Top 11 Unusual and Thrilling Summer Activities
Discover summer from a new perspective, with some extraordinary activities to try out! From the heart-pounding excitement of coasteering along rugged shorelines to the serene exhilaration of hang gliding, discover our selection of the best unusual summer activities that will fill you with lasting memories...
Beyond the typical beach days, a wide range of thrilling activities awaits those who seek to elevate their summer experience to new heights! Whether on water, land, or in the air, get ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime with this diverse selection of activities!
Thrills are more enjoyable when shared, and it’s a great way to bring people closer. Whether you're with your family, friends or your partner, choose the experience that suits your taste! Here we're talking about one-of-a-kind activities...
Coasteering
Coasteering is an unusual summer activity derived from canyoning that combines cliff jumping, swimming, abseiling, and climbing. It is a fun sport that stands out mainly thanks to its jumps from the rocks! It is also characterized by the fact that it can be practiced by the ocean and not only in whitewater courses. You will navigate through a series of natural obstacles, such as rocky shorelines, caves, sea cliffs and natural pools... The only requirement for this discipline is to how to swim.
Did you know that this activity was born in British Isles, more precisely in Wales? Equipped with a wetsuit and a helmet, you will start your coasteering session with the guide explaining to you some important techniques and safety rules! Coasteering in Mallorca, for example, will allow you to climb the rocky coastline, jump from cliffs and swim in crystal-clear secluded caves! If you opt for Portugal this summer, you should not miss out the coasteering in the Arrabida Natural Park, close to Lisbon.
Seabob
You’re probably wondering what seabob is! Well, it’s a new, unusual summer activity to do during hot days mixing adrenaline and simplicity! The seabob is a nautical vehicle that is submersible which gives you the impression of swimming like a dolphin... Who says you have to work hard to get a dopamine boost?
The seabob is a silent and intuitive electric underwater scooter, very easy to handle! This thrilling activity propels the riders through the water with remarkable speed and agility, you can choose between chilling above the water or drive at 18km/ h underwater! In addition to experiencing exceptional sliding sensations, you will have a snorkeling mask with you so you can admire the marine fauna! If you ever wanted to race with a turtle, you can try a seabob excursion in Mauritius to take the plunge in crystal-clear waters!
Skywalk
Beware, vertigo is guaranteed! The skywalk activity, as its name suggests, consists of walking at a fairly great height, which gives you the impression of walking through the sky. Going on a skywalk tour in Plettenberg Bay will give you thrills for sure! During this two-hour activity, you will be walking while attached to a full-body harness connected to a safety rigging system of two lines. Will you be brave enough to cross this bridge and lean out over the edge at 216 meters high?
And if you are looking for a little bit less dizzying skywalking activity, we suggest you try the climbing experience on the O2 Arena in London! The walks provide participants with an exciting challenge on the roof, 52 meters above ground level. For about 90 minutes you will enjoy a climbing experience, offering 360° views over London! Summer is the perfect time to try it because bad weather conditions can affect the accessibility of this activity. Be sure to not forget your camera to take some shots of this incredible moment!
Sandboarding
Since most of us have heard of snowboarding, which is sort of like surfing on snow, well sandboarding is a bit similar. This new activity is a boardsport that aims at hitting massive dunes while standing on a snowboard (or wakeboard). In some areas, the sand can be quite compact so it’s even harder to control your moves than on the snow. This sport offers a range of experiences, from gentle descents suitable for beginners to steep dunes that challenge even the most experienced riders! Sandboarding techniques include carving, turning and jumping off dunes, providing opportunities for skill development! This activity is available year-round as opposed to basic snowboarding which is seasonal! Summer is by far the best season to enjoy a sandboard ride...
Sandboarding in South Africa is considered to be one of the best experiences thanks to its soft sands like the Atlantic Dunes, the Silver Sands in Betty's Bay, or even the Lagoon Dunes. Whether you're goofy or regular, you will get a quick demo on how sandboarding works and you'll be ready to try a few techniques!
Caving
Dive into the underground adventure of caving to challenge your fears and your limits... This unusual summer activity allows you to explore the undergrounds of the earth, whether in natural or man-made caverns. Equipped with your headlamp and caving shoes, you will loose yourself between impressive rock formations. Depending on the routes and activities, you will have the chance to walk in galleries where stalactites, stalagmites hang like ancient chandeliers, admire columns and subterranean rivers, etc...
If you are passionate about nature, or keen on geology, then this adventure is for you! It is a perfect excursion to do in summer because it allows you to escape from the intense heat! Why not try caving in Reunion Island for an unforgettable experience in the volcano Piton de la Fournaise! You will experience a 100-meter positive and negative vertical drop during this underground exploration, with a 400-meter high point. And if you want to learn more about this sport, read our guide on caving so that you can become an expert!
Hydrospeed
Hydrospeed is a fun and unusual summer sport that brings a dose of excitement to the hot summer months! This outdoor activity, ideal for thrill-seekers, involves navigating river currents using a floating board. Equipped with a special wetsuit and flippers, you can experience all the thrills of canoeing and rafting at the same time! However, this sport does require you to be in good physical condition, as you'll be in waters with potentially strong currents, you will also engage your core muscles to keep your balance!
This thrilling activity is best experienced in a group of friends or with your family, the laughter is guaranteed! If you are planning your summer getaway in the South of France, make sure to include hydrospeed in Canyon du Diable near Montpellier where you will slide down a turbulent river... To prepare in the best possible way and learn everything you need to know about the activity, don't forget to read our guide on hydrospeed!
Wingfoil
Let's move on to another unusual summer activity to try! Derived from windsurfing, kitesurfing and surfing, wingfoil is practiced in lakes and oceans alike, as long as the wind is blowing. You will be standing on your board and hold an inflatable wing while both upward force and sideways propulsion are generated, which allows the board to be moved across the water. During wingfoil lessons, you will learn to master your wing, control your balance while having fun on the water! This dynamic sport allows you to effortlessly glide over waves and experience a sense of flight as you'll harness the power of the wind.
This activity is perfect because it does not require an experienced level, even if you have no experience in windsurfing, you can very well start and do a wingfoil course in La Rochelle for example. If you choose to spend your summer in the multi-faced Auvergne-Rhônes-Alpes region, be sure to try a wingfoil session in Annecy to glide on the beautiful lake and enjoy the water during the sunny days of summer...
Night Kayaking
Are you skeptical about the idea of kayaking in the dark and think it's a rather dodgy idea? Well, you will experience the water in a whole new light, quite literally... As the darkness descends, you will experience the mesmerizing glow that illuminates the surrounding calm waters, creating unusual reflections of colours: kayaking with integrated LED lights creates a magical moment!
Night kayaking in Split can be a fantastic adventure in this popular summer spot. You will paddle towards the Zrnovnica river while the sun slowly sets in beautiful colors, and admire the white rocks and cliffs of Split's ancient architecture and rugged coastlines... The Pearl of the Adriatic is a great destination for an unforgettable summer holiday. Night kayaking in Croatia is a perfect way to relax and cool down after a hot summer day. And if you want to discover other unusual kayaking activities, how about trying transparent kayaking on Reunion Island? It is perfect if you want to contemplate the seabed without getting wet.
Rail sledging
Rail sledging is typically associated with winter and snow, however it is an unusual summer activity! It can be enjoyed alone or in duo (with your friend or your child for example). This is a fun and accessible activity to do even when the snow has melted away...
Rail sledging in La Rosière in Savoie offers a 700-meter descent of pure pleasure, propelling you at speeds of up to 45 km/h along winding tracks that showcase the beauty of the surrounding landscape. As you will zoom down the slopes on specially designed sleds equipped with wheels, you will enjoy views of lush green valleys, with the Alpine scenery as a backdrop. This unique blend of adrenaline-fueled excitement and scenic beauty makes rail slegding in La Rosière an unforgettable experience... Ready to hit the slopes (in complete safety, of course)?
Land sailing
Land sailing emerges as a delightful unusual summer activity! Unlike traditional sailing, sand yatching harnesses the power of the wind to propel specially designed three-wheeled carts across sandy beaches. What makes it so particular is that you can enjoy hot summer days and the refreshing sea breeze while gliding effortlessly across the land. One excpetional location is the unique Mont-Saint-Michel land sailing spot! This UNESCO World Heritage Site embarks you on a one-hour adventure led by professional instructors teaching you how to handle the sand yacht. Between propulsion techniques, stopping procedures and safety rules, you will learn everything to maneuver like a pro!
If you spend a summer holiday with family or friends, and you want to enjoy the beach without necessarily sunbathing, then this is a perfect activity for you. The large beaches such as those you find in Normandy are very suitable for land sailing! At a two-hour drive from Hirel Beach, land sailing in Omaha Beach is a uniquely poignant experience, as it combines the thrill of the sport with history: it is one of the historic locations of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944!
Hand Gliding
Have you ever dreamt of flying? We are sure you have... Good news! With this wild outdoor activity, we can fulfill your dream! Hang-gliding is the ideal option because it allows you to soar like a bird over breathtaking natural scenery. Thanks to the delta-shaped and non-motorized wing, the pilot controls the direction and speed of the glider by shifting the body weight and by manipulating control bars attached to the wing. A helmet and gloves will be provided, and they will be securely attached to your hand glider via your harness.
In any case, you'll be flying with a certified professional guide who'll have the control! If you're heading to Switzerland, you can try hang-gliding in Brig to marvel at the majestic mountains and Swiss blue skies and prepare to take flight from an elevation of 6,300 feet. And if you choose France as your summer destination, you should not miss hang-gliding in Annecy so you can admire its beautiful lake and mountains in sunny weather!
With those unusual activities you'll make this summer a very special one, filled with unforgettable sensations and lasting memories. If you enjoyed this list, there are many more crazy outdoor activities to do, like for example skydiving from a helicopter or bungee jumping from one of the highest places in the world!