The beautiful thing about kayaking is that it can take you practically everywhere! You can see a huge variety of wildlife and scenery, just paddling along. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway on a scenic lake or a serious adventure exploring the wilderness, kayaking trips are one of life’s greatest pleasures.
The following are our favorite places to go kayaking. We’ve included some Stateside, as well as some ideas for intrepid travelers who want to go abroad.
Check them out!
The best places to kayak in the USA
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Superior National Forest, MN
The Boundary Waters Wilderness is one of the most well-known destinations in the country for paddlers on vacation. It’s all fairly accessible to intermediate and novice kayakers. You also have the luxury of choice. There are 1200+ miles of routes to choose from, and more than 2000 campsites along the way. It’s a great family destination, or somewhere to go lose yourself for a week without having to feel like you’re going into harm’s way.
Prince William Sound, Chugach National Forest, AK
Prince William Sound is one of the most dramatic locations anywhere in the world, let alone in the USA. It boasts staggering glaciers, impressive snowscapes, and sea waters teeming with life, particularly orca whales! There are 16 cabins run by the Forest Service within the Chugach preserve, so you don’t have to completely rough it. You’ll want to have some solid experience under your belt before heading here, though.
Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
Lake Tahoe is a whole world unto itself. It has mountains, beaches, lots of campgrounds, and ample opportunities for hiking between your paddling jaunts. One of the benefits of going somewhere popular like this is that there’s a whole infrastructure when you arrive. No need to worry about where to find rental boats, gear, or supplies. They’re available practically everywhere. And for a well-known destination, it rarely feels crowded.
Cumberland Island, GA
Cumberland Island is a highly underrated vacation destination. It’s among the largest undeveloped barrier islands anywhere in the world, and an ideal place to to if you’re into sea kayaking. It has nearly 10,000 acres of preserved forest land, which is crisscrossed with hiking trails and surrounded by beaches. If you want a break from being at sea, you can cut inland on one of the many creeks. You can even check out the ruined estate house–one of the only remnants of the original settlements by Americans. The wildlife is simply astonishing, with anything from wild horses to manatees on view. Going here requires some thorough planning, though, since it’s a National Park. Management only allows 300 people on the island at any given time. Book well in advance!
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, MI
Pictured Rocks is a bit unpredictable, and can either be incredibly relaxing or slightly invigorating. It all depends on the weather. We suggest it as an option for experienced folks. This is an area along Lake Superior, where giant sandstone cliffs line the coastline. The tallest rise over 200 feet! Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes, and it’s the most pristine. Of course, this spot is all about the cliffs. You can check out the many caves and arches along the edges, as well as the stunning sandstone “pictures” for which the preserve is named. Be prepared for some fairly large waves, though!
The best places to kayak around the world
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
If you want to feel like you’re completely in the wilderness, few places can compete with Vancouver Island. You’ll see orcas aplenty, as well as humpbacked whales and all sorts of land mammals when you camp. There are smaller islands to explore, dozens of protected waterways, and a general feeling of remoteness. A great place to go if you want to disconnect!
The Amazon River
Stretching across nearly all of South America, the Amazon is an experienced adventurer’s dream. It’s as wild as wild gets. You can explore the rainforest along the way, and see indigenous cultures that don’t have much contact with the outside world. As far as sheer diversity of wildlife, the Amazon is where the buck stops! Of course, it’s quite dangerous, for several reasons. You’ll need the full plethora of vaccines, plus a reputable tour guide to keep your safe.
Fjordland, New Zealand
Getting in and out will require a helicopter hire, but Fjordland is a kayaker’s dream come true. The fjords provide peaceful, easy paddling, and the scenery is as good as it gets. There are the towering Southern Alps, usually capped with snow, and it’s completely undeveloped so your views stretch endlessly in any direction.
Antarctica
You’ll need to be experienced in both kayaking and outdoor adventuring to do it safely, but yes–you can kayak Antarctica! It’s actually the best way to explore the last unexplored continent. You can get up close and personal with penguins, see some of the vastest areas of pristine wilderness on earth, and explore the unpopulated continent before it becomes developed. Don’t plan on doing this cheaply or without a support team. You’ll need to hire experienced professionals. You’ll need to get on a cruise ship tour. It takes a few days from Argentina to get to Antarctica, so plan on this being a longer vacation.
We know it’s expensive, but if you invest in something well-rounded, you’ll end up coming away with much more than a few paddling trips under your belt. The best cruise options have researchers onboard who will provide lectures and guided viewings of wildlife before you even reach Antarctica. They’ll also offer a range of activities, from kayaking to camping.
What’s next
Planning your next adventure Stateside? Make sure you’ve got a suitable vessel in your arsenal! Check out our current recommendations for the best kayaks of all types and categories!