Budgetary restrictions are probably the only reason many of us are not constantly on the water in our kayaks, exploring the world in the most relaxing way possible. We dream of traveling the globe, with a paddle in our hand and only the setting sun guiding us along the waterways and coasts.
Instead, we get away from the stress of work by watching sports on TV or visiting the Bovada casino site. VegasBetting.net is a good place to find the best casino experiences, but as enjoyable as those are, it is out on the water where we really want to be.
Until we get the chance to endlessly travel the world at our leisure, we thought we would put together a dream list of kayaking destinations. It is our small way of planning for the future we want and forgetting about the pressures of everyday life. Obviously, these kinds of lists change all the time, but here are six dream destinations currently making the cut.
Vancouver Island, Canada
Sometimes the attraction of kayaking is all about the solitude and joy that comes from silently paddling through a quiet waterway. Other times it is more about what wildlife you might meet along the way – and Vancouver Island has more than its fair share of aquatic life to hang out with.
Depending on which area around Vancouver Island you choose, there is a chance to spot orcas, whales, and dolphins up close and personal. The narrow straits between smaller islands at points means that you are also close to forest habitats and a wonderful green canopy. If you are a wildlife fan, Vancouver Island is for you.
The White Nile, Uganda
For most of us, cold water is not something to be afraid of, and the risk of getting wet in icy waters is not enough to put us off kayaking in some of the more supposedly inhospitable corners of the Earth. But that doesn’t mean that we won’t take the chance to traverse warmer waters when the opportunity arises.
No thermal gear is needed for the White Nile in Uganda, as the warm climate means a lighter load is just fine. Don’t expect a gentle paddle, however. With freestyle waves and Grade IV and V rapids, this is a destination for thrill seekers – albeit one where the calm pools at the end come with a very agreeable temperature.
The Antarctic Peninsula
Maybe warm waters are not really your thing. How about one of the coldest places to kayak instead? Traveling around the Antarctic Peninsula in a kayak would surely be one of the most unique experiences of anyone’s life. Getting there may be tricky, but once you arrive, it will be like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
Close encounters with whales and seals are common for anyone kayaking this region, as the lack of noise makes the local wildlife curious. When you’re not getting close to the animals, the huge ice floats and glaciers will take up most of your time, as you attempt to take in the otherworldly atmosphere of one of the least travelled places on the planet.
Fiordland, New Zealand
The whole of New Zealand is surely any outdoor person’s dream destination, with this nation being able to offer contrasts between the tropical north and the tip of the South Island, which is closer to the Antarctic than the Equator. We were a little torn about which one Kiwi place to choose, with the Bay of Islands a good shout for its relaxing, calmer waters, but we eventually went with Fiordland for this list,
Fiordland can be found in the southwestern part of the South Island and, as the name helpfully suggests, it is full of fjords and waterways with a much colder feel. With waterfalls cascading through rainforests and snow-capped mountains in view, there is always something to marvel at – when you’re not enjoying the exhilarating white water rapids, that is.
The Sea of Cortez, Mexico
Let’s get back to warmer, aquamarine waters, shall we? Iconic oceanographer Jacques Cousteau dubbed the Sea of Cortez “the aquarium of the world”, and he was not wrong, with around a third of the planet’s mammals calling it home, as well as hundreds of varieties of fish. This entire region is a wildlife lover’s dream.
These warm waters between the Baja Peninsula and mainland Mexico provide the perfectly calm conditions for taking in the multitudes of animals and marine creatures in the region, while the stunning rock formations along the coast are just as breathtaking. A number of scattered islands along the waterway provide perfect stop-off points to take it all in.
Figure The Antarctic Peninsula is like nowhere else on Earth – Source: Unsplash
The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Our final dream kayaking destination takes in UNESCO-listed cities as well as small islands visited by the rich and famous. The Dalmatian Coast offers the chance for a fully-rounded vacation where you can sample the incredible culture of Croatia, as well as traverse some of the most stunning coastal waterways in Europe.
The crystal clear waters are welcomingly warm in the Adriatic, so kayakers can take in the historical ruins along the coast without battling against the chill of other places on this list. Although this part of the world is far from an undiscovered gem, it does sometimes stay under the radar when it comes to global vacation destinations, so you should still be able to find your own part of the water to fully take in the experience.
