Where to go sea kayaking

There is sea kayaking and there is responsible sea kayaking and, given that it is one of the world’s most popular activities on vacation now, you want to choose wisely. See our map below that shows you where to go sea kayaking with responsible tour operators that not only put safety first, but also work closely with local communities, source local food, and are totally switched on to marine conservation issues in the destination. Paddling perfection in fact.

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Best places to go sea kayaking

Wherever there is a bit of coastline, sea kayakers will try to bag it. It is a growing sport and can be found just about everywhere these days. We have a few favourites, not just because of the variety of scenery and wildlife, but also because they are places where excellent instructors and guides have been drawn to. These are sea kayaking destinations that are not about making a killing out of kayaking. They are places that sea kayaking professionals have sought out because of their passion for wilderness. And we like to follow the experts. Not just because they know all the best spots, but because they also value good local infrastructure and support, from conservation to rescue organizations. Because, although sea kayakers thrive on peace and solitude, they also appreciate the teamwork that goes into making the activity wholly responsible and reputable.

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1. Canada
2. Croatia
3. Iceland
4. Indonesia
5. Montenegro
6. Sweden
7. Wales

Canada

1. Canada

Sea kayaking vacations on the west coast of Canada are a cocktail of paddling panacea with a serious twist of wildlife. Let expert guides lead you through the waters of British Columbia on trips that will get you back in touch with the ancient traditions of sea kayaking. You can go wild camping and or stay with First Nation Communities who know these waters better than anyone. Waters that are home to orcas, and watersides that are home to grizzly bears.

Canada

Croatia

2. Croatia

Say the word archipelago to any paddler and their eyes light up. And with over a thousand islands along the Istrian and Dalmatian coasts of Croatia, you have a lot to choose from. Only a handful are populated, and many of them have green interiors, so each time you come across one it is like finding another jewel in the Adriatic. So, it is worth putting a pair of hiking boots in your dry bag for sea kayaking in Croatia.

Iceland

3. Iceland

There can be few lesser-paddled places than Iceland, and if you're looking forward to fjords as well as beaches, seabirds and saunas then Hesteyrarfjordalur and Veidileysufjordur are definitely the best settings to start sea kayaking. Paddling distances around 20kms enables access to Iceland's least accessible, yet most beautiful, coastlines where waterfalls tumble, glaciers glisten and seal colonies make sea kayaking an absolute thrill, even for beginners.

Iceland

Indonesia

4. Indonesia

Exploring Komodo National Park by kayak is stunning. There is so much variety and longer expeditions are recommended. Swimming and snorkelling play a big part of a kayaking trip here, as the marine wildlife is omnipresent. There is so much to explore you are out of your kayak almost as much as you are in it, with mangrove islands, waterside villages and waterfalls to investigate and, the ultimate aim for many, to see the world famous Komodo Dragon.

Montenegro

5. Montenegro

Sea kayaking along the Bay of Kotor lets you paddle into a giant 28km fjord-like inlet which extends all the way from the Adriatic Sea to Kotor's UNESCO-listed Venetian fortifications. Along the Adriatic there's also over 100km of shoreline to explore afloat, all enveloped by the Orjen Mountains to the west, and the Lovcen mountains to the east, keeping those winds at bay. Or not at bay, as the case might be.

Montenegro

Sweden

6. Sweden

Sweden’s Saint Anna archipelago contains more than 6,000 islands, most of which are uninhabited, to enable sea kayaking adventures to evolve as effortlessly as paddles passing through water. Wood fired saunas by the sea are just as commonplace as freshly grilled fish suppers with a great many wild camping spots allowing for endless opportunities to go with the flow.

Wales

7. Wales

Pembrokeshire is the kayaking hot spot of Wales and, as a National Park, it is not only highly respected, but also has brilliant facilities. High quality kit makes kayaking a year round activity and equally accessible to newbies. There are sheltered bays with caves and sea arches which up the exhilaration factor for beginners. But for the more advanced, Ramsay, Skomer and South Bishop islands are paddle paradise, although with strict access rules.

Wales

Our Sea kayaking Vacations

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Sea kayaking or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.

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1-866-821-6866

Call toll free

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rosy@responsibletravel.com

Responsible Travel recommends

Jon Kellie , sea kayaking guide with Preseli Venture, our supplier in Pembrokeshire, Wales:
"The fact that this is a national park means that you can paddle ten minutes from the shore here and be totally secluded. And not see a building or a phone mast or anything. It really is a wilderness environment."

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To sea kayak in Croatia is to paddle your way through paradise. Choose between Istrian and Dalmatian archipelagos, richly forested islands with otherwise inaccessible coves, or secret caves to paddle and swim through.

Sea kayaking in Montenegro

Montenegro is a great location for sea kayaking with the sheltered shores around the Bay of Kotor creating an array of UNESCO-listed old towns and rugged mountain scenery.

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Sea kayaking in the Komodo Islands is a chance to be immersed in nature, paddling your way to remote corners of this beautiful national park, camping on beaches and sleeping under the stars.

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Other activities to expand a sea kayaking vacation include coasteering, fishing, nocturnal kayak sessions, and throwing hiking shoes in a dry bag so as to explore isolated islands after landing on them.

Top 10 sea kayaking vacations

If you've always fancied paddling but didn't really know where to start our top 10 sea kayaking spots will put you in the picture as you seek out secret shores in the company of local experts.

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There are so many reasons to love sea kayaking with kids, from watching them gain confidence on the water and see places from a different perspective to teaching them about marine conservation.

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Our sea kayaking tips from expert paddling guides to travelers who are keen kayakers, range from the gear you need to places to seek out, to safety advice.

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The most important thing when it comes to responsible sea kayaking is ensuring that you paddle safely, with highly trained expert guides, and always respect marine wildlife. Read on for more of our tips.

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Written by Catherine Mack

Where to go sea kayaking