There is something equally relaxing and invigorating about spending time on the water. While cruise ships are not for everyone, there are numerous unique options for traveling on water, so check out our top picks that won't have a cruise ship in sight.

Houseboating

Numerous American states boast excellent lakes for houseboating, but it is likely Lake Shasta in California that can honestly stake a claim as being The Houseboating Capital of the World. The calm, warm water and over 370 miles of shoreline are ideal for water sport enthusiasts where you can spend your days wakeboarding, tubing, or water skiing.

Yacht Rental

You don't need to charter a 40-meter sailboat to get the experience of zipping around the Adriatic Sea, but the opportunity is there if you want it. Companies offering Yacht Charter Split have a variety of boats available, from small motorboats and catamarans to expansive yachts and sailboats. Depending on your budget and choice of vessel, you can book with a skipper or without and search based on cabin configurations and optional equipment such as wakeboards or water skis.

Multi-Day Rafting Holiday

A multi-day rafting holiday is a fantastic option for getting off the grid and immersed in a destination. Companies such as Water By Nature or Oars offer rafting holidays on the Zambezi River in Zambia, the Karnali River in Nepal, and the Rio Cotahuasi River in Peru. You can join on your own, with your partner, or with your friends. Some rivers, such as the Ahanssel in Morocco, are family-friendly for children aged seven and up.

Kayaking with Orcas

If you were raised on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada, or in the Pacific Northwest, then you likely have caught a glimpse of an Orca breaching at one point. However, few have had the extraordinary experience of kayaking alongside these breathtaking beasts as they feed on vast numbers of salmon. The Orca Camp claims prime position for luxurious camping on Northern Vancouver Island, where your days are spent exploring the many inlets and bays of Johnstone Strait. Both resident and transient pods swim through the Robson Bight Reserve, giving you prime viewing access annually from early July through mid-September. 

Visiting Glaciers

It might be frozen solid, but if you want to travel on water, then nothing is quite like floating by a glacier that has stood for millions of years. Glaciers can be found in far-flung destinations like the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina, the Aletsch Glacier in Switzerland, and The Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand. However, it's hard to beat the wilderness experience of wild Alaska. Alsek Lake offers numerous glacier watching adventures whether you choose to float down the Tatshenshini or Alsek River. This trip certainly isn't for sissies, though, as you'll pass through an area renowned for having the highest concentration of grizzly bears on the planet.

Have we stoked your wanderlust with our top choices for water-based travel? Whether you aim to hop in a kayak, jump on a raft or splash out on a week's yacht hire, we are sure you'll have a fantastic time on the water.