I’ve never really understood the draw of holidays on the water. Too wet and unless you’re a fan of water, then keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground is preferred.
This was right up until my close friend showed me some videos of a holiday from a couple of years ago where he went Kayaking on a number of lakes, so thought I would do a little more research and put pen to paper to bring you some highlights of where you can go.
I would like to thank Aaron from Palmetto State Armory for his help and input here. While he and I both much prefer hunting and fishing, he has at least been on Kayaking holidays. He has also, on a number of occasions, taken his hunting gear with him and sailed to some rather inaccessible hunting grounds here in the US. This is certainly something I hadn’t thought about.
In his words “Iconic rivers, stunning coastlines, placid lakes or whitewater rapids, all can become part of a unique kayaking adventure. Whether experienced or an absolute beginner, they create never to be forgotten memories enjoying the surrounding natural environments…”
Sea Kayaking in Sardinia
Enjoying adventure, relaxation and stunning scenery. This trip is suitable for beginners or intermediate level sea kayakers, a good level of fitness will of course enable you to get full enjoyment from your trip.
Sardinia offers rugged coastlines, hidden beaches and amazing areas suitable for snorkelling. Fly to Alghero Airport to begin this exciting adventure, check into your accommodation and spend time exploring the surrounding area.
The equipment you will need will be supplied as part of your adventure, a Kayak, Paddle, PFD, Spray Deck, 10L dry bag, water shoes and snorkelling gear. You will need to bring your own lightweight long sleeve shirt for paddling, swim shorts, swimsuit and towel, sun protection, hat, sunglasses and sunblock.
Casual clothes for evening wear and a fleece or sweater in case it turns colder. A reusable water bottle. From May to October the daytime temperature in Sardinia will range from 22’c to 30’c but cool off to 11’c- 18’c in the evening.
From November to April the daytime temperatures range from 14’c – 18’c and cool off to 10’c – 13’c at night. Rain is rare so you will be able to enjoy the lovely sunshine. Begin your adventure by heading onto the Mediterranean and enjoy the marine life at Porto Conte Regional Park.
Paddle on past huge sea cliffs and caves of the famous Capo Caccia, continue with your journey to Cala di Dragonera before returning to your accommodation after an exhilarating day on the water.
The following day gives the chance to explore cliffs and caves and perhaps stop at a quiet beach for lunch.
The beaches of Caladi la Donne and Abra Massa are amazing areas for snorkelling. On the final day of kayaking follow the stunning shoreline of Sardinia, swim snorkel or just relax and admire the surrounding beauty before completing your adventure with drinks and perhaps some live music at Lido Beach or Porto Ferro beach.
Kayak and Wild Camp in Croatia
A reasonable level of fitness and of course an adventurous nature are a must to be able to fully enjoy this amazing adventure. Explore the wilderness of Croatia, enjoy the stunning Zrmanja River and camp on its banks.
A two night vacation beginning at the airport at Zadar where you will meet up with the rest of your travelling companions.
The first night will be spent in the small village of Kastel Zegorski where camp is set up and a BBQ dinner around the campfire will be enjoyed by all. The second day involves approximately 4 or 5 hours of paddling, swimming and jumping in waterfalls along the beautiful Zrmanja River.
A short hike to a 8m high waterfall for a swim and a picnic lunch before returning to the river ready to negotiate some class 11 and 111 rapids while floating through limestone canyons.
This evening camp is set up near one of Zrmanja’s largest waterfalls, before enjoying a traditional meal around the campfire. The following day the adventure continues down the Zrmanja River to the Adriatic Sea through an amazing canyon in the VelebitNature Park.
Finish in Novigrad and change into dry clothes ready for the journey back to the airport having spent a wonderful few days in stunning waterfalls, freshwater pools and exploring mysterious caves while creating lasting memories.
Sea Kayak Whale Watching, Kapa’a United States
This kayaking trip offers a full day of excitement paddling the canoe paths of the early Polynesians, while whale watching and snorkeling. The journey will begin on the Golden coast of Kauai at Poipu, paddle west and enjoy the scenic and rugged shoreline that is home to Spouting Horn, the remote Lawai Valley, the unusual Nomilo Pond and the cove of Wahiawa. WInter is the time to spot migrating Humpback Whales.
You may also be lucky enough to spot dolphins, flying fish and green sea turtles, amazing to see them in their natural habitat. There is also the chance to see the rare Monk Seal, and watch for tropical birds.
Spend some time snorkeling off one of Kauai’s shores before making your way back to Wailua River Marina. This kayaking trip is considered to be quite challenging and therefore a certain degree of fitness is required as it involves about three to four hours of intermittent paddling.
October through April is considered to be the most suitable time to take this trip. Conditions can change quickly, but can be exhilarating and enjoyable while enjoying the most incredible views and pleasure of the vast ocean.
Kauai is the northernmost and oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, is full of Hawaiian culture and heritage and many of these natural wonders are best seen by navigating the surrounding water.
Sea Kayaking in Scotland, Great Britain
Introduction Course. This kayaking course begins and ends at Inverness. After being met at Inverness Railway Station the adventure begins by travelling to the north-west highlands and perhaps experiencing your first try at sea kayaking in a sheltered sea-loch. Returning to a bunk-house for an evening meal and a discussion regarding the aims for the trip.
The following day will involve launching the kayaks and being taught new strokes before setting off to explore the beautiful loch whilst also developing your sea kayaking skills and confidence, ready for a longer journey at sea the following day. The following day will be spent developing your skills while enjoying the islands and coastline of the North West Highlands.
After a well earned rest the following day begins sea kayaking in Applecross and exploring Loch Shieldaig and Shieldaig Island. The island is protected by the National Trust for Scotland and is known for its stunning Scots Pines, herons and seals.
Weather permitting the journey will continue along the North Applecross coast and into Loch Torridon or maybe to the remote Diabaig coastline before returning to the pretty village of Shieldaig for an overnight stay. The final day of the adventure is spent on a sea kayaking journey in Loch Kishorn on the southern coast of Applecross.
Using your enhanced kayaking skills to kayak across the bay to Kishorn Island with its seal colony, and enjoying the amazing views of this small corner of Scotland before making our way back to shore.
Whilst enjoying a most stunning part of Scotland you will also develop kayaking skills, navigate rapids and experience the wilderness that is Scotland and create memories that you will enjoy for a lifetime.
Kayaking the famous Fjords of Norway
The Norwegion Fjords are considered to be a natural wonder, what better way to experience them than by kayaking along the small inlets which are inaccessible by larger boats.
Turn a day’s kayaking into an adventure by packing your camping gear into your kayak and stop off at one of the many remote beaches or small islands. Many of the fjords are on the west coast of Norway, around a one or two hour drive from the airport of Bergen.
A fjord is a deep narrow and elongated part of the sea that stretches inland for miles, winding around mountains, valleys and steep cliffs. Fjords were formed by giant glacier tongues and shaped over several ice ages.
The Unesco listed Naeroyfjord is 17 km long and the narrowest point is only 250m wide, it is therefore difficult to miss any of the stunning surroundings, snow dipped mountains and majestic waterfalls while enjoying the clear waters beneath.
Begin the first day of your kayaking adventure at Gudvangen, paddling down the amazing Naeroyfjord arriving at your campsite late afternoon.
Relax and experience the stunning scenery while enjoying a meal around the campfire. Continue kayaking the following day, admire the remote waterfalls and magnificent cliffs before arriving at the remote village of Undredal and your journey to the airport for your journey home.
You do not need previous kayaking experience to enjoy this adventure but reasonable fitness levels will ensure you enjoy the 25km of relaxed paddling.
Kayak and Camp the Southern Greek Coast
A reasonable level of fitness and most of all an adventurous spirit is all that is needed to enjoy the peace and tranquility of Greece and to explore the wild untamed coastline of the Peloponnese.
Local expert guides will advise and help you to enjoy this adventure, all kayaking, snorkelling and camping gear will be provided, along with all the Greek food you can eat.
This amazing experience begins when you arrive at Athens Airport and are collected and taken to your accommodation.
The first night’s accommodation will be at a guesthouse, metres from the beach, at Kalamata. The second night will be at a remote campsite at Sfaktiria where tents, sleeping mat and sleeping bag are provided.
The first day will be spent meeting the crew and enjoying a greek meal in Kalamata while admiring the view over the Mediteranean.
On Day 2 after checking all safety procedures collect your kayak and begin the exciting adventure of paddling along the coast, past secluded coves and watching out for the sea turtles, before making a stop at Voidokoilia, one of Greeces many beautiful and secluded beaches, enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear turquoise waters.
There is the opportunity to hike up to Navarino Castle and witness the amazing views over the bay. Return to the beach past Gialova Lagoon, a wetland area which is a migratory bird hotspot, and you may be lucky enough to see egrets, herons, sandpipers, osprey and harriers.
Continue paddling to Sfaktiria, a remote island, where you will spend the night camping on the beach after enjoying a traditional Greek dinner.
The final day will see you waking up to the paradise that is Greece, after enjoying a leisurely breakfast paddle along the island’s coastline to Fanari, a tiny islet, with numerous sea caves to explore. Spend some time swimming and snorkelling in the beautiful waters before a short paddle back to the mainland.
Greece is a place to relax and to enjoy surrounding beauty and to learn of the history of the locations you will stay in and to also hear about Greek mythology from the friendly locals.
Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
This adventure is a kayaking trip with a difference. Excellent kayaking through Ucluelet, Canada. 4 Day Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve includes accommodation, expert guides and delicious meals.
No kayaking experience is necessary but a reasonable standard of fitness will ensure you are able to enjoy 4 – 6 hours of daily kayaking and all that this exciting adventure has to offer. The evening before the tour departs will give the opportunity to try on paddling gear and check last minute details.
This kayaking adventure will give the opportunity to explore Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere. Clayoquot Sound is the last Great Rainforest on Vancouver Island, located north of Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
The area is unceded traditional territory and home of the three Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, the Hesquiaht, A housaht, and Tia-o-qui-aht.
Clayoquot Sound is world renowned for its ancient rainforests, gigantic cedars, wild salmon, timber wolves, black bears and whales.
Learn the fundamentals of ocean kayaking and safety procedures and make this an experience you will never forget. All the gear you need will be provided you would only need to bring personal items with you. Whether looking for excitement or a relaxing experience this adventure will provide both.
The itinerary will of course depend on the weather and of course the ability of the group, but aims to paddle 4 to 6 hours each day leaving lots of time to enjoy other activities or for relaxing. Camp for the night will be set up on one of the campsites on Vargas Island.
Snacks, hot drinks and dinner will be provided. Paddling to different locations each day within the Sound, discovering inter-tidal life, exploring old-growth forests and ancient First Nation Village Sites adds to this unique experience.
Questions are always welcome and encouraged whether regarding kayaking safety, about forest ecology or sea and wildlife in the surrounding area, the guides are extremely knowledgeable.