15 Ways to Celebrate Wales' Year of the Sea

While the British Isles have long established themselves as captivating destinations to carve your own trails in, there's one place in Great Britain that's still flying under the radar.

Wales is ever the underdog, living in the shadows of England, Scotland and Ireland. Yet this best-kept secret holds its own with its absurdly beautiful panoramas, elevating experiences and a riotous language to boot.

For 2018, the destination is celebrating its Year of the Sea, which means endless opportunities for epic coastal activities. Drop anchor and prepare for the time of your life at sea.

Start off your Wales vacation slow and unspool at the beach. If you think that Wales might not be the best destination for lazy beach outings, think again. With more than 1,600 miles of meandering coastline, it boasts quite a few amazing beaches-the best of which are Rhossili Bay Beach, Castle Beach and Rhosneigr Beach.

Summon your inner history buff and visit some of the most beautiful castles and ruins that pepper the country's coast. Hop on the stepping-stones of Ogmore along the Ewenny River. Look out to sea from the high perch of the Aberystwyth Castle ruins. Explore the moat-fringed Beaumaris Castle. And visit the estuary fortress of Conwy Castle.

It isn't just castles and ruins that bedeck Wales' seacoast. There are other awe-inspiring views to behold as well, panoramas that are sprinkled with lighthouses, sea arches and other exquisite landmarks. Amongst the many attractions worth visiting are Llanddwyn Island, the South Stack Lighthouse, Nash Point in Glamorgan, and the Green Bridge of Wales.

If extreme sports are more your speed, then go for some white water rafting. Wales is no Costa Rica, but it does have a few white water rafting prospects. Case in point: National White Water Centre's Rafting Safari down the Tryweryn River. Or if you're in Cardiff, try Cardiff International White Water's whitewater course on for size.

Though Wales is not exactly known all over the world as a surfing destination-at least, not just yet-it's got its share of excellent surf breaks. Ride waves at the top surf spots, which include Whitesands Bay, Rhosneigr Beach and Colhuw Beach. If you've never been surfing, worry not. Surf schools and gentle waves abound.

Checking off a "things to do before you die" list? Head to Llanwrtyd Wells where they're putting a different spin on snorkeling. Try your hand at bog snorkeling, which is exactly what it sounds like. If you're willing to get down and dirty, that is. More of a traditionalist? Try Mwnt Beach or Abersoch Beach instead.

What's better than sleeping under the stars? Sleeping under the stars to the sound of the waves, that's what. There are many campgrounds and caravan parks in Wales for road trippers, but those along the coast might be the best. Pitch your tent at the Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park in Gower, overlooking the beautiful bay, for a glorious slumber.

Hop on a tour boat and spend the day at sea with dolphins. From the seaside town of New Quay, several educational tour boats that head out to Cardigan Bay to take visitors to see the friendly bottlenose dolphins and harbor porpoises as they feed and frolic. Grey seals, whales, turtles and seabirds also make an appearance.

If you're looking for something that's uniquely Wales or at least something that originated there, try coasteering. Jump in feet first, literally, from a rocky cliff into the ocean, ride a swell then scramble back to shore. It gives your forearms and glutes a good workout, and your vacation that element of danger it needs.

Prefer to go up rather than down? Climb a cliff instead. Instead of climbing centers, take your skills to the sea cliffs instead, with the big, blue sky above and the sea below you. In Anglesey, Mountaineering Joe can take you to the sea cliffs of Gogarth and Rhoscolyn for a climbing course you won't likely forget.

Whether you're a newbie or an advanced windsurfer, you'll find the ideal spot for you in Wales. The destination boasts many windsurfing spots that flourished with lovely scenery but with less traffic. Beginner-friendly spots are Newgale and Tenby while the more challenging ones are Rhosneigr, Gower and Broad Haven.

If windsurfing feels too grounded for you, then try kite surfing instead. This sport feels somewhat cathartic, especially when you're lifting off the water surface and doing flips in the air. Of course, it'll take you some time to get to that level, but Broad Haven and Newgale are great places at which to learn the sport.

Not up for something quite as active? Sea kayaking is not as strenuous, but just as exciting. Go on a beginner or intermediate journey, tracing the rugged coastline of Porth Dafarch in Anglesey or St David's in Pembrokeshire at a more languid pace. Along the way, keep an eye out for a lone seal or a pod of dolphins.

For a more intimate and collaborative undertaking, go canoeing down a river instead. In Pembrokeshire, the River Teifi in Cilgerran Gorge is a lush and picturesque setting for such an endeavor. Here, river canoeing means wildlife sightings, gentle rapids and a lovely view of the Cilgerran Castle. Take a guided tour with Heritage Canoes.

To truly celebrate Wales' Year of the Sea, carve out enough time to trace the country's main coastline and sample a bit of everything. A good way to do so is by following the 870-mile Wales Coast Path, which starts in Chepstow an hour northeast of Cardiff and ends in Queensferry in the north.