Holidaying on the coast is an excellent opportunity to take a break from your normal day to day life and enjoy some magnificent ocean views and beautiful sandy beaches. Before you set off, it is usually a great idea to plan out some activities to keep you entertained during your stay.
Consider hiring a yacht, sailboat or catamaran from a boat rental service like Borrow A Boat. This can help you make the most out of the experience and have a holiday you will not forget.
Whether it’s an action-packed trip with a group of friends or a family holiday during the school break, hiring a boat will spice up your getaway and give you plenty more options for things to do. If you need a bit of inspiration, here are a few activity ideas you can plan when hiring a boat on your holiday:
Witness the diverse underwater ocean life in its natural habitat
There is research to suggest that there are over 700,000 marine species in Earth’s oceans, with only 226,000 of them having been identified so far. When sailing out away from the shore you will find a much different variety of sea life than you can see from land.
If you are experienced at scuba diving or can take an instructor out with you, you can pack your wetsuits, flippers and breathing equipment and dive down to explore. Snorkelling is also a great option as it requires less experience and equipment.
If you are lucky, you will be able to swim near rare fish species, dolphins or seals. It is important that you listen to guidance on where it is safe to swim and what species are potentially dangerous.
Explore sea caves
There are many beautiful natural sea caves that are accessible by boat. One of the top-rated cave spots to explore is the Benagil Cave in Portugal on the Algarve coast.
Take a look at the unique rock formations and take a quick dip in the inviting crystal blue sea. You might want to combine a trip like this with a stop off at the beach and even explore the seafront towns and seafood restaurants, fully immerse yourself in the local culture and take in any historic sights before hopping back on board.
Extreme water sports and activities
Extreme water sports are not for the faint hearted, if you are a thrill seeker looking for your next adrenaline hit then there are many activities you can do from your boat. Bring along some water skis or tow toys, you can purchase these before your trip or hire them while you are there.
Water skiing is more difficult than it looks, and it often takes skiers a few attempts before they get the hang of holding on and standing in the correct position.
If renting a larger vessel, you might want to bring along a jet ski, these are great for getting to the beach if you’ve dropped anchor a short distance away but also fun for a quick ride during an afternoon on the boat at sea.
Don’t forget your life vests, these are essential even for the most competent swimmers when participating in water sports and activities at high speeds.
Moor the boat in a hidden location and camp for a night
When hiring a boat, you can also consider what activities your boat will help you to enjoy on land. For example, a boat might help you to reach a beach or area of the coast that is not easily accessible from land.
If you are the adventurous type, you could pack your camping gear on the boat and find a secluded seaside spot where you can sleep under the stars for a night or two. Sometimes it is great to get away from it all and enjoy the peace of an undisturbed place.
Check with the locals or tourist information service about the location to ensure you have legal access to any camping spots and if you should be aware of the tide coming in or out.
Date night with a view
Boating holidays don’t have to be all about water sports and sightseeing, you can use them to relax with loved ones in a beautiful new destination. Why not prepare a romantic candle lit dinner for your partner?
Even if the boat is moored in the port and not out at sea, dinner on a boat is a lovely romantic gesture and far more peaceful than a busy restaurant.
Sea fishing
Lastly, one activity that a boat hire will give you the opportunity to do is sea fishing. Pack (or hire) rods and some bait and cast your line into the vast ocean that is teaming with many species of fish.
Ensure that you understand what the local laws are around fishing in your chosen location as you can face fines for fishing in prohibited areas.
These are just a few ways you can spice up your next holiday by hiring a boat. There are activities to suit all interests and ages and a boating holiday is certain to make great memories.