10 Adventurous Spring Break Destinations

10 Adventurous Spring Break Destinations

From diving amidst the northern hemisphere's largest barrier reef to shredding fresh spring powder on the slopes of America's highest northeastern peak, these thrilling escapes are what adventurous spring break dreams are made of. 

Belize

From SCUBA diving and cave tubing to horseback riding and scenic hiking there's virtually no limit to the amount of adventurous activities you can choose from when visiting Belize. Of particular note is diving in the "Blue Hole"– a 10,000-year-old submarine sinkhole that's part of the Belize Barrier Reef (the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere); snorkeling in Shark Ray Alley where you'll have the chance to glide alongside string rays, nurse sharks, and turtles; and adrenaline-pumping cave tube rides that tour through ancient caverns, some of which still house Mayan relics.
travelbelize.org 

Mount Washington Valley, N.H.

If your spring break heart isn't dead set on a sand and sun destination, then maybe an escape to a less typical spot, like Mount Washington Valley, is more your style. Hit the slopes for some supreme spring skiing, hitch a ride on a dogsled, take a self-guided waterfall tour, hit the green for a game of golf, or join in on the area's spring ritual: a hike to Mount Washington's Tuckerman Ravine and an exhilarating ski run down the head wall.
mtwashingtonvalley.org

Baja California, Mexico

A sea kayaking "sojourn" amidst the tranquil waters of Baja's Isla Espiritu is the perfect fit for spring break adventurers in search of a trip that offers a true connection with the great outdoors. Kayak by day and camp on the beach by night; you'll find yourself surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, including sea lions, pelicans, whale sharks, and dolphins, and with the chance to explore deep coves, hike colorful gorges, and enjoy some of the world's most pristine white sand beaches.
seakayakadventures.com

Scottsdale, Ariz.

With a lively nightlife scene and several cultural attractions, the outdoor adventure opportunities in Scottsdale are sometimes overlooked. The outfitters at Arizona Outback Adventures know there's much more of the city and its surrounding area to be explored, though. Opt for a half-day mountain bike tour through the Sonoran Desert, home to some the Southwest's best mountain-biking trails, or a kayak ride through the desert's Salt River, a lush oasis surrounded by red cliffs and wondrous wildlife. And that's not all, other popular tour activities include road cycling, hiking, rafting, and paddle-boarding.
aoa-adventures.com

Cancun, Mexico

Yes, it's one of the most typical spring break destinations of all, but Cancun is much more than a destination for beach bumming and wild nightlife. Visitors can choose from a seemingly endless list of adventurous activities including a climb up Nohuch Mu, the tallest Mayan pyramid at Coba archaeological site in the Yucatan, zip-lining above the clear blue waters of Isla Mujeres in Garrafon Park, snorkeling in the underground rivers of the Yucatan, and kite-boarding along the northern Isla Blanca—just to name a few. 
cancun.travel

North Lake Tahoe

About a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, this destination makes for a versatile vacation in the spring months of March and April. Here, it wouldn't be unusual to begin your day skiing on the slopes and then transitioning to an afternoon kayak session on the lake. Of course, the activities don't end there. From golf and biking to fishing and yoga, visitors can spend time participating in all types of outdoor activities.
gotahoenorth.com

Saint Lucia

The Body Holiday, Saint Lucia's leading health and wellness resort, might conjure images of a yoga-centric, relaxing retreat, but the property is actually home to a wide variety of adventurous outdoor activities including everything from archery, water skiing, and hiking to a new heart-pumping "outdoor fitness challenge" called the Quadrathlon: an adventure race consisting of a 9-mile bike ride, 3-mile run, 100-foot cliff-side rappel, and 2.5-mile sea kayak trek.
thebodyholiday.com

San Juan Islands, Wash.

One of the world's best whale watching spots, the San Juan Islands are a perfect spring break escape for both nature-lovers and adventure-seekers alike. Your journey to the islands, whether by plane, boat, or float plane, will offer the opportunity not only for spotting whales, but also seals, sea lions, and bald eagles. Once there, explore the great outdoors hiking along beaches or through the deep woods of San Juan Island National Historical Park, state and county parks, and biking over back roads with views of animal-filled farmlands and fields.
visitsanjuans.com

Yosemite National Park, Calif.

Maybe we're a little biased, but compared to one of America's most beloved and beautiful national parks, we can't think of many places that would make a better spring break escape. Opportunities for adventure in Yosemite are nearly limitless and always impressive. Tackle a challenging hike, embark on a rock climbing adventure, or paddle along a high-elevation alpine lake. When you're finally ready to rest, lodging options include everything from hotels and bed & breakfast to rustic cabins and campsites.
yosemiteexperience.com

Guacalito de La Isla, Nicaragua

Nicaragua's Playa Manzanillo, located on the Pacific coast, boasts a wide range of active outdoor experiences established both in and around the Mukul Beach, Golf & Spa Resort. Opportunities for thrilling adventures include volcano ash-boarding, deep sea fishing, rainforest hiking, and crater lake swimming—just a few examples of how you can spend your time exploring the exquisite area.  
mukulresort.com