Travelling by water can be a very different experience than travelling by road or air. There are some sights that you can only see on the water and some places that you can only access in a boat. In many cases, it can be a lot more serene. However, it also has the potential to be a lot more adventurous. Below are just eight different ways of exploring the world by water and the perks that each one has.
Own a boat
Want full freedom to sail wherever and whenever you want? Owning a boat could be the perfect solution. Much like owning a car for exploring the land, owning a boat gives you full freedom to explore the water. Of course, this is also the most expensive way of exploring the world by water. You will need to have all the right equipment in order to be safe and know what parts to buy when something goes wrong. For example, if you need Square Shank Copper Nails, you’ll need to know exactly where to get these from! You’ll also need to learn how to sail (unless you’re able to afford the extra expense of a yacht captain and crew).
Splashing out on a luxury yacht may be beyond many people’s capability, however, you could always opt for something smaller. Boats come in all forms from canal boats to sailing boats to dinghies – the latter of which anyone can afford. If you live by the water, you could try looking into boat lifts for sale or you could build your own jetty. Alternatively, you could find a local marina to moor it in. Boats need to be kept well maintained, so ideally you should always have them located nearby.
Rent a boat
If buying a boat is off the cards, but you still like the idea of being able to plan your own journey, you could try renting a boat. It’s the water equivalent of hiring a car. A quick search using keywords such as “boat rental near me” should find you a number of options in your area of choice.
Boat rental comes in all forms. At the top end of the scale, you have yacht chartering – which could include renting out a luxury boat from somewhere like kaikanani.com for a couple of weeks. At the low end of the scale, you have the option of hiring out a sailboat or speedboat for a couple of hours. Renting a boat for a couple of weeks or days is much more likely to allow you to ‘travel’ – it could make a unique family vacation.
In most cases, you’ll need to pay extra for a captain or crew. Opting to drive the boat yourself could be cheaper, but you’ll generally need a boating license or some other proof that you can sail before a company will allow you to rent their boat.
Try a kayak adventure
Most people go kayaking as a day trip. However, a multi-day kayaking adventure is an option and could be a great way of exploring a river or coast.
This is by far the most physically active way of travelling by water – it’s the aquatic equivalent of going on a hiking or cycling vacation. You could rent a kayak or you could bring your own. There are multi-day kayak tours in some places around the world that you can sign up for, but you may prefer to make your own journey. When it comes to accommodation, you could stay at hotels along the way or you could bring a tent if you plan on exploring somewhere fairly remote. Just be sure to avoid dangers by only travelling tried and tested kayak routes.
Take a boat tour
Boat tours travel a set route. You’ll be accompanied by a guide who may take you to attractions along the way and there will be a crew on hand (or at the very least someone to steer the boat). They’re the water equivalent of a coach trip.
Examples could include an Icelandic whale watching boat tour or a boat tour of the Amazon. Depending on the popularity and frequency of the tour, you’ll usually have to book these tours in advance. Private tours may be an option in some cases and could give you more freedom as to choosing your route.
Hop on a ferry
Ferries are designed to transport crowds from A to B. Like taking a bus or a train, they’re an efficient form of public transport for travelling popular routes.
Some ferries allow you to take your car onboard. Others are designed solely for transporting people. Ferries are often useful for crossing rivers or getting from island to island. Popular ferries may need to be booked in advance.
Take a freight ship
Freight ships are designed primarily for carrying goods not people, but there are some freight ships that allow you to sail onboard. It’s much like taking a cruise ship, but without the luxury – you can travel across large areas of water and sleep on board, but there won’t be any of the touristy amenities.
A lot of people take freight ships when trying to travel to more remote destinations that may not necessarily be stopped at by ferries or planes. This guide to travelling by freight ship offers more information.
Go on an ocean cruise
Ocean cruises allow you to travel to multiple countries or destinations while only ever having to unpack your bags once. They’re essentially floating hotels (some are even floating resorts) – they contain everything from gyms to swimming pools to restaurants.
Cruises are suited to those that want a relaxing vacation as opposed to rugged travel. They follow a set route and you can take excursions at each stop while accompanied by a tour guide.
Go on a river cruise
River cruises are just like ocean cruises but they run along rivers instead. Such boats tend to be smaller than ocean cruise liners and may have less amenities on board, however they can still be very luxurious.
A river cruise could be a perfect way to explore various inland cities while only ever having to unpack once. Popular examples include Mississippi cruises, Danube cruises and Nile cruises.
