These 6 coastal activities are on the rise—here's how to try them

National Geographic

17-05-2025

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
The coast has always held a magnetic pull. It's where we walk for clarity, drawn by the hypnotic crash of waves; where we plunge into saltwater, emerging recharged; and where we linger at sunset, captivated by the endless horizon. Research shows that being near water can lower stress and enhance wellbeing — a feeling many travellers are now actively seeking. Fortunately, there's no shortage of coastal activities on offer, from adrenaline-fuelled coasteering in Australia to foraging for sea greens along South Africa's shores. E-biking the Shimanami Kaido, Japan
The trend: The boost of an electric motor is transforming two-wheeled adventures, making steep climbs effortless and longer coastal routes more accessible. This low-impact, high-reward travel style is surging in popularity, especially in scenic coastal regions like Portugal's rugged Algarve and California's sun-drenched shores.
Where to do it: E-bike your way along the Shimanami Kaido, a 43.5-mile route that links Japan's main island, Honshu, to Shikoku, crossing the Seto Inland Sea via seven dramatic suspension bridges. 'Gliding from bridge to island and island to bridge, with the Seto Inland Sea stretching endlessly around you, is a truly unforgettable experience,' says Miho Ogura, co-founder of Hidden Japan Travel, a tour operator specialising in outdoor experiences in Shikoku. Hidden Japan Travel's three-day self-guided tour is the ultimate coastal escape, winding through serene fishing villages, citrus-scented islands, white sandy beaches and seafood-rich shores. The Kayak Trail is a boutique company specialising in guided kayak and wild camping adventures across the Stockholm Archipelago. Photograph by Johner Bildbyra Kayak camping in the Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
The trend: Those with an appetite for adventure are searching for new ways to test their grit and, with much of the world's land so well-trodden, solitude seekers have found an intrepid solution: kayak camping. This growing pursuit blends the freedom of kayaking with the raw beauty of wild camping, unlocking access to remote coastlines — from the rugged fringes of the US to the forested islands of Scandinavia.
Where to do it: Scattered across the Baltic Sea, the Stockholm Archipelago is a vast sprawl of more than 30,000 islands, many of which are uninhabited. 'I spent my childhood summers sailing the archipelago,' says Jakob Rudberg, co-founder of The Kayak Trail, a boutique company specialising in guided kayak and wild camping adventures across the Stockholm Archipelago. 'There are no tides, currents or big swells to worry about, and the weather is often stable and fair.' Adventurers can paddle late into sunlit summer nights, spot Baltic seals and moose, plunge into refreshing waters and sleep on serene island shores. Plus, a right of public access provides the sweeping freedom to roam — and even set up camp — almost anywhere in the great outdoors. According to the British Sauna Society, Finnish-style public saunas have seen a scorching 63% year-on-year rise nationwide. Photograph by Wildwater Sauna Saunas in Pembrokeshire, Wales
The trend: While saunas have long been a Nordic staple, they're now making serious waves in the UK. According to the British Sauna Society, Finnish-style public saunas have seen a scorching 63% year-on-year rise nationwide from 2024 to 2025, with coastal regions like Wales leading the charge. 'People are increasingly seeking new ways to improve their health, de-stress and connect with others,' explains Scott Chalmers, co-founder of Wildwater Sauna, a luxury, wood-fired sauna in Pembrokeshire, Wales. 'Not only does our circulation, heart, lungs and skin respond positively to hot and cold exposure, it also has a profound effect on our immune system, metabolism and mental health.'
Where to try it: Wildwater's magic lies in its movement. This roaming hot box glides along Pembrokeshire's coastline each month, setting up in stunning spots like the secluded cove of Nolton Haven and the sweeping sands of Whitesands Bay. 'Each location offers a fresh perspective and a bracing post-sauna plunge into the icy Atlantic,' Scott says. 'We want to give our guests an ever-changing experience that deepens their connection with nature.' Foraging is enjoying a renaissance, driven by a growing desire for self-sufficiency and mindful consumption in the wake of climate change. Photograph by Alex Oelofse Coastal foraging in Scarborough Beach, South Africa
The trend: Foraging is enjoying a renaissance, driven by a growing desire for self-sufficiency and mindful consumption in the wake of climate change. The coast is a particular draw, as it's where a nutrient-rich larder can be found across intertidal areas, like the UK, Scandinavia, the Pacific Northwest and South Africa.
Where to try it: Explore the intertidal wonders of dune-fringed Scarborough Beach with Veld and Sea's summer coastal foraging experiences. This briny banquet of biodiversity features everything from nutrient-rich kelp and nori to shellfish, sea urchins, sour figs and samphire. 'With the warm Indian Ocean on the east coast and the icy Atlantic on the west, the biodiversity is incredibly rich,' says Roushanna Gray, founder of Veld and Sea, a South African company offering wild food foraging workshops and unique nature experiences. A half-day workshop takes you through rock pools, sustainable harvesting techniques and the art of preparing and preserving your wild finds. The experience culminates in a seasonal, ocean-inspired feast served in Veld and Sea's enchanting glasshouse. Coasteering in Australia
The trend: Born on the rugged Welsh coast around 40 years ago, coasteering has since made a splash worldwide, from the chilly cliffs of Cornwall to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean and Australia. A fusion of 'coast' and 'mountaineering', this adrenaline-fuelled adventure combines swell-riding, rock jumping, sea-cliff scrambling and even wildlife-spotting, unlocking coastlines once thought unreachable.
Where to do it: Western Australia's Margaret River region is a coasteering paradise, says Jaydn Woosnam, owner-operator of Margaret River Adventure Co, a coasteering operator in Western Australia: 'With more than 62 miles of untouched rugged coastline, we're spoiled with stunning beaches, towering granite formations and an ocean teeming with wildlife.' Suit up in a wetsuit, life jacket and helmet, then take the plunge — scramble through natural sea canals, ride surging swells, leap from cliffs and keep an eye out for seals or migrating whales along the way. Coasteering has since made a splash worldwide, from the chilly cliffs of Cornwall to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean and Australia. Photograph by Margaret River Adventure Co. Family-friendly tide pool tours are among the most sought-after experiences in regions rich with marine life, such as the UK, Pacific Northwest and New Zealand. Photograph by Sophie Smith Tide pooling in the Oregon coast, US
The trend: As coastal communities increasingly prioritise the protection of their fragile natural habitats, educational tours have gained popularity. Family-friendly tide pool tours are among the most sought-after experiences in regions rich with marine life, such as the UK, Pacific Northwest and New Zealand. These tours offer a unique opportunity to explore intertidal ecosystems and observe the fascinating creatures that live there.
Where to do it: The rugged Oregon coastline, stretching from Yachats to Heceta Head, is home to one of the Pacific Coast's most biodiverse ecosystems. 'The rocky basalt cliffs create the perfect environment for extraordinary tide pools,' says Jamie Kish, a field guide and tide pool ambassador at Oregon's Cape Perpetua Collaborative, a conservation group within the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve. 'Incredible life thrives in the countless nooks and crannies, enduring the harsh elements along the rugged edge of the world's largest ocean.' On a tour (available by donation from late May to August), discover a kaleidoscope of vibrant species, including purple urchins, giant green anemones, striped shore crabs, ochre sea stars and colourful sea slugs. Published in the Coastal Collection 2025 by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
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