As a kayaker, whether it’s a slow-paced adventure you want or slicing and curving your way through a white curtain of water, there are destinations to fulfill any kayaker’s wish list. When considering the top kayaking destinations, there are several factors that have to be looked at. These factors include closeness to nature, varied and abundant wildlife and adventure. Opportunities for all skills level play a role in considering the best destination. The above factors are not the only factors. We have just named a few.
Kayaking is an exciting sport and recreation activity for all ages. It provides great full-body work out. Moreover, every kayaker gets to enjoy the surrounding natural environment as close as possible. As much there are great and exciting places for kayaking in the world, there are destinations that every kayaker should never miss. Some of the top kayaking destinations are:
1. Glacier bay, Alaska:
Since John Muir visited Glacier Bay in 1879, the area has opened up countless fjords and bays for the sea kayaking and it has offered 16 tide water Glacier to explore. The area offers another bonus, that is, one has the best chances to witness the stages of plant succession left by retreating glaciers. The ‘bush’ in Alaska, as it is known locally, composes of tundra, marshlands and scores of active volcanoes along with the Aleutian islands, a 300-strong archipelago strung out like Christmas lights between America and Asia.
Alaska is a home to a mesmerizing diversity of wildlife. Terrestrial fauna include wolves, beavers and moose while the peninsula waters abound with sea lions, whales and sea colonies. Alaska is a massive place with an abundance of options for adventure lovers and the question is how to fit it all in so as to get the best out of all the options available in Alaska.
2. Kayaking in Baja, Mexico.
With about 2000 miles of wild, rugged coastline and only a short drive from the U.S, makes the Gulf of California a top kayaking destination in the world. It steers through coves, around boulders, into caves, to empty beaches or watch whales on the many kayaking routes offered here. There are about 100 islands in the California Gulf with about half of them protected as ultra bio diverse reserve sites and all of them surrounded by crystal blue seas. The weather in this area is temperate all year around and enjoys calmer seas thanks to the shielding by the peninsula itself.
As you tour Baja, you are sure to see marine animals that visit this secluded paradise while kayaking through easy going and clear waters and marveling at the enchanting backdrops of the islands. Aside from kayaking, the region is now seeing a return to its unique biodiversity which was once threatened due to overfishing. In Baja Mexico, there are large colonies of endemic to the region as well as staggering number of rare plant species that are about 3500 species in total, many of them found nowhere else on earth.
3. Kayaking in New Zealand.
New Zealand literally has everything to offer. Along with the giant national park, it has excellent spots for kayaking. The bay has remote coves, beaches, caves, and year around tropical weather so you can visit whenever you have time. New Zealand provides a wide variety of wildlife. Milford sound is the biggest attraction in New Zealand and it was formed over millions of years of glacial activities.
Milford sound offers unequally beauty the scale and majesty of which sets it aside from anywhere else on the planet. The mountains in this area are huge and lush with vegetation, waterfalls cascade hundreds of meters down vertical cliff faces and the seas coursing through the valleys which are very clear. When ascending up through lush beech rainforest and into alpine environment at the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, alpine lakes and deep bush clad valleys.
4. Dalmatian coast in Croatia
The Croatian coastline is filled with pine forest and limestone cliffs. It’s not necessarily the tropical paradise you find in the south pacific, but it’s a unique and appealing trip that you surely won’t forget. The large amount of islands off the Croatian coasts will give you plenty of choices for where to go.
5. Greek Islands.
For those of us who prefer real Kayaking, Greek islands provide thousands of excellent sea kayaking waters. In these islands where sea kayaking is civilized, it is possible to paddle from one island to another. There are loads of remote coves and site that you can kayak to.
One of the islands in the Cyclades in Greece is Milos. It has a mamma Mia-like setting of turquoise blue seas, matching the skies and pale golden sands. Milos’ main claim to fame is that it’s the place where the Venus de Milo statue was found in 1820, but man-made artifacts pale in comparison when you set eyes on the Milos’ natural beauty. Milos’ moon-like landscape, where rocky crops of burnt reds, earthy browns and stark whites get together, is a big scene-stealer in any ancient artifact. Since you will be sea kayaking Milos’ coastline, you will be able to go where most other boats can’t.
6. The West Coast of Scotland.
The west coast of Scotland is home to myriads of sea lochs, inlets and island dotted amongst an achingly beautiful highlands panorama and it is hard to think of a better way of exploring the area than in a sea kayak.
Scotland is blessed with all types of fantastic water to go kayaking on, but its coastline and the sea kayaking that it offers that is truly a jewel in its watery crown. Walking along the Scottish coastlines, you get to see thousands of miles of inlets, sea caves, coves and island to explore and the sea kayak is the perfect craft for the job.
Everywhere you go, you will encounter a plethora of wildlife, ancient culture and the Scottish people are famous for their hospitality. The west coast offers some fantastic sandy beaches, rugged reefs and wildlife in abundance. You get to enjoy the beauty of the area as seals swim curiously under your boat. It is simply a magical sea kayaking area.