Best Places to Kayak in the World
If your idea of a perfect vacation is paddling through deep blue water, gazing up at awe-inspiring waterfalls, and spotting local wildlife, then it’s time to plan your dream kayak trip.
Whether it’s the breathtaking rainforest of Milford Sound, the serene inlets of the Pacific Northwest, or the stunning limestone islands of Ha Long Bay, we have put together a guide on the best places to kayak in the world.
Our guide covers why each place is special, how to get there, where to stay, the types of waves, the best kayak and gear to bring, and other critical information. We also have included hidden gems that are off the beaten path and perfect for more adventurous travelers and kayakers. Not only do our recommendations include stunning scenery and unique experiences, but we also touch on which place is the best for families, beginners, or advanced kayakers.
Finally, we wrap up this guide on the best places to kayak with our top recommended SUP-Kayak Hybrids and a few essential tips to make your kayaking trips more enjoyable.
Best Places To Kayak In the World
Below are our recommendations for the 5 best places to go kayaking. These locations feature stunning scenery, unique wildlife, and a range of conditions that suit different types of kayakers and travelers.
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Milford Sound is known for its stunning scenery, including impressive waterfalls, sky-high cliffs, and lush rainforests. This breathtakingly beautiful fjord, the only one in New Zealand, is home to incredible wildlife such as dolphins, seals, penguins, and the famous local kea parrot. Warning - once you visit Milford Sound, it may ruin all other kayaking for you!
It’s best for advanced kayakers because of the longer distance between the sights and the potential for changing weather with strong winds and rains. However, you can book the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise is a great option for beginner kayakers. You can kayak for up to 2 hours.
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Best Way to Get There: Fly into Queenstown, then drive or take a bus to Milford Sound (about a 4-hour drive).
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Best Place to Stay: Milford Sound Lodge is known for its proximity and scenic views. Or you can camp on the way to Milford Sound at one of the 7 Department of Conservation campgrounds such as Henry Creek Campsites in the Fjordland/Milford Sound area
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Best Time to Visit: You can kayak all year. In the summer (November to March) you have a better chance to spot wildlife plus longer daylight hours, but it’s more crowded. The winter (April to October) is more peaceful and tranquil
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Waves/Conditions: While the fjord has mostly calm and sheltered waters ideal for kayaking it can be rainy, so waterproof gear is essential
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Recommended Kayak Type: Sea kayak for stability and comfort over long distances
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Gear: Waterproof clothing, dry bags, a life jacket, a spray skirt, and a map or GPS.
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Booking Ahead: Highly recommended for accommodations and guided kayaking tours, especially during peak tourist season (December to February).
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Considerations:
- Be prepared for rain: Regardless of the time of year, Milford Sound is known for its rain so pack a rain jacket year-round.
- Visa: Most visitors need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) or a visa, depending on their country of origin.
Vancouver Island, Canada
We recommend kayaking Clayoquot Sound, located on the west side of Vancouver Island in British Columbia Canada. This stunning region is known for its ancient coastal rainforests and incredibly diverse wildlife such as orcas, seals, otters, eagles, and wolves. It’s no wonder that Clayoquot Sound is a protected Biosphere Reserve.
Tofino is a fantastic choice for beginners and families, as well as more advanced kayakers. This area offers a range of kayaking options - from a single-day kayak around Tofino Harbour to multi-day kayak camping trips - either guided or independent. A popular trip is to kayak to nearby Meares Island and hike on the Big Tree Trail. For more advanced kayakers, you can go on a 5-day kayaking trip from Tofino and finish with a soak in the natural hot springs at Hot Springs Cove. Or you can hire a boat to a far-away inlet and then explore by kayak.
Tofino is a great option for families as there are endless outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, whale watching, exploring tidal pools, and relaxing on one of Tofino’s many beaches.
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Best Way to Get There: You can fly to Victoria on Vancouver Island and drive to Tofino. Or for far-away international travelers, it’s best to fly to Vancouver, rent a car, take the ferry to Nanaimo or Victoria on Vancouver Island, and then drive to Tofino
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Best Place to Stay: The Lunar Cove Inn and The Shoreline are two popular upscale hotels. Or for a more affordable option, you can camp at Surf Grove Campground (which also offers RV and A-frame rentals if you don’t like roughing it in a tent)
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Best Time to Visit: June to September is the sunniest and warmest time to visit, however, you can get a visit during shoulder season (May and October) if you prefer avoiding crowds
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Waves/Conditions: Varied; sheltered bays and inlets offer calm waters, while coastlines can have rougher conditions
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Recommended Kayak Type: Sea kayak. For those new to kayaking, you can buddy up and try a tandem kayak. You can rent kayaks right at Tofino Harbour
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Gear: Wet suit/dry suit, life jacket, dry bags, spray skirt, and possibly a marine radio if you are kayaking independently on a multi-day trip
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Booking Ahead: Advised for accommodations, especially in popular areas like Tofino, and guided tours or kayak rentals during the summer season (June to September)
Considerations
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Be prepared for rain as even in the summer, the Pacific Northwest gets rain which is how its rainforests stay lush year-round. Don’t forget to bring a rain jacket, umbrella, and waterproof shoes
- Visa: Visitors from many countries need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or visa to enter Canada.
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
If you’re already planning a dreamy Mediterranean vacation, why don’t you consider adding kayaking to your itinerary? It’s a great way to get active and admire the beauty of the Adriatic Coast from the water. The Dalmatian Coast is known for crystal-clear waters, red-roofed coastal towns, and ancient architecture. If you want to explore the best of island life, then you’ll love island hopping on the Dalmatian Coast.
Because guided kayak tours are popular, the Dalmatian Coast is a great option for beginners or families. Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik are three of the most popular towns on the Coast. Split is a pretty coastal city known for the Palace of Diocletian that sits within the city walls. You might recognize Dubrovnik Old Town from Game of Thrones. The renowned Old Town, fortified by walls that have been standing for centuries, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hvar Island is just a ferry ride away from Split or Dubrovnik. It’s the sunniest island in Europe that balances its reputation as a “party island” while being home to 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites. While Hvar Town has a nightlife scene and fancy yachts, once you get out of town, you can experience traditional Dalmatian agriculture.
If you’re looking for a remote and active vacation, then check out Dubi Otok. It’s a gorgeous long island off Zadar known for its natural beauty such as the stunning Sakarun Beach, Mir Salt Lake, and Telašćica Nature Park.
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Best Way to Get There: You can fly into Split or Dubrovnik. If you’re going to Hvar, you’ll fly into Split or Dubrovnik and then take a ferry to Hvar. Dugi Otok: You can get there by flying into Zadar, and then taking a ferry.
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Best Place to Stay: Variety of options from beachfront hotels, guest houses or bed and breakfasts
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Best Time to Visit: June to September is the peak summer season and offers the best conditions for swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling
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Waves/Conditions: Usually calm and warm Mediterranean waters, with occasional wind
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Best Kayak Type: stable recreational kayaks or sit-on-top kayaks work for exploring calm bays and protected coasts. If you’re planning to kayak between islands, you’ll need a sea kayak. You can rent kayaks or book tours in Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik.
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Gear: Lightweight, breathable clothing, sun protection, dry bags, life jacket, and a map or GPS (if you’re going on your own without a tour)
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Booking Ahead: Highly recommended for accommodations during the peak season (June to September) and for guided kayaking tours or rentals
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Considerations:
- Park Pass: No specific park pass is required for coastal areas, but some islands or nature reserves may have entrance fees.
- Visa: Most visitors from outside the EU/Schengen Area need a Schengen visa
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay is a breathtaking natural wonder with stunning limestone islands, emerald green waters, and endless beaches and grottoes to explore.
This is a great kayaking adventure for families because this sheltered bay has calm waters and many options for guided boat and kayak tours. If you’re a beginner, overnight cruises offer kayaking as part of the package along with exploring beaches, caves, and swimming.
Ha Long Bay is about 3-4 hours away from Hanoi. If you’re a foodie, we recommend exploring Vietnam’s capital city Hanoi before or after you visit Ha Long Bay.
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Best Way to Get There: Fly into Hanoi, then take a bus or private transfer to Ha Long Bay (about a 3- 4 hour drive with traffic)
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Best Place to Stay:
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Best Time to Visit: March to May is the best time to visit if you want to balance comfortable temperatures (68 - 83℉) with the least amount of crowds - the only catch is there is a higher chance of rain. October to December is the busiest time of year because it’s warm (63 - 77℉) with the lowest chance of rain
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Waves/Conditions: Typically calm waters ideal for leisurely paddling
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Recommended Kayak Type: Sit-on-top kayaks are the easiest and most comfortable way to kayak and swim in warm tropical conditions
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Gear: Lightweight, breathable clothing, sun protection, dry bags, life jacket
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Booking Ahead: Essential for overnight cruises and accommodations, particularly during peak tourist season (October to April), and for guided kayaking tours. Booking for cruises and tours is necessary, especially if traveling during the busy season.
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Considerations:
- Park Pass: An entrance fee is required for Ha Long Bay, often included in tour packages.
- Visa: Most visitors need a visa for Vietnam, though some countries have visa exemption agreements.
Norwegian Fjords, Norway
Norway is home to some majestic fjords with steep cliffs, deep waters, and picturesque villages. There are several fjords that you can explore, but we recommend two options below.
Base yourself in Bergen, which is considered the heart of the fjords. You will have access to tons of kayaking routes like Hardangerfjorden, Sognefjorden, and Flåm. Nærøyfjorden is Norway’s narrowest ford and a stunning choice for kayakers. Bergen is a beautiful mountain town with historical architecture that offers a ton of family-friendly activities. There are tons of hiking routes, and activities such as fjord tours via boat, or taking the Bergen Railway train to admire the views. Also if you love seafood, Bergen is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
If you prefer something more remote, visit Geirangerfjorden, a spectacular fjord that offers plenty of guided kayaking tours. Even the journey to Geirangerfjord is stunning, so take your time, spend some days in Bergen, then make it a scenic road trip north. Once you get there, pair kayaking with a hike to the historical farm Skageflå, which is 270 m above sea level. From there you can admire views of the fjord and look at the Seven Sisters and Suitor waterfalls.
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Best Way to Get There:
- Bergen: Fly into Bergen,
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Geirangerfjord: fly into Bergen and enjoy a few days there. Then fly to Alesund and then rent a car. It's about a 60-90 minute flight then a 2-hour drive to Hellesylt, where you drive onto a ferry and go up the fjord to Geiranger
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Best Place to Stay:
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Best Time to Visit: May to September offer the warmest temperatures
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Waves/Conditions: Generally calm fjord waters, but weather can change quickly.
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Recommended Kayak Type: Sea kayak for navigating the deep fjord waters and covering long distances.
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Gear: Waterproof clothing, dry bags, a life jacket, a spray skirt, and a map or GPS.
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Booking Ahead: Recommended for accommodations, especially during the summer months (June to August), and for guided tours or kayak rentals
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Considerations:
- Park Pass: No park pass is required, but some areas may have entrance fees for specific attractions.
- Visa: Most visitors from outside the Schengen Area need a Schengen visa.
Hidden Gems: Best Places to Kayak That Are Off the Beaten Path
We’ve included two hidden gems for more wild and remote locations that are challenging and stunning. These hidden gems offer unique and less crowded kayaking experiences, with conditions ranging from calm waters suitable for beginners to challenging rapids for advanced kayakers.
Laguna San Rafael, Chile
Remote and breathtaking, Laguna San Rafael is known for its stunning glaciers in a pristine natural environment. Best for advanced kayakers due to the remote location and cold conditions.
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Best Way to Get There: Fly into Balmaceda Airport near Coyhaique, then drive or take a boat to Laguna San Rafael National Park.
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Best Place to Stay: Eco-camps or lodges in the Aysén region, such as Puyuhuapi Lodge. There is also camping through Conaf Camping Laguna Caiquines
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Best Time to Visit: December to February is the peak season to visit
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Waves/Conditions: Cold, calm glacial waters; conditions can be unpredictable
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Recommended Kayak Type: Sea kayak for stability and long-distance paddling in cold waters.
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Gear: Dry suit, waterproof clothing, life jacket, dry bags, spray skirt, and a map or GPS
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Booking Ahead: Strongly recommended, especially for lodging and guided tours within the park
- Considerations:
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Park Pass: Yes, Laguna San Rafael National Park requires an entrance fee.
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Visa: Most visitors need a tourist visa for Chile. Check specific country requirements.
Zambezi River, Zambia/Zimbabwe
The Zambezi offers a fantastic white-water kayaking experience with dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife. The famous white water section is in Batoka Gorge, directly below the famous Victoria Falls, one of the world’s seven natural wonders. The river contains different rapids, but it’s recommended for confident, experienced kayakers with a decent fitness level as you’ll be paddling in the heat and hiking in and out of the canyon.
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Best Way to Get There: Fly into Livingstone (Zambia) or Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), then travel to the river access points.
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Best Place to Stay:
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Best Time to Visit: while you can visit at many points of the year, the best time is to visit when the low water season opens or closes, so it’s late July/August and the end of December to early January.
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Waves/Conditions: Varied, with sections of calm water and challenging rapids (Class III to V). It is likely that you will flip in the rapids, luckily the water is quite warm
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Recommended Kayak Type: White-water kayaks designed for navigating rapids.
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Gear: Helmet, wetsuit, life jacket, spray skirt, paddle, and safety gear (throw bag, etc.)
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Booking Ahead: Essential for white-water rafting/kayaking tours, lodging, and any guided activities
- Considerations
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Park Pass: Entrance fees are required for national parks on both sides of the river, such as Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia) and Zambezi National Park (Zimbabwe)
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Visa: Visas are required for both Zambia and Zimbabwe. A KAZA Univisa allows entry to both countries
The Best Kayaks For Travel
If you’re looking to Choose the Right Kayak for travel, check out our recommendations for inflatable SUP-Kayak hybrids. These inflatable Sit sit-on-top kayaks are versatile and lightweight, making them great for travel.
Our bestselling Switch hybrids have won 30+ awards and hundreds of happy customers. They are our original hybrid SUP-Kayak that lets you switch easily from kayaking to paddleboarding.
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The Switch is our original bestselling paddle board hybrid kayak, known for its stability and versatility. It’s the lightest model on the market with a hull that weighs only 19 pounds. Perfect for people who want an ultra-lightweight and stable board (35.5” wide). The full-length deck means it’s great for both solo or tandem SUP and kayak, and balanced enough for yoga or fishing. It quickly deflates and rolls up for ultimate portability.
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Switch Compact: Includes all the great features of our best-selling, award-winning Switch inflatable SUP-Kayak hybrid in a lighter, more compact package. Great for small cars, city living, or those who take it traveling. It is 10’6” long and has a 40% smaller packing size while maintaining excellent stability and user-friendly performance for riders up to 220lbs. On its own, it weighs 17 lbs, with all the gear it weighs 34 lbs.
If you’re an advanced kayaker looking to go the distance, check out our SUP-kayak hybrids from our Pro Series boards. ISLE's patented* Airtech Prolite construction means you get the convenience of an inflatable with the performance of a rigid board for extreme durability.
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Our Switch Pro is an extremely lightweight, versatile 11’6” kayak perfect for beginner to intermediate kayakers. It is stable and great for tandem kayaking as it can carry up to 475 lbs. This package includes everything you need to SUP or kayak right out of the box.
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Pioneer Pro: Easily converts from paddle board to sit-on-top kayak with our Patent-Pending ISLE-LINK system for endless customization with a wide range of ISLE-LINK accessories. It comes in 3 sizes, from 9’6” to 11’6”. If you want the Pioneer Pro with all the kayak gear, check out our Pioneer Pro SUP-Kayak Bundle.
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The Explorer Pro is for adventurous kayakers who want to go the distance with our award-winning touring and fitness board. It’s best for longer distances, and its high weight capacity means it’s great for carrying gear while solo or tandem kayaking and paddleboarding. It is designed with a touring shape to cut through the water efficiently. Again it is sold as a Base and a Complete Package option.
Tips for a Kayaking Trip
If you need a refresher on How to Set Up Your SUP-Kayak Hybrid we recommend checking out our blog post.
Finally, if you want to paddle further and faster we recommend you watch our Kayak Paddle Board Technique video with our in-house kayak expert and make sure you properly Trim Your Paddle Board Kayak Hybrid especially if you’re bringing gear along on your kayak. These techniques will help you be more efficient with your energy and paddle easier and smoother.
Thanks for reading our guide on the best places to kayak in the world. We hope that you’re excited to explore new waters
