The best outdoor activities

What are outdoor activities?

At Manawa, outdoor activities are much more than just going outdoors. For us, it's an opportunity to connect with nature while experiencing enriching adventures that are accessible to everyone. Whether in the mountains, in the forest, on the water, in the sky or even underground, outdoor activities offer a sense of freedom and discovery. Manawa's vision of the outdoors includes accessible and exhilarating activities for all levels. For some, the outdoors can mean extreme expeditions to remote peaks, and it's this variety of pursuits that we think is great! Our priority, not to say our mission, is to enable the widest possible audience to discover outdoor activities, so that everyone can experience the joys and benefits of these activities. And who knows? Once you've discovered them, maybe they'll inspire new passions or vocations, like climbing summits or surfing big waves!

The best outdoor activities

Canyoning

Definition: Canyoning involves descending canyons using a combination of techniques, including walking, climbing, jumping, sliding (natural tobogganing) and sometimes even swimming.

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: It's a complete activity that combines adventure, adrenalin and exploration of places that are often otherwise inaccessible.

Best spots for canyoning: Gorges du Verdon (France), Sierra de Guara (Spain), Île de la Réunion (France).

Advice :

• Wear suitable clothing: neoprene wetsuit, helmet, harness, etc.
• Always follow your guide's instructions, especially when abseiling.
• Make sure you wear shoes with good grip to avoid slipping on wet rocks.
• Don't overload yourself: take the bare essentials for the day (water, snacks, sunglasses).

All our canyoning activities around the world.

Sled dog

Definition: Dog sledding, also known as dog sledding, is a winter adventure where you are pulled by dogs through snow-covered landscapes.

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: It's a unique immersion in winter nature, where you share a special bond with the dogs while discovering snow-covered panoramas.

Best spots for sled dogs: Lapland (Finland), Yukon (Canada), Tromsø (Norway).

Advice :

• Dress in layers to keep warm, with a good windproof and waterproof jacket.
• Wear warm, insulating boots, and don't forget thick gloves to protect your hands from the cold.
• Listen carefully to the advice of an experienced musher to learn how to lead dogs safely.
• Please respect the dogs and follow the instructions to ensure their well-being throughout the excursion.

All our sled dog activities around the world.

Paragliding

Definition: Paragliding is free flight where you take off from a hill or mountain using a wing.

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: Paragliding offers an unrivalled feeling of freedom and lightness, with breathtaking views of the countryside below.

Best paragliding spots : Annecy (France), Interlaken (Switzerland), Lake Garda (Italy).

Advice :

• Start with a tandem flight with a qualified instructor to familiarise yourself with the sensations of flight.
• Wear warm clothing, as it gets cooler at altitude, and don't forget your sunglasses.
• Check the weather forecast before you fly, as wind conditions are crucial for a safe flight.
• Make sure the equipment is in good condition and properly adjusted before take-off.

All our paragliding activities around the world.

Snorkelling

Definition: Snorkelling involves swimming on the surface with a mask, snorkel and flippers to observe marine life.

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: It's an activity that's accessible to everyone and lets you explore the wonders of the underwater world without complicated equipment.

Best snorkelling spots: Great Barrier Reef (Australia), Moorea (French Polynesia), Raja Ampat (Indonesia).

Advice :

• Use a tight-fitting mask to avoid water leaks, and make sure the snorkel is securely fastened.
• Choose places with clear, calm water for better underwater visibility.
• Wear a wetsuit to avoid the cold, but also to protect yourself from sunburn and jellyfish.
• Don't touch the marine life, respect the underwater environment and don't walk on the coral.

All our snorkelling activities around the world.

Sea kayaking

Definition: Sea kayaking is practised on the ocean, lakes or calm rivers, offering a unique perspective of the coastline and surrounding nature.

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: Sea kayaking lets you explore secluded coves, spectacular cliffs and otherwise inaccessible coastal areas, all in communion with nature.

Best sea kayaking spots: Tenerife (Spain), Corsica (France), Saguenay Fjord (Canada).

Advice :

• Wear a snug, comfortable lifejacket at all times.
• Use a nautical chart or GPS to find your way around, especially if you're travelling far from the coast.
• Bring water, snacks and a waterproof means of communication such as a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
• Choose a kayak suited to your level and the duration of the trip: a stable kayak for beginners or a faster model for experienced adventurers.

All our sea kayaking activities around the world.

Surf

Definition : Surfing is the sport of riding waves on a special board, requiring good balance and coordination.

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: Surfing combines physical effort and the pleasure of taming the waves, with a unique feeling of freedom and challenge. It's also a state of mind!

Best surf spots: Tahiti (French Polynesia), Jeffreys Bay (South Africa), Hossegor (France).

Advice :

• Start with lessons with an instructor to learn the basics, such as positioning yourself on the board and reading the waves.
• Wear a wetsuit suited to the temperature of the water to stay warm and avoid chafing.
• Choose spots suited to your level, with gentle waves for beginners and more powerful waves for experienced surfers.
• Always keep an eye out for other surfers and obey the rules of priority to avoid accidents.

All our surfing activities around the world.

Rafting

Definition: Rafting consists of descending a white-water river with a crew, aboard an inflatable raft. There are also variations on rafting, such as canoerafting, minirafting and kayakrafting!

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities : It's a group activity that combines adrenalin, cooperation and total immersion in the wilderness.

Best rafting spots: Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe), Chamonix Mont-Blanc (France), Futaleufú (Chile).

Advice :

• Wear a helmet and lifejacket at all times, even if you can swim well.
• Listen carefully to your guide's instructions before and during the descent, and learn to paddle in synchronisation with your team.
• Be prepared to get wet, and bring a change of clothes for after the activity.
• Don't take any unnecessary risks and find out how difficult the river is before you set off.

All our rafting activities around the world.

Scuba diving

Definition: Scuba diving allows you to explore the seabed using self-contained breathing equipment.

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: Diving offers direct access to a fascinating underwater world, with unique encounters with marine life and breathtaking underwater landscapes.

Best dive spots : Bora Bora (French Polynesia), Blue Hole (Belize), Réserve Cousteau, Guadeloupe (France).

Advice :

• Take a course with a certified instructor to learn basic techniques and safety rules.
• Have your equipment checked before each dive to avoid any problems underwater.
• Never dive alone and respect your limits in terms of depth and dive time.
• Hydrate well before and after diving, and wait at least 24 hours after a deep dive before flying.

All our diving activities around the world.

Caving

Definition: Caving is the exploration of underground cavities in dark, narrow conditions. Caving allows you to explore caves but also to venture into lava tunnels or even underground canyons to cross mountains.

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: It's an activity that combines adventure, scientific exploration and the discovery of fascinating underground landscapes.

Best caving spots: Gouffre de Padirac (France), Waitomo Caves (New Zealand), Piton de la Fournaise lava tunnel (France).

Advice :

• Wear a helmet with a headlamp to light your way and protect your head.
• Use warm, hard-wearing clothing, as the caves are often damp and cold.
• Learn the techniques for progressing underground with a guide before venturing out on your own.
• Take a first aid kit with you and tell someone about your itinerary before you leave.

All our caving activities around the world.

Hiking

Definition: Hiking consists of walking on marked or unmarked paths through natural landscapes, in mountains, forests or other outdoor environments.

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: It's one of the most accessible activities, allowing you to enjoy nature, get some exercise and discover breathtaking scenery.

Best hiking spots: Tour du Mont-Blanc (France/Switzerland/Italy), Pacific Crest Trail (USA), Baie de Somme (France).

Advice :

• Wear comfortable, well-tried hiking boots to avoid blisters.
• Take enough water and food for the day, as well as a map or GPS to find your way.
• Adapt your itinerary to your physical condition and the weather conditions.
• Always let someone know where you're going and what time you'll be back.

All our guided hiking activities around the world.

Horse riding

Definition: Horse trekking consists of riding a horse along natural paths, often through forests, mountains or along beaches.

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: It's a soothing activity that lets you connect with nature and animals, while discovering otherwise inaccessible landscapes.

Best spots for horse riding: Vík i Myrdal (Iceland), Camargue (France), Patagonia (Argentina).

Advice :

• Wear a riding helmet to protect your head in the event of a fall.
• Use riding boots to keep your feet firmly in the stirrups.
• Familiarise yourself with your horse before the ride and learn how to steer and calm him.
• If you are a beginner, choose a ride suited to your level, on easy terrain and with a calm horse.

All our horse-riding activities around the world.

Mountain biking

Definition: Mountain biking consists of riding a bike over rough trails in the mountains or forests. There are several disciplines, such as downhill and enduro. You can also go mountain biking in a bike park, usually in a mountain resort.

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: It's an activity that combines intense physical exercise, adrenalin and exploration of varied terrain.

Best mountain bike spots: Whistler (Canada), Finale Ligure (Italy), Maïdo, Réunion Island (France)

Advice :

• Wear a full-face helmet to protect your head, as well as gloves and knee pads to prevent injury in the event of a fall.
• Adjust tyre pressure to the type of terrain: lower for soft ground, higher for hard ground.
• Learn basic techniques such as braking and cornering on easy trails before tackling more technical routes.
• Take along a tyre repair kit, water and a snack so that you're ready in case anything goes wrong.

All our mountain biking activities around the world.

Tyrolean traverse

Definition: A zip line is a cable stretched between two points, over which you slide at high speed while attached to a harness.

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: It's an intense experience that lets you fly over landscapes at high speed, all in complete safety.

Best zip-lining spots: Monteverde (Costa Rica),Omiš (Croatia), La Plagne (France).

Advice :

• Make sure your harness fits properly to ensure your safety and comfort.
• Listen carefully to the operator's instructions before you start.
• Wear close-fitting clothes to avoid getting caught in the equipment.
• Check the weather conditions before setting off, as some zip lines may be closed in bad weather.

All our zip-lining activities around the world.

Coasteering

Definition: Coasteering is an activity that combines climbing, jumping and swimming along rocky coastlines. It was inspired by canyoning.

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: It's a complete adventure that lets you discover the coastline in a different way and experience new sensations...

Best coasteering spots: Pembrokeshire (Wales), Algarve (Portugal), Brittany (France).

Advice :

• Wear a neoprene suit and suitable footwear to protect your skin from the rocks and the cold.
• Follow an experienced guide who knows the area and the ocean currents well.
• Make sure the weather conditions are favourable before setting off.
• Don't try to jump too high if you're not comfortable, and always check the depth of the water before jumping.

All our coasteering activities worldwide.

Sailing boats

Definition : sand yachting involves piloting a wheeled machine, propelled by a sail, on beaches or stretches of desert. A version also exists on ice in winter on Canada's great lakes!

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: It's a fun, accessible activity that combines speed, technique and the pleasure of sliding.

Best sand yachting spots: Baie de Somme (France), Sylt (Germany), Mont Saint-Michel (France).

Advice :

• Wear protective goggles to avoid getting sand in your eyes.
• Learn the basics of sailing so you can master the boat better.
• Wear windproof clothing and a good pair of gloves to avoid blisters on your hands.
• Respect other riders and the rules of priority for a safe experience.

All our sand yachting activities around the world.

Climbing

Definition: Rock climbing is the activity of climbing rock faces using hands, feet and safety equipment. There are several disciplines in climbing, including long routes and bouldering.

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: It's a physical and mental challenge that allows you to overcome your fears while enjoying breathtaking views high above the ground.

Best climbing spots: Kalymnos (Greece), Fontainebleau (France), El Capitan (Argentina).

Advice :

• Wear suitable climbing shoes for a better grip on the rock.
• Take an indoor climbing course to master the basic techniques before heading outdoors.
• Always use a helmet to protect your head from falling rocks.
• Make sure your equipment (ropes, harness, karabiners) is in good condition and correctly installed before each ascent.

All our climbing activities around the world.

Skateboard

Definition: Skateboarding is an urban sliding sport that involves moving around on a board fitted with wheels and performing acrobatic tricks.

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: Skateboarding combines skill, balance and creativity, and can be practised in parks, on ramps or simply in the street.

Best skate spots: Venice Beach (USA), Barcelona (Spain), Paris (France).

Advice :

• Wear a helmet and elbow, knee and wrist protection to avoid injury in the event of a fall.
• Start with flat, unobstructed terrain to familiarise yourself with balance and pushing.
• Learn basic techniques such as the ollie (basic jump) before attempting more complex tricks.
• Surround yourself with other more experienced skateboarders to get advice and progress more quickly.

All our skateboarding activities around the world.

Ice climbing

Definition: Ice climbing consists of climbing on icy walls or frozen waterfalls using ice axes and crampons.

Why it's one of the best outdoor activities: It's a unique challenge that combines extreme adventure, winter conditions and the beauty of icy landscapes.

Best ice climbing spots: Chamonix (France), Skaftafell (Iceland), Laurentides (Canada).

Advice :

• Wear technical clothing designed for extreme winter conditions, including insulating and waterproof layers.
• Use ice axes and crampons specially designed for ice climbing, and make sure they are in good condition before you start.
• Follow an experienced guide to learn techniques specific to ice climbing, such as managing anchors and progressing on fast ice.
• Bear in mind that ice climbing requires excellent physical condition and careful preparation, so start slowly and progress at your own pace.

All our ice climbing activities around the world.

All these outdoor activities offer the chance to reconnect with nature, discover new sensations and, above all, get out of your comfort zone. In this article, we've omitted to mention many other outdoor activities, such as snorkelling, kitesurfing, snowboarding... Whether you're looking for adventure or simply a new experience, there's something for everyone. So don't wait any longer and plan your next adventure with Manawa!