Top 7 Kayaking Adventures: Discover Epic Destinations | Go Travel Daily

Top 7 Kayaking Adventures: Discover Epic Destinations

There’s nothing quite like skimming across the open ocean or braving the rapids in a kayak. Whether you opt for a peaceful excursion or a more thrilling endeavor, there are plenty of spots to choose from.

From Alaska to Antarctica, these unreal locations will have you going home with bragging rights, no doubt.

Kayaker observing sea lions on rocks at La Jolla, near San Diego © Ron_Thomas / Getty Images

San Diego, California: kayak among the leopard sharks

Kayaking off the coast of La Jolla can be amazing year-round; however, if you go from July through September, it’s extra special. That’s when leopard sharks show up in droves. Because of the nutrient-packed, shallow water and dense kelp forests, it creates an ideal habitat for pregnant leopard sharks. They typically do not exceed 4 feet in length and are harmless.

Moreover, you will experience four microhabitats throughout La Jolla Underwater Park. Keep your eyes peeled for shovel nose guitar fish, dolphins, sea lions, lobsters, and turtles. You can take an hour-long leopard-shark tour or opt for a sea-cave tour. Hiking Mt Soledad afterward offers stunning views of San Diego County.

Guiding a kayak into the ocean just off the Maui coast © Frank Gaglione / Getty Images

Makena Beach, Maui: spot sea turtles through the clear water

Off the shores of Makena Beach, on Maui’s southern coastline, a beautiful kayaking experience awaits. Underwater lava formations, created by submarine volcanoes, provide an ideal home for green sea turtles. Guests can enjoy a morning kayaking session and snorkeling adventure in the clear turquoise waters.

Consequently, spotting various marine life, such as angelfish, octopus, butterfly fish, and moray eels is effortless. Moreover, you can participate in a beach cleanup, helping to preserve the stunning environment—just remember to keep your distance from the endangered turtles.

Kayaking in southeastern Alaska © Sergey Yechikov / Shutterstock

Antarctica, Cuverville Island: the world’s coldest, driest, windiest place to kayak

This is a bucket-list kayak adventure like no other. First things first: prepare for the cold by donning a heavy-duty dry suit, thick gloves, and booties. This protects you from the icy 32°F (0°C) waters. As you start paddling and soaking in your surreal surroundings, you may spot playful penguins on the shoreline.

Here, you can encounter Weddell seals lounging on snowbanks, as well as crabeater seals, orcas, and humpback whales. The overhead sky is filled with petrels, Antarctic terns, and albatrosses, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The only sound comes from ice chunks clinking against each other, providing a unique auditory backdrop.

Look for deer in the surrounding forest in Apopka, Florida © OwensImaging / Getty Images

Alaska, Inside Passage: bears onshore while humpbacks glide beneath you

There’s nothing quite like silently floating in your kayak as bears frolic on the shore, just 50 feet away. It’s common to encounter sea otters, seals, sea stars, bald eagles, and pods of humpback whales, particularly during whale season (Apr–Nov).

In this stunning Southeast panhandle, known for its famous Inside Passage, you may also spot moose, grizzlies, and puffins, enriching your kayaking adventure with remarkable wildlife sightings.

Apopka, Florida: take in the lush greens of central Florida

Visit Rock Springs Run State Reserve, about a 45-minute drive from Orlando, to paddle your way upstream through crystal-clear, 70°F (21°C) waters. On warm days, the rhythmic drumming of woodpeckers and the steady hum of cicadas create a serene ambiance.

Paddle through the narrow canal towards Bonsai Bend, where century-old oak trees dip into the water. Clear kayaks allow you to spot otters and fish as they glide beneath you. While paddling, keep an eye out for deer, herons, and egrets in the surrounding forest.

Keep an eye out for the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos © Joel W. Rogers / Corbis Documentary / Getty Images Plus

The Galápagos Islands: one of the world’s greatest destinations for marine life

Discover local marine life while exploring designated areas of Galápagos National Park. Look out for rays and sea turtles swimming along, marine iguanas lounging on the rocks, and blue-footed boobies flying overhead. Don’t forget to bring your snorkel mask and fins; there’s a world of underwater exploration waiting for you!

Vail, Colorado: a chilling and refreshing rapid ride

Gore Creek, which runs through Vail Village, is known for its adventurous rapids. Rent a kayak for some exhilarating fun in the water during summertime, while also considering stand-up paddleboarding, rafting, or SUPsquatching if you prefer. This thrilling experience promises to be memorable for all visitors!

This article explores some of the best kayaking destinations for adventure enthusiasts across the globe, offering unforgettable experiences in nature’s most breathtaking settings.

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