insurance. *Please note that travel insurance does not provide coverage for any loss or damages related to high-risk sports and activities. Get a quote today to find out how we can make your next adventure stress free.

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