The Best Adventure Honeymoon Destinations

For couples who don’t want to lie on a beach the whole time, we’ve got some of the best adventure honeymoon destinations.

The best adventure honeymoon destinations | The Honeymoon Guide
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For many couples lying in a luxury all-inclusive resort, sipping on a cocktail made of exotic fruits, watching the perfect sunset from the beach is the ultimate honeymoon dream!

For others couples who want all action-packed honeymoon itinerary with bucket list adventures, we’ve got some of the best adventure honeymoon destinations below!

Bhutan

One of the most unique adventure honeymoon destination on earth, Bhutan, is certainly a country where you can go off-grid.

If you’re not inspired by the ubiquitous tropical beach honeymoon destinations, then this tiny Himalayan Kingdom may be the dream destination for you.

Why Choose Bhutan for Your Honeymoon? The answer is simple: Bhutan is one of the most beautiful locations in all of Asia. Dramatic mountain scenery, relatively untouched culture and rich history, it is something special.

Enjoy the hospitality of friendly local people, hike through lush ancient forests and marvel at the traditional Buddhist temples. The architecture is breathtakingly beautiful.

A highlight is Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high at the side of a mountain. For honeymoon adventure seekers, there are plenty of outdoor adventures.

Besides the epic hiking trails in places like Jigme Dorji National Park, you can go mountain biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking and horse riding.

In 2022, Bhutan re-opened the Trans Bhutan Trail after 60 years. This relatively unexplored trek is ideal for intrepid adventure honeymoon seekers who love the outdoors and really want to get off the beaten track.

The best time to visit Bhutan on an adventure honeymoon

You can visit Bhutan all year round. However, the best time to visit Bhutan is from March to May and from September to November.

How to get to Bhutan:

Fly to Paro Internation Airport (airport code: PBH) near the capital Thimphu with Drukair from Singapore (SIN), Thailand’s Bangkok (BKK) and India’s Delhi (DEL) & Calcutta (CCU) and Nepal’s Kathmandu (KTM).

Where to stay in Bhutan:

Six Senses and Aman have luxury lodges dotted throughout the country. andBeyond opens in late 2023. G Adventures have some exciting tours, including the Trans Bhutan Trail.

Paro Taktsang temple on mountain honeymoon in bhutan

Australia

Australia truly has it all for an adventure honeymoon. Known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforest and cosmopolitan cities, for couples who want to explore the outdoors, we can’t think of a better adventure honeymoon destination.

Hire a car or a motorhome / RV or tag onto an organised tour and explore this majestic country.

Learn about indigenous Aboriginal culture. Snorkel and scuba dive on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Barrier Reef.

Go skydiving over Mission Bay, bungee jump in Cairns, learn to surf on Bondi Beach and climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge – Australia is a true adventure seekers paradise.

There is probably not much you can’t do – rock climbing, quad biking, jet skiing or balloon rides. You name it, Australia has it.

Of course, the beaches are iconic, so do plan some downtime to just relax and enjoy each other.

Watch a romantic sunset and sip on a cocktail at one of Sydney or Melbourne’s innovative restaurant and bars.

We guarantee that an Australia adventure honeymoon will be the trip of a lifetime!

The best time to visit Australia on an adventure honeymoon

You can visit Australia all year round. However, it gets extremely hot in summer and it is the wet season in the north from December to February.

How to get to Australia:

Australian cities like Sydney (airport code: SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE), Adelaide (ADL) and Perth (PER) are well connected from Asia including Singapore (SIN) and Bangkok Thailand (BKK), to name a few.

You can fly from North America, including Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) & Vancouver (YVR) and the Middle East – Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH) & Doha (DOH).

Where to stay in Australia:

Australia has a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels to hostels. Some of our favourites include Elysian Retreat Whitsunday Islands, Blackbird Byron Bay and Longitude 131° in the Red Centre.

G Adventures has fun small group Australia adventure trips for those short on time.

Bondi Beach Honeymoon in Australia

Argentina

With stunning expansive landscapes, incredible food and wine, and vibrant cities, then look no further. Argentina awaits for an epic adventure honeymoon.

This South American gem is brimming with activities for couples of all interests. Whether you are history buffs or food lovers, you won’t be disappointed!

Explore the European-influenced Buenos Aires. Marvel at the Tango and eat the best steak if your life. For football / soccer lovers, La Bombonera is a must.

Outside of the capital, much adventure awaits. Go trekking on a glacier lake at Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Wonder at the snow-capped peaks of the Andes on a hike near El Chaltén.

Hit the trails of the Lake District around Bariloche (and don’t forget to try the chocolate shops!). Bike around the wine region of Mendoza and take a tour of the Salinas Grandes Salt Flats (a smaller version of Bolivia’s Solar de Uyuni) near Salta.

Go horse riding at a ranch in the Pampas. Don’t forget the majestic Iguazu Falls, where you can cross over into Brazil. For a truly once in a lifetime experience, cruises to Antartica sail from Ushuaia in the south.

As you can see, you may need to book an adventure anniversary trip!

The best time to visit Argentina on an adventure honeymoon

Argentina is a year-round destination depending on where you want to see. Some parts, such as Patagonia and the south of the country, experience cold temperatures during the Southern hemisphere winter, from May to September.

During the southern hemisphere summer (November to February), the north is hot. The best time to visit Argentina for a honeymoon is during spring and autumn.

How to get to Argentina:

There are direct flights to Buenos Aires (airport code: EZE) from Europe including Paris (CDG), London (LHR) and Madrid (MAD), North America including New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL) and Miami (MIA).

There are also flights from most major South American cities. Buenos Aires also has a regional airport, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP).

Where to stay in Argentina:

We love Faena Buenos Aires, Awasi Iguazu and The Vines Resort & Spa.
G Adventures has many exciting small group adventure tours including options that including neighbouring countries like Brazil and Chile.

Want to dive deeper into planning an Argentina honeymoon? Check out our in-depth guide to Argentina honeymoon planning!

Laguna de Los Tres Argentina Honeymoon

South Africa

South Africa is one of our all-time favourite adventure honeymoon destinations. This spectacular country is ideal for couples wanting a diverse range of experiences.

Cape Town alone has so much to offer. From the beaches, dining, wildlife and wine region, there is no shortage of romantic experiences in and around this beautiful African city.

Honeymoon adventure lovers can bike Table Mountain National Park, hike Lion’s Head, go whale watching, zip lining and cliff jumping.

Along the famous Garden Route drive, you’ll find Tsitsikamma National Park, one of the best adventure destinations in Africa.

Coastal scenery, wild rivers and lush forest await. Go scuba diving, kayaking, rafting, hiking, abseiling and mountain biking. Do a bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge – the world’s highest bridge jump.

For animal lovers, a safari will be on the top of your to-do list when visiting South Africa. Kruger National Park offers some of the best game viewing opportunities on the continent of Africa.

You can also explore one of the game reserves, like Amakhala or Shamwari, in the Eastern Cape at the end of the famed Garden Route drive.

The best to visit South Africa for an adventure honeymoon

You can visit South Africa all year round. However, it gets cooler during the winter from June to August around Cape Town and the Garden Route however, this is the best time to visit Kruger National Park.

How to get to South Africa:

South Africa’s major cities Cape Town (airport code: CPT) and Johannesburg (JNB) are well connected to most major European cities like London (LHR), Paris (CDG) and Amsterdam (AMS) and the Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Doha & Istanbul)

Where to stay in South Africa:

One of the best things about South Africa is the wonderful choice of accommodation. We love The Silo, Mont Rochelle, Shamwari and the unique Kruger Shalati – the train on the bridge.

G Adventures also have some wonderful tours, including options that take in neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe and the majestic Victoria Falls.  

Want to dive deeper into planning a South Africa honeymoon? Check out our in-depth guide to South Africa honeymoon planning!

cape town honeymoon in south africa

Costa Rica

With an abundance of diverse activities, no adventure honeymoon list would be complete without Costa Rica.

This Central American paradise is full of natural beauty and thrilling escapades that honeymoon adventure seekers will love. It’s one of the best destinations for a sustainable honeymoon and has some of the most wonderful honeymoon accommodation spots!

Explore San Jose’s colorful cityscape filled with art galleries, museums and cultural attractions like La Paz Waterfall Gardens or Poas Volcano National Park.

Take a tour of Tortuguero National Park where you can explore the canals by boat while keeping an eye out for sloths, monkeys and toucans.

Base yourself in the honeymoon adventure playground of the world, the town of La Fortuna. Visit Arenal Volcano National Park and soak in hot springs.

Get up close and personal with wildlife on a jungle safari tour through Corcovado National Park — home to over 500 species of birds.

Spend a day at one of Costa Rica’s many beaches where you can relax in hammocks or go snorkeling in crystal clear water.   

With the lush landscapes and abundant wildlife, it’s easy to see why this honeymoon adventure jewel should at least make your shortlist!

The best time to visit Costa Rica for an adventure honeymoon

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season from December to April.

How to get to Costa Rica:

You can fly to San Jose’s Juan Santamaria Airport (airport code: SJO) from most major American hubs like New York (EWR / JFK), Miami (MIA), Atlanta (ATL), Houston (IAH) and Orlando (MCO) and Los Angeles (LAX).

You can also fly direct from Madrid (MAD) and Paris (CDG) in Europe. You can also fly from Bogota, Colombia (BOG), Panama City (PTY), Mexico (MEX) & Cancun (CUN).

Where to stay in Costa Rica:

We love the Four Seasons Resort at Peninsula Papagayo for a touch of luxury and we’re obsessed with Nayara Springs & Nayara Tented Camp.

G Adventures has multiple exciting small group adventures which are also phenomenal value.

Want to dive deeper into planning a Costa Rica honeymoon? Check out our in-depth guide to Costa Rica honeymoon planning!

the Rio Celeste waterfall Costa Rica Honeymoon

Iceland

We love Iceland. This remote north Atlantic nation is ideal for a honeymoon with a difference.

With otherworldly landscapes of snow-capped mountains and volcanoes, glaciers, and geysers, there is so much adventure to be found. In fact, it has some of the unique things to do for any honeymoon destination on earth.

In winter, one of the biggest draws is the celestial Aurora Borealis, aka the Northern Lights. Book a tour on a super jeep to witness this magical phenomenon. Go ice caving in Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull Glacier.

During summer there is plenty to do. It barely gets dark, so the long days mean you pack is much in to the long days.

Visit waterfalls such as Gullfoss or Seljalandsfoss. Go horse riding through ice fields or snorkeling between two tectonic plates in Silfra Fissure.

You won’t want to miss out on outdoor adventures like snowmobiling around Langjökull glacier or whale watching around Faxaflói Bay.

There are also plenty of cultural attractions like museums and galleries for those who prefer Reykjavik’s is a cultural gem.

Hallgrimskirkja church offers stunning views of Reykjavík cityscape while Perlan Museum showcases Iceland’s natural wonders under one roof with its spectacular 360-degree observation deck offering panoramic views over the city skyline.

See a concert at the Harpa. Relax in the Blue Lagoon or the newer Sky Lagoon.

Iceland is one of our favourite unique adventure honeymoon destinations.

The best time to visit Iceland for an adventure honeymoon

You can visit Iceland all year round. However, the Northern Lights are only visible from October to March.

How to get to Iceland:

Icelandair connects Keflavík International Airport near Reykjavik (airport code: KEF) to most major European and North American cities.

Where to stay in Iceland:

Iceland has some beautiful hotels like Reykjavik EDITION and Deplar Farm.

G Adventures also has multiple small group Iceland adventure tours to choose from.

ring road honeymoon in iceland

New Zealand

An epic land for an adventure honeymoon. It’s safe to say that New Zealand is an adventure enthusiast’s dream.

Home to some of the world’s most spectacular natural scenery, with rugged coastlines, majestic mountains, pristine lakes and expansive beaches.

There is no shortage of activities to try throughout North Island and South Island. Visit the hot springs and geysers in Rotorua, go kayaking in the Coromandel Peninsula, whale watching in Kaikoura.

South Island is a stunning land of glaciers and fjords and much of the adventure action happens in Queenstown.

If New Zealand is the honeymoon adventure capital of the world, then Queenstown is the honeymoon adventure capital of New Zealand!

From this lively town, you have a diverse range of activities to choose from. Go bungee jumping and skydiving to hiking, kayaking, ziplining, whitewater rafting.

Queenstown is a year round destinations with excellent winter sports activities available – it’s also the best time to see the Aurora Australis aka the Southern Lights and go stargazing in Lake Tekapo.

The best time to visit New Zealand for an adventure honeymoon

You can visit New Zealand all year round. For skiing and snowboarding, visit during winter from July to August. For summer fun, the best time to visit New Zealand for an adventure honeymoon is from November to March.

How to get to New Zealand:

You can fly to Auckland (AKL) from the USA, Canada, Asia, Australia and French Polynesia with Air New Zealand.

Emirates fly from Dubai direct to Auckland. Christchurch (airport code: CHC) and Queenstown (airport code: ZQN) have regional flights and direct flights to major Australian cities.

Where to stay in New Zealand:

Queenstown has some lovely spots like Azur Lodge.
G Adventures also has multiple small-group New Zealand adventure tours to choose from.

honeymoon road trip in new zealand

Canada

The vast beautiful wilderness of Canada is ideal for an adventure honeymoon.

From the lesser travelled Yukon, perfect for a winter wonderland escape, to the vast expanses of Northwest Territories, from the polar bear capital of the world in Manitoba to 10,000-year-old icebergs in Newfoundland. Canada is a dream.

Most couples head for the beautiful snow-capped Rocky Mountains region of Canada. Explore the rugged coastline of Vancouver and beautiful Vancouver Island. Hike the magnificent trails, go on a zodiac whale watching trip and learn to surf in Tofino.

Whistler is one of North America’s premier skiing destinations and idea for a winter sports honeymoon.

During the summer, you’ll find plenty of activities for adventure lovers, including zip-lining, rock climbing, horse riding and ATV tours.

Take the road trip to Calgary via stunning Banff National Park, which offers breathtaking mountain scenery, glacial lakes, and hot springs.

The best time to visit Canada for an adventure honeymoon

You can visit Canada all year round. For skiing and snowboarding, visit during winter from November to March. Most couples visit for a summer honeymoon, from May to September.

How to get to Canada:

You can fly to Vancouver or Toronto from many cities in the USA, Europe, Asia and Australia and New Zealand with Air Canada and other international airlines.

Where to stay in Canada:

Canada is full of incredible hotels that are perfect for an adventure honeymoon. We love Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge.

G Adventures also has multiple small group Canada adventure tours to choose from.

jasper national park honeymoon in canada

Zambia

An African adventure honeymoon should definitely be on your wish list!

Zambia is a lesser explorer gem in southern Africa and home to one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, Victoria Falls, which is one of the largest waterfalls in the world and straddles the border with Zimbabwe and Botswana.

You can get up close and personal with nature on a safari in South Luangwa or Kafue to see the Big 5.

Spot some of the country’s incredible wildlife, including elephants and leopards. Zambia has some extremely fun adventure activities for couples.

Feel the adrenaline when you can take on the mighty Zambezi River on a whitewater rafting trip or test your courage with a bungee jump at Victoria Falls.

The rapids on the Zambezi offer some of the most challenging and exhilarating rafting experiences in the world, and the stunning scenery of the Batoka Gorge will take your breath away.

Bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, which spans the Zambezi River and has incredible views of the falls and the surrounding landscape.

And if you’re feeling brave, you can even swim at the edge of the falls in Devil’s Pool from late August. Take a scenic flight over the spray.

For a different honeymoon adventure, head to Lake Tanganyika, which straddles the border between Zambia and safari haven, Tanzania.

This vast freshwater lake is one of the longest in the world and is home to a wide variety of fish species. Snorkelling and scuba diving in the clear waters of Lake Tanganyika is a unique experience that you won’t soon forget.

Zambia is a true African adventure honeymoon gem.

The best time to visit Zambia for an adventure honeymoon

The best time to visit Zambia for wildlife is from June to November, however the best time to visit Victoria Falls is from February to May.

How to get to Zambia:

The capital is Lusaka (airport code: LUN) but most couples will enter the country in Livingstone at Victoria Falls (airport code: LVI) via Johannesburg in or Nairobi. You can also fly to the Zimbabwe side of the falls (airport code: VFA)

Where to stay in Zambia:

Opt for luxury at The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara

G Adventures has multiple small group adventure tours for adventure seekers.

victoria falls zambia adventure honeymoon destinations

Let us know in the comments if you’re planning an adventure honeymoon!

Happy Planning x

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In addition to her ‘day job’ as a luxury and adventure honeymoon Travel Consultant, Kaz is founder and editor of The Honeymoon Guide. With 15+ years experience, she has helped couples plan honeymoon vacations to over 90 countries and has been lucky enough to travel across six continents and experience some of the world’s most coveted honeymoon destinations from Santorini to Seychelles, Maldives to Mexico, Australia to Argentina and Mauritius to Thailand (to name a few!).