Category: Adventure Travel

The words ‘team building exercise’ often fill people with dread. They begin thinking of uncomfortable icebreakers and seemingly purposeless activities.

It won’t surprise you to know that here at Big Blue Adventures we think team building is a lot more exciting than this. In fact, team building activities can do a lot of different things, all of which serve a greater purpose to improve the work environment of your business. And an improved work environment leads to an improved business on the whole.

Still not convinced? Well here are the main reasons we believe team building is important for all businesses!

Networking, Socialising, and Getting to Know Your Colleagues

When your colleagues make time to get to know one another and make friends with each other, you’ll find they work better together. It sounds pretty basic but sometimes people find it hard to come out of their shell or socialise when they only interact with people in a work environment. This is where team building activities can help. There are many activities that, rather than putting the spotlight on individuals, simply get people to enjoy their time together. And when people begin to have fun the walls start to come down.

Communication and Teamwork

This point links nicely with getting to know your colleagues because you’ll find when you know people better, you are better at communicating with them. And when you can communicate clearly you can work better as a team. Better teamwork leads to better results and better results are what all businesses are looking for at the end of the day. It’s win win win! Organising activities that foster communication and teamwork are an excellent way to develop these aspects amongst the people you work with or the people who work for you.

Collaboration Leads to Innovation and Creativity

Have you ever found that when you are having a group discussion someone will say something you had never thought of? It happens a lot when you get a diverse group of people together – everyone’s lived experiences lead them to perceive and understand things a little bit differently. Getting these different ways of thinking together can lead to unexpected and often brilliant results. There’s a good chance your workforce is a diverse group of people so organising activities that encourage individuals from different backgrounds to collaborate can lead to some really fresh ways of thinking. And new ideas are what energetic businesses thrive on!

KFC taking on a coasteering adventure in the Gower Peninsula – Wales

Competition Boosts Productivity

Not everyone is a fan of competition. Sometimes competition can be stressful. But numerous studies have shown that a competitive element leads to a boost in productivity. So, if you treat it in the right way, competition can be a really valuable part of your work life. Organising fun, low-stakes, competitive tasks in a team building context can really add some energy to your work team. And if you are pitting team against team then that competitive element will have each team working together and communicating like a dream!

Celebration and Motivation

This is perhaps the most important reason for organising team building activities for your workforce. Businesses should use team building retreats and activities as a chance to celebrate the people that work with them. People love knowing that their work is appreciated and when they feel that celebration they are motivated to keep working well. Throw in some fun activities and a bit of competition and you’ll find your team comes back to work fresh, focused, and ready to bring their A-game.

Regroup and Reorganise After Lockdown

If, like many businesses, you have had a team working remotely under lockdown conditions then team building activities can serve another purpose. When lockdown lifts and people begin to go back to the office, there is bound to be a certain element of novelty to the situation, and relationships between co-workers may have changed. Taking your team on a team building retreat is a great way to not only welcome them back to work, but to re-establish their bonds and their team spirit.

Hopefully we’ve convinced you that team building activities can help your business flourish. But what are fun team building activities really? They certainly aren’t activities in a draughty conference room of some corporate building! Taking your team on a retreat and getting them to try new activities – especially outdoor activities – is a great way to encourage bonding in a low-stakes scenario. Big Blue Adventures organises tailor-made team building activities and retreats in Wales, and team building activities in Portugal.

Taking your team away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives is a great way to encourage them to approach these activities and their co-workers with an open mind. And hopefully your team will begin building happy memories they’ll never forget! If our retreats have piqued your interest then don’t hesitate to get in touch. A new adventure awaits!

A corporate team enjoying some drinks together on a rooftop bar in Lisbon

By Hannah Priest

Wales is famous for its cold weather, national parks, coastlines and countryside making it a great location for a winter escape. There’s no need to let the rainy days and colder nights put you off exploring throughout the winter months. So, we have put together a small guide of winter escapes in Wales to keep you adventurous but cosy this winter.

Snowdonia

Famous for being the adventure capital of Wales Snowdonia has a lot on offer even during the winter months. From hiking the highest mountain in Wales to chilling out in a hot-tub,  Snowdonia is great for both adventure and relaxing winter escapes. You can spend your days quad biking around or battling it out with your friends in a paintball tournament. Snowdonia is also home to the zip world caverns so you can zip, jump and climb your way through the impressive caves.

Whether you have a busy day of adrenaline activities or a day of hiking, spending the evening relaxing in either the spa at the Betws-y-Coed hotel or getting cosy by the fire in the Snowdonia log cabin  is a great way to end a wintery day. The Betws-y-Coed hotel is situated in picturesque alpine town, extremely popular with hikers for its views and cosy feel.

The log cabins are surrounded by nature, giving you incredible views of the mountains and countryside. They fit between four to eight people and you can hire out as many cabins as you need to suit your group size!

Snowdonia is also home to the fastest zipline in the world, allowing you to zip 1555 meters over the spectacular Penrhyn Quarry whilst reaching speeds of upto 100mph!

Winter Activity Recommendation for Snowdonia;

Pembrokeshire

If wrapping up in jumpers and exploring dreamy coastlines with the sea breeze are what you crave then Pembrokeshire will not disappoint. With the chance to spot wildlife and take in the big blue, the Pembrokeshire coastline is an iconic welsh walk come rain or shine. But, if hiking isn’t your favourite then you can still go and explore the coastline by kayak! Don’t let the colder weather put you off as you will be kitted up in a warm winter wetsuit, making this a cosy way to take on the sea. However, you can also find adventure up in the air as you clip and climb your way around the Tree top adventure trail in Pembrokeshire.

Spend your evenings eating local welsh cakes with a warm drink in the Pembrokeshire farmhouse and barn! With this accommodation you can either hire out one or both of the cottages. The Farmhouse has six bedrooms and sleeps upto 12 people and the converted  luxury barn sleeps upto 8 people. Here, you can also enjoy a game of pool or table football in the game room, meaning you don’t even need to leave the house on a rainy day if you don’t want too! This allows you to have a cosy winter escape with all your friends to this really modern, refurbished cottage.

Winter Activity recommendation for Pembrokeshire:

South Wales

From the bustling capital city of Cardiff, to the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons, to the breath-taking Gower Peninsula- South Wales has a variety of both activities and scenery. You can stay in the Brecon Beacons cottage and bunkhouse and start your winter escape with a sunrise hike up Pen-y-Fan. This modern but comfy cottage and bunkhouse can again, be booked separately or together allowing flexibility for the amount of people on your winter retreat. The bunkhouse fits up to 26 people and the cottage can fit up to 9!

Keep the activities going with indoor surfing at Cardiff bay or race your way around the go-karting circuit! You can also go chasing waterfalls around the Brecon Beacons national park or take a day trip to the Gower peninsula and hike along the stunning three cliff bay! All of this being made complete with a log-fire at the end of the day back at the cottage and bunkhouse.

Winter Activity Recommendation for South Wales:

We can tailor your own ideal Welsh winter escape or you can simply just book the accommodation!

We hope you have a lush time in wintery Wales!

by Lauren Whyld

As regular visitors to Portugal’s many wondrous locations (and appreciators of its infinite days of sunshine), it’s safe to say we can not recommend Lagos in West Algarve enough!

Lagos is a location that has so much to offer; with its secluded beaches, luscious greenery and enviable cleanliness. Not to mention, its tantalising cuisine, welcoming residents and various locations for surfing and paddleboarding.

The famous Praia do Comilo (a beach prettier than a postcard and extremely insta worthy) speaks for itself and would be reason enough to visit. If you’re looking more for adventure, Lagos offers water lovers a natural playground with the Grottos. While Meia Praia (Lagos’s biggest golden coastline) offers a more lively experience with bustling independent beach bars (Cheers!).

As well as being an extremely noteworthy place in itself, Lagos has the added bonus of being surrounded by loads of desirable destinations and adventurous excursions.

Here Are Our Top Tips Of Things To Do From Lagos:

Visit Aljezur

(30 minute drive from Lagos)

This traditional Portuguese town is located right in the middle of a cluster of beaches. It’s the ideal destination for anyone interested in experiencing the authentic rural side of Portugal without straying too far from the holiday vibe of the coastline.

Our recommendation: Arrifana is our personal favourite beach, with its dramatic cliffs and alternative eateries. Odeceixe offers beauty with slightly fewer tourists. Both beaches are perfect for surfing. The good reef break, consistent swell and powerful waves of Kangaroo Point (just a short paddle out from Arrifana) attracts experienced surfers. While the spacious and calmer beach breaks on Odeceixe makes it ideal for beginners and perfect for an adventurous Algarve stag do.

Explore the Benagil Caves

(40 minute drive from Lagos)

Rather touristy but not to be missed! This impressive and seriously popular cave is well worth a visit. You can experience them on a coastal hike from above, looking down through a perfect circle into the majestic cave. Or from the inside, either on a boat tour, kayak or even better, a paddleboard!

Our recommendation: Avoid going at the height of summer and get there early to avoid the crowds. In winter you might just have this unique cave all to yourself!

Hike The Rota Vicentina

(40 minute drive from Lagos)

This breathtaking hiking trail spans a whopping 450KM along the coastline of South West Portugal and is one of the most desirable coastal hiking spots in Southern Europe.

Our recommendation: A scenic 12-14km hike: pick up the trail from Monte Clérigo near Aljezur and hike towards Arrifana. Enjoy spectacular remote beaches and tropical vegetation with giant Aloe Vera!

Visit Monchique

(45 minutes inland from Lagos)

This idyllic town is another great location to lap up local culture and ideal for mountain hiking. Foia (located a mere 10 minute drive from Monchique) is the highest point in Algarve with impressive views of the entire surrounding area.

Our recommendation: Park in Monchique and wander up the hill to discover a hidden, overgrown, but truly stunning church ruin (Convento de Nossa Senhora do Desterro) with spectacular views over the town.

Plus…

The locally made honey brandy in Monchique is certainty not to be missed!

And Finally, Experience Sagres

(35 minute drive from Lagos)

Located overlooking some of Algarve’s most impressive landscapes, Sagres is the most south-western point in Europe and famous for its end-of-the-world feel! Its dramatic cliff-edges and transcendent sunsets add to this scenic surf spot.

Our recommendation: Visit the Lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente located on the coastal peninsular for breathtaking views. And check out Praia do Beliche beach.

Fancy a visit?

We’re looking forward to you falling in love with the beauty of West Algarve as much as we have!

by Lauren Whyld

If you’re looking to plan a corporate retreat then we understand your working team is important to you. An organised, well planned and faultlessly delivered retreat can be the ideal way to show your appreciation… and the bonus is it comes with loads of benefits. It can help strengthen relations within the company, motivate new ideas, improve employer satisfaction, or commemorate reaching milestones.

Yoga (especially beach yoga) is renowned for its physical and mental benefits. It helps reduce stress, increase energy levels, strengthen the body, and blissfully escape the pressures of daily life.

With the sheer magnitude of benefits to physical and mental health, it comes as no surprise that yoga is so on trend and the perfect addition to any corporate retreat.

So Why Beach Yoga on A Corporate Retreat?

1:  Beach Yoga Includes Everyone

With the adaptability to tailor to first timers, total pros and anything in-between  you can be confident knowing everyone will be as comfortable, or as challenged, as they would like to be during each session.

2: It’s a Great Experience

Above anything else, you want to give your team an experience they will value and enjoy. Based on the popularity of yoga, it’s likely members of your team will be in one of the following positions: (and no, we’re not talking downward facing dog or warrior pose just yet).

either…

a). they are already yogis and will appreciate the inclusion of yoga on the retreat….(especially on a beach).

or

b). yoga is new to them and this corporate retreat can allow them a great first experience. They can replace the daunting prospect of a class at the gym (surrounded by freakishly flexible experts), with a team bonding experience surrounded by friendly faces on a picturesque beach.

3: It’s Flexible

And not just the physical kind! Beach yoga works equally well to wake up and revive as it does to wind-down and de-clutter the mind.

It works wonders as a cool down for the more adventurous groups, providing some well earned TLC after an action-packed day of mountain biking, rock climbing or surfing.

And as a tranquil start for the more restful among us, who might appreciate the serenity and repose of beach yoga after a scenic hike or idyllic day paddleboarding.

4: It Can Increase Your Corporate Social Responsibility

As well as benefiting you and your team, beach yoga with Big Blue Adventures can boost your Corporate Social Responsibility. Firstly, by booking with a company that actively supports local businesses and eco-friendly products. And secondly, by incorporating a beach clean into the experience; showing people you’re actively improving your surrounding environment and encouraging others to do the same.

CIOB incorporating a beach clean into their corporate retreat in Gower

5: Finally, It’s Always In A Great Location

Beach yoga is…surprise, done on the beach!

The soothing meditative state of yoga allows you to shut off from everyday life. Appreciate the captivating surroundings and sensory experience nature has to offer. And simply relax.

…And who knows, you might love the yoga experience so much you decide to incorporate it into your daily office life!

“Monday morning mediation anyone?”

By Beth Goodwin

When people think of a traditional hen party they don’t often picture the hen being decked from head to toe in a wet suit. But if the thought of yet another ‘spa day and Prosecco’ sounds about as exciting as a dry ham sandwich; surfing is the perfect alternative hen party activity that incorporates laughs, thrills and memories (and Prosecco, it is still a hen do after all).

And hey, this is nothing against spa days: I love being pampered in a robe and slippers with a glass of free booze as much as the next girl. But for adventurous hens looking to break the mold, surfing is the ideal substitute.

Surfing has long conjured up a stereotypical image of gnarly surfer dudes living out of vans and the misconception that it is a male dominated sport, but this couldn’t be further from the truth: some of the most talented and noteworthy surfers in the world are women, and the mental and heath benefits of the sport are enormous.

Smiles all round on a surfing trip in Wales

Surfing has been proven to reduce stress and it’s easy to see why: there’s something soul replenishing about being out in the water under the sun with your girls, free of judgement and having a good time. And if you fall over (you probably will) who cares! It’s all part of the fun, and will keep you all laughing about it for weeks to come, especially as you re-watch the accompanying Go-Pro footage again, and again, and again…

But surfing is not only good for the mind; it has huge health and fitness benefits for your body. It strengthens your core, arm and leg muscles and is great cardiovascular exercise, as well as improving flexibility and balance. Plus gorgeous clear oceans, sandy beaches and blue skies certainly make a nice change from the inside of a sweaty gym, so you’re having a great time and getting fit, all whilst being with your mates.

Beautiful sunset over Praia de Arrifana

Going on a surf trip can provide a little slice of paradise, and who knows, you might find out you have a new favourite hobby. For hen parties looking for something different; surfing is the perfect example of a fun, dynamic activity for everyone to channel their inner surf queens. And who says you can’t treat yourself to a massage afterwards? You’ll deserve it…

Our Top 5 Surf Destinations

So, coasteering is jumping off rocks into the sea, right? Yes and no. We hear this a lot, “how big are the jumps?” “How many jumps and is it just jumping off stuff?” I mean sure, coasteering includes epic jumps and it certainly injects some adrenaline into your day, but coasteering is so much more than cliff jumping, or tombstoning.

A good short way of understanding coasteering is seeing it as an adventurous exploration of the coastline (cheers Pete!). It’s an exhilarating way of travelling across the sea level of a rocky coastline by scrambling, traversing, swimming, playing in the swells, exploring caves and jumping into deep sea water! Sounds like a good laugh, eh?

A Quick History on Coasteering.

Coasteering is also now registered in the Oxford Dictionary as  “the sport or activity of exploring a rocky coastline by climbing, jumping, and swimming.” And its history being “a blend of coast and mountaineering”. The first time the word coasteering was thought to have emerged was in the book Sea Cliff Climbing, John Cleare and Robin Collomb said “A few enthusiasts believe that coasteering will become popular and has a big future”. Boys, you weren’t wrong.

Why Wales Is The Ultimate Destination For Coasteering?

In my own experience, coasteering is best served on a beautiful, dramatic coastline with big cliffs and caves. While you don’t want to go coasteering in an El Nino type storm, you do also want some swell to make it fun and you do want your coastline to have been shaped by the energy of angry seas over the years. That’s what you have with the landscapes likes Rhossili Bay in Gower, to St Nons in Pembrokeshire and up to the shores of Anglesey. Big cliffs, caves, nice swell sections where the coast plays a role in a natural waterpark and just the sheer beauty of it all. With over 800 miles of award winning coastline in Wales we are spoiled for choice and it is something us Welshies are proud of, being the crazy people that started it all (officially at least). So, what better place to have a crack at coasteering than the epic coastline of Wales?

Daniel Manley

Founder & Co-owner of Big Blue Adventures

Fancy a go at coasteering? I’d love to help, check out our coasteering Wales page for info and bookings. We cover Gower, Pembrokeshire and Anglesey in north Wales! Or hit the ‘Get Quote’ page for bookings.

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