Top 10 Trips With a Splash
June 28, 2006 — -- Looking for a way to cool off this summer? Forget air conditioning. Get wet instead.
The country provides many terrific opportunities to enjoy watersports, whether it's snorkeling or kayaking. Teaming with National Geographic Adventure magazine,"GMA" hopes to inspire you to explore the country's landscape.
* External links are provided for reference purposes. ABC News is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites.
Vacationland: National Geographic Adventure's Top 10 Trips with a Splash
1. Whitewater rafting at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, N.C.
What to do:
The Nantahala Outdoor Center guides whitewater rafting trips for people of all ages and abilities through the Great Smoky Mountains, that uses an Olympic training ground.
Ten miles to the northeast, mountain bikers ride through the popular Tsali Recreation Area.
Where to stay: Falling Waters Adventure Resorthas tricked out the humble yurt.
2. Snorkeling in O'ahu, Hawaii
Right off the large sandy beach, find a rainbow of fish and reef-dwelling creatures at Hawaii's most popular snorkeling destination. This ancient volcanic cinder cone affords a protected environment for new snorkelers to explore.
What to do: Hanauma Bay is accessible by public transportation. Rent fins and snorkels at the Hanauma Bay Nature Parkto explore at your leisure, or organize a guided expedition with an outfitter such as Hanauma Bay Dive Tours. Wild Side Specialty tours lead eco-friendly half-day trips on the west side of O'ahu that include snorkeling with sea turtles.
Where to stay: Catch some z's at tranquil Ke Iki Beach Bungalows.
Where to eat:
Refuel with a local classic: a cheeseburger at Kua Aina sandwich shop (808-367-6067).
Try the shave ice over ice cream and Japanese adzuki beans at Matsumoto's Shave Ice
For more information, check out O'ahu Visitors Board
3. Fly Fishing on the Salmon River, Idaho
Hook trout in Stanley Basin on Idaho's River of No Return.
Where to stay: Mountain Village Resort
Where to eat: Pot Belly Café at Elk Mountain RV Resort (208-774-2202).
What to do: Rent gear or organize to wade and cast or take a float trip with an outfitter:Sawtooth Fishing Guides and Rawhide Outfitters.
4. Wreck diving off the North Carolina coast
Combine warm, clear waters and more than 2,000 wrecks, and you've got perfect conditions for some of the best wreck diving in the United States. Gulf Stream and Arctic currents combine to create the perilous waters that sailors and divers alike have dubbed the Graveyard of the Atlantic; the Spar and the Titan are the most recent additions, both sunk in 2004.
What to do: Dive to the wreck of the still intact German U-boat 3-52, home to hunting sand tiger sharks, with Olympus Diving .
Where to stay: Enjoy southern hospitality at the Beaufort Inn.
Where to eat:
The Channel Marker (252-247-2344) for cold beer and the morning's catch of triggerfish.
Floyd's 1921 (252-727-1921) for southern comfort food favorites like the fried green tomato stack.
5. Sailing in the Apostle Islands, Wis.
What to do:
Explore the 21 wilderness islands of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore with the help of Lake Superior's brisk breeze. Go sailing with Dreamcatcher Sailing Charters for $55 per person for a two-and-a-half hour trip. Kayaking: Living Adventures Inc. www.livingadventure.com ($82 a day for a guided trip).
Where to eat:
Sample the lake fare at Maggie's, a hangout featuring a fabulously kitschy flamingo-themed décor.
At Blue Horizon Café, (715) 779-9619, early risers can catch their first cup of coffee and a just-baked muffin while enjoying the work of local artists.
Where to stay:
Old Rittenhouse Inn, a Victorian mansion with lake views
Find ecofriendly elegance at the Pinehurst Inn.
6. Swimming Holes around the country
Get information about great where you can cool off this summer.
7. Kayaking in the San Juan Islands, Wa.
The San Juan archipelago is made up of more than 700 islands and reefs, but only 176 have names.You can hike or paddle around San Juan, Orcas and Lopez -- the largest of the islands. The islands also provide great spots for viewing orca whales and other wildlife.
What to do:
San Juan Safaris lead orca whale watching, wildlife and kayaking trips.
Backroads Outfitters offer six-day multisport vacation packages that include hiking, biking and kayaking in the San Juan Islands area.
Where to stay:
Roche Harbor Resort and Marina located on the Northwest tip of San Juan Island.
Relax at Rosario Resort and Spa located on Orcas Island.
Where to eat:
Dine on freshly caught local seafood such as Lopez Island clams at Christina's in Eastsound.
Check out the visitor's guide.
The San Juan Islands are accessible via the Washington State Ferry Service.
"Good Morning America's" Weekend Window visited the San Juan Islands. To read about their visit, click here.
8. Houseboating with Kayaks in Glen Canyon/Lake Powell
Use a houseboat to explore Glen Canyon's natural formations like Rainbow Arch, the largest natural bridge on earth.
Where to stay and what to do:
Charter a houseboat from Aramark's Resorts and Marinas at Lake Powell.
Where to eat:
Fiesta Mexicana, for festive Southwestern fare. Call (928-645-4082).
9. Swimming with the Manatees, Crystal River and Kings Bay, Fla.
Get up close and personal with the gentle marine mammals.
What to do:
Bird's Underwater Manatee Tours.
Where to stay:
The Blue Moon B&B on the Homosassa River.
Where to eat:
Charlie's Fish House Restaurant: Call (352-795-3949).
"GMA's" Weekend Window recently visited Lake Powell. To read about their visit, click here.
10. Kite Surfing off South Padre Island, Texas
Cruise through or kite surf in the Gulf Coast waters.
What to do: South Padre Island Kiteboarding: Call (956-245-8343).
Air Padre Kiteboarding: Call (956-299-9463).
Windsurf/Kiteboard Inc: Call (956-761-1434).
Where to stay:
Where to eat:
Blackbeard's Restaurant, Call (956-761-4423).
Check out the the visitor's guide.