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It’s summer and with this heat it is time to cool off. If you want to take a day off from the pool or the beach, we suggest some water activities to beat the heat, in and out of the water, where you will have a good time alone, with your partner, family or friends, and discover hidden corners of the Costa Brava surrounded by nature and, above all, lots of water.
1. Water parks
On the Costa Brava you will find 3 water parks where you can spend a day with your family or friends and, at the same time, experience an adrenaline rush, have fun and, above all, cool off: Aquabrava (Roses), Aquadiver (Platja d'Aro) and Waterworld (Lloret de Mar). You will find more information about these water parks in our post: 10 theme parks in Girona and the Costa Brava.
2. Fishing Tourism
Tourism fishing is a great way to experience the feeling of becoming a professional fisherman for a day: these are excursions with traditional fishermen on professional fishing boats where you can learn the secrets of local fishing. The departure ports for the fishing tourism activities on the Costa Brava are: L'Escala, Roses and Palamós.
3. Kayaking
Kayaking gives you the opportunity to exercise and discover very special corners of the Costa Brava, such as hidden caves and small coves that can only be reached from the sea. You can also go kayaking in inland areas such as the River Ter, the Boadella Reservoir or the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park, combining sports with bird and wildlife watching. You will find more information and suggestions in our post 10 kayak routes to enjoy the Costa Brava.
4. Snorkelling
The Costa Brava is an ideal place for snorkelling due to its great underwater richness and diversity. Some of the most spectacular locations are Cap de Creus, the Medes Islands and the Formigues Islands. Check out our post with the 10 best locations on the Costa Brava for snorkelling and scuba diving.
5. Scuba diving
If you have the chance, plunge into the Costa Brava and discover its nature reserves, sea caves, meadows of multicoloured gorgonians and shipwrecks. The Costa Brava has more than 30 diving centres that you can contact to organise an outing accompanied by guides and instructors.
6. Canyoning
For lovers of hiking and adventure, and for those who like to swim in the river, you can go canyoning or water trekking accompanied by specialised guides. The best places to go canyoning are inland in the Girona Pyrenees: Alt Empordà, Garrotxa and Ripollès.
7. Underwater vision boats
No matter what age you are, discovering the seabed from the boats with underwater vision can be an exciting adventure. The ports from which these boats leave are Roses, L'Escala, Blanes and the best known, L’Estartit, from where you will be able to sail to the Medes Islands Nature Reserve.
8. Paddle surfing
This has become the trendiest water activity of the last few years. No waves are needed so it can be practised in the open sea or in the calm waters of lakes and rivers. It is an ideal activity to share with family and friends as you only need to know how to swim.
9. Activities in the Lake of Banyoles
The lake of Banyoles is an ideal place to practise all kinds of water activities: starting with a refreshing swim in the lake in the area set aside for bathers, then going for a trip in the wooden boats with paddles taking the tourist boat or even kayaking, canoeing and even rowing. In our post "A tour of the Banyoles lake” you can get ideas to round off a pleasant day in Banyoles.
The Costa Brava has a large number of natural resources that allow you to practice a myriad of water activities. Some of these resources are the 200 kilometers of coastline, 3 natural parks, the marine reserve of the Medes Islands, reservoirs such as Boadella and Susqueda, natural pools, gorges, rivers and lakes.
Other activities you could practice on the Costa Brava are water skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, jet skiing, parasailing or a ride on a banana boat, if you can hold on bravely for long enough.