A True Water Person
I’ve come to fully embrace the fact that I am a water person. That love includes anything around, under, over and on the water. Boats in all forms make that possible, from human‑powered kayaks to massive ferries and cruise ships that connect islands and coastlines.
Much of my travel has involved boats in ways that go far beyond cruising. Living in land‑locked Dallas makes my Hilton Grand Vacations Club membership especially valuable, giving me easy access to destinations where water is part of everyday life.
Kayaking As A Window To The World
I learned to kayak at Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa in Tahiti, where the water was so clear you could see coral and sea life simply by looking down. That experience set the tone for many future adventures.
In Croatia, kayaking around one of the islands became an endurance challenge. The deep blue Adriatic Sea shimmered silver under the sun and made every stroke worthwhile. Closer to home, I kayaked through a channel near Frankfort, Michigan into Lake Michigan and discovered one of the most secluded beaches I’ve ever seen.
I also crossed the Hudson River near West Point, carefully watching for freighters along the way. A few years ago, kayaking became a favorite local escape at Grapevine Lake and Lake Texoma. Beyond the scenery, kayaking remains one of the most rewarding ways to exercise while exploring cliffs and shorelines on the water’s edge.
High‑Speed And High‑Adrenaline Adventures
For pure excitement, the Gulf of Mexico, referred to by the U.S. government as the Gulf of America, delivers. Riding wave runners at full throttle near Fort Myers is unforgettable. A word of caution from experience — falling off in open water made getting back on extremely difficult, especially in choppy waves. Persistence paid off, but it was a challenge.
In Phuket, Thailand, a high‑speed watercraft took us to the Phi Phi Islands for snorkeling. The ride was intense, with large swells on a windy, rainy day and just enough sunshine to enjoy the islands. Later, we learned that the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket resort, where we stayed, would gain fame through “The White Lotus” television series, making the memories even sweeter.
Leisurely Sailing And Skill‑Based Sailing
Catamarans are my favorite choice for snorkeling in the Caribbean. Being able to walk down the front steps directly into the water feels effortless and inviting. In Turks and Caicos, seeing the continental shelf drop away into deep blue nothingness is awe‑inspiring.
Pontoon boats offer another relaxed way to explore, like cruising Grand Lake in Colorado, where I even took a turn as captain. For a more demanding experience, America’s Cup boats in the Caribbean and New Zealand deliver true adventure. Joining a working crew in a mock race against a sister boat was challenging, exhilarating and incredibly fun.
Ferries That Connect Cultures
Some of the most memorable water experiences have been practical ones. My first car ferry journey was between Victoria and Nanaimo in Canada while I was driving my parents around the island. Sharing that experience together made it especially meaningful.
Crossing the English Channel by ferry from the Island of Jersey to Saint‑Malo, France was equally memorable. Despite the cold rain and gray skies, walking the fortified city walls, followed by a warm stop at a creperie for chocolate crepes and hot tea, made the journey unforgettable.
Exploring Beneath The Surface
My first submarine ride happened at Walt Disney World when I was in elementary school. What made it extraordinary was watching a NASA space shuttle launch while waiting in line. The ride itself introduced me to an underwater world long before I discovered snorkeling.
Years later, I boarded another submarine in Hawaii while staying at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Seeing the real ocean floor from that perspective was both humbling and fascinating. It was another unforgettable way to explore the world through water.
Key Takeaways
Water As A Travel Connector: Boats offer access to landscapes and experiences that land travel simply cannot.
Adventure At Every Pace: From kayaking to catamarans to racing sails, water travel suits every comfort level.
Memories Beyond Destinations: Some of the most meaningful experiences happen during the journey itself.
Hilton Grand Vacations As A Gateway: Membership makes escaping to water‑centric destinations easier from land‑locked living.
FAQs
Q: Why does water‑based travel appeal to many travelers?
A: Water offers access to perspectives and destinations that cannot be experienced from land, creating a stronger sense of discovery and connection to nature.
Q: What types of watercraft are commonly used for travel and recreation?
A: Options range from kayaks and catamarans to ferries, high-speed boats, and submarines, each offering a different level of adventure and comfort.
Q: Is water travel suitable for both adventure seekers and leisure travelers?
A: Activities can be as relaxed as pontoon boating or snorkeling, or as adrenaline‑driven as wave running and competitive sailing.
Q: How can vacation ownership enhance water‑focused travel experiences?
A: Resort access near coastlines, islands and waterways makes it easier to incorporate boating, snorkeling and ocean exploration into a vacation itinerary.
