Moraira - Water Sports

Windsurfing and Dinghies - Summer winds are mostly thermals, coming up around midday, peaking between 4 and 6 in the afternoon and dying away in the evening.

The mornings are usually very calm but occasionally Summer storms blow for several days from the East or Southwest providing excellent conditions for experienced sailors in all areas.

Under normal conditions the thermals off Calpe, Moraira and Javea beaches seldom exceed force 4 with around 2.5 being the average.

Hiring facilities are available at LES BASETES (1 Km from Calpe) for Catamarans and Sailboards, Calpe Yacht Club has dinghies and there are Windsurfing Schools in Javea and Calpe.

The local "Hot-shots" load up their cars and head for VERGEL where the Monte Pego mountains induce thermals practically every day in excess of force 4 and, on a good day literally hundreds of surfers will be out. However, great care should be taken here as there can be quite large waves and strong "rip" currents. The soft white sand is inclined to shift around in the surf making swimming a risky business. Additionally there are no rescue facilities here - except for the other windsurfers!

Water-skiing & Parasailing - These are available in Calpe.

They take groups out to a raft for a 15 minute ski or flight around the beach and boats can be hired in Javea (in the canal alongside the Arenal Beach) fully equipped for skiing.

Jet-skis - These are noisy and exciting but its quickly over.

They are available for rent in Moraira (between the castle and the marina sea wall) and in Calpe.

The modern ones actually circle back to get you if you fall off and the older ones just stop (no, you don't have to catch them!).

Aqualandia - Located at Benidorm (on the approach into this resort from the north - and thus easy to find!) This is reputedly one of the largest water theme parks in Europe with every imaginable device designed to extract fun from this exciting dimension - slides, chutes, rapids, breaking surf etc. Within the complex are bars, restaurants and picnic areas. Great fun for families with children of all ages as it provides a full and fun-packed day for all. About 40 minutes by car or there are coach excursions available.

PLEASE NOTE that you would be several hours going from one area to another, in and out of the water and in the hot sun. Valuables, street clothing etc. have to be checked-in at the start (for obvious reasons), so go prepared with a liberal coating of waterproof sun cream and even trousers and a shirt - especially if you have delicate skin!

Scuba Diving - The rocky headlands and bays offer excellent sub-aqua sport for the snorkel- or scuba-diver. SCUBAMAR at the Milla de Oro shopping centre in Moraira hire equipment and supply air. AMIGOS DEL MAR is the club in Javea ( Tel: 577 03 08) and there is another at the Les Basetes Nautical Club on the way to Calpe.