10 Best Places To Kayak

April 3, 2018

kayaking in El Nido Palawan, Philippines

If you were given a whole year of free travel tickets to enjoy the best kayaking sites in the world where would you go? With hundreds and thousands of amazing kayaking destination around the world, it can be hard to choose the best spots to go on a spontaneous water adventure. In this article, we’re going to explore the top 10 most beautiful places to go kayaking.

1. Fiordland, New Zealand

kayaking in Fiordland, New Zealand

There are many great areas to kayak in New Zealand but Fiordland is the best if you want an unforgettable river or lake kayaking experience. Fiordland is a paradise filled with numerous lakes and rivers. Tours around Fiordland often consist of a 4-hour paddling adventure on a 15km water journey. Some of the popular destinations will allow you to see the breathtaking scenery and explore the vast wilderness. Overall, Fiordland has all the best spots for the experienced, recreational and adventurous kayaker to experience rough lakes and challenging sea kayak trips.

2. Svalbard, Norway

kayaking in Svalbard, Norway

Experience your arctic dream while kayaking in Norway’s most unique and untouched arctic island: The Svalbard Island. Here you can go kayaking in the winter and enjoy great cabin accommodations complete with amazing glacial views, private jacuzzis, and sauna. You can also go on fun kayak trips with a group of fellow travelers and visit Svalbard’s most historical fjords, ghost towns, and see the elusive arctic wildlife.

3. Soca River, Slovenia 

kayaking on Soca River, Slovenia

Kayak in Slovenia’s 138-kilometre Soca River located in the mouth of the Adriatic sea. Highly praised for its amazing waters that have the most vibrant color variations, the Soca River Valley is the perfect place to see nature in its most beautiful form. Often the subject of photographs for its beautiful turquoise waters and clear pool, Soca is an amazing kayak location for photographers and nature lovers. Aside from kayaking, there are also lots of fun activities you can do in the area. You can fish, swim and go rafting.

4. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

kayaking in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Michigan

Pictured Rocks in Michigan is the perfect place to go kayaking with its mesmerizing formation of sandstone cliffs and its beautiful marine environment. You can start your adventure by hiking along the 100-mile trail and exploring the pristine beach before taking your kayak out to the sea.

5. Ichetucknee River, Florida

kayaking on Ichetucknee River, Florida

Experience a different kayak experience in the crystalline Ichetucknee River. If you’re looking for a great kayak spot that’s available all throughout the year, this is it. In addition to kayaking, there are plenty more things to do including tubing, canoeing, diving, swimming, and wildlife viewing. It’s one of the best kayak spots for family and friends going in group kayaking adventures.

6. Storm Bay in Tasmania, Australia

kayaking in Storm Bay in Tasmania, Australia

Kayaking along Storm bay, the largest bay in the south-east region of Tasmania is the best way to take in the picturesque marine views of the area. One of the favorite hangout spots among locals, Storm Bay is a great spot for tourist travelers, explorers, and families wanting to relax and enjoy their weekends.

7. Galapagos National Park, Ecuador

kayaking in Galapagos National Park

Kayaking offers a unique way to explore the breathtaking Galapagos Island. Galapagos is a volcanic archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean. Because of lack of natural predators, lots of friendly wildlife live free and unharmed in Galapagos. Aside from kayaking, other interesting activities include snorkeling, hiking, and exploring the beach.

8. Lake Aoki, Japan

kayaking on Lake Aoki, Japan

A deep and clear lake located in Nagano, Lake Aoki is one of the most underrated kayak spots in the world. Lake Aoki is unlike any other like, it is made by snow-melt rain and natural spring water from below. During spring, cherry blossoms are abundant around the lake’s vicinity and in summer the lake is shrouded with an ethereal greenery.

9. Phi Phi, Thailand

kayaking in Phi Phi, Thailand

There’s arguably no better spot for kayaking than the beautiful Phi Phi Island in Krabi, Thailand. Named after the fiery tree or the grey mangroves found all throughout the island, Phi Phi is one of the largest and most visited islands in Thailand. Here you can go kayaking for days and enjoy the quiet beach life.

10. El Nido Palawan, Philippines

kayaking in El Nido Palawan, Philippines

White sandy beaches, beautiful coral reefs, and wondrous cliff formations will make your kayak experience unforgettable in El Nido Palawan, Philippines. Named after the edible bird’s nest found throughout the immense limestone cliffs in the area, El Nido is becoming one of the emerging top tourist destinations in the country.


What Equipment to Bring for Safe Kayaking

No matter if you’re an experienced paddler, beginner, have a guide or not it’s still very important to bring safety equipment wherever you go kayaking. Here’s a handy checklist of the most important equipment to bring in your kayaking adventures:

  • PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) - Keeps your head above the water if ever you capsize. During winter weather, they also provide insulation.

  • Float Bags - Makes self-rescue easier and less risky.

  • Helmets - very important safety gear if you’re whitewater kayaking or surfing with your kayak in rocky shores.

  • First-aid kit - Accidents happen when you least expect it so make sure you’re well prepared. First-aid kits are important in every kayaking adventure. Make sure to bring a waterproof first-aid box inside your kayak whenever you’re going paddling.

  • Sprayskirts - Keeps the water out of the kayak. This is an essential requirement if you’re going whitewater or sea kayaking.

  • Emergency flags - designed to draw attention to other paddlers or people from the shore in case of an emergency.

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    About the author 

    Richard Dravick  -  I created this site to help people who like myself enjoy kayaking and fishing. Kayaking allows you enjoy all the great themes of nature that are around us everywhere and combining this with fishing can create some of the most memorable times in life.
    Please let me know if you have enjoyed these reviews and if you have thoughts on what you would like to see for future reviews so that I can keep the content fresh.

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