Whether you’re a thrill-seeking whitewater kayaker or you’re simply looking for an active way to sightsee, there’s a kayaking destination for you out there. From rivers that wind through towering sandstone cliffs to serene lakes and choppy ocean waves, these kayaking spots around the world will take your breath away.
Sea of Cortez, Baja California, Mexico
Known as the “Aquarium of the World,” this UNESCO World Heritage site boasts calm, turquoise waters and an abundance of wildlife. You’ll have whales, dolphins, and sea turtles as your companions as you navigate sandy beaches surrounded by high cliffs. The calm waters and mild weather make this sea kayaking destination ideal for beginners. Companies like Paddling South and Sea Kayak Baja Mexico offer guided, multi-day kayaking excursions in addition to one-off adventures like whale-watching.
Zambezi River, Zambia/Zimbabwe
While some of us prefer serene landscapes and slower days when we travel, others seek out high-adrenaline adventures. For seasoned kayakers, the Zambezi River is a dream whitewater kayaking destination. Your starting point will be a stretch of the river below Victoria Falls. The roar of the mammoth waterfall is your soundtrack as you navigate endless rapids. There’s little time to think of anything besides staying aboard your kayak. Visiting kayakers will often follow up their adventure with a safari, a rare instance in which hanging out with lions is the tamest part of the trip. Maano Adventures, a local company, offers an all-inclusive package for kayakers that includes transport, food, and a porter to carry your kayak to the bottom of the gorge. They also have several safari tour options.
Geirangerfjord, Norway
Kayakers dream about Norway’s many fjords. The Norse word refers to a narrow sea drain created by glaciers and surrounded by cliffs or mountains. Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most famous, features waterfalls, snowcapped mountain peaks, and easily navigable waters. The nearby Åknesfjället Mountain continues to erode and is eventually expected to collapse into Geirangerfjord, so it’s best to experience this stunning scenery sooner rather than later. For those flying in, Alesund Airport is the closest, but the scenic five-and-a-half-hour train from Oslo is also popular.
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
The Dalmatian Coast’s idyllic mix of historic sights, pristine waters, and tranquil sea caves make it a dream destination for any sea kayaker. Sightseeing opportunities abound, with ruins from the Roman Empire, 15th-century monasteries, and vineyards and olive groves scattered across the islands along the coast. The calm waters of the Adriatic Sea are perfect for leisurely paddling, making this an excellent kayaking destination for beginners and families. The four-hour route from Hvar to the Pakleni Islands is kid-friendly, and offered by guided-tour companies like Adventure Dalmatia.
Fiordland, New Zealand
An ancient rainforest and breathtaking fjords lie in wait to reward those who venture to this remote part of New Zealand. Much of Fiordland is only accessible by boat or helicopter. The area’s limited access is what helps preserve its charm; the quiet, the “untouched” feel, and the ecological diversity. Several companies offer guided kayaking tours for those looking to learn a bit about the region’s history from a local. Those looking to venture out solo will have to bring their own kayaks however, none of the kayaking companies operating in Fiordland offer rentals to unguided visitors for safety reasons.
Na Pali Coast, Hawaii
Those paddling past Hawaii’s Na Pali Coast will be spoiled by towering sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and caves left behind by cooling lava. Dolphins, seals, and tropical fish are just a few of the ocean dwellers you might get to see up close. Despite the region’s year-round temperate climate, conditions in the water can vary. A popular launch point for the 17-mile paddle along the coastline is Haena State Park, located on Kauai’s north shore. This route is only recommended for those that already have some kayaking experience, as paddlers are subject to the same turbulent waves that shape the surrounding sea cliffs.
Vancouver Island, Canada
Vancouver Island is an excellent destination for whale watching and orca sightings. The coastal waters are calm but cold, and a guide is recommended for first-timers because of the area’s remoteness. Those interested in kayak fishing may be lucky enough to catch Chinook and coho salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab. West Coast Expeditions offers a guided kayak fishing tour, or you can purchase a recreational fishing license from the government institution, Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The area features charming woodland islets and hot springs you can bathe in for a break. Lucky kayakers might even catch a glimpse of black bears searching for their own food on the shore. Just don’t get too close!
