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You may have heard about how harmful air travel is to the environment because of the sheer number of airplanes that fly every day and because greenhouse gasses are emitted directly into the atmosphere. Because of this, eco-friendly travellers are now choosing to travel through other means, such as by train or water travel. Although water travel may not be as eco-friendly as taking a train, it’s still a much greener alternative to flying. Not only that, but it’s also a fun way of visiting some of the most beautiful corners of the world. 

So, are you ready to step aboard? Below, check out five different ways to cruise the waves in style.

1. Gulet

Blessed with 8,000 m of stunning coastline, Turkey is one of the best destinations for cruising. The best way to discover its gorgeous scenery is on a traditional gulet yacht, specially designed for tourist charters.

Gulet holidays are very popular in Turkey, with many companies offering a selection of fuel-powered gulets of various lengths, some of which have two or three masts. There will be a crew of up to seven people on board, including a chef who will cook delicious meals from the freshest locally sourced seafood. The gulet cruise can accommodate up to 12 guests, so it’s perfect for families going on holidays or groups of friends. There are entertainment facilities onboard for both kids and adults, including water sports equipment that everyone can use for free.

There are various route options for your gulet cruises in Turkey, depending on the number of days. If you have a week to spare, the Bodrum – Gökova route is a good option. You will board your gulet at the ancient coastal city of Bodrum, home to several ancient heritage sites, including the Bodrum Castle, built around the 15th Century. Next, you will head to Oak Island, where you can go swimming and participate in fun water sports activities. You will then sail to the Seven Islands of Gokova Bay, where you will spend a few days before returning to Bodrum.

2. Catamaran

A catamaran refers to a multi-hulled boat equipped with two parallel hulls of the same size. If you have the skills and qualifications, consider chartering a catamaran. It is an ideal option for sailing with friends, family, or your special someone. Since the boat is easy to manoeuvre, you can manage it well even if you do not have enough experience in catamaran cruising before. 

There are many great destinations for catamaran cruising, and one of these is Croatia. With a myriad of fascinating little islands, cruising along the waters of Croatia on a catamaran charter is an experience you will never forget. Visit one of the bigger islands, Hvar, famous for its fabulous beaches and fantastic beachside restaurants. The water around Hvar is truly spectacular. Not only that, since the island is big, you won’t have any issues docking your catamaran.

catamaran-cruise
Photo by Jess Loiterton on Pexels.com

Greece is another popular destination for a catamaran charter. Here, you can spend days island-hopping in the Aegean Sea. At night, cast your anchor at Mykonos or Santorini and party your way until sunrise. Given the many beautiful islands in Greece, you could spend several weeks trading from one island to the next, and you will never be disappointed.

3. Speed Boat

A speed boat refers to an engine-powered boat designed to travel exceptionally fast. The boat can come with either inboard or outboard motor, and the shape of its hull is designed to be as aerodynamic as possible. It’s more suitable for recreational use and often comes with an open cockpit and a sitting area for passengers.

The best place to experience riding a speedboat is in the beautiful canals of Venice. As one of Italy’s most adored cities, Venice offers plenty of interesting attractions that you can view from the comfort of your speedboat. You can choose to take the Vaporetto, a Venetian public waterbus that travels between Venice and the nearby islands. As the boat traverses along the Grand Canal, you can marvel at the city’s famous sights, including the St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Basilica of Santa Maria Della Salute, and more!

4. Narrowboating 

Narrowboating is a wonderful way of discovering the waterways of the UK. It’s a great way to bond with family and friends, and it appeals to both adults and kids. With constantly changing landscapes and a new destination to explore daily, a narrowboat holiday is a fantastic way to discover a variety of sights, attractions, and activities.

There are plenty of great destinations along the canals that you can explore on a narrowboat. But if you can’t decide where to go, get hold of a small narrowboat and head straight to Oxford. Boating down Oxford canal could feel familiar as it used to be the backdrop for so many popular films and TV shows. Along the way, you’ll come across world-famous university buildings, such as Christ Church College, Magdalene College, and Wadham College. The other interesting sights you’ll see are the Ashmolean Museum, Botanic Gardens, and Sheldonian Theatre.

5. Kayaking

Kayaking is a popular pastime for those who love the outdoors. Any kayaker will agree that there’s nothing more rewarding than paddling through the seas, rivers, and lakes while surrounded by beautiful nature and wildlife. For others, kayaking is a wonderful opportunity to bond with loved ones and create fun memories that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

kayaking
Photo by Brooke Lewis on Pexels.com

Since kayaking is a popular activity, you can enjoy it almost anywhere in the world. But if you want to go kayaking in a place that offers magnificent scenery and will make you forget all your worries, head to Alaska. With its towering peaks, massive glaciers, and roaring rivers, Alaska is a haven for nature lovers and kayaking enthusiasts. 

While Alaska’s dominating landscape can seem intimidating, beginning kayakers should have no issues navigating this surreal world. The best way to get started with your kayaking adventure in Alaska is at the Misty Fjords National Monument, where you’ll come across glacier-carved cliffs surrounded by beautiful, cascading waterfalls!

Jennifer
Information sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only.