Exciting Kayaking and Canoeing Trips for Your Bucket List

Sitting on the still water surrounded by snow-capped mountains, thick forests, and massive canyons in your kayak or canoe is an incredible way to experience nature.

Kayaking and canoeing give us a front row seat to some of the best shows Mother Nature has to offer. They can also provide heart-racing experiences that few will ever forget.  

No matter which way you prefer to experience the water, there are some hotspots that every passionate kayaker and canoer should visit in their lifetime, including these personal favorites.  

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

It takes sheer willpower to remain steady as a towering glacier crumbles and splashes in the water in front of you. Imagine orcas and humpback whales swimming near your kayak as you paddle through the icy glass of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. 

Kayaks are available to rent if you want to make your own way across the water. However, tours are also available that highlight some remarkable scenery. The breathtaking beauty and wildlife of this frigid part of the world is a kayaker's dream, and it is one of the most breathtaking places to canoe in the world.

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia 

Let’s trade the arctic waters of Alaska for the warm waters of the Mediterranean. The blue waters welcome you to bask in the beauty of southern Europe. I have seen many coastlines on my travels stretching from the East Coast of America all the way to the South China Sea. However, I have never seen a more breathtaking shoreline than the Dalmatian Coast. The coast is lined with brown and green craggy hills, hidden inlets, and mysterious caves to discover. The water is crystal clear, and the islands are as much fun as they are gorgeous. 

An excellent base for this once in a lifetime trip is the Elaphiti Island chain that lies near the coast. However, do not stay in your kayak the whole time. Many of these islands are worth exploring for a few days. These islands of the Dalmatian Coast are filled with monasteries, olive groves, and vineyards.  

The stunning landscape combined with the clay-tiled buildings and the charming locals that reside in them make the Dalmatian Coast one of the most picturesque kayaking and canoeing hotspots in the world.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Archipelago is famous for its unique assortment of animals, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world. 

Without question, one of the best ways to experience this natural diversity is from the seat of your kayak or canoe.  Venturing on the water gives you access to inlets and groves that motorboats cannot reach. 

Also be sure to enjoy the vast array of underwater wildlife that includes colorful fish, penguins, sharks, and rays. And of course, jno Galapagos adventure is complete without some trekking on land to see the giant turtles, rare birds like blue-footed boobies, and other wildlife. 

Phang Na Bay, Thailand

Paddle past massive limestone pinnacles, through sea caves filled with stalactites, and stop to relax on island lagoons in this remarkable part of the world. These are just a few adventures waiting for those who want to cross off Phang Na Bay from their kayaking and canoeing bucket list.  Thailand is known for its unforgettable seaside escapes and Phang Na Bay is one of the best examples of them. 

Patagonia, Chile 

The hectic whitewater of Patagonia might be a challenge, but if you have the skillset, it is well worth it. The landscape of Patagonia is famed around the world for its incredible beauty, rivers, and adventures. Bear in mind that this unforgettable rafting adventure is a Class V+ so it is not suitable for all kayakers and rafters. 

Fiordland, New Zealand

The Fiordlands of New Zealand are a canoers' and kayakers' dream come true. The coast is full of snow-capped mountains, rocky coastline, green rainforests, and still waters. The best thing about the Fiordlands, outside of Milford Sound, is that they are remote so don't expect to see many other tourists.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

What better place to kayak and canoe than one of the new 7 natural wonders of the world? Halong Bay is a masterpiece of nature, and it is a very fitting adventure for your kayaking and canoeing bucket list. Expect to duck as you paddle through small caves that lead to secluded lagoons and inlets. I spent a couple of days kayaking through Halong Bay, and it is still one of my favorite adventures in Asia.

These are some of the most awe-inspiring places for kayaking and canoeing adventures. 

Taking to the water not only gives you an all-encompassing view of some of the most scenic landscapes on the planet, but it also packs your holiday with adventure, making them a must for your kayaking and canoeing bucket list

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