There’s something uniquely calming and quietly thrilling about exploring the world from the water. Soft adventures like kayaking, snorkelling, and catamaran sailing offer the perfect balance between relaxation and excitement, inviting travellers of all ages and experience levels to connect with nature at their own pace. Whether you’re gliding across a lagoon in a kayak, drifting above reefs with a snorkel, or sailing aboard a catamaran, these gentle pursuits open a doorway to landscapes and marine life that can’t be experienced from the shore.

In this blog series, we’ll dip into some of the most inspiring destinations for water-based adventures I’ve experienced, each offering its own blend of serenity, scenery, and unforgettable moments. From crystal-clear coves to lush tropical bays, we’ll explore one destination at a time to help you plan your next escape.

Great Barrier Reef: Floating Platforms, Endless Blue, and the Scuba-Doo Adventure

Few places capture the imagination quite like Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Stretching over 2,300 kilometres, it’s a kaleidoscope of marine life, coral gardens, and turquoise water, and one of the easiest ways to experience its magic is from the incredible offshore activity platforms that sit right in the middle of the ocean.

These spacious, floating hubs feel like little islands perched above the reef. After a scenic cruise from the mainland, you step onto the platform and immediately feel immersed in the seascape. Our platform offered shaded lounges, sundecks, bars, and dining areas where you can enjoy a relaxed buffet lunch while soaking up panoramic views of the Coral Sea.

But the reason we were out here layed just beyond the edge of the deck. Slip on a mask and snorkel, and you’re moments away from drifting above vibrant coral formations, schools of fish, and the surreal underwater world that has made the reef famous. Guided snorkel tours and fish-feeding stations make it easy for beginners, while more adventurous travellers can explore deeper sections teeming with marine life.

For an unforgettable experience, there’s the Scuba-Doo experience, a quirky, fun, and surprisingly accessible way to explore underwater without being a certified diver. You climb aboard a personal underwater scooter equipped with a clear dome helmet that keeps your head dry while allowing you to breathe normally. The scooter glides along the seafloor at a gentle pace, fish that swim right up to your helmet. You have a guide fitted out in scuba diving gear directing you, which was a relief because I had no sense of where I was down there. It’s calm, safe, and ideal for anyone who wants a deeper look at the reef without the complexity of traditional scuba diving.

New Zealand: Sea Kayaking in Kaikōura – Seals, Mountains, and Ocean Serenity

Along New Zealand’s rugged east coast, Kaikōura is a haven for wildlife lovers and outdoor adventurers like me. Here, soft water adventures meet dramatic scenery. Sea kayaking along the coastline offers a way to connect with both the ocean and the snow-capped mountains that rise behind the town. The journey is guided by an experienced local guide, who ensures safety while pointing out wildlife you might otherwise miss.

The real stars of the show are the seals. Paddling quietly through sheltered bays, it’s common to glide past curious pups and lounging adults, their heads popping out of the water. Observing them in their natural habitat without barriers feels both thrilling and serene.

What makes kayaking in Kaikōura especially magical is the backdrop, towering, snow-capped peaks meeting the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. Every direction you look offers a postcard-worthy view. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned paddler, the calm bays and protected inlets make for a smooth experience.

Fiji: Catamaran Day Trips, Sandbars, and Snorkelling Paradise

If there’s a destination made for soft water adventures, Fiji tops the list. We spent the most amazing day aboard the SABRE, a 78-foot custom-built sailing catamaran. It boasts large shaded canopies and a range of seating options, from bean bags to booths. This day trip was the perfect way to experience Fiji’s idyllic islands, combining relaxation, exploration, and a touch of adventure, all at your own pace.

The journey included a stops at a remote sandbar, tiny stretches of powdery white sand surrounded by endless blue water. Here, you can kick off your shoes and take in the surreal panorama of ocean in every direction. I can’t find the words to describe sitting in the middle of the ocean on a chair under a beach umbrella.

Of course, no Fijian catamaran trip would be complete without snorkelling among the coral reefs. Just a short paddle from the boat, the underwater world bursts to life, guided snorkel stops make it easy for beginners to join in, while more experienced snorkellers can explore deeper reef edges, discovering the diversity that makes the South Pacific so legendary.

Read more about my soft adventures in Fiji on the link below: https://senseofadventurerequiredbyjen.blog/fiji/

Maldives: Overwater Bungalows and Effortless Snorkelling

Few places embody the idea of soft water adventures like the Maldives, where turquoise lagoons, powdery white sands, and luxurious overwater bungalows create a picture-perfect escape. Staying in an overwater bungalow isn’t just about luxury, it’s about immediate access to the ocean. Step off your private deck, go down a short set of stairs, and you’re instantly in the clear, warm water, ready to snorkel.

Some mornings and most evenings I would put on the snorkel gear and head off on an adventure to see what I would discover. Schools of colourful fish would dart between corals, with a sighting of the occassional Sting Ray. It’s a tranquil, immersive way to experience marine life without the crowds and for me there is something about having my head under water, blocking out the noise and relaxing in the silence the water provides.

For a deeper exploration, most resorts offer guided snorkelling trips to surrounding reefs. Led by knowledgeable local guides, we took one of these excursions to pristine coral formations farther from shore, where the marine life was even more striking.

Whether it’s a quiet morning in your bungalow lagoon or a guided adventure through vibrant reefs, the Maldives offers effortless access to the wonders of the ocean, a soft adventure in the truest sense, where relaxation and discovery go hand in hand.

Read more about my soft adventures in The Maldives on the link below: https://senseofadventurerequiredbyjen.blog/maldives/

Vietnam: Kayaking Through the Hidden Corners of Ha Long Bay

Few places in the world capture the imagination like Ha Long Bay, with its emerald waters dotted by towering limestone karsts and hidden lagoons. Kayaking here is the perfect soft adventure—paddling through calm, mirror-like waters, completely surrounded by dramatic cliffs rising straight out of the sea.

We departed our traditional Junk sail boat to board a small boat ride taking us into secluded corners of the bay where larger vessels can’t go. Once you step into your kayak, the adventure truly begins. Exploring hidden caves, and discoveing tiny beaches tucked between the karsts felt surreal. The experience is even more magical with children in tow, this was their first experience in a kayak but the highlight for them was jumping off the top deck of the boat. It’s a soft adventure that balances tranquility, exploration, and pure delight in one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes.

Read more about my soft adventures in Vietnam on the link below: https://senseofadventurerequiredbyjen.blog/vietnam/

Philippines: Swimming with Giants and Island Hopping Adventures

The Philippines is a paradise for soft water adventurers, where vibrant marine life, crystal-clear waters, and endless islands make every day a new aquatic adventure. Whether you’re drawn to gentle encounters with sea turtles, drifting alongside majestic whale sharks, or witnessing the spectacle of a sardine run, this archipelago offers a diversity of experiences that feel effortless and is simply unforgettable.

Island hopping is at the heart of the adventure. Small boats ferry you between secluded beaches and hidden coves, each stop offering opportunities to snorkel over colourful coral reefs, and enjoy the serenity of the ocean away from the crowds. Guided snorkelling excursions take you to the best spots, ensuring safe and rewarding encounters with marine wildlife, from curious sea turtles to massive, gentle whale sharks gliding silently beneath you.

The sardine run adds another layer of magic. Thousands of tiny, silver fish moving in perfect unison create a living, shimmering carpet in the water, a mesmerizing sight that feels both peaceful and awe-inspiring. I loved putting myself in the run and watching the tiny fish dart around me before finding their way back to their group and moving in unison again.

From calm lagoons to bustling reefs, the Philippines is a playground for soft water adventures, combining relaxation, exploration, and wildlife encounters in one of the most spectacular island settings on Earth. It is a place you can go back to again and again staying at different islands each one unique and offering a different experience.

Read more about my soft adventures in The Philippines on the link below: https://senseofadventurerequiredbyjen.blog/philippines/

Hawaii: Catamaran Cruises and Snorkelling in Paradise

Hawaii’s sun-soaked islands are a dream destination for soft water adventurers, combining turquoise waters, abundant marine life, and iconic landscapes. One of the best ways to explore the islands is by catamaran, gliding along the coast toward destinations like Turtle Bay. From the deck, you can soak in the scenery and once you reach turtle bay you can snorkel and watch the turtles going about their day.

Snorkelling at Hanauma Bay offers a calm, protected environment where vibrant reefs teem with tropical fish, colorful corals, and occasional sea turtles. The bay’s crystal-clear waters and gentle currents make it ideal for beginners and experienced snorkellers alike, allowing everyone to fully immerse themselves in Hawaii’s underwater wonders. This was without a doubt one of the most beautiful places I have snorkelled, the different types of fish we saw was countless, I didn’t want it to end.

Malta: Cruising to the Blue Lagoon and Swimming in Turquoise Perfection

Malta’s Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino is one of the Mediterranean’s most dazzling natural wonders, a place where the water glows in shades of turquoise so vivid it almost doesn’t seem real. The adventure begins the moment you board the boat, cruising past rugged cliffs, hidden caves, and the honey-coloured coastline that Malta is known for.

Once you arrive, the Blue Lagoon’s beauty is breathtaking. The water is shallow, crystal-clear, and incredibly inviting, perfect for swimming, floating, and gentle snorkelling. You can hop straight off the boat and wade into the calm lagoon, drifting over sandy patches and rocky edges where small fish dart about. The setting feels peaceful yet vibrant, with brilliant blue all around and sunlit limestone rising above the water.

Whether you spend your time swimming, relaxing on the boat, or exploring the small rocky beaches nearby, the Blue Lagoon offers a soft adventure that blends simplicity with pure, natural beauty. It’s an effortless escape, just sun, sea, and some of the clearest water you’ll ever swim in. No matter how many photo’s I took I could not capture the beauty of this place it is something you need to see for yourself.

Read more about my soft adventures in Malta on the link below: https://senseofadventurerequiredbyjen.blog/malta/

Whether you’re floating above coral gardens, paddling through calm seas, or diving off a boat with your family, these gentle moments become the memories that linger long after the journey ends. And as you explore the world one lagoon, reef, bay, and island at a time, you’ll find that the greatest adventures are often the softest ones.

What ties all these experiences together is the sense of connection they create to the water, to the landscapes, to the wildlife, and to the simple joy of being present in nature. Soft adventures don’t require extreme skills or adrenaline, they invite you to slow down, breathe in the surroundings, and discover beauty at your own pace with A Sense of Adventure being all that is Required!