The Top Destinations for Water Sports Adventures in 2025

Not all travelers want to kick back and relax during their vacation. Some love an adrenaline rush and excitement when exploring a new place — and the perfect way to get that rush while also sightseeing is with some fast and fun water sports excursions.

While you can find them anywhere, lakes are typically the best overall setting, since you usually have calmer, more controlled conditions, making it easier for beginners to learn the sport and more enjoyable for seasoned pros.

Amazing Destinations for Water Sports

Some of our favorites for accessible, active, and fun sports on the water are wake surfing and kneeboarding, which give you a great way to explore your aquatic surroundings while having a blast. And a great way to find and book water sports adventures during your travels is with GetMyBoat, a platform for booking all sorts of boat rentals and on-the-water activities, in thousands of destinations worldwide.

Wake surfing, in particular, has gained immense popularity in recent years. It provides an amazing blend of adrenaline-pumping action and a relaxing connection with the water — when you’re riding the wake behind a boat, you get to enjoy the beauty of the open waters, and you get surfing without the hassle of paddling out and trying to catch a wave on a beach.

It’s fun for both kids and adults and passengers onboard the boat get to enjoy watching others participate in the sport while they cruise a beautiful lake.

Wake surfing is also a very accessible water sport. Beginners can find their balance and get the hang of riding the wake quite quickly, thanks to the support of the boat’s wake and the forgiving nature of the sport.

Kneeboarding is another accessible option that combines the thrill of waterskiing with the wave-riding techniques of surfing while maintaining a lower center of gravity for better balance and beginner-friendliness.

But what really sets kneeboarding apart is its adaptability — because a kneeboard requires less momentum for the rider to stay up, compared to something like water skiing, riders can choose to take it slow to enjoy a leisurely cruise across the lake, or amp up the speed and attempt some tricks and spins.

This versatility makes kneeboarding a fantastic option for individuals of all skill levels, from novices to experienced enthusiasts.

If those sound fun to you, and you’re seeking the best destinations to experience wake surfing and kneeboarding, look no further — here are the top five locations that are ideal for water sports activities.

1. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada, USA

Sitting in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning alpine landscapes. It’s a haven for water sports thanks to its vast, calm waters and quiet bays like Emerald Bay, where you can get away from boat traffic and learn how to ride.

Lake Tahoe provides an ideal setting for both wake surfing and kneeboarding. The picturesque surroundings add an extra layer of magic to your water sports experience, but be aware, the water can be very cold, so you may want to bring a wetsuit onboard if you’re a beginner and plan on falling into the water often!

Must-Try Activities: Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), wakeboarding, snorkeling, trout fishing.
Best Time: June–September for warm-weather activities; year-round for fishing and polar plunges.
Pro Tip: Rent a clear-bottom kayak from Clearly Tahoe to spot fish and underwater rock formations without diving in.

2. Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona, USA

Lake Powell is a big man-made lake in the desert that stores water. It’s a fun place where you can do lots of activities like fishing, swimming, or exciting water sports like wakeboarding and waterskiing.

You can also see a huge natural rock bridge called Rainbow Bridge, which is really cool!

Must-Try Activities: Waterskiing, wakeboarding, fishing, kayaking, visiting Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
Best Time: April–October for warm weather and calm waters.
Pro Tip: Book a guided boat tour to Rainbow Bridge for a hassle-free trip to this iconic natural rock formation.

3. Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

Lake Wanaka is the fourth largest lake that spans a region of around 74 square miles and has a depth of 980 ft.

The lake is situated around the southern Alps part of New Zealand and acts as a gateway to Mt Aspiring National Park. Water sports enthusiasts come to the lake for adventurous activities like kayaking and wake surfing.

Wanaka has a phenomenal landscape that makes it a center of attention for international filmmakers as it appears in several movies including The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Legend of S, etc.

Must-Try Activities: Jet boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, fishing for brown trout.
Best Time: November–April for summer warmth and optimal water conditions.
Pro Tip: Try a jet boat ride with Wanaka River Journeys for an adrenaline-packed adventure through stunning river canyons.

4. Lake Garda, Italy

Lake Garda is situated in the northern region of Italy where it connects with three provinces Verona, Brescia, and Trentino.

It’s an incredible lake carved out by the glaciers of the Alps mountains where you can have thrilling experiences of wakeboarding and kneeboarding. The shoreline of the lake is dotted by a small town so you can drive around the entire lake by car or boat.

Must-Try Activities: Windsurfing, sailing, kitesurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding.
Best Time: May–September for warm weather and steady winds ideal for windsurfing.
Pro Tip: Head to Torbole on the northern shore for world-class windsurfing lessons with professional schools like Vasco Renna.

5. Okanagan Lake, British Columbia, Canada

Okanagan Lake spans 135 km and is the Destinations for Water Sports Adventures such as wake surfing, charter boating, kayaking, kneeboarding and jet skiing.

The summer climate and picturesque surroundings of the lake are refreshing for travelers to explore the hidden coves, tombs, and marine life. The average temperature on the lake is moderate even in July like 19-23 C.

Must-Try Activities: Waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing for kokanee salmon.
Best Time: June–August for warm temperatures and vibrant lakefront festivals.
Pro Tip: Rent a houseboat from Waterway Houseboats to combine water sports with a unique overnight adventure on the lake.

Staying Safe During Your Adventures

When you start your journey to Lake Okanagan, Lake Garda, etc. make sure to wear your safety gear to avoid all sorts of mishaps during your adventure in the water.

If you’re a beginner or even an expert in water sports, it is best to take an experienced instructor with you because some of these lakes are more than 900 ft deep.

Create your Itinerary in a way to visit places and have adventurous experience with wake surfing and kneeboarding that helps you to collect some lasting memories in your life.

These lakes provide a soothing environment to their visitors. For additional beauty, they have the backdrop of glaciers, mountain ranges, rolling hills, and forests.

Tips for Planning Your Water Sports Adventure

• Check Local Conditions: Research the best seasons for your chosen activity to ensure optimal weather and water conditions.
• Prioritize Safety: Always wear life jackets, follow guides’ instructions, and choose reputable operators with certified instructors.
• Pack Smart: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry clothing, and waterproof bags to protect your gear.
• Book Early: Popular destinations like Maui and Goa fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.
• Go Green: Opt for operators using sustainable practices, like electric boats or eco-friendly equipment, to minimize your environmental impact.

Conclusion

From the wild rapids of the Zambezi to the serene reefs of the Similan Islands, the top water sports destinations for 2025 offer a thrilling mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.

Whether you’re carving waves in Australia or kayaking Croatia’s Adriatic coast, these locations promise unforgettable experiences.

So grab your gear, pick your destination, and dive into the aquatic adventures of 2025!

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