Summer is calling and adventure awaits everywhere. Imagine the spray of water on your face as you navigate the rapids, the thrill of reeling in a catch on a sun-kissed sea, or the wind in your hair as you cycle through scenic trails. Embrace the call of the wild this season with our guide to the most amazing summer activities, from serene boat rides to thrilling whitewater rafting.
To help you plan your biggest adventure yet, USA TODAY 10Best asked readers to cast their votes for the best outdoor adventures in nine categories, and the results are in.
Click on each category below to view the full list of winners:
Best Adventure Tour Operator: Wild Women Expeditions
Wild Women Expeditions specializes in “great outdoor adventures for all women.” The company organizes trips to more than twenty countries around the world, with activities such as canoeing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, surfing, sailing and yoga.
Full list of winners: Best adventure tour operator »
Best Aerial Adventure Park: Botanical World Adventures in Hakalau, Hawaii
See Hawaii from a new perspective as you zip along eight zip lines that run above and through the rainforest canopy of Botanical World Adventures. Fly over waterfalls, pools and flowering trees and see exotic plants in the gardens.
The ziplines get faster and longer as you fly through the jungle, and the ride includes two side-by-side ziplines for you to race to the finish with your friends! This experience is great for both young and old and all levels of ‘zippering’ expertise.
Full list of winners: Best Aerial Adventure Park »
Best bike ride: Carolina Tailwinds
Carolina Tailwinds offers multi-day, inn-to-inn biking tours to destinations largely in the eastern United States, with all biking vacations offering a nice balance of physical activity and relaxation.
From flat and easy to hilly and challenging, there are cycle routes to choose from for all levels. Guests stay in boutique hotels and country inns, with breakfast and most lunches and dinners included.
Full list of winners: Best bike tour »
Best Boat Tour: Chicago’s First Lady Cruises in Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady is led by highly trained docents. On this 90-minute cruise, hear highlights from the city’s history, including stories about the visionaries who shaped Chicago’s skyline. Options include both daytime tours and evening cocktail cruises.
Full list of winners: Best boat trip »
Best Fishing Charter: Hubbard’s Marina in Madeira Beach, Florida
Hubbard’s Marina has been in business since 1928 and is one of the top authorities on water recreation along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Fishing trips range from half-day outings to marathon 44-hour excursions under the glow of the full moon. Outside of the reel’s domain, guests can also take part in sunset cruises, dolphin tours, and even camping trips on beautiful Shell Key.
Full list of winners: Best fishing charter »
Best Helicopter Tour: Kauai Island Helicopters in Lihue, Hawaii
There are few things more beautiful than seeing the world from a helicopter, and the splendor of Kauai provides an ideal backdrop. Experienced pilots with Island Helicopters share facts about Kauai as you enjoy panoramic views of lush greenery, waterfalls, coastlines and famous landmarks.
Full list of winners: Best helicopter tour »
Best Hot Air Balloon Ride: Grand Adventure Balloon Rides in Winter Park, Colorado
Grand Adventure Balloon Tours in Winter Park offers year-round flights over Colorado’s spectacular scenery. Views include the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain National Park, with the chance to fly low and spot local wildlife or splash and run in a nearby pond or river.
Full list of winners: Best hot air balloon ride »
Best Kayaking Tour: Santa Barbara Adventure Company in Santa Barbara, California
Known for its mild Mediterranean climate, Santa Barbara is the perfect city for a long kayaking trip. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts can book both nature and sunset shore excursions with Santa Barbara Adventure Company, and as an added bonus, there’s no shortage of trips to nearby Channel Islands National Park.
Full list of winners: Best Kayaking Tour »
Best Whitewater Rafting Tour: Mild to Wild Rafting and Jeep Tours in Durango, Colorado
Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours offers rafting trips in Colorado, Utah and Arizona, with a river for almost every thrill level and trips from a few hours to several days.
Full list of winners: Best whitewater rafting tour »
Congratulations to all these winners! Don’t forget to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote for more Readers’ Choice Awards.
This article originally appeared on 10Best.com: From cycling to whitewater rafting, the best adventure trips to book now
