Are you tired of heading down to the local lake to explore with your kayak? Sooner or later, every kayaking enthusiast feels the need to spread their wings and visit exotic locations to enjoy the sport in different environments.
From the calm, serene, frigid waters of the Arctic to the sun-splashed shores of the Mediterranean, there are thousands of kayaking destinations around the globe.
Where do you go for your first kayaking trip with so many options?
Don’t settle for throwing a dart at a map. There are thousands of kayakers that left reviews of the places they visit on their travels. Let’s look at some of the top spots for kayaking around the world.
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The French Alps
If you can handle the cold, then the French Alps offer you some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe.
Regardless of your kayaking experience, the Alps have something to provide you with for a kayaking trip of a lifetime.
Beginners can start with the Ardèche. If you’re an intermediate to the advanced kayaker, jump right into the “Sunshine Run” on the Durance for a thrilling trip. These locations are the perfect introduction to the rivers in the region.
Advanced kayakers will find the French alps the perfect jump-off for other more demanding Alpine locations in Switzerland, Austria, and Italy.
You get clean, clear, crisp water and a cup of coffee with a croissant for breakfast. The Alps offer you so many great kayaking locations.
Norway
Staying in Europe, we move over to Norway. Norway is one of the meccas of playboating and creek boating, featuring locations with massive technical drops and elite rivers and rapids for those that want to push their limits.
You get access to breathtaking coastal scenery and fjords, with some of the best kayaking rivers in the world.
You’ll find a river for any experience level, from beginner to elite. Start your kayaking trip with a run of the West Fjord, moving out of Oslo. Remember to make a stop at the coastal towns of Hidra Island and Helgeland.
Croatia
Moving south in Europe, we find ourselves in Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast, hugging the shores of the Adriatic Sea.
From Rab Island to Kotor Bay, the Dalmatian Coast is the crown jewel in Croatia’s tourism industry. It’s easy to see why.
The coastline has some of the most impressive and clear-blue water in the world – and it’s warm! Take a kayaking adventure through the unspoiled regions of the area and visit the islands of the Kornati archipelago.
Slovenia
Do you want to visit a destination with ice-blue waters so clear you can see the pebbles at the bottom of the river?
We recommend heading to the Soča river in Slovenia. Check out the feeds of Instagram kayakers, and you’re bound to see plenty of shots of the crystal-clear waters of the Soča.
While there’s only one river in the country worth kayaking, it’s the trip of a lifetime and something that you won’t experience at any other kayaking destination in the world.
The water looks so good you just want to jump right in. However, take along your drysuit because it’s absolutely freezing.
Spain
The tiny Mediterranean island nation of Menorca in Spain is home to more than 120-beaches and calm water conditions for kayaking adventures.
This jewel of the Balearic Islands offers you stunningly clear water, amazing coral and fish life, and warm, friendly weather.
It’s best to visit the island between May to October when the weather is fine. These times of the year are also usually less crowded than the peak season around the summertime.
France
Finish your European tour with a trip to Corsica, France. You’ll marvel at the peaks along the coastline and the warm waters of the azure in the Mediterranean Sea. Corsica truly is a special place for kayakers looking for an exotic location.
You get access to hidden coves in the bays and plenty of sun-splashed beaches with people frolicking in the sun and the sea. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Reserve Naturelle de Scandola is an incredible kayaking trip.
Most adventure trips in Corsica include short walks around the area to familiarize you with the culture and history of the region. It’s a must-visit destination on the European leg of your trip.
Maldives
If you feel like taking a kayaking trip in an exotic location, head to the Maldives. This tiny island nation in the middle of the Indian Ocean is one of the most spectacular tropical destinations in the world.
Stay in thatch villas on stilts out in the lagoon and hop directly into your kayak from the dock below your accommodation.
Take trips across the still, flat, protected waters around the coral reefs and marvel at the water clarity and the sea life.
You’ll find spectacular coral reefs in all shades of bright colors. The warm weather and clear water make this destination a top choice for the exotics.
Ottawa
You’re missing out if you haven’t been to Canada on a kayaking trip. Sometimes you don’t have to go halfway around the world to have a good time in the water. Our neighbor to the north has plenty of amazing kayaking locations.
The standout is the Ottawa River, where you’ll find big water, powerful rapids, and surfable waves. The Ottawa River offers you some of the safest experiences you’ll ever have in big water conditions.
Two channels provide a range of rapids in different classes to suit your experience level. Some of the world’s top kayakers choose to visit the Ottawa River in the spring.
The snow-melt season makes for some huge waves in the water. However, take along your cold water gear as the meltwater from the mountains is simply bone-chilling.
Vancouver
Staying in Canada, Northern Vancouver Island is another destination worth visiting. You get rugged landscapes and amazing scenery, with dense forests on the shoreline and sloping cliffs looming over the water.
The area is a haven for dolphins, seals, and humpback whales during the migratory season. Take a guided tour through the Johnstone Strait with magnificent views of mainland British Columbia. Expect to encounter orcas during the salmon between mid-July to September.
Alaska
To the North of Canada, we have Alaska and home to some of the most amazing Arctic scenery in the world.
The Kenai Fjords give you a memorable kayaking experience in the area. The Harding Icefield gives you access to glacial shelves for a once-in-a-lifetime kayaking experience.
See the glaciers calving into the water and enjoy the majestic scenery around the Kenai Fjords National Park. Its glacial-carved fjords blanket the region and the forests and provide habitats for bears and moose.
Greenland
The communities of Greenland have a long history of kayaking. It was one of the original modes of transport for settlers in the region. Today, plenty of tour companies will be ready to take you out for a kayaking adventure.
The scenery along the shoreline is nothing short of breathtaking, with huge landscapes, massive glaciers, and some of the coldest water in the world – remember to layer up! You get a truly authentic kayaking experience in the real wilderness of the southern arctic.
Nepal
Nepal is an adventurer’s paradise and the jewel of the Himalayas. The huge mountains in the region have some serious snow melts that send the rivers into overdrive during the springtime. The scenery around the area is breathtaking, and the people are friendly.
Take a tour to the Upper Seti half on a day run heading out of Pokhara. Or head out on a multi-day trip in the Kathmandu region around Mount Everest.
The Nepalese Rafting Association hosts the annual “White Water Festival,” and it’s worth turning up to enjoy it with other travelers and kayakers.
Uganda
If you’re feeling adventurous, book a ticket to Africa. Uganda is home to some of the best whitewater in the world.
There is a bevy of rivers and runs to choose from, with professional guides and accommodations available along the river.
You get warm weather kayaking along the White Nile, with big water and surf waves around every corner. IT’s the trip of a lifetime and a great way to experience the Dark Continent of Africa.
Zambezi
While you’re in Africa, head south to the Zambezi river. You’ll find the upper and middle sections of the river home to the legendary Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world.
The Zambezi is one of the most adventurous rivers in the world, with huge waves for surfing and rapids of every class and category you can imagine.
This trip is for the intermediate to advanced kayaker that likes splashing around in big water – it doesn’t get much bigger than this, we assure you. There are local guides and accommodations available along the shore throughout your trip.
Transkei
South Africa is home to some amazing kayaking destinations. The Eastern Cape has some of the most rugged and wild scenery and coastline in the country – that’s why they call it the Wild Coast.
Take a trip down the Mthatha River and paddle the shoreline along the Otter Trail. Witness the rugged coastline of Africa in all its glory and eat fresh mussels harvested from the beach for dinner.
Transkei has some amazing estuaries and waterways with not a soul to be seen for miles and miles. Take a guided tour and enjoy the wildest kayaking experience of your life.
The Transkei leads into the Western Cape and the Garden Route, with many more kayaking destinations as you travel towards Cape Town along the coastline.
Ecuador
Moving to South America, you have some amazing kayaking locations in Ecuador. The Galapagos National Park is one of the premier wildlife viewing destinations in the world.
Considered one of the world’s premier destinations for wildlife viewing, the Galapagos Islands need no introduction.
A kayaking expedition through the archipelago gives you a completely unique perspective of the region compared to a bus tour on land.
Paddle your kayak under the looming rock formations and cliffs. Check out the thousands of birds breeding in colonies around the islands, and get close to the lava flows pouring into the sea. It’s an amazing experience and one of the wildest experiences in the world.
Visit the rock formations inhabited by breeding bird colonies and get up close to the spectacular lava flows that have created its landscapes while spotting wildlife seen nowhere else on Earth.
The Amazon
The Amazon River is the mecca of whitewater rafting and river rafting. It’s a memorable trip for kayakers and one of the most remote kayaking locations in the world. Take a guided tour from the starting points in the north, right through to the Atlantic coast.
The Amazon is a truly special place, with some of the best biodiversity for tropical locations around the world. However, it’s a dangerous place, especially at night., Hire a tour guide and make sure you don’t wander off from camp at night.
Chile
Chile is another South American destination for some of the best kayaking adventures in the world. You get big waterfalls and drop-offs, with bright blue water in the rapids and rivers and some of the coldest meltwater you’ll ever feel.
The Futaleufu is a great river for all experience levels, and from your base in Pucon, you have access to class 3-4 runs.
Take your trip to the next level and experience the wilderness of Patagonia on a guided kayaking tour. Chile has something for every kayaker at any level, and there’s plenty to do on land.
Cuba
Head from South America over to Cuba on your kayaking world tour. The communist island accepts tourists, and it has some of the best kayaking locations in the world. As the largest of the Caribbean Islands, Cuba is home to thousands of miles of coastline.
The country has some amazing coral reefs, and they are in fantastic condition. The marine ecosystem is diverse, and you get warm, clear water wherever you decide to go in Cuba. The culture and architecture around the island are interesting, and the people are friendly.
Enjoy some Cuban food and cocktails before retiring to your hotel. The northeast coast lets’ you track the journey of Christopher Columbus, or take a trip along the southern coastline and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Zapata National Park, Cuba’s largest national park.
Paddle your way through the mangroves and plane over white-sand bottoms in crystal clear water. “The Bay of Pigs” is a national landmark and the site of the altercation with the US armed forces. It also makes for a fascinating paddling trip.
New Zealand
If you feel like putting the cherry on the top of your world tour, head to New Zealand. New Zealand is wet and wild, and it’s home to a variety of rivers offering you everything from Class II to Class VI rapids.
There’s something for kayakers at every experience level. A trip into the deep, unexplored coastline wilderness provides the best kayaking experience.
The North Island of New Zealand has a rainforest feel. It features rivers moving through tree-lined gorges with cliffs on either side like something out of a movie. The South Island offers you views of rolling hills and Alpine mountains and many kayaking runs.
New Zealand is an undeveloped country, and the northern and southern tips of the country have some of the most dramatic wild landscapes you’ll ever witness.
We recommend visiting Kaikoura, a southern coastal town that’s a frequent migratory sport for humpback whales and dolphins.
Kayaking Trips In the US
Sometimes you don’t have to travel far from home to get the kayaking experience of a lifetime. The United States is home to some of the most amazing kayaking destinations in the world.
Here are our top choices for kayaking around America.
Delaware
The Chesapeake Bay is America’s largest estuary, fed by a 200-mile long river flowing across six states. The Chesapeake Bay is home to millions of Americans, and it’s a vibrant coastal and fishing community with plenty of biodiversity in the marine life and loads of protected areas to explore.
You can spend around two days exploring the bay. If you’re lucky, you’ll encounter the diamondback terrapin, one of the most sought-after animal sightings in the area. The area is a great destination for a kayak fishing adventure.
The water is so clear that you’ll see the fish take the bait. There’s plenty of beautiful scenery to admire, and the sunsets are on another level.
Colorado
The Colorado River is one of the meccas for kayaking in America. The river is more than 1,450-0miles long, fed by the meltwater from the Colorado Rockies. It’s a biodiverse area and home to millions of species.
Visit the area in the springtime when the seasonal melt flows occur. You’ll experience a range of conditions, from easy sections for beginners to wild rapids.
The Colorado River winds through the Grand Canyon, allowing you to witness one of the world’s seven natural wonders on your trip.
This iconic river flows through seven American states, including Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada, Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Utah. Each section of the river offers you something unique, and it’s a must-do vacation for any American kayaker.
Tampa Bay
If you live in Florida, then Tampa Bay gives you a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a quick kayaking trip into the wilderness.
Florida and Tampa are home to many waterways – just don’t get out of the boat unless you want to take a wrestling match with an alligator.
However, paddling through the mangroves is a thrilling experience. Look out for the local wildlife and enjoy the natural experience, only a short drive from the city. The Hillsborough River gives you access to some decent rapids, and it’s a test for intermediate kayakers.
After you finish,. Head back into the city to enjoy a meal at one of Tampa’s restaurants and spend the evening jiving at one of the city’s clubs.
Idaho
The Salmon River in Idaho is home to one of the best river runs in the country. The Salmon River is a great choice for kayakers of all experience levels.
There’s something for every kayaking style, from Class II to Class V rapids. Take a cruise down the flowing river or tackle the raging rapids in your playboat.
Taking a paddle downriver allows you to marvel at the local wildlife in the area. Look out for bears and eagles, and you’ll probably have the occasional otter pop up beside your boat. The Salmon River also goes by the moniker of “The river of no return.”
As you float through Hell’s Canyon, you’ll discover why it captures this nickname. The desolate landscape is rough and rugged and home to deer and cougars. You’ll find waterfalls, mountains, beaches, and forests along the 14,000 square miles of this great river.
Arkansas
If you’re looking into a fishing kayaking trip, we recommend heading to the Mulberry River in Arkansas. The clear water of the Mulberry is home to many freshwater fish species, including Largemouth and smallmouth bass, potholes, and sunfish.
However, the water gets colder than you expect, so remember to take your cold-weather gear. Mid-March to mid-June presents the best times of the year to visit the Mulberry River. We recommend taking a night paddle to check out the stars as you float along the river.
Texas
The Devils River is a must-visit destination in Texas. This river runs between the Chihuahua and Tamaulipas deserts, providing some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The clean, clear waters are also home to many fishing species, making it another sought-after location for anglers.
However, the Devils River comes from the strong rapids and currents. Therefore, it’s a destination that’s only suitable for experienced kayakers. A tri[p down the Devil’s River can take up to three days, and it’s an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
If you’re a thrill-seeking adventurer, the Devil’s River is waiting for you if you dare.
