A boating adventure can be a dream for both young and old couples. For older couples going on a boating holiday, the options are plentiful – from an exciting expedition in the Arctic Region to tranquil riverboat voyages in the Amazon. But planning a boating holiday does not come easy. There are many factors to consider. You also need to decide on the destination and the activities you wish to do. To help you in planning, here are some suggestions for the best boating adventures for older couples.
An Arctic Expedition
The rugged and remote Arctic Region remains one of the most unspoilt places on the planet. This ice-laden region encompasses the High Canadian Arctic, the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, Greenland, Russia, and the North Pole. On your expedition to the Arctic, you could also come across interesting wildlife species, including polar bears, arctic foxes, walruses, seals, reindeer, and many more!
Aside from the bountiful wildlife, your Arctic expedition will take you to discover pristine landscapes, indigenous tribes, and natural phenomena. Plus, it has plenty to offer for elder couples who want to follow in the footsteps of world-famous explorers as they discover a region rich in natural experiences and still relatively untouched.
The best time to go cruising in the Arctic Region is in summer when the Land of the Midnight Sun comes into its own with 24-hour daylight. Most ships will travel northward into the Arctic Circle from May to September. Early season sailings are shorter and will focus on the southern part of the region since the winter ice is still melting. Nevertheless, it’s a wonderful time to spot Arctic birds before they migrate and witness polar bears and walruses as they hunt.
Sail Around Croatia
Croatia is one of the world’s best destinations for sailing, especially for elder couples, for many reasons. The islands are closer to each other, so you don’t have to travel long distances to cruise, which means it’s safer. Moreover, the winds are generally calmer compared to the other destinations. Plus, the coastline and island are dotted with ancient historical ruins, giving you plenty to explore.
If you want to sail in Croatia, consider booking a Croatia charter in a gulet. Gulets are hand-crafted wooden boats fitted with modern amenities, including water sports equipment like snorkelling gears and paddleboards. When sailing during the summer months, you must charter your gulets several months in advance to guarantee a slot.
Consider sailing on the Dalmatian Coast, in the southern part of Croatia. Starting in Dubrovnik or Split, it’s the most popular starting point for cruises in Croatia. A sailing tour of the Dalmatian Coast will take you to picturesque islands scattered across the Adriatic Sea. You’ll also visit ancient cities, hidden coves, and secluded beaches.
Ride Down the Amazon in Luxury
For elder couples who love nature and wildlife, cruising down the Amazon River in luxury is a wonderful way to go on a boating holiday. During your cruise, you’ll embark on a journey to one of the world’s vastly unexplored regions. You’ll discover the wilderness and spot the Amazonian wildlife from the comfort of your suite as your boat traverses to the twisting tributary of the mighty Amazon River.
Most of the Amazon cruises will depart from Iquitos, Peru. From here, your boat departs for the depths of the mighty Amazon rainforest, where you’ll stop for hikes through the forest, spotting colourful birds, exotic wildlife, and monkeys, with an indigenous guide. Onboard, you will be treated to gourmet cuisines and personalized services, making your journey to the Amazon Rainforest even more unforgettable.
Although most of the Amazon cruises will depart from Peru, you also have the choice of sailing the Amazon from Brazil. But it is the Peruvian city of Iquitos that’s the most popular starting point for Amazon River cruises. It’s home to the Ucayali River, the largest tributary of the Amazon. From here, you also get to explore the rainforest banks of the Yarapa and Dorado Rivers and other tributaries like the Puinahua and Maranon, as well as several secluded black water lakes.
Cruise the UK Canals
The UK has more than 2,000 miles of waterways. Before the 20th Century, these waterways were used as trade routes where ships carrying goods around the country would pass through. During this time, the roads were poor, so the most efficient method of transport was through the canals and rivers. If you are interested to discover the UK’s waterways, consider taking a narrowboat cruise for your boating holiday.
The Oxford canal is the most relaxing place to take a narrowboat cruise in the UK, where your boat would meander towards the southwards coming from the outskirts of Coventry before heading to the North Cotswolds. The canals of Oxford were built to transport coal from the Midlands to the South of England. These days, it’s used mainly by holidaymakers and leisure boaters.
When boating along the Oxford canal, you can rent one of the narrowboats and cruise at your own pace. It’s an ideal way to escape the urban sprawl and experience the stunning landscapes of gentle pastureland as your boat passes along the charming countryside and idyllic villages.
Go Island Hopping in Greece
The islands of Greece are famous for their unrivalled beauty and incredible diversity, luring travellers from the world over. Given the many beautiful islands in Greece, it’s hard to decide which ones to visit. So, why don’t you book an island-hopping tour and visit as many Greek islands as possible? An island-hopping adventure in Greece is something that every adventurous couple should experience at least once in their life.
The best way to get started with your island-hopping adventure of Greece is in the Cyclades, one of the most popular island groups in Greece. It’s where you will find stunning villages with ancient old churches overlooking the Aegean Sea. The Cyclades has twenty large islands and seven small ones. Each of these islands shares common elements, although they also have their own unique charm that’s waiting for you to discover.
The Cyclades are easy to explore on an island-hopping adventure since the islands are close enough together. Therefore, boat trips are usually short. If you choose to explore the Cyclades, you should visit the famous islands of Santorini and Mykonos, as well as the quieter islands of Paros and Naxos.
