Adventure guide
Fancy some sea kayaking? Keen on Costa Rica? What about Wales? Choose your own adventure with our guide.
Top 10 sea kayaking vacations
You don’t need to be a rapids chaser to enjoy some of the best sea kayaking spots around the world. If you want to experience traveling in a very different way, try paddling around the coasts of Croatia, Sweden or Turkey. Discover archipelagos you didn’t know existed and beaches without another soul in sight, even in high season. Kayaking instructors and guides pride themselves on knowing the secluded spots to escape to. By going on one of their vacations, you get the key to unlock all the best secrets. OK, maybe not all of them; they have to keep a few to themselves.
1. Croatia
Few places in the world merit the term archipelagic arcadia, but the Croatian coast with its 1,000 island idylls most definitely does. If you have been put off Croatia by its growing reputation of cruises and crowds, then think again and paddle your way around the exquisite Elaphiti Islands, Mljet Marine National Park or inland down the Zrmanja and Krupa Rivers in Velebit Nature Park which bring you down to the sea. Here, you can definitely paddle in peace.
Best time to paddle: March - October
Our top selling trip: Sea kayaking vacation in Croatia
Read more: Sea kayaking in Croatia guide
Best time to paddle: March - October
Our top selling trip: Sea kayaking vacation in Croatia
Read more: Sea kayaking in Croatia guide
2. Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
Montenegro’s magnificent Bay of Kotor makes a very scenic setting for sea kayaking vacations. This is one of the country’s most popular destinations, but you’ll find it much more peaceful from the water, with regular pauses to swim and snorkel off beaches that are far quieter than elsewhere. Expect a pleasantly relaxed, easygoing pace – beginners more than welcome.Best time to paddle: May - September
Our top selling trip: Kayaking vacation in Montnegro
Read more: Montenegro travel guide
3. Baja California, Mexico
Ah, beautiful Baja. Mexico is famous for so many reasons, but Baja rather than Tequila is the name on most kayakers’ lips. A peninsula over 1,200km long, kayaking along the Sea of Cortez which separates the peninsula from the mainland, visiting copious islets along the way, is the best way to enjoy this paddling paradise. A wildlife lovers’ wonderland too, with sea lions, pelicans, dolphins and even whales often seen on some of our most spectacular sea kayaking vacations.Best time to paddle: October – April
Our top selling trip: Mexico sea kayaking vacation
Read more: Baja travel guide
4. Komodo, Indonesia
Immerse yourself in Indonesia, kayaking around the marine magnificence of Komodo National Park, famous for its eponymous dragon. But also a world of mangrove islands, waterfront villages and coastal caves. A great vacation for sea kayaking newbies; just make sure you pack hiking boots and snorkel in the kayak’s hatch, so that you can explore the national park from all angles.
Best time to paddle: April - November
Our top selling trip: Kayaking vacation in Indonesia, Komodo Dragon expedition
Read more: Komodo travel guide
Best time to paddle: April - November
Our top selling trip: Kayaking vacation in Indonesia, Komodo Dragon expedition
Read more: Komodo travel guide
5. Douro Valley
Glide between the vineyards of Portugal’s serene Douro Valley, with a guided kayaking tour of this UNESCO-listed wine region. The pace is relaxed, the scenery is sublime, and the gastronomy every evening is absolutely superb, with curated meals and experiences included throughout. Come later in the year and you may catch, perhaps even participate in, the annual grape harvest.Best time to paddle: March to September
Our top selling trip: Portugal kayaking vacation
Read more: Portugal travel guide
6. Vancouver Island, Canada
The northern end of Vancouver Island, in the sheltered waters of the Inside Passage, is reckoned to be one of the best places on the planet to see orcas. They gather here in their hundreds to hunt salmon, and this guided sea kayaking expedition gets you at surface level with these magnificent hunters. There’s much more wildlife on display too, which your knowledgeable guides will be happy to tell you all about.Best time to paddle: July - September
Our top selling trip: Kayak with orcas vacation in Canada
Read more: Canada wildlife travel guide
7. Sweden
Sweden is awash with archipelagic wonders. To visit this country and not spend time sea kayaking is like going to the Himalayas and not trekking. Forage and fish from a kayak in the Lulea Archipelago, or do some self guided paddling along the ancient Viking waterway between the seaside towns of Mariefred and Trosa. A kayak should be part and parcel of any trip to Sweden in the summer.
Best time to paddle: May - September
Our top selling trip: Sweden kayaking short break
Read more: Sweden travel guide
Best time to paddle: May - September
Our top selling trip: Sweden kayaking short break
Read more: Sweden travel guide
8. Greece
The clear, calm and warm waters off Poros, in the Saronic Islands, are ideal for a week of sea kayaking. Groups here can enjoy a week of guided kayaking, brushing up their skills while also stepping ashore for regular tasters of island life. Or for a snorkel around a sheltered cove. There is plenty of free time included, so you can enjoy dining out with your group, or activities such as cookery lessons and winery tours can also be arranged.Best time to paddle: All year-round
Our top selling trip: Greek island sea kayaking vacation
Read more: Greek islands travel guide
9. Scotland
Take advantage of Scottish right to roam, which means that kayakers can stop on deserted islands for lunch, and hang out on white sand beaches pretty much wherever they like. Along the western coast of the Scottish Highlands there are secret coves, and the lochs and sounds provide sheltered kayaking. The water can be as still as a pond – save for the path of your kayak as you scythe through at speed.Best time to paddle: April, May, June and September
Our top selling trip: Sea kayaking vacation in the Scottish Highlands
Read more: Scotland kayaking guide
10. Belize
Not many people realise that Belize has the second largest barrier reef system in the world. Not surprisingly, divers love it. However, if being on the water rather than under it is more your thing, a kayaking vacation in Belize is a stunning way to explore its Caribbean cayes. Sandy beaches, coral reefs, mangrove channels and sea turtles are just some of the Belizean treats en route.Best time to paddle: January - April
Our top selling trip: Belize sea kayaking vacation
Read more: Belize travel guide
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