10 Best Places to Kayak in the World

Whether you want tropical beaches, northern fjords, cultural experiences or wildlife encounters, here are 10 ultimate kayaking destinations around the world.

Antarctica

Paddle with icebergs and penguins, visit research stations, follow the footsteps of Shackleton, and experience the austere beauty of the world’s most isolated continent—all made more accessible by a handful of specialised expedition mother ships.

Vancouver Island

Explore the wild coastline of Nootka, relax on the sandy beaches of Clayoquot Sound, kayak with orcas in the Johnstone Straight and indulge in a soak at Hot Springs Cove. Have camera ready for whales, wolves, eagles and sea otters—but also keep that raingear handy!

Patagonia by Flickr.com/photos/chrisschoenbohm

Patagonia

With windswept fjords, restless volcanoes, hot-springs, glacial rivers and enough islands and inlets to keep European explorers flummoxed for decades, Patagonia is the ultimate bucket list destination for adventurous kayakers seeking spectacular scenery and challenging paddling conditions.

Panama

Want to kayak and snorkel with turtles, rays and whale sharks? Head to the Pacific island of Coiba, known as Panama’s Galapagos. To explore the Atlantic side, paddle the picture perfect San Blas Islands and enjoy the hospitality of the indigenous Kuna people.

Paddling in Hawaii by Flickr.com/photos/fortes/

Hawaii

For a peaceful daytrip, paddle with dolphins in Kona’s Kealakekua Bay or depart Oahu’s Kailua Beach for a picnic and swim at the Mokulua Islands. For paddlers ready for challenging surf and currents, explore Kauai’s famed Napali Coast or the north shore of Molokai, home of the tallest sea cliffs in the world.

New Zealand

With diverse landscapes and climates, the North and South Islands have an incredible array of kayaking options. The coastal paradise of Abel Tasman National Park is perhaps NZ’s most famous paddling destination, but there are dozens of options from Milford Sound in rugged Fiordland to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands.

Baja

Sun-kissed sandy beaches, warm waters and spectacular sunsets over the Pacific keep many kayakers returning to this paddling paradise year after year. Paddle with migratory gray whales in Bahia Magdalena, explore Loreto’s Gulf Islands, or try your hand at some seriously epic kayak fishing.

Kayaking in Gros Morne, Newfoundland by Flickr.com/photos/grosmornecoop

Newfoundland

The cold waters around the Rock are more than balanced by the warm welcome of the people. Explore the rocky grandeur of Gros Morne National Park or paddle with puffins, whales and icebergs along the Avalon Peninsula.

Iceland

Hot springs, geysers, waterfalls, volcanoes – this mystical island of sagas, storms and endless summer daylight feels like an alternate reality. Paddle past glaciers along the fjords of Jökulfirðir, or explore the cosmopolitan city of Reykjavik from the water.

Ireland

The Emerald Isle boasts an irresistible mix of history, culture, picturesque seaside villages and ocean paddling for all levels. Visit the haunts of Gaelic pirate queen Granuaille along the Connemara coastline, test your skills in the surf at Bundoran or dozens of lesser known breaks, and wrap up your day swapping tales in the local pub.