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Water activities with Inghams Summer

Kayaking. Coasteering. Snorkelling. Swimming. There’s a reason some of us never outgrow being water babies. From paddleboarding on peaceful lakes to whale-watching trips off the coast of Madeira, we’ve selected the destinations that offer some of Europe’s best water-based adventures. 

Discover Europe from a different perspective. Make a splash with the family or unwind at a lido – there's a holiday to match your pace.  

Use the filters below to narrow down your options by date, facilities and more, and find the destination that’s the right fit for your next summer holiday. 

Recommended activities

Discover our top recommended water activities:

Windsurfing on Lake Garda, Family Holidays in Italy

Head to the lakeside and rent out a paddle board or a kayak. If you're on a family holiday, this is the best way to get some family bonding time in, there’s nothing better than gliding across the water on a paddle board- for more of a challenge you could even try tandem paddle boarding. Sailing is also a great way to get youngsters trying their hand at something new.

Windsurfing is also very popular in Riva and you can normally see it taking place from the piazza. Get involved and try it for yourself, there are plenty of places locally to book lessons or rent equipment. If you’d rather relax then sit yourself down on the white pebble beach. It’s a popular spot for swimmers and sun bathing.

The wind conditions in the North of the lake are perfect for watersports, so you won’t struggle to get going!

Lake Bled kayaking

The best way to experience Lake Bled is to get in or on the water. Rent a rowing boat or kayak and head out onto the lake, and stand-up paddle boarding is popular too. You can even rent a clear-bottomed kayak or try scuba diving. For a little more adrenaline, the rivers of Sava Bohinjka and Sava Dolinka are popular for rafting, kayaking, or canoeing - eventually, they merge to become the Sava - Slovenia's largest river. You can try canyoning in the gorges too.

The traditional wooden pletna boats have been taking visitors to the island in the middle of the lake for centuries. These boats are operated by standing rowers known as pletnars, who are locals that have inherited their job role. A peaceful glide along the lake will take you to the charming Bled Island - the only island in Slovenia. Count the stairs, and make a wish by pulling the wish-bell.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Lake Bohinj Savica Waterfall Slovenia

In the Mostnica Gorge, crystal clear water flows through the intricate rock formations that have been creatively carved by nature over thousands of years. It's surrounded by nature, and all you can hear is the rushing of water and the sound of the trees.  Hidden in the hills at the far western end of Lake Bohinj, the Savica Waterfall is one of Slovenia's most visited natural attractions, tumbling 78 metres from top to bottom. It's glorified in Slovenian folklore as the birthplace of love stories and captivates visitors from all over the world.

Interlaken Ship On Lake Brienz

One of the best places to relax around Interlaken is undoubtedly aboard one of the cruises - book a culinary cruise for an extra special treat, and gaze at the view while you enjoy lunch on board. The shores of Lake Thun, with castles, vineyards, and the St. Beatus caves invite you to hop off and explore along your route.

On Lake Brienz, take a boat to the impressive Giessbach waterfalls, or all the way to Brienz, at the opposite end of the lake to Bönigen. Here you'll find the Brienzer Rothorn steam train which takes you high into the mountains, for - you guessed it - more incredible views.

Pre-book your cruise on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz

Spend a day cruising with this ticket, valid for one day on your choice of either of the lakes, Thun, or Brienz. Upgrade to 1st class for seats on the top deck!

Prices include Swiss Half Fare Card discount.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Image: (Copyright: Switzerland Tourism)

Family Boat Hire On Lake Zell

There’s more to Lake Zell than swimming and boat trips. Spend a sunny afternoon exploring the lake by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or simply take to the water and enjoy the spectacular mountain views from a different perspective. With watersports and equipment available at various spots around the lake, you can make a day of exploring its shores and trying something new together.

Hiring a pedalo is another great way to enjoy the lake, whether you’re looking for a leisurely trip across the water or a little more fun with the slide at the back. It’s a lovely choice for couples looking to spend a relaxed afternoon outdoors, while families will love the easygoing fun and chance to spot fish beneath the crystal clear water.

Image: (copyright Zell Am See Kaprun Tourismus)

Bovec Soča river watersports

Bovec is situated along the River Soča, known as the emerald river, renowned for its stunning colour and fast flow and ideal for watersport activities like white-water rafting. You can also find calmer areas of the river which are great for paddle-boarding and canoeing. This river is perfect for gentle riverside strolls, which may even take you across tension bridges or down rocky paths.

Drifting along the emerald River Soča in a raft is a wonderful experience that's fun for all ages. Rafting in the Soča Valley is one of those active trips that simply must be ticked off your adventure bucket list. The most popular rafting route on the River Soča is 10 kilometres long and runs from the bridge near Log Čezsoški, near Boka Waterfall, to Trnovo ob Soči.

Older children and teenagers can learn the basics of kayaking in the calm sections of the Soča River. Local instructors offer beginner-friendly lessons to help them build confidence on the water while having a blast.

Expertly crafted water activities holiday deals

Browse our wide selection of water activities holiday deals, filtering results to match your preferred destination, departure date and more. 

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Why book your summer holiday with Inghams

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