The coast has always held a magnetic pull. Whether it’s the rhythmic crash of waves, the salty plunge of the sea or the endless horizon at sunset, being near water calms the mind and renews the spirit. Today, more travellers are seeking out unique ways to experience the shore, from adrenaline-filled adventures to mindful, nature-based activities. Here are six up-and-coming coastal experiences gaining popularity worldwide and how you can dive in.
E-biking the Shimanami Kaido, Japan
Electric bikes are transforming coastal exploration by making challenging routes more accessible and enjoyable. The boost from an electric motor helps riders conquer steep climbs effortlessly, opening up longer, scenic coastal trails to a broader range of travellers. This trend is flourishing in beautiful coastal regions from Portugal’s Algarve to California’s beaches.
One standout route is Japan’s Shimanami Kaido, a 43.5-mile cycling path that connects the main island of Honshu to Shikoku across seven spectacular suspension bridges. “Gliding from bridge to island and island to bridge, with the Seto Inland Sea stretching endlessly around you, is a truly unforgettable experience,” says Miho Ogura, co-founder of Hidden Japan Travel. Their three-day self-guided tour takes riders through peaceful fishing villages, citrus orchards, white sandy beaches, and shores rich with fresh seafood — the perfect blend of culture and nature.
Kayak camping in the Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
For adventurers craving solitude and wild beauty, kayak camping is gaining momentum. This activity combines the freedom of paddling with the rugged appeal of camping in remote coastal areas, giving access to hidden spots unreachable by land.
The Stockholm Archipelago, a labyrinth of over 30,000 islands in the Baltic Sea, is ideal for this pursuit. Many islands are uninhabited, offering quiet places to set up camp. “There are no tides or big swells to worry about, and the weather is often stable,” says Jakob Rudberg, co-founder of The Kayak Trail. Paddlers can enjoy long summer days, spotting seals and moose, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and sleeping beneath starry skies. Thanks to Sweden’s right of public access, you can camp almost anywhere in this pristine wilderness.
Saunas in Pembrokeshire, Wales
Saunas have long been cherished in Nordic countries, but their popularity is now booming in the UK, especially along the coast. According to the British Sauna Society, Finnish-style saunas have seen a 63% rise nationwide from 2024 to 2025, with coastal Wales leading the charge.
Scott Chalmers, co-founder of Wildwater Sauna in Pembrokeshire, highlights the health benefits: “Hot and cold exposure improves circulation, metabolism, mental health, and strengthens the immune system.” What makes Wildwater unique is its mobility — this wood-fired sauna travels monthly to breathtaking coastal spots like Nolton Haven and Whitesands Bay. After a steamy session, guests plunge into the icy Atlantic, making it a refreshing and deeply connective experience with nature.
Coastal foraging in Scarborough Beach, South Africa
Coastal foraging is experiencing a revival as people seek sustainable ways to connect with nature and enjoy wild foods. Shorelines provide nutrient-rich treasures in the form of seaweeds, shellfish, and unique plants, especially in biodiverse regions like South Africa’s coast.
At Scarborough Beach, on South Africa’s western cape, Veld and Sea offers summer foraging workshops that uncover intertidal delicacies such as kelp, nori, sea urchins, and samphire. “With the Indian Ocean on one side and the Atlantic on the other, the biodiversity here is incredible,” says founder Roushanna Gray. The experience ends with a seasonal ocean-inspired feast in a glasshouse, where participants savor their wild harvest.
Coasteering in Australia
Coasteering — a thrilling blend of coastal exploration and mountaineering has been growing worldwide, combining cliff scrambling, rock jumping, and swimming along sea caves and cliffs. It began on Wales’s rugged coast but now thrives in sun-soaked locations like Australia’s Margaret River.
Jaydn Woosnam of Margaret River Adventure Co describes the area as a “coasteering paradise” with 62 miles of untouched coastline, stunning granite formations, and abundant marine wildlife. Participants suit up in wetsuits, life jackets, and helmets before scrambling over sea canals, leaping from cliffs, and spotting seals or migrating whales, making for an adrenaline-packed coastal adventure.
Tide pooling on the Oregon coast, US
As awareness grows around protecting fragile coastal ecosystems, tide pooling tours are becoming popular family-friendly experiences. These tours provide a window into the vibrant, often hidden, marine life that thrives in tidal pools along rocky shores.
Oregon’s coast, especially from Yachats to Heceta Head, hosts some of the richest tide pools on the Pacific Coast. Jamie Kish, a tide pool ambassador, explains, “The rocky basalt cliffs create perfect habitats for creatures like purple urchins, giant green anemones, and colorful sea slugs.” Available by donation from late May to August, these guided walks allow visitors to explore and learn about this fragile ecosystem while witnessing a kaleidoscope of ocean life.
From electric biking to wild camping, and steamy saunas to underwater wildlife spotting, these coastal activities offer fresh ways to connect with the world’s shores. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation or nature immersion, the coast is calling and these rising trends make answering that call more exciting than ever.
