Snorkeling
St. John (U.S. Virgin Islands): Who wouldn’t like camping in a U.S. National Park on a lush island, eating coconuts and snorkeling from shore each day? There are also trails to hike and remote beaches where you may not see anyone else all day. To get there, fly into St. Thomas, take a taxi to the ferry dock, ride the short ferry to St. John, rent a jeep, and then make the short drive to Cinnamon Bay Campground (steering wheels are on the left, but you must also drive on the left side of the road). Minimal camping gear is required; in fact, you don’t even need a sleeping bag. Just bring a sheet or light blanket and a sleeping pad. Best beaches to snorkel include Cinnamon Bay, Trunk Bay, Salt Pond Bay, Hawksnest Bay, Maho Bay, Lameshur Bay, and Little Lameshur Bay. Make sure to also swim out to Waterlemon Cay for some fabulous snorkeling.
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Sea Kayaking/Mountain Biking
Grand Island National Recreation Area (Michigan): Grand Island provides multiple days of varied activities including backpacking. To start, take the ferry from Munising to Grand Island and backpack 2 miles to Murray Bay and set up camp. The next day walk back to the ferry dock to rent your mountain bike and ride the trail around the island (20 miles) stopping at the north shore for lunch and a dip at the beach. Finish your ride and then walk back to camp after turning in your bike. On the next day, pack up and backpack 2.5 miles to Juniper Flats and set up camp. After setting up camp, meet your prearranged kayaks at the nearby Mather Beach and kayak to the north shore and back making sure to spend some time at the waterfall, sea arch, and the beach. On your final day, backpack 3 miles back to the ferry dock for your return ferry ride.
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