If you’re someone who loves a relaxing beach read but also craves a vacation packed with adventure, you’re in for a treat. There’s nothing quite like pushing your limits and trying something new—whether it’s soaring through the rainforest canopy or diving into the ocean’s depths. These action-packed getaways are perfect for thrill-seekers looking to break free from the ordinary and experience something truly exhilarating.
### 1. **Explore the Wilderness in Utah**
For a blend of luxury and adventure, head to [Amangiri](https://www.forbestravelguide.com/hotels/canyon-point-utah/amangiri), a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star resort in Southern Utah. Nestled in a stunning desert landscape, Amangiri offers a five-night grand wilderness tour at its glamping retreat, Camp Sarika. The itinerary includes hiking, fitness classes, and unique experiences like yoga on Tower Butte (accessible only by helicopter) and open-sky sound bathing. You’ll also tackle the Via Ferrata, a network of cables and ladders that will take you across rocky canyons. It’s an immersive adventure for both body and mind.
### 2. **Whitewater Rafting in Wyoming**
At [Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa](https://www.forbestravelguide.com/hotels/jackson-hole-wyoming/rusty-parrot-lodge-spa) in Jackson, Wyoming, outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in activities like mountain biking and snowshoeing. But for adrenaline junkies, whitewater rafting on the Snake River is the ultimate thrill. This eight-mile journey takes you through Class III rapids, with plenty of opportunities for swimming in calmer sections. After your adventure, unwind with a deep-release massage at the spa.
### 3. **Swim with Whale Sharks in Cancun**
For a once-in-a-lifetime underwater experience, head to [JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa](https://www.forbestravelguide.com/hotels/cancun-mexico/jw-marriott-cancun-resort-spa). Here, you can swim alongside whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, as they migrate through the Caribbean Sea. A National Geographic snorkeler will guide you through the experience, and afterward, you can relax on Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres with a ceviche snack.
### 4. **Cattle Driving in Montana**
At [The Resort at Paws Up](https://www.forbestravelguide.com/hotels/southwestern-montana-montana/the-resort-at-paws-up), a 37,000-acre ranch in Montana, you can live out your cowboy dreams by participating in a private cattle drive. This challenging adventure requires solid horseback riding skills, as you’ll be tasked with cutting an 800-pound cow from the herd. The resort also offers horseback riding, ATVing, and hiking along its 100 miles of trails.
### 5. **Surfing in Los Cabos**
Stay at the Five-Star [Chileno Bay Resort & Residences](https://www.forbestravelguide.com/hotels/los-cabos-mexico/chileno-bay-resort-residences-auberge-resorts-collection) in Cabo, which sits on one of the area’s few swimmable beaches. The resort offers a full-day surf safari where you’ll be whisked away by speedboat to the East Cape for a day of surfing. A professional photography crew will capture your best moments, and a chef will be on hand to prepare meals. It’s the ultimate surf adventure.
### 6. **Freediving in Hawaii**
At the [Four Seasons Resort Hualalai](https://www.forbestravelguide.com/hotels/big-island-hawaii/four-seasons-resort-hualalai) on Hawaii’s Big Island, you can take part in a freediving experience led by champion free diver Kimi Werner. Over two and a half days, you’ll learn how to dive deep and hold your breath for extended periods, all while gathering shellfish and seafood. Afterward, enjoy a four-course meal prepared by the resort’s chef, featuring local Hawaiian ingredients.
### 7. **Skiing and Snowkiting in Switzerland**
For winter sports enthusiasts, [Badrutt’s Palace Hotel](https://www.forbestravelguide.com/hotels/the-alps-switzerland/badrutts-palace-hotel) in St. Moritz, Switzerland, offers more than just skiing. You can try skijöring, where a horse pulls you on skis across a frozen lake, or snowkiting, where you’ll use a kite to glide across the ice. Both activities take place on the stunning frozen lakes near the resort, offering a unique twist on traditional winter sports.
### 8. **Polo in Mexico**
At [One&Only Mandarina](https://www.forbestravelguide.com/hotels/riviera-nayarit-mexico/oneonly-mandarina) in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, you can indulge in a polo lesson at the resort’s equestrian club. Led by expert horseman Gustavo Mejia Ortiz, you’ll learn the basics of the sport. And if you’ve always dreamed of galloping along the beach, this is the place to do it. You might even get to ride Padrino, a chestnut stallion that was featured in a *Vogue* photoshoot with Kendall Jenner.
### 9. **Rainforest Ropes Course in Costa Rica**
For an aerial adventure, head to [Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo](https://www.forbestravelguide.com/hotels/costa-rica-costa-rica/andaz-costa-rica-resort-at-peninsula-papagayo). The resort is located in a 250-acre preserve that’s home to one of the world’s last tropical dry forests. You can zipline through the canopy, cross rope bridges, and swing on logs as you explore the jungle from above.
### 10. **Family Adventure in California**
For a family-friendly adventure, visit [Carmel Valley Ranch](https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/carmel-valley-ranch/sjcjc) in Central California. The resort’s Adventure Den offers daily programs for kids aged two to 12, focusing on topics like marine life, local history, and native wildlife. While the kids are busy, parents can enjoy activities like beekeeping and archery, or join in on family-friendly pursuits like falconry.
These destinations offer a perfect mix of luxury and adventure, ensuring that your next vacation is anything but ordinary. Whether you’re diving into the ocean, soaring through the sky, or galloping across a beach, these experiences will leave you feeling more alive than ever.
Source: forbes.com