10 Best Sea Kayaking Destinations in the World

10 Best Sea Kayaking Destinations in the World

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Sea kayaking is a great activity that shows the differences in bodies of water when kayaking. River kayaking is about riding the flowing water and maneuvering the twists and turns, but sea kayaking is about paddling and absorbing the scenery and nature around you. If you have done some kayaking in your life, sea kayaking is a great experience to try. To get you started with your itinerary, here are 10 best sea kayaking destinations in the world!

1. Galápagos National Park, Ecuador

Galápagos National Park is located in Ecuador, a quick flight away from the capital city of Quito. With volcanic rock beaches, vibrant wildlife, and warm seas, a kayaking trip in Galápagos is one of the best kayaking experiences around! There are many tours for sea kayaking in Galápagos that will take you all around the islands. While you kayak, you will also be able to snorkel and see fish and sea turtles, visit a tortoise breeding center, and hike to see blue-footed boobies!

The volcanic islands of Galápagos are impressive in every way
The volcanic islands of Galápagos are impressive in every way

2. Sermilik Fjord, Greenland

The Sermilik Fjord is accessible during summer by flight from the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, with daily flights to Kulusuk Airport. From Kulusuk, you can then take a boat ride to Tasiilaq. If you want to feel like a challenging explorer, Sermilik Fjord is the place for you. The trek to the Fjord will take you through a vast landscape of ice, rock, and patches of green. After a few days of hiking, you will reach the water. Here, you will kayak through floating icebergs, a surreal experience in the isolated north.

What a beautiful combination of ice and sea!
What a beautiful combination of ice and sea!

3. Haida Gwaii, Canada

Haida Gwaii is an archipelago accessible by plane or ferry off the coast of British Columbia in Canada. One way of reaching the archipelago is by plane from Vancouver. Dense, lush pine, spruce, and cedar trees grow on these islands and offer an inspirational sight as you kayak through the temperate coniferous forests. History meets nature when you kayak through the various islands as you reach the various heritage sites of the Haida people. 

The wall of lush trees in the mist as you paddle your kayak is a view like no other
The wall of lush trees in the mist as you paddle your kayak is a view like no other

4. Halong Bay, Vietnam

When talking about tourism in Vietnam, Halong Bay is one of the places that comes to mind. Calm, emerald waters make paddling through the bay a treat, and experiencing the bay this way gives you a unique experience over the other tourists there. You’ll also find caves, floating fishing villages where you can fish with the best baitcasting rod, and coral reefs on your adventure. If you like seafood, consider Halong Bay as your next kayaking destination!

Paddle through the beautiful sights that Halong Bay has to offer!
Paddle through the beautiful sights that Halong Bay has to offer!

5. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

The Dalmatian Coast is a region in Croatia with a gorgeous coastline and many islands. There are international airports in Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar, and numerous kinds of transportation from the mainland to the islands all year round. If you want to experience the best of the Mediterranean on a kayak, this is where to go. You’ll be paddling through quaint stone towns and Venetian fortresses as you journey through its sunny, turquoise waters. Once the day is over, you can gather your strength as you dine on Mediterranean food and wine.

From big ships to small kayaks, the waters of the Dalmatian Coast welcome everyone
From big ships to small kayaks, the waters of the Dalmatian Coast welcome everyone

6. Sea of Cortez, Mexico

The Sea of Cortez of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico is possibly one of the best places to visit if you’re a lover of marine life. Fish, sea mammals, and coral reefs await those that visit the pristine waters of the peninsula. 35% of the whales and dolphins on earth also call the Sea of Cortez their home. You can expect to get up close to at least some wildlife when you visit! Seeing whales while paddling on your kayak can be an experience of a lifetime!

Turquoise waters and vivid wildlife await you!
Turquoise waters and vivid wildlife await you!

7. Na Pali Coast, Hawaii, United States

The Na Pali Coast is a group of towering cliffs stretching 4000 feet high on the island of Kauai. To get to Kauai, you can ride a plane to Lihue Airport on the island. If you love kayaking and are visiting Hawaii, Na Pali Coast is the place to go. The 17-mile journey will take you to waterfalls, caves, and valleys as you traverse the coast of Kauai. There are also beautiful beaches to rest and swim in, perfect after a tiring trip kayaking. If lucky, you might even see the endangered monk seal!

A breathtaking view on a kayak
A breathtaking view on a kayak

8. Fiji

Fiji is a country of islands in the east of Australia and south of New Zealand on the South Pacific Ocean. The archipelago consists of over 330 islands, with Viti Levu and Vanua Levu as the major ones. These islands and the tropical weather make the Melanesian country perfect for kayaking and island hopping. Snorkeling is a given to break up the kayaking with a dive into the warm waters to see the coral lagoons of the South Pacific.  

A country perfect for island hopping. Where to next?
A country perfect for island hopping. Where to next?

9. Disko Bay, Greenland

Disko Bay is a bay off the west coast of Greenland, accessible by traveling to Ilulissat, which is easy to reach by plane or boat. You can also get to Ilulissat from Iceland or Denmark. If you love dogs, you’ll love Ilulissat, which is home to countless huskies due to their use in dog sledding, which you could try! The main reason you’re visiting, though, is Disko Bay. By exploring on a kayak, you’ll pass through massive icebergs which loom over you, an impressive sight to see!

With a kayak, you can get up close to nature’s beautiful giants
With a kayak, you can get up close to nature’s beautiful giants

10. Corsica, France  

Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean Sea under France. It’s easy to visit Corsica by plane, and there are also ferry options. Crystal clear waters offer a clear view of the seafloor. There are many beaches and sea caves to explore, making everywhere you look a sight to see. Hiking is also a great activity on the island. You’ll be able to take in the culture, food, and history of Corsica while on land.

A sea kayaker’s paradise!
A sea kayaker’s paradise!

Sea kayaking is one of the best ways of taking in the sights of the sea and feeling its geography, giving you a personal experience with the waves and the sun. There are so many places to kayak that you would be surprised if you would look for kayaking near me! If you want the best, however, give these spots a trythey will surely be an unforgettable experience!

Check some books about sea kayaking and more adventures:

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A guide to the 10 best sea kayaking destinations in the world- why they are the best and some travel tips about how to enjoy there. A guide to the 10 best sea kayaking destinations in the world- why they are the best and some travel tips about how to enjoy there.A guide to the 10 best sea kayaking destinations in the world- why they are the best and some travel tips about how to enjoy there.

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