Whether you are a novice or an experienced kayaker, you know that paddling your boat through crystal clear water is one of the greatest ways to experience the beauty of nature. Therefore, we are introducing some of the best places to kayak around the globe!
Have you always longed to travel to the four corners of the globe? Have you wanted to see the world from your kayak?
There are many exquisite places around the world for you to kayak. You may already love to kayak, but traveling around the world can elevate the experience and help you develop an even deeper love for the activity and for nature.
We put together this list of the best kayaking in the world to help you discover all of the incredible destinations you can paddle through.
Sea of Cortez, Baja California, Mexico
The Sea of Cortez is located between the Baja Peninsula and mainland Mexico. It features crystal turquoise water and the most diverse aquatic life in the world.
In addition to the multitude of fish and other marine life you can view right from your kayak, there are also desert islands to explore and volcanic escarpments to see. This is a great destination if you want to fish from your kayak as fish are very abundant in these waters.
Amazon River, South America
Many kayakers dream of paddling the Amazon River, the world’s longest river, from its source in the Mantaro River in Peru all the way to the Atlantic Ocean in Brazil.
There is much to see as you glide along the Amazon. The area is rich in wildlife and rainforests and kayaking at both day and night can yield some incredible animal sights.
You can also fish for piranhas and peacock bass and get to know some of the locals as you experience the culture of the people who live along this awesome river.
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
The Dalmatian Coast is located along the coastline of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia and offers some of the best places to kayak. The water along the coast is sparkling and gorgeous.
This region features remote islands with architecture that is thousands of years old. Paddle along an archipelago and wonder at the fortresses, palaces, and ruins left over from the Roman Empire. Wind down after a day of kayaking and taking in the sights by having a drink with the locals.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands are a chain of volcanic islands located off the coast of Ecuador on either side of the equator. As the islands are remote, many interesting animals and plant life have evolved there.
Galapagos Islands is a must thing to do on your Ecuador travels!
Of the many species of wildlife, you will see there, the playful sea lions and massive sea tortoises will let you see them up close for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. The series of islands vary from huge rock structures to beautiful beaches, making your kayaking trip full of excitement.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
For a truly breathtaking experience, you cannot beat Ha Long Bay, located in the northeastern part of Vietnam. The waters sparkle with a deep emerald as you navigate your kayak around tall limestone islands topped with luscious rainforests.
If you want to experience the culture of the region, there are floating fishing villages where you can meet the locals. This site does not allow for much camping as you kayak, but you can take a larger boat out and then kayak the bay.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
If your dream kayaking destination is the mountains, Grand Teton Nation Park in Wyoming might be your perfect trip. It’s one of the most frequent destinations when driving cross-country in the United States. No need to carry kayaks, you can find plenty of rentals.
You’ll marvel at the size and scope of these mountains as your wind your way through the Snake River or on one of the many lakes in the area.
There is a plethora of wildlife to view and the area is perfect for fishing from your kayak. As this is a national park, there are great campgrounds for you to use as you make your way through the region.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Vancouver Island is located off the coast of Canada in the Pacific Ocean. There are many inlets and archipelagos to navigate along the coast and this area is perfect for both day trips and extended trips. Killer whales are a must-see if you visit the Johnstone Strait between June and September.
If you are looking for a bit of adventure and are an experienced kayaker, visit the Discovery Islands to experience the tidal rapids.
GLACIER BAY, Alaska
Another cold and beautiful corner of the world which catches attention of the kayakers. You can enjoy stunning glacier views, snowy mountains, and remote life. GLACIER BAY is National Park which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage list!
Patagonia, Argentina, and Chile
If you don’t mind kayaking with a bit of a chill, the area known as Patagonia has some of the most breathtaking mountaintop glaciers you will find.
Paddle through fjords and icebergs that you cannot see unless on kayak. There is also much wildlife to see here including whales, orcas, sea lions, seals and if you go far enough south, penguins.
Zambezi River, Africa
The Zambezi River has its source in Zambia and flows east to the Indian Ocean. This is the river to visit if you want to see waterfalls, including Victoria Falls, which is listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Kayaking along this river is like going on a safari, as you are likely to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, water buffalo, zebras, and lions.
Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
You most likely have a coral reef on your kayaking bucket list, and Ningaloo Reef is a great one to explore. In this area, you can witness tropical fish, manta rays, turtles and humpback whales. This area also has the greatest congregation of whale sharks and is one of the only places in the world where you can get close to these reclusive creatures.
Ningaloo Reef is perfect for a beach camping trip with beautiful beaches where you can set up camp, lagoons to explore, and fishing from your kayak.
We hope you got inspired by this list of best places to kayak and found some ideas for your next trip. If you have some suggestions or destinations to add to this article, feel free to add them in the comment section below.