Wibs - I have to put in a plug for scuba diving. I'm not a big outdoor person either, but I love scuba diving. It's easy to learn, and not exhausting, especially if you're doing boat dives. I did a wonderful drift dive in Cozumel where you just slowly float along past beautiful underwater treasures.

Just in case you are still looking for more suggestions...how about Ecuador. To fill a week with your interests, I'd would recommend the following:

About 3 days in Quito..lots of history
One of the days in Quito go on a day trip to one of the nearby Andes mountain peeks for some great hiking.

Then, about 2 hours north of Quito, spend the rest of the time at one of the great "haciendas", where all different types of activities (horseback riding, boating, hiking, spas at some, trips to markets) are offered.

Hi...my husband is very active and loves to try new things so I know what you are going through. In the past, I have sent him to a one-day auto racing school (Skip Barber), aerial dogfights (Florida but available countrywide), given him paragliding lessons, surfing lessons in Puerto Rico, and recently a dune buggy adventure in Los Cabo with friends and a rented villa for all (wideopenbaja.com)--he loved it and they have ziplining nearby. This was for his 50th and earlier we had done the Ice Hotel in Quebec to kick-off his big year. Agree that Costa Rica is a great idea -- and you will love the ziplining as well. You can whitewater raft there (1/2 day or overnight trip staying in the jungle--very rustic), etc. If you are going for the scuba diving certification, some of the best waters are not Hawaii, but Belize and Cozumel, Mexico. If you do Cozumel, stay in Tulum...charming and not as touristy as Riviera Maya. Belize will also afford you some unique adventures and you can split the time between beach and a jungle lodge with wilderness hikes. The Copper Canyon is supposed to be beautiful for hiking and active individuals. Or biking and/or hiking in Moab -- September would be a great time of year. Not too far would be Glamis, California where you can do trips with dune buggies, moto-cross, etc. and stay in a mobile home. Lastly, if he has an interest in wake or kite-boarding, go to Cabarete, Dominican Republic. You can enjoy a gorgeous beach while he takes lessons that are normally 2 to 4 or more days in duration. To help you get more ideas, I hope this link works to Yahoo's directory to adventure tours. When you find that perfect trip, you can do further Google searches to find similar options. Good Luck!
http://dir.yahoo.com/business_and_ec..._operators?o=a

We have planned my husband's 50th for Catalina Island. We are brining a sailboat, but there is of course hiling , diving,parasailing, golfing, snorkeling etc. all on the island. A good match for the active minded as wll as a loafer like me.

Thanks for more great ideas.

1608, I hope my husband has enjoys his 50th as much as you did yours. Your wife sounds like a very special person.

Thanks, BarbaraS, for the plug about scuba diving. I don't know why I'm so hesitant, I'm a strong swimmer and like the water - sounds like I will enjoy it if I can just take that first step.

Howard, I like the Ecuador idea. Sounds affordable and off the beaten path, which DH would like. I will definitely look into that one.

kacollier, your post has some grand ideas and the websites you suggested are treasure troves of info. Many thanks! I'm enjoying checking various ideas out.

applejacks1, Catalina Island is close and very doable and I never even thought of it. Thanks for the suggestion!

You have all provided such good information, I am grateful. Once I make a decision and firm up some plans, I will let you all know. It may not be for a while, this b'day is September 08, but I thought I might need the time to plan and save the $$.
Thanks again -
Wibs

My husband's 50th birthday party was held in Riccione, Italy at a cycling hotel. He was abale to ride his bike with a group everyday and then we had the afternoon to relax. I'm a non-rider but I was able to hike, nordic walk, shop, take Italian lessons, learn how to cook Italian food and take day trips to Tuscany. We stayed at the Hotel Belvedere and invited our family and friends. We have been going there for the past 5 years and absolutely love it. It's located 1/2 block from the ocean - on the Italian Riviera. CIAO!

Get certified and come to the Big Island! You can do a night dive just off the Kona coast and watch the manta rays do their "dance". Spectacular! Some of the best diving in the world here.

Brentmoor -
your Italian biking trip sounds terrific!! Can you provide any more details or websites?

Anne