20 Honeymoon Destinations for Adventurous Couples

Hot Air Balloons Flying Over Cappadocia, Turkiye's "Fairy Chimneys" — Courtesy of GoTürkiye

Picture this: You and your partner tied the knot and you're ready for your next adventure, but you're not just looking for a getaway that affords you endless miles of sandy beaches and beautiful sunsets. You're the kind of couple who craves heart-pounding moments, who find romance in the rush of adrenaline, who want to spend more time on your feet exploring than in a fluffy robe at the spa. Where should you two thrill-seekers set off on a honeymoon? Though the traditional newlywed getaway tends to be synonymous with rest and relaxation, there are plenty of unique, beautiful locales that cater to couples who love to do.

Whether it's hiking through rainforests in Costa Rica, diving into crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life in the Galapagos Islands, skiing down snow-covered slopes in Canada, or embarking on daring wildlife safaris in Africa, we found 20 honeymoon destinations promise to ignite the spirit of spontaneity in couples who share a passion for thrills. Consider one of these epic destinations if you want a memorable, action-packed post-nuptial vacation.

01 of 20

Zambia, Africa

Does the thought of zebras roaming free outside of your honeymoon suite pique your interest? Along with the typical African safari, honeymoons in Zambia can include a visit to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the thunderous Victoria Falls. The five-star Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara gets you super close, as it sits on the banks of the Zambezi River, with unlimited private access to the falls just a ten minute walk away. Newlyweds can take a helicopter ride right above the falls, take a dip in the "Devil's Pool," spot the Big Five on a river cruise, go water river rafting, or go jet boarding in the mighty rapids of the Batoka Gorge.

02 of 20

Lapland, Finland

Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, is an active outdoor destination perfect for thrill-seeking, snow-loving honeymooners. Lapland is a winter wonderland, with once-in-a-lifetime arctic experiences for couples including aurora ice floating, husky sledding, and ice climbing. Experiencing the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights while floating in the icy water in the middle of the night is an adrenaline rush like no other.

03 of 20

Italian Dolomites

The Italian Dolomites is an underrated honeymoon destination for active couples looking to enjoy adventure while still soaking up some European charm. From skiing to hiking through the UNESCO designated mountains and discovering small alpine villages, there’s endless memories to make. For the ultimate relaxation post-wedding, Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda has a new spa experience that takes place indoors in its 53,000 square foot spa (the largest in the alps!) and outdoors surrounded by nature around the resort. At Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa, newlyweds can embark on a scenic adventure through the Alpine meadows of Val Gardena, home to over 1,500 wildflowers.

04 of 20

Cappadocia, Turkiye

Cappadocia’s mystical landscapes are an idyllic honeymoon destination. Thanks to a combination of erosion and ancient volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago, the region’s topography is otherworldly. Thrill seekers can enjoy a number of memorable adventures from sunset horseback and ATV rides to sunrise hot air ballooning over Cappadocia’s mystical “fairy chimneys.”

05 of 20

Paracas, Peru

After trekking Machu Picchu, head to Peru’s best kept secret. Paracas is a coastal town known for its natural beauty, archeological significance, and vibrant marine ecosystem. Facing the Paracas National Reserve, Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort offers couples unique nature experiences around Ballestas islands with five-star service. The hotel can arrange honeymooners’ choice of daily activities such as marine wildlife yacht rides or drives through the Paracas Desert in a 4x4 truck.

06 of 20

Faroe Islands

Located halfway between Scotland and Iceland and made up of 18 mountainous islands in the north Atlantic Ocean, the Faroe Islands offer plenty of thrilling adventures for couples. Whether it's scuba diving through kelp forests and grottos, rock climbing and rappelling off the mountainous terrain, cold water surfing, or even cliff jumping, there is plenty to do when adventuring around the islands from land to sea. Given the untouched quality of nature, wildlife is in abundance throughout the islands, with visitors able to spot a variety of animals like sheep, seals, and even orcas.

07 of 20

Galápagos Islands

Couple Crouching in the Sand Looking at Sea Lions at Pikaia Lodge in the Galapagos Islands — Courtesy of Pikaia Lodge

For opportunities to snorkel, hike, and interact with animals like nowhere else in the world, the Galapagos Islands is one of the best destinations for couples to get close to wildlife. A stay at Pikaia Lodge takes the newlywed adventure to the next level with top-tier exploration packages like kayaking along sea lions or snorkeling with (tame) sharks. Here, pairs can keep a lookout for some of the rarest creatures like giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies.

08 of 20

Costa Rica

Head to Costa Rica for an adventure-focused destination, from ziplines to horseback riding to birdwatching. Located on the northern Pacific coast with miles of shoreline, Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas embodies the pura vida lifestyle. What really sets this destination apart is its thrill-seeking 80 kilometers of mountain biking, hiking trails, and popular triathlons. Couples who enjoy the finer things, indulge in complete privacy and unwind in an individual, private pool villa with hillside locations overlooking either the Guanacaste Coast or the Catalinas Islands.

09 of 20

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap is a vibrant and historic city that's best known as the gateway to the famous Angkor Archaeological Park that houses the stunning ruins of the ancient Khmer Empire. Adventure-seeking newlyweds can explore Angkor Wat; rent a bicycle and embark on a cycling tour through the picturesque countryside surrounding Siem Reap; try ziplining over the jungle canopy; or take a tour of a floating village. Park Hyatt Siem Reap is the most centrally located luxury hotel in the city and is the ideal place to explore the ancient ruins of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the surrounding bustling night bazaars.

10 of 20

Fuji, Japan

Fuji, Japan, is a honeymoon destination that combines iconic natural wonders like Mount Fuji with rich cultural experiences, offering a unique blend of adventure and tradition. At HOSHINOYA Fuji, couples are treated to the full glamping experience and given a backpack upon check-in, filled with camping essentials like a head flashlight, hand warmers, and camping snacks, while being whisked uphill to the property in a jeep. Adventurous activities in Fuji include Jyukai lava hiking, electric bicycle tours, and early morning canoe lessons in Lake Kawaguchi.

11 of 20

Fiji

A bucket-list destination for many, Fiji is a stunning and idyllic island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. Comprising an archipelago of more than 330 islands, Fiji is renowned for its natural beauty, crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, lush rainforests, and warm, welcoming culture. There’s a reason this locale is such a popular honeymoon destination, and part of the allure is the large amount of activities offered across the islands, such as hiking waterfalls, scuba diving, fishing, and other water sports.

12 of 20

Oman

Not only does Oman offer miles of sprawling deserts to explore, but its mountain ranges of canyons and cliffs are a thrill-seekers dream. Perched atop Oman's Green Mountain, the five-star luxury hotel Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort is home to the Jabal Activity Wall, a daring 20-meter climbing route along rugged cliffs, while advanced rock climbers can tackle the new "Ultimate" and "Extreme" routes, featuring via ferrata, zip-lines, and canyon views. Couples can also mountain bike through desert cliffs, indulge in archery, dine on The Royal Edge's suspended glass platform, and unwind with spa rituals and stargazing.

13 of 20

The Maldives

The Maldives islands aren't just overwater bungalows and beaches. Surprisingly, it’s also great for aquatic-adventurers who want to swim with sharks, snorkel with Manta Rays, scuba dive with coral reefs, surf, or water ski. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas prides itself on luxury and relaxation, with unique action experiences for adventurous couples. It’s even home to the Maldives’ only Overwater Observatory where couples can stargaze and learn about the constellations with a cocktail in hand. At Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort you can learn to surf with one-on-one coaching.

14 of 20

Alberta, Canada

Honeymooners can experience the year-round beauty of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. Snowy peaks, waterfalls, blue lakes, and vast glaciers await, along with one of the world's largest dark sky preserves for stargazing. Thrill-seekers can embark on an exhilarating honeymoon journey from Banff to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway to spot wildlife or even go ice-climbing, heli-skiing, and snowboarding during the winter months. Don't miss exploring the Columbia Icefield, the largest Northern Hemisphere glacier field, with activities like hiking, camping, helicopter tours, ATV rides, and glacier walking.

15 of 20

Northern Territory, Australia

This vast region of Australia’s Northern Territory is filled with stunning landscapes and wildlife. You can truly immerse in nature at the Kakadu National Park, with its cascading waterfalls, natural swimming pools, ancient rock art sites and diverse flora and fauna. From luxury wilderness lodges to private glamping sites, couples can unwind in style while enjoying the serenity of the outback. Whether it's stargazing under the clear desert skies, embarking on a thrilling 4WD Jeep adventure, or taking in the Aboriginal culture, The Northern Territory promises a honeymoon filled with romance and excitement.

16 of 20

Belize

Belize is home to countless beachy adventure opportunities, especially for those who are fascinated with the marine world. Most notably, the Great Blue Hole is a world-renowned destination for scuba divers, and it's located just off the coast from Belize City. For honeymooners, Turneffe Island Resort sets the stage for an intimate island getaway on a private island. Newlyweds can live the life of a castaway, spend their days with fins or fishing rods in hand, and seek respite in their coral island villas with private plunge pools. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and fly fishing are the best way to experience the biodiverse Turneffe Atoll.

17 of 20

Northern Iceland

Iceland is a country rich in culture and natural wonders to explore. From buggy cruises across 800-year-old lava fields to experience the beauty of a glacier firsthand, to ice cave tours in the winter months, and flights over the occasional erupting volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula, thrill-seekers can find unparalleled and otherworldly adventures year round. One of the most romantic destinations for honeymooners is the Forest Lagoon in North Iceland. Using geothermal water from the mountain above, Vaðlaheiði, Forest Lagoon visitors are invited to bathe in large pools surrounded by the forest.

18 of 20

Telluride, Colorado

With beautiful national parks, whitewater canyons, and forests, Telluride is an adventurer’s basecamp for newlyweds. The destination is home to Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls, making for great photo-ops. For gravity-defying thrills, Mountain Village’s Adventure Activity Center houses a bungee trampoline, intricate ropes course and giant hamster ball experience to walk on water. The destination’s luxury accommodation, Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, offers private fly fishing lessons followed by a picnic lunch. To mix in slower-paced experiences, newlyweds can embark on a restorative Mountain Tea Trek inclusive of a private tea ceremony in the mountains of Telluride.

19 of 20

Madagascar

In perfect seclusion and with views of the Indian Ocean’s turquoise waters, Madagascar is just what honeymooners want after dealing with the hustle of the wedding. The island and its sole resort, Miavana by Time + Tide, offer an escape with nature. Picture lemurs swinging from trees, humpback whales seen in the distance, and chameleons among the island’s walkways. At Miavana, guests also have their pick of 14 ocean-front villas with floor to ceiling windows providing sea views and direct beach access. Couples can explore Madagascar’s unique wildlife, go on underwater excursions, and watch the sunsets.

20 of 20

Phuket, Thailand

As Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is a destination perfect for adventure-seeking newlyweds. Banyan Tree Phuket is the ultimate homebase for adventurous honeymooners, spanning across 1,000 acres of tropical parkland that seamlessly blends natural beauty with luxury. The property features all-pool villas encircling a lagoon, authentic and innovative culinary experiences (like sourcing fresh ingredients at Thalang local market to bring back to the resort’s kitchen to learn how to cook Thai food like a local), access to Laguna Golf Phuket, island excursions and more. Fill your days with visits to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and PhraThong Temple, sightseeing and shopping in Phuket Old Town, island hopping aboard yachts and catamarans, or kayak tours through the surrounding lagoons and mangroves.

The Best Honeymoon Destinations by Month