Things to do

Amalfi Coast · 7 hours · $1,558 per boat

A full day on a private boat from Positano around Capri's grottos and swim stops. The best day of most Amalfi trips.

Aruba · 3 hours · from $79

Red Sail takes you to the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, plus Catalina Bay, with an open bar.

Aruba · Full day · from $159

An all-inclusive island day with snorkeling, a waterpark and flamingos. Good for families.

Aruba · Full day · from $150

The Renaissance's private island with the flamingos. Passes release about a week ahead and sell out.

Aruba · 2 hours · from $92

Red Sail's happy-hour sail off Palm Beach, with an open bar and appetizers.

Aspen · About 2 hours · $90 per adult

A naturalist-led walk on top of Aspen Mountain that includes the gondola ride and snowshoes, so non-skiers get the summit views too. Tours run daily at 10am and 1pm from Dec 14, and you should allow 30 minutes to buy tickets and ride up.

Aulani · 2.5 hours · from $195

Leaves from Ko Olina, a few minutes from Aulani, so no long drive into Honolulu. Snorkel gear is included. An easy half-day on the water.

Big Island · 2 to 2.5 hours · from $94

One of the best things to do in Hawaii. You float at the surface after dark while manta rays feed beneath you.

Big Island · 3.5 hours · from $194

Fair Wind takes you to the Captain Cook monument, the best snorkeling on the island. Morning trips sell out weeks ahead.

Big Island · 5 hours · from $139

A guided day in Volcanoes National Park with someone who knows where to look. Good if you're short on time or don't want the drive.

Disney Cruise Line · Island day

Has its own adults-only Serenity Bay, a Junkanoo celebration, local art and a nature trail to the lighthouse. The South Eleuthera tours get you off the Disney beach and into real Bahamian culture.

Disney Cruise Line · Beach day

The adults-only beach is free and much quieter than the family side. The barbecue moved to the new Hangar 98 BBQ building. Cabanas cost extra and sell out early.

Disney Cruise Line · 1 hour · from $54

Kids 5 and up can feed and touch stingrays in shallow water. It's short, so you still have the rest of the beach day. $64 for ages 10 and up, $54 for ages 5 to 9.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A slow, glowing boat ride through Pandora's rainforest with an impressive Shaman animatronic at the end. It's short for the wait, so use a Multi Pass pick instead of standing in a long standby line.

Disney's Animal Kingdom · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A raft ride where some people get soaked and some stay dry, and you won't know which until the end. Height is 38 inches, and on cool November mornings I'd save it for the afternoon.

EPCOT · About 5 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible (top tier)

A boat ride through Arendelle with a small backwards drop and great Elsa animatronics. It's one of the longest waits in the park, so use a Multi Pass pick or ride right at opening.

EPCOT · About 14 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A relaxing boat ride through EPCOT's greenhouses, where they grow food served in the park. From November 27 to December 30, 2026 it runs as Glimmering Greenhouses with holiday lights, which is worth doing at night.

EPCOT · About 20 minutes · Included with admission

EPCOT's nighttime show of fireworks, fountains and lights over World Showcase Lagoon. Grab a spot near Italy, Germany or the Mexico side about 30 minutes early, or book a fireworks dining package if you want a guaranteed view.

Kauai · 5.5 hours · from $260

A catamaran from Port Allen along the Nā Pali Coast with snorkeling and a barbecue lunch. Calmest from spring to fall.

Kauai · 6 hours · from $292

Bigger, steadier boats, which helps if anyone gets seasick. The longer Niʻihau trip adds a second snorkel spot.

Lake Como · 1 hour · $398 per boat

A private hour on a classic wooden boat for up to six people. The lake is best seen from the water.

Magic Kingdom · About 9 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A boat ride with a couple of small drops and some of Disney's best scenes. It's a great midday break from the heat, and the wait rarely gets bad.

Magic Kingdom · About 10 minutes · Included with admission; Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible

A boat tour full of bad puns, and the skipper makes or breaks it. Right now it's running as the Jingle Cruise holiday version, and the regular version comes back early next year.

Maui · 5 hours · from $165

Run by the nonprofit Pacific Whale Foundation. Morning water at Molokini is the clearest you'll get, and the second stop is usually full of turtles.

Maui · 2 hours · from $84

Naturalists on board and money going to research. Book January to March for the most whales.

New York City · About 3 to 4 hours · from $31

Statue City Cruises is the official ferry that actually lands on Liberty and Ellis Islands, so you get both islands and the immigration museum on one ticket. Take the first boat from Battery Park to beat the security line, and if you want Pedestal or Crown access, book it weeks ahead because it sells out.

Oahu · 2 to 3 hours · from $26

A botanical garden walk that ends with a swim at a lifeguarded waterfall. Pair it with lunch in Haleʻiwa.

Oahu · 3+ hours · from $194

A smaller boat out of Waiʻanae, away from the Waikīkī crowds. Spinner dolphins, turtles and whales in season.

Puerto Rico · 6.5 hours · from $75

Waterfalls and a river swim, with pickup, so you don't have to fight for parking.

Puerto Rico · About 2 hours · from $79

Paddle through mangroves into a lagoon that glows when you move the water. Avoid full-moon nights.

Puerto Rico · About 2 hours · from $65

The brightest bio bay in the world. Worth an overnight on Vieques. No kids under 5.

Puerto Rico · 6 hours · from $180

East Island Excursions sails to Culebra for snorkeling and lunch. Flamenco Beach depends on the sea that day.

Punta Cana · 8 to 12 hours · from $82

White sand and a natural pool full of starfish. Pay more for a small-group or private boat; the big boats are crowded.

Punta Cana · 2 to 3 hours · from $90

Freshwater lagoons you can swim in, inside Puntacana Resort. Free or discounted for resort guests.

Saint Lucia · 7 hours · from $145

A full-day catamaran from the north down the coast to the Pitons, with snorkeling and lunch. The best way to see the island from the water.

Saint Lucia · 1 to 2 hours · from $132

Walk up to the drive-in volcano, then soak in the warm mud pools. Wear a dark swimsuit.

Saint Lucia · 2 to 3 hours · from $10

A short hike to an old British fort with views over Rodney Bay, plus two small beaches.

Telluride · About 2.5 hours · from $168

A half day of splashy whitewater on the San Miguel just outside town, and it's the easiest adventure to fit into a summer trip. Late May and June bring the biggest water from snowmelt, so book a morning trip then if you want more thrills.

The Bahamas · Full day · from $329

Powerboat Adventures runs from Nassau to the Exuma cays with sharks, stingrays, iguanas, lunch and an open bar.

The Bahamas · 4 hours · from $129

Snorkeling with turtles on the reefs off Rose Island, a short boat ride from Nassau.

The Bahamas · Full day · from $257

Pink Sands Beach and golf carts. Runs Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; an overnight is better if you can.

The Bahamas · Full day

The waterpark, aquariums and beaches at Atlantis. Prices change by date; refundable until 4 days before.

Turks and Caicos · 2 to 3 hours · Free

The best shore snorkeling on Providenciales, near Turtle Cove. The east entrance is shallowest for kids. Stay away from the channel.

Turks and Caicos · 4 hours · from $125

A half-day group trip to the reef, Iguana Island and the sandbars, without the cost of a private boat.

Turks and Caicos · 4 hours · $1,995 per boat

A private catamaran with snorkeling, sandbar stops and the rock iguanas on Little Water Cay.

Vail · About 3.5 hours · from $95

A mellow half day on the Upper Colorado with a few fun rapids and big canyon views, and it's the best summer outing for mixed ages. The put-in is about an hour's drive from Vail, so book a morning trip and bring sunscreen and shoes that can get wet.

Venice · Half day · from $50

A small-group boat trip to Murano for a glassblowing demo, then Burano for the lace and the colored houses.

Venice · 90 minutes · from $90

Learn to row standing up in a traditional Venetian boat. One of the most fun things to do in the city.

Walt Disney World · Half or full day · from $64

A good reset day in the middle of a long trip. Disney usually rotates one water park closed for refurb, so check which one is open for your dates.