There's never a shortage of things to do when you plan a trip to the beach. Of course, some activities are only possible in certain locations and with certain equipment. Don't let that stop you from trying something new! There are countless companies that give people like yourself the opportunity to try their hand at water sports and activities they wouldn't normally get to do. There are some extremely dangerous and bizarre choices out there, but those are not for the faint of heart! We've put together this list of five of our favorite water activities to recommend to fellow water lovers. We hope you enjoy it!

Sailing

We wanted to start the list off with a water activity that is tame and relatively safe. Many families across the globe have sailboats that they take out on the ocean, harbors, and lakes. Sailing is a lot of fun and you can experience the water like never before. Beginners cannot sail without a license or the assistance of a company/trainer. Sailing is actually much more complex than many give it credit for, and things can go wrong quickly if you're not properly trained. If you're interested in simply experiencing sailing a few times, there's no need to purchase a boat; find a sailing company near your home that will give you a "tour" of the water on their own sailboats! 

Windsurfing

Next, let's talk about windsurfing! If you're unfamiliar with the sport, it combines the best part of surfing and sailing! Windsurfing boards are similar to a surfboard, but they have a mast and a small sail in the center! This allows you to "surf" with or without waves so long as there is wind. Thanks to the sail, windsurfers can practice and have fun in any body of water! Sails are changed out based on the current weather condition and your experience level. Like on sailboats, you steer the sail to steer the board. Because of all of the similarities, windsurfing actually resembles sailing and sailboat racing more than it does surfing. It's definitely a lot harder than the pros make it look, but it can be a very fun adventure the next time you go on vacation! In many coastal areas, you can find windsurfing companies that teach you the basics and loan you the essential gear. We'd highly recommend trying this water activity at least once because it's not like anything else you'll get to do on the ocean!

Cliff Diving

Feeling brave? You have to if you want to try cliff diving! This activity is exactly what it sounds like; you jump or dive from the edges of cliffs into the water below! This is not an activity that everyone will enjoy because it's very nerve-wracking. The cliffs can be hundreds of feet above the water! If you've never attempted cliff diving before, please seek help from trainers and experts. To avoid very serious injury, always cliff dive in designated areas. Water has a tendency to look a lot deeper than it is; without the right depth, you can dive head-first into rocks and coral below. You should never cliff dive alone, no matter how experienced you are. Start small and with experts by your side and gradually work your way up. While terrifying, cliff diving is also an exhilarating and unforgettable experience!

Water Skiing

If jumping off a cliff isn't for you, give water skiing a try! A speedboat will pull you around while you hold onto a handle and cruise along the top of the water on skis! You can also opt to use a board similar to a snowboard. Water skiing is great for lakes and ponds because it doesn't require anything except a powerful boat! Of course, you can enjoy the sport in the ocean if you're lucky enough to live nearby! Be warned - beginners fall a lot! This is yet another water activity where you should go with a trainer or professional company until you get the hang of it. It's not as easy as it seems, and if the skis/board are even slightly angled, you could be going for a dip! Tubing is another alternative if you feel more confident sitting down. It's not exactly the same, but it's a popular swap out, particularly for tourists and first-timers. Be sure to wear your life jacket in case the ride ends more abruptly than expected!

Scuba Diving

We couldn't close out the list without including one of the coolest water experiences you can have. Scuba diving lets you see undersea life like never before. You can travel to deep depths and find fish and creatures that you've only seen in books and movies! We cannot stress enough how important it is to scuba dive with professionals. A lot of gear is required to ensure your safely below the surface, and if anything goes wrong it can spell disaster. Luckily, you can find scuba companies just about anywhere there's a coast! You'll go down with trained professionals who will show you the incredible sea life and make sure you're safe. Scuba diving is absolutely incredible and we recommend it to everyone! New divers often don't go very deep, so you can ease your way into it if you're wary. With the right team of experts, you'll have a wonderful day that you won't forget any time soon!