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Watersports in La Manga
Spain's La Manga Del Mar Menor region is one of the hottest places on the map for water sports. Explore some of the strip's most popular water sports.
La Manga Del Mar Menor: Endless Activity for the Water Sports Enthusiast
Spain's La Manga Del Mar Menor region is one of the hottest places on the map for water sports. The Mar Menor, which translates to "Little Sea," is located on the southeastern coast of Spain.
Technically a part of the Mediterranean Sea, it is considered its own body of water. The La Manga Del Mar Menor strip of land cuts it off almost entirely from the rest of the sea. The strip itself is about 22 kilometers long. It's barely a kilometer at its widest, and a mere 300 kilometers at its narrowest. Little more than a sandbar, it offers easy access to both the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea. This accessibility makes La Manga Del Mar Menor an ideal place to engage in water sports.
Tourists anxious to engage in some of the world's best water sports have numerous options. In fact, it would take weeks to try them all. Some of La Manga Del Mar Menor's most popular water sports include:
* Windsurfing. This water sport is a cross between surfing and sailing. Participants use a board, called a sailboard. It is powered by a sail that is manipulated by the user to steer. Steering is also accomplished by tilting and leaning. Lessons are available throughout the Mar Menor coast for both novices and advanced surfers. Novices tend to prefer the gentle breezes and smaller waves of the Mar Menor. Hardier and more experienced riders enjoy trying the bigger waves on the Mediterranean side of the strip. Windsurfing is recommended for ages ten and up.
* Kite surfing. This water sport uses a wakeboard. The rider wears a harness attached to a power kite which pulls him over the surface of the water. Riders can choose to use foot bindings that secure him to the board or to free-style. Like windsurfing, kitesurfing lessons can be found throughout La Manga Del Mar Menor. This water sport is recommended for older teenagers and adults.
* Sailing. Sailing is an excellent sport for spectating as well as participating. Tourists often choose to charter a sailboat with a captain to cruise the waters of the Mar Menor. Rates are charged by the hour. Half day and full day trips are also available. Visitors who want to try their hand at sailing can sign up for lessons in various locations. Lessons are supervised by professional instructors.
* Surfing. Want to try riding with just the power of the waves and your own sense of balance? Lose the kite and sail and try surfing lessons. Novice and advanced surfers alike learn from experienced instructors on either side of the strip. This water sport is recommended for ages ten and up.
* Scuba diving. Diving tours are available throughout the region. They vary in length from a few hours to day long trips. The Mar Menor is teeming with sea life. Scuba diving will provide visitors with an up-close view of some of the best underwater attractions. Scuba diving is recommended for older teens and adults.
* Snorkeling. Even younger children enjoy this water sport. Kids particularly get a thrill out of seeing the sea from a new perspective. Rentals are available all over the coast. Tourists can choose to self-guide or to hire a guide for a truly educational experience.
The most popular water sport of all is swimming. All ages love the balmy azure waters of the Mar Menor. This saltwater lake has an average year-round temperature of 17 degrees Celsius. It can actually reach as high as 30 degrees in the hottest part of the summer. The Mediterranean side of the La Manga Del Mar Menor strip is cooler, with large breakers and open breezes. Whichever side tourists choose, water sports are one of the most memorable parts a vacation to the region. |
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