10 great kayaking destinations
INDEX OF CONTENT
Words: Emma D | Photos: commons.wikimedia.org
Where in the world is best for kayaking? For those who love this activity, it is one of the most wonderful there is, bringing you closer to nature as you glide across the water and enjoy the stunning scenery. So, for those who enjoy it but have yet to venture too far in the world, here are ten great kayaking destinations to add to your bucket list.
Napali Coast, Kauai
In Hawaii, this location offers one of the most beautiful shorelines in the world with a number of sea caves to explore. The seas are heavy here, so kayaking can take its toll, but it is worth it to view the golden beaches and cliffs above the shore.
Photo credit: Dcrjsr
Phuket, Thailand
Phang Nga Bay is where many kayakers in the region are to be found. It is a great location to explore by day or night, with plenty of caves, tunnels and lagoons nearby. There are also 'hongs', collapsed cave systems, which are only accessible by special canoes and well-worth seeing, as each one is filled with its own unique ecosystem that boasts local fauna and flora aplenty.
Photo credit: Eustaquio Santimano
Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
Mount Desert Island is another popular area of the world with kayakers, with its many miles of scenic coastline and inlets and coves to discover. The rough seas and cold waters off the Maine coast are a challenge even for more experienced paddlers. However, if you are able, it is a beautiful part of the USA to get to know.
Photo credit: Konstantin Krismer
Twin Lakes, Alaska
As the name suggests, there are two large lakes located in the Lake Clark National Park, in Alaska, with a connecting stream. If you choose to go at a time other than in high summer, the experience will be boosted by the remoteness of the location with fewer tourists, especially hunters who congregate in this area at certain times of the year.
Photo credit: Caitlin Marr
Milos, Greece
There are not too many ideal locations for kayaking in Europe but this is one of them, with a beautiful coastline and clear blue Mediterranean waters. Again, there are certain times of year it is best to avoid, but with lots of sea caves and tunnels it is another great area to explore by boat.
Photo credit: Oliwan
Argyll and Hebrides, Scotland
Within the UK you will find Argyll and the Hebrides in Scotland, a place where it is possible to feel truly close to nature. Off the western coast of Scotland are a number of remote islands, with their own unique fauna and flora, gorgeous beaches and challenging kayaking conditions. It is a part of the world where many fascinating discoveries can be made in a short space of time.
Photo credit: Tony Page
Johnstone Strait, Canada
This is a 70-mile stretch of water in Vancouver and renowned as one of the best places in the world to observe and kayak with killer whales, also known as orcas. The killer whales are mostly found in the generally calm waterways in the summer months, from July to September, along with a host of other stunning marine life, such as sea lions, dolphins, humpback whales, porpoises, seals, and sea birds, as well as a myriad of fascinating tidal animals. This is sea kayaking British Columbia at its very best.
Photo by: Winky from Vancouver, Canada
The Amazon, Ecuador
The eastern slopes of the Andes descend into the Amazon, the biggest rainforest in the world. It is also one of the most remote locations in the world. The Yasuni National Park, especially popular with kayakers, is rich with wildlife and home to a small population of Huaorani dwellers who, until the 1950s, were unknown to the wider world. Kayaking is an excellent way of discovering a part of the world still largely undiscovered. Ecuador truly is a paddler’s paradise with much variety compacted into a very small area.
Photo credit: Leosanchez2011
Baja, Mexico
The rugged Baja Peninsula of Mexico is separated from the mainland of Mexico and kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the islands in the Sea of Cortez. There are almost 100 islands, half of which are protected as ultra bio-diverse sites. It is extremely popular for sea kayaking adventures because of the striking scenery, secluded nature of many of the islands, endless miles of wilderness Baja coast and the relatively calm waters. Naturalists and photographers will be enthralled by the uniquely evolved life in this lush coastal desert.
Photo credit: Traveljournalist at English Wikipedia
This area is rich with wildlife, including raccoons, agouti and squirrel monkeys. Sea kayaking is the best way to explore the Pacific coastline, with its beautiful golden beaches, clear blue waters and numerous caves and coves to explore. There is even a chance of seeing endangered sea turtles, which come to the beaches to bury their eggs. A great place to stay in this national park is Byblos Resort and Casino, which also offers some great nightlife, including a popular local casino. Those who prefer some quiet relaxation after a hard day of kayaking can play games online in their room while enjoying the magnificent ocean and wildlife views. If you’re looking to socialise with the locals you could also try Tuti, a card game especially popular in Costa Rica.
Photo credit: Mark Whatmough
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