The Abaco Islands, part of The Bahamas, stretch across more than 120 cays and islands, offering a laid-back yet adventurous escape. Known for their calm waters and sheltered harbors, the Abacos are often called the sailing capital of The Bahamas, drawing boaters and yachters from around the world.
Halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth in the heart of the famous Garden Route, nestles the seaside town of Mossel Bay. A bustling holiday resort in summer and the ideal retreat in winter, it is situated on a spectacular sunwashed peninsula embraced by the warm Indian Ocean. Also called the "Karoo-by-the-Sea town", Mossel Bay features in the Guiness Book of Records as having the mildest all-year climate in the world, second only to Hawaii.
Eagle Beach, on Aruba’s western coast, is often celebrated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Known for its wide stretch of soft white sand and calm turquoise waters, it offers a peaceful setting away from the livelier resort areas.
Cape Le Grand National Park lies on the south coast of Western Australia, east of Esperance, where granite peaks, coastal heath, freshwater pools, and white sandy beaches meet the Recherche Archipelago. The park is best known for Lucky Bay, where exceptionally white sand curves around clear turquoise water and kangaroos are often seen resting near the shoreline. Its remote coastal setting also supports a range of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, camping, kayaking, and bushwalking
Bodø, located just north of the Arctic Circle, is a coastal city where dramatic landscapes meet a surprising blend of modern culture and outdoor access. As the largest town in the Nordland region of Norway, Bodø has become a key stop along the Norwegian Scenic Route and a gateway to the Lofoten Islands. Located just a short drive away, the Saltstraumen maelstrom, which is one of the world’s strongest tidal currents, visitors can watch whirlpools form in the sea with astonishing power.
Photo Credit: Photo by Lochlainn Riordan on Unsplash
Nestled within Freycinet National Park on Tasmania's stunning east coast, Wineglass Bay is a destination that calls out to nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Famous for its perfect crescent of powdery white sand lapped by sapphire-blue waters, this bay is consistently listed among the world's top beaches. Whether viewed from the Wineglass Bay Lookout or experienced up close with a swim or a kayak adventure, the beauty of this natural wonder is simply breathtaking. Hiking to the lookout is a rewarding experience, taking you through native bushland filled with eucalyptus trees and leading to a panoramic vista that captures the bay’s unique shape, which has given it its evocative name.
Wineglass Bay is also a gateway to a variety of outdoor experiences. The Hazards Beach Circuit provides a picturesque 11-kilometer loop walk that combines the pristine beaches of Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach, traversing the jagged pink granite mountains known as The Hazards. For those who prefer a marine perspective, sea kayaking tours allow paddlers to glide alongside playful dolphins and spot seals and sea eagles in their natural habitat. The crystal-clear waters are also perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving, revealing vibrant marine life and hidden coves.
The surrounding Freycinet National Park offers ample opportunities for exploration beyond Wineglass Bay. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including Bennett's wallabies, wombats, and a variety of bird species that can often be seen on the walking trails. The area is steeped in history, with the Indigenous Paredarerme people having a long-standing connection to this land. Guided walks with local Aboriginal guides provide an enriching way to learn about the cultural significance of the park and its natural features, deepening the visitor experience.