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All of St. Lucia’s beaches are open to the public—from the rain forest–shrouded coves of the west that hug the tranquil waters of the Caribbean, to the stretches that line the rolling waves of the Atlantic, frequented by kite-surfers and horseback riders.

With expansive, pearly beaches that are practically deserted, warm, azure waters just begging to be swum in, the odd beach boy selling juicy coconuts, and traditional dhows sailing past in the background, it’s not hard to see why the Kenyan coast has been enticing visitors for years on end. This is the perfect place to relax after a few days spent bumping along dirt tracks on safari, or to hone your kitesurfing, snorkeling, or scuba diving skills.

Puerto Rico is sought by surfers worldwide for its numerous reef breaks and clean swells. What some might not know is that the waves aren’t just restricted to the popular west side of the island. The North coast has some excellent surf spots too, and there are a couple within the near shore areas of the Ritz-Carlton’s Dorado Beach. If you would like to try these out, head over to the Barlovento’s East beach and GoodWinds water sports, near the East golf course. It’s a windy spot, and perfect for kite boarders. But Phil and Andy have all you need to surf the sets of Dorado. They can accommodate you for tow-in surf too, taking thrill seekers out to the outer reefs. Prefer to stay near shore? There are a couple other paddle out spots that these guys can direct you to, like the one shown in the photo located past the west beach area.

Let the wind be your guide as you surf and sail the blue waters of the island during an invigorating and action-packed kitesurfing session. This sport is the perfect blend between kiting, windsurfing, and wakeboarding, and involves harnessing and utilizing the power of the wind and ocean to glide across the top of the waves. Try Kitesurf Cayman at the beach at Barker’s National Park in the West Bay; it’s the ideal kitesurfing spot as it has perfect wind conditions and moderate swells. This adventurous activity has become well-loved by locals and a test of determination for beginners.

Lefkada is the only Greek island accessible by land, but it doesn’t mean it sees a lot of tourism. On the other hand, it’s hard to believe it ISN’T one of the most highly sought after destinations: Egremni Beach is one of the best beaches in Europe, and the island is home to important sights like the Nydri medieval castle of Agia Mavra. Lefkada is also famous for its kitesurfing community. If you’re a kitesurfer, you’ll want to check it out. And if you’re not, maybe it’s time to try something new?

Nestled between pristine beaches and lush forest, the peaceful town of Watamu is ground zero for water sports in Kenya. One of Kenya’s most renowned kite-surfing schools, Tribe Watersports, is based here and offers three–day courses to get you skimming the warm waves of the Indian Ocean in no time. If you’re happier underwater, Watamu will also appeal. A maze of rich coral reefs skirts the shoreline, so giant turtles and exotic fish can be seen year-round, and at certain times of the year majestic whale sharks pass through this region, making it a snorkeling and diving haven. For accommodation, check out the eccentric and charming Watamu Treehouse.

Diani Beach is a 25km strip of pale, sugary sands backed by the cerulean Indian Ocean. As one of the more developed towns on the Kenyan coast, there’s a great variety of restaurants, cafés, bars and shops here. Also on offer are activities from horse riding to kite-surfing and tours of the ancient Kaya Forest. Popular haunts in Diani include the Forty Thieves Beach Bar - renowned for their fun beach parties and tasty pizzas, as well as Ali Barbour’s restaurant – set inside a candle-lit cave which opens out onto the starry night’s sky above. However you choose to spend your time in this idyllic costal location, one thing is for sure: as the sun sets, castling a golden glitter on the sea below, and the beach-front restaurants lay flickering lanterns on the sand, there are few other places in the world you will want to be.

Our first lunch at the Ritz-Carlton’s Dorado Beach was a delectable introduction to the resort’s bar and grill scene. Overlooking the ocean filled with kite-surfers jumping waves and zigzagging across the seascape, we enjoyed both lunch and a show! Try their ceviche tacos, a delicious mix of fish, avocado and fresh vegetables with a crispy shell.

Xiamen is an island, but it’s surprisingly difficult to find sailing and other water adventures here. If you’re interested in kitesurfing, head to the 59 Fly Kiteboarding Centre (59fly.net) at Haiyuntai Beach. It’s IKO certified, and instructors do their best with limited English. The Xiamen Sailing Club (xsailing.com.cn) offers windsurfing and sailing classes and equipment rental. If all that seems like too much work, just go for a beach stroll and take in the sea breeze.

Kitesurfing in Cape Town is not for the faint of heart. In the battle to stay upright you’re up against strong currents, big gusts of wind, and the icy waters of the southern Atlantic. Did I mention the great white sharks? Anxiety aside, it’s a popular sport among locals with a several active locations dotting the Cape Peninsula, including Witsands Beach. While first timers will feel more comfortable with the calm, shallow waters of Blouberg or Langebaan, it’s still fun to visit this Witsands to watch the more brave and adventurous professionals at play. From where you sit, surfers look like distant ants and colorful butterflies, flitting across the waves at sunset. In June through November, you can sometimes witness southern right whales breaching from this picturesque viewpoint.

County Galways’s Aran Islands are well known but Clew Bay a little further north in County Mayo has more than 100 islands. On one side of the bay, you can climb Ireland‘s holiest mountain Croagh Patrick, for bird’s eye views of the bay from the 2,507ft summit. On the other side of the bay is the Great Western Greenway, a 42km off-road cycle trail from the town of Westport and its lively pubs, to Achill Island, where you can explore a deserted village. Stay in a lighthouse on Clare Island in the centre of Clew Bay, discover the stately home Westport House, go fishing, hear stories of a pirate queen, go horseback riding or walking on the beach, take a surfing or kite-surfing lesson or play a round of golf. Or just relax over a Guinness and some seafood, and drop in to a traditional music session in one of Westport’s lively pubs. See you in Clew Bay!

Though the DR isn’t traditionally known for its surfing, the little town of Cabarete (a 30-minute drive from the Puerto Plata airport) is fast becoming a hot spot for newbies and those wanting to take their board skills to a new level. Cabarete boasts several surf camps including SWELL, “a purpose-built surf camp” that attracts surfers and wannabe surfers from all corners of the globe. A cross between a hostel and a just-the-basics boutique hotel, the camp has co-ed quad dorms and private rooms accommodating some two dozen travelers of all ages — a healthy mix of singles and couples, mostly urban professionals. Days here start really early, but what does it matter when you’re on the water catching waves? (There’s always the rest of the day to make up for that lost shut-eye.) Once you’re done with your surfboard, wander into Cabarete to grab a cerveza and a bite. Be sure to check out the town’s other favorite pastime, kitesurfing. Just look to the sky.

Gökova hosts a 3km long beach area and thermal winds for kite surfers of all levels. Go to Orange and ask for Ahmet Bey, a 60-something kite surfer who will be happy to help with rentals, instructors or repairs. Stay in nearby Akyaka and mingle with internationals and locals alike.

Isla Blanca is in fact a narrow peninsula some 30 minutes north of Cancún, with the lagoon to the west and the Caribbean to the east. Seemingly no one except the locals come to this untouched, isolated beach, dotted with tiny seafood restaurants, the occasional vacation cabin, intermittent lounge-chair rentals, and a growing camp of kite surfers. You’ll need to arrive by car via coastal highway that quickly turns to rough dirt path, but the experience transcends the rusticity once you hit the Caribbean’s pristine white sands and cool turquoise surf; the lagoon’s shallow, brackish waters, just steps from the ocean, provide ideal fly-fishing and kite-surfing conditions.