Not all coastlines are created equal, and neither are the ways you can explore them. On our tours, the coast is often where the real adventure begins. From dolphin encounters in Mozambique to fat biking across Namibia’s wind-sculpted dunes near the Skeleton Coast, every shore invites a different kind of coastal adventure. So, read on to discover seven ways you can experience the coast differently with Exodus.
1. Swim with Wild Dolphins in Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique
On the southern tip of Mozambique, Ponta do Ouro, known as the country’s ‘golden point’, sits a sun-soaked coastal town with a laid-back charm and long gold-sand beaches lapped by the Indian Ocean. We spend two nights here at the end of our Southern Africa: Kruger & Wildlife adventure, swapping savannahs for the sea.
One of the standout coastal experiences? Snorkeling with wild dolphins. There’s no tanks, no tricks—just an unscripted, respectful encounter on the dolphins’ terms. If they choose to approach (and, as social creatures, they often do), you may find yourself gliding beside dolphins in open water—an experience that undoubtedly leaves a lasting imprint. It’s a fitting end to a tour that blends lions in Kruger, game walks in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and reef-snorkeling off the Mozambique coast. Think big game, big views and a splash of the unexpected.
2. Float in the Dead Sea, Jordan
After days spent exploring the ancient wonders and desert landscapes of Jordan, nothing feels quite as surreal, or satisfying, as drifting effortlessly in the Dead Sea.
On Day 6 of our A Week in Jordan tour, we descend to the lowest point on Earth for a well-earned float in its famously salty waters. No swimming required – just lean back and let science do the rest. The mineral-rich mud is also said to work wonders too, if you fancy slathering it on to experience one of nature’s finest spa treatments.
It’s a soothing counterpoint to the action-packed days before: marvelling at the rose-red facades of Petra, discovering ancient Roman ruins in Jerash and sleeping under stars in Wadi Rum. After floating your worries away, you’ll be ready to round off your Jordanian journey with piping hot falafels and sunset views.
3. Fat Bike Close to Namibia’s Skeleton Coast
On Day 6 of our Cycle Namibia adventure, we swap rocky backroads for rolling coastal dunes with a fat biking experience in Swakopmund – the adventure capital of Namibia, perched on the edge of the Skeleton Coast. After days spent riding through vast ochre landscapes, spotting elephants and giraffes in Etosha National Park, weaving between the dramatic granite outcrops of Spitzkoppe, and marvelling at ancient rock art in Brandberg, Swakopmund brings a change of pace – and terrain.
Riding a fat bike with oversized tires made for soft sand, you’ll cruise over wind-sculpted dunes just inland from the Atlantic surf. It’s equal parts thrilling and otherworldly, cycling through a landscape where desert meets ocean in dramatic style. From wildlife and rock art to windswept coastlines and lunar-like trails, this tour serves up Namibia’s greatest hits on two wheels.
4. Watch Penguins Waddle on Boulders Beach, South Africa
On Day 10, or 11, of our Cape Town & the Garden Route adventure, you stop at Boulders Beach, just outside the historic naval town of Simon’s Town, where granite boulders shelter a thriving colony of endangered African penguins. These tuxedoed locals have called this particular part of the coast their home since the early 1980s, and watching them shuffle across the sand or launch into the surf is pure joy and a delightfully unexpected coastal experience along the southern tip of Africa. As always, respectful wildlife viewing is key, so your guide will tell you to admire from a distance and let them go about their day undisturbed.
The coastal magic continues throughout the journey. You’ll gaze out from Cape Point, where two oceans dramatically meet, sip award-winning wines in the sun-drenched Cape Winelands, and journey along scenic Route 62 to Oudtshoorn, home of ostrich farms and the vast Cango Caves. In Knysna, relax by the harbour or cruise the peaceful lagoon, then stretch your legs in Tsitsikamma National Park, where forest trails lead to rugged cliffs and suspension bridges. With spectacular landscapes, sweeping coastlines and delicious wines, this tour blends South Africa’s wild edge and cultured heart to perfection.
5. Snorkel With Whale Sharks, Maldives
Day 3 of our Marine Wildlife of the Maldives adventure is the big one, quite literally, as we head to the South Ari Atoll in search of whale sharks – the world’s largest fish. If you’re lucky, you’ll slide into the water alongside these gentle giants for a truly unforgettable encounter.
It’s not all whale-sized wonders, though. On Day 2, we slip into snorkel gear for a turtle safari amid the coral gardens of South Malé Atoll, where boxfish, porcupine fish and bannerfish flit between the reefs. In the afternoon, we sail into Ari Atoll, with the chance for another dip before dropping anchor near Dhangethi – a traditional fishing island with a sultan-worthy legend and a warm welcome over homemade Maldivian treats.
This coastal adventure brings new snorkeling sites, expert guidance and plenty of time to float, drift and marvel. Your home for the week? The Felicity, a traditional gulet with plenty of deck space for post-snorkel lounging. It’s the kind of holiday where the only tough decision is whether to get back in the water or have a refreshing drink on deck first.
6. Visit The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, Oman
When you think of Oman, your mind drifts to vast desert landscapes, not coastlines, but on Day 2 of our Week in Oman, you and your group continue travelling east to the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, a vital conservation site for endangered green turtles. Nesting occurs seasonally, so while sightings aren’t guaranteed year-round, the reserve offers fascinating insight into the efforts to protect these remarkable creatures. With expert guides, your group learn how local communities and scientists work together to monitor nesting habitats, safeguard hatchlings and manage tourism sustainably on the coast – a side of Oman not often seen on typical coastal adventures.
After the turtles, head inland to swim in the pools of Wadi Bani Khalid, cross the shifting sands of Wahiba by 4WD, and sip Omani coffee with Bedouin hosts. You scale the mountain Jebel Shams and dive into history at Nizwa Fort before returning to Muscat. From nesting turtles to ancient forts, it’s a week packed with warm welcomes, wide skies, and the odd surprise after sunset.
7. Explore the Lost Shores of the Aral Sea, Uzbekistan
On Day 7 of our Uzbekistan Uncovered adventure, you arrive in Kungrad, in the far west of Uzbekistan, where the Republic of Karakalpakstan stretches towards what was once the Aral Sea. This remote region has its own language, culture and quiet resilience—shaped, in part, by the shifting fate of the Amu Darya River.
Once known as the Oxus, this mighty river flowed into the Aral Sea, supporting fishing communities and fertile farmland. But by the mid-20th century, Soviet irrigation schemes, designed to boost cotton production, diverted the water. Today, the sea is all but gone, leaving behind vast salt plains, rusting ship graveyards and a stark reminder of how dramatically landscapes can change. It’s a striking story – one that’s best heard on the ground, where guides and local voices bring it into focus.
Beyond the Aral Sea basin, this tour is rich in Silk Road splendour. Some key highlights include standing beneath the towering madrasas of Samarkand’s Registan, exploring Bukhara’s maze of mosques and caravanserais, and wandering through Khiva’s remarkably preserved old town. With overland travel by train, meals shared with local families, and a route that mirrors the old Silk Road, this adventure seamlessly connects past with present.
If you’d like to discover other adventures that embrace some of the world’s epic coastlines, take a look at our coastal tours.
