The best kayaking routes

The kayak, a type of an originally Eskimo pirogue, having left the Arctic years ago, its use spread all over the world. This vessel is the ideal choice to discover hard-to-reach yet incredible places to have an unforgettable experience.

1. Navigate the Zadar Archipelago (Croatia)

Molat is one of the most amazing islands in the Zadar Archipelago, in Northern Dalmatia. It is an oasis of pine trees, deserted beaches and turquoise waters from which to take off towards the Veli Rat lighthouse on the island of Dugi Otok and finally land on the island of Ugljan. This route on the Adriatic Sea allows you to unravel the secrets of over 300 islands in the Zadar Archipelago, where some of the most beautiful coastline of Croatia are.

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2. Explore Upernavik (Greenland)

Exploring Greenland is to experience the most authentic side of an expedition. One of the best ways to do it is by entering the Upernavik Archipelago and completing this route by kayak for true adventurers. From the town of Upernavik, the route, which is flanked by fishing boats, wild birds and icebergs, borders the island of Aappilattoq and enters the island of Nutaarmiut. It is the perfect choice if you also wish to explore the Upernavik Fjord.

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3. A kayak adventure in British Columbia (Canada)

British Columbia, in Canada, is one of the main destinations for kayak or canoe touring lovers and where we find the Harrison River. This tributary river to the Fraser River allows for an easy route which begins in the town of Harrison Hot Springs and enters the Kilby Provincial Park. A trajectory which includes the chance to see salmon, since Harrison River makes up a part of a highly frequented migration path.

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4. Discover the Bay of Islands by kayak (New Zealand)

Made up of 144 islands, the Bay of Islands is a paradise in New Zealand known the world over by navigation enthusiasts. The routes in this zone unfold among forest-filled islands and wildlife, in which you can see anything from swordfish to whales and penguins. Do not miss the chance to discover the Cape Brett Lighthouse, the Urupukapuka Island, the largest in the bay, and the Haruru Falls. “Haruru” comes from Maori, which translates into “roar” or “big noise”.

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5. Go kayaking in Glen Canyon (the USA)

At 2,330-km long, the Colorado River is one of the main rivers in the USA. Its waters flow through multiple canyons such as Glen Canyon, a gorge in the state of Utah formed by large Navajo sandstone cliffs. It is an iconic scene for paddling beneath rocky walls, with its characteristic range of colors altered by the flows of the water, and then on to Moqui Canyon. The route by kayak, it’s found in the well-known area of Lake Powell.

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6. Visiting the Marble Cathedral (Chile)

The Marble Chapel Nature Sanctuary is a museum of natural art with mineral formations made up mostly of calcium carbonate. The waters from General Carrera Lake have eroded the calcareous rocks thereby creating the wavy shape and nearly cosmic blue hues that you can visit. Either reached by kayak or canoe, you will see the whole set from the Marble Cathedral, the Marble Chapel to the Marble Cave, all of which are a chromatic fantasy worthy of your best photo.

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7. Going down the Tsiribihina River by pirogue (Madagascar)

On the idyllic island of Madagascar, said to be one of the countries with the greatest amount of nature in the world, there are multiple options for going on tours by canoe, such as the one going down the Tsiribihina River, in the west. This African river is found at the Tsingy National Park of Bemaraha which is a World Heritage site. Here you can get in touch with the Malagasy, see lemurs, photograph pirogues at sunset and bathe in waterfalls surrounded by fairytale jungles.

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8. Visit the Benagil Cave (Portugal)

The Algarve is one of these best places to get started with kayaking while also discovering beaches with crystal clear water and amazing caves. The route by kayak or canoe to the Benagil Cave is one of the easiest and most beautiful ones, especially since you will only have to paddle a tenth of a nautical mile in the Atlantic Ocean from the Benagil Beach to this incredible cave. It is best to visit it when the sun filters through the vaults towards the sand.

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9. Kayak in Lan Ha Bay (Vietnam)

On the northern coast of Vietnam lies the famous Halong Bay, which is a World Heritage Site made up of miles of islands and islets among emerald waters. This astonishing place has a secret called Lan Ha Bay, located in front of the southern coast of the Cát Bà Island and covered in tropical forests and fishing ports. A less explored destination where you can go on a kayaking route among islets, beaches and floating villages. What a better way to end the day by having a pho soup!

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10. Reach the Maro Waterfall by kayak (Spain)

Straddling the Costa del Sol and the Costa Tropical, Maro Beach is the perfect starting point to begin a kayaking route in the sea until you get the best reward: The Maro Waterfall. In this abrupt landscape, among the steep rocks and hanging cliffs, you will come across this 15-meter free-falling making way for a spectacular sight. A fascinating waterfall falling directly into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

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