Oar-inspiring paradise
From Yellowstone to Indonesian archipelagos, Julie Miller takes a look at the best places to see by water.
Bay of Islands
Dotted with 140 subtropical islands, the North Island’s Bay of Islands is a marine playground, a tranquil location for an introduction to sea kayaking. Setting off from the beach at Paihia, a guided ‘‘coastal discovery tour’’ with Coastal Kayakers follows the main shoreline, diverting around uninhabited islands to spot wildlife and hear Ma¯ ori legends about this history-rich region. See coastalkayakers.co.nz.
Fraser Island, Queensland
An early-morning paddle at Kingfisher Bay Resort is a perfect wake-up call, one that gives an intimate insight into the natural wonders of the world’s largest sand island. Led by a resort ranger, the guided tour takes you from the resort jetty, along the Hervey Bay coastline, before retreating into the serene mangroves flanking Dundonga Creek. See kingfisherbay.com.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia
This archipelago off the northwest tip of West Papua is the final frontier for expedition kayaking, with gin-clear waters rich with marine life surrounding a patchwork of jungle-covered limestone islands. This is nature in its purest form – no cars, noise or pollution. Kayak4Conservation is just one company offering eco-tours, staying in rustic overwater bungalows, with proceeds supporting indigenous communities.
See kayak4conservation.com.
Lake Tahoe, California
Whether exploring in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard, glassy Lake Tahoe is a glorious paddling location. With a visibility of up to 21 metres, you can play ‘‘spot the mermaid’’ in the impossibly blue water, and explore secluded bays and beaches. For something a little different, try Stand-Up Paddleboard yoga, a great workout for the core. See hmountainlotusyoga.com/supyoga/.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
The annual floodwaters of the Okavango River trickle like a leaky hose, slowly fanning out across the arid delta and transforming the landscape to a watery wonderland. Paddling silently through hippo and croc-infested waterways in a kayak or traditional mokoro dug-out canoe is a transformative experience, and an essential part of a classic safari. See kayakbotswana.com, okavangohorse.com.
Yellowstone, Wyoming
The geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park are best admired from shore, with plenty of signs warning of the dangers of the boiling steam vents and acidic pools. However, a kayak tour on Yellowstone Lake takes you past little-known geothermal features such as steaming underwater vents in remote basins inaccessible by land. There’s also a good chance of spotting elk and bison on the shore. See geyserkayak.com.
San Diego, California
The rugged coastline near La Jolla, San Diego, was once the domain of smugglers and bootleggers, who set up shop in sea caves during Prohibition. Now an ecological reserve, you’re more likely to bump into a frolicking sea lion than rum-runners, with the playful pups often tagging along with paddlers. See bikeandkayaktours.com.
Phang Nga Bay, Phuket
For 35 years, John ‘‘Caveman’’ Gray has been leading sea kayak tours through beautiful Phang Nga Bay in Southern Thailand, the original ecotour of the region. John’s Hong by Starlight tour is still a perfect day out from Phuket, taking you into the ‘‘hongs’’, sea caves among limestone karst islands. See johngray-seacanoe.com.
Atchafalaya, Louisana
Moody and surreal, the everglades of Atchafalaya is the largest wetland in the United States, featuring submerged cypress forests. Watch graceful egrets on the wing and alligators lurking on banks, with early-morning mist adding to the otherworldly silence. Guided photography excursions or canoe rentals are available through mcgeesswamptours.com.
Glacier Bay, Alaska
Whether on a guided day tour, or as part of a backcountry camping trip, kayaking in Glacier Bay National Park is the ultimate way to experience this wilderness, described by mountaineer John Muir as ‘‘unspeakably pure and sublime’’. Wildlife sightings are plentiful, with playful marine mammals, black bear, moose, and eagles, all part of the mountain landscape. See glacierbayseakayaks.com.