But there’s so much more to summertime than chlorine and pool noodles! Here are a few ideas to get you started planning a vacation to destinations where you and your family can go swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and tubing.
Surfing
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
As long as you and your kids are strong swimmers, learning to surf can provide just enough of a challenge to make it a memorable adventure. The beach at Tamarindo has small, consistent waves that make it easy to learn to surf. Tamarindo is a popular surfing beach, and is located a boat ride away from one of Costa Rica’s most talked-about surfing spots, Witch’s Rock.
You’ll see surf camps and tour companies in Tamarindo that can take visitors to this popular surfing destination, but the waves near Witch’s Rock are quite intense and are best left to experienced surfers.
Sámara, Costa Rica
On Costa Rica’s Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula you can practice beginner surfer skills at Sámara Beach. Sámara Beach is a bit more isolated than Tamarindo, so go here if you’re looking to experience more Costa Rican culture. While there are fewer shops and services in the area, you can still find plenty of good surfing instructors and pleasant places to stay.
Tubing
Caves Branch, Belize
There are several mythic caves in Belize where you can float on an inner tube through caves that the ancient Mayans considered sacred. Caves Branch reserve has wet caves where you can see Mayan artifacts tucked into the crevices. Even if your kids are too young for a history lesson, they’ll have a fun ride and get to see the rainforest that surrounds the river.
After a short walk through the jungle, you’ll plop into an inflatable inner tube and float down the slow-moving river. Along your route through the cave you’ll see intricate stalagmites, stalactites, and crystalline formations. These natural sculptures add to the otherworldliness of the caves.
Snorkeling
Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Belize
Hol Chan Marine Reserve has some of Belize’s most eye-catching populations of sea life. You swim in the deliciously warm water here and see schools of tropical fish.
There is a break in the coral reef known as Shark and Sting Ray Alley. Nurse sharks and sting rays congregate here because they have grown accustomed to boats bringing food. If you’re lucky you might also spot a sea turtle or a moray eel.
Kayaking
Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Lake Atitlán and its surrounding volcanoes were fixtures of Mayan mythology. Local legends tell of a giant serpent that sleeps in the middle of the lake, and the name Atitlán means “the place where the rainbow gets its colors.” When you’re done kayaking, you’ll get to see some of those colors as the sun sinks behind the volcanoes.
You can take a kayaking trip on the portion of the lake that extends from Panajachel to Santa Catarina Palopó. These towns both started out as Mayan villages, and now have abundant services that cater to visitors. Visit the Lake Atitlán beach on the edge of Panajachel if you’d like to do some swimming and sunbathing.
Swimming in Waterfalls
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
While you’re staying near Arenal Volcano National Park, don’t skip the waterfalls of La Fortuna. This enormous, 246-foot (75-m) waterfall has a plunge pool where visitors can swim. To reach these falls you’ll climb down 500 steps. Hold the railing on the way down, and make sure you and the kids conserve enough energy for the hike back to the top.
Montezuma Falls, Costa Rica
You can access Montezuma Falls a short distance from Montezuma beach. Montezuma Falls is comprised of three waterfalls, the tallest of which is 79 feet (24 m). There is a rope swing over one of the falls where older children can take an exciting leap into the water.
If you arrive early in the day and beat the crowd, you’ll have a better chance of seeing more wildlife, including tropical birds and Jesus Christ lizards – reptiles that were named for their ability to skitter across the surface of the water.
Siete Altares, Guatemala
Siete Altares means “Seven Altars” in English, and this formation consists of seven connected pools. Waterfalls flow between the pools, inviting you to splash from one pool to the next. Visit Siete Altares during the rainy season, which takes place between May and October. If you visit during the dry season, the falls won’t be nearly as lovely.
You can walk to these falls from the beach in Livingston, a popular beach town on Guatemala’s Caribbean coast. Although the trail isn’t very long, it’s recommended that you hire a guide for your walk through the tangled rainforest.
Semuc Champey, Guatemala
In previous decades this location would have been considered too out-of-the-way to bring the whole family. But the increased popularity of the jewel-like pools of Semuc Champey has led to more transportation options. If your youngsters are up for a bumpy ride, take a bus to see this limestone bridge dotted with bright blue, crystal-clear pools.
Small waterfalls connect the pools, which have formed at slightly different elevations along the bridge. You can easily spend all day exploring this natural wonder.
