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Seize the Bay: Best Bay-Based Water Adventures

Seize the Bay: Best Bay-Based Water Adventures

Instead of spending another day snoozing on the beach, try your hand at these watersports in destinations near Noble House hotels.


As summer rolls on, you may start to realize that you can only have so many beach days with a book in your lap and your feet in the sand. You want to move; you want to do something. If that sounds like you, well then, we’ve got the best watersports to do in Noble House destinations.

Surfing School is in Session [San Diego, CA]

Surfing is one of those things we all wish we could do, but as fun as it looks, there’s also the intimidation factor and fear of looking dorky. Mission Beach Surfing School knows all this, which is why they design each lesson around the student. You bring the swimsuit, they’ll rent you the board and wetsuit. And they guarantee you’ll be standing on the board by the end of your first lesson – so be sure to have a friend on shore, ready to snap a photo of you catching your first wave. That’ll be one for Instagram.

Kayak to AT&T Park [San Francisco, CA]

San Francisco is home to what is perhaps the most iconic bay in the United States, so it should be no surprise to see their inclusion here. San Francisco Kayak & Adventures offers a range of tours: relaxing mornings (which are ideal for families), a more adventurous afternoon tour, and the late afternoon tour (perfect for couples to watch the day wane). Where you go is up to your group, too – Sausalito’s Richardson Bay tends to feature wildlife sightings, whereas those who want to see the city can head toward AT&T Park, home to the San Francisco Giants, and the iconic McCovey Cove. Who knows, maybe you’ll snag a homerun ball.

A Bird’s-Eye View of the Pier [Redondo Beach, CA]

Parasailing is one of those experiences you may think would be fun, yet you never truly consider doing it. But why not? Marina Del Rey Parasailing’s experienced staff (the captains are US Coast Guard–licensed masters, with more than 10 years of parasailing experience) ensures that it’s a safe experience from start to finish, with emphasis on relaxed take-offs and landings. When you’re up in the sky, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and Malibu. Bring a friend or two if you’d like – two or three people (depending on the captain’s judgment) can go at once.

Paddleboard in the Great Northwest [Seattle, WA]

Paddleboards have taken over our oceans, rivers, and lakes over the last five or so years. Rent your own from Seattle’s Moss Bay Kayak Paddle Board and Sail Center. They’ll get you the perfect board, whether you’re young or old, big or small, novice or a pro. Moss Bay’s sheltered waterways offer a relaxed environment to explore in, and you can head toward the University of Washington, the surrounding houseboat communities, or past their beautiful arboretum.

A Jet Ski Excursion [Fort Lauderdale, FL]

If you’ve never sat in the saddle of a Jet Ski, American Watersports in Fort Lauderdale will introduce you to one of America’s favorite summer pastimes. On the 16-mile round-trip journey, you’ll either head north (past the Hillsboro Lighthouse, Deerfield Beach, and Boca Inlet, among other spots) or south (by Port Everglades, cruise ships, and Fort Lauderdale Beach) for your adventure. After a thorough training, you’ll take to the water at full speed – up to 50 MPH – before settling in at a steady 16-MPH pace past the sights.

Snorkel to an Underwater Statue [Florida Keys, FL]

If you’re in Key West and want to snorkel, Keys Diver & Snorkel Tours offers one trip in particular with three stops along the reef that will excite prospective divers. One of them is the eerie and beautiful Christ of the Abyss statue (Wikipedia it if you’re unfamiliar). Another is Banana Reef, which Keys Diver colorfully describes as “like swimming inside an aquarium.” Can’t get much closer to ocean life than that.
Argonaut Hotel //  Hotel Zoe // The Edgewater Hotel // Kona Kai Resort & Spa // Ocean Key Resort & Spa // Pelican Grand Beach Resort // The Portofino Hotel & Marina

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