photo by MGA73bot2 via Creative Commons
Water sports can seem pretty intimidating if you haven’t been introduced to them in your hometown. Diving, kite surfing, rafting, water skiing, they’re all things that sound incredibly fun but also require skill. So how do you get into these sports if you didn’t grow up next to a lake or by the ocean? You can learn the skills on vacation.
Wanting to learn how to scuba dive but don’t know where to start? Book lessons as well as a couple days of fun with a diving instructor in the Visayas or Anilao. Looking to get your sea kayaking game on? Check out the kayaking trips in the Calamianes Islands. Whatever your passion, the Philippines is the destination to learn the skill as well as enjoy it in some of the most beautiful and plentiful waters in the world.
Check out some of the top water sport destinations in the country where you can hone your current skills or learn a new activity. The Philippines is definitely the ideal place for exploring the wondrous world of water sport.
photo by jeff~ via Flickr
Diving in Anilao and the Visayas
Is scuba diving on your bucket list? Then Anilao and the Visayas are the places to go. Although it sounds intimidating, diving is one of the most popular water sports there is and if you’ve never dived before, then doing an introductory diving experience is the way to go.
During an introductory dive, you’ll be able to enjoy seeing all the fish and creatures with the added benefit of having your guide regulate your buoyancy control device and all you have to do is breath and enjoy your surroundings.
An introductory dive is a great way to experience scuba diving and find out how much you like it. If you really enjoy it and are ready to take the plunge and become a certified scuba diver then you can do a full scuba diving course in the Philippines as well.
Both Anilao and the Visayas offer beautiful locations for beginner divers as there is no shortage of amazing marine life. The hardest part will be grabbing your underwater camera quick enough to catch a snap of your exotic fish friend before he swims away.
photo by Guido via Creative Commons
Kayaking in El Nido and the Calamianes Islands
More into sea kayaking instead of diving among the fishes? Then visiting El Nido or the Calamianes Islands will be the experience for you. During these trips, your expert guide will teach you the wonderful way of the sea kayak and after a brief intro, you’ll paddle in the deep blue sea and zig zag between rock cliffs and sandy beaches. But don’t worry, you’ll also reach land and be able to explore as well.
Kayaking is an upper body water sport which requires a lot of “reading of the water” to help you know which way to paddle. Take the stress out of being the captain and just enjoy the fun part about kayaking by following the command of your guide while learning facts about the beautiful surroundings. Bonus: El Nido is filled with limestone rock formations so be sure to be on the lookout during your kayaking adventure.
Surfing in Siargao
Surfs up dude! At least that’s the case when learning to surf in Siargao. As surfing is a very meditative solo sport, booking a private custom tour for a visit to Siargao is the best way to go. This way you’ll get one-on-one attention with a surf guide and the two of you will spend all day hitting the waves until you get it right.
Folks who don’t like huge crowds will also enjoy Siargao as it’s an understated gem of an island that has not yet been overrun by tourists. And if you get tired of surfing, there’s stunning coral reefs and white sandy beaches for you to epitomize the beach bum trope during your vacation.
photo by MGA73bot2 via Creative Commons
Kitesurfing in Boracay
Aside from being the most popular beach destination in the country, Boracay is also the best place to learn how to kitesurf. A consistent wind in the Bulabog beach makes for ideal conditions and with open water and killer views, Boracay provides the perfect views for practicing this incredibly exciting watersport. Think surfing meets skateboard tricks meets flying a kite and you’ll get the feeling of kitesurfing.
Once you’re strapped into your harness and have your board ready, you’ll enjoy the sensation of having the wind fill your sails (or kite in this case) and you’ll be skating across the water feeling light as a feather in no time. If you get brave, you can also try out some tricks and flips. Just ask your guide for intro tips to help you grab that Instagram-worthy photo.
Ready to get wet?
Ready to get a custom trip in the works so that you can come home a water sport hero? Reach out to the Uncharted Philippines team today .