10 of the Best Sea Kayaking Spots in the World

Explore the World’s Most Breathtaking Sea Kayaking Destinations

Discovering the world’s top destinations for sea kayaking goes beyond sandy beaches and tropical vibes. From the icy Arctic to the stunning South Pacific, these spectacular locations promise unforgettable paddling adventures for explorers of all kinds. Ready to take on breathtaking coastlines, crystal-clear waters, and wild landscapes? Dive into the best places on the planet for sea kayaking.

1) Kenai Fjords National Park

With more than 750 nautical miles of rugged shoreline, there is no better way to experience Kenai Fjords National Park than by sea kayak. Here in wild Alaska, not far from the adventure hub of Seward, paddlers can explore a remote wilderness where glaciers meet the sea and remnants of the ice age still remain. Venture into uncharted coves and caves hidden among the magical fjords, pass by floating icebergs and perhaps even experience a close encounter with a sea lion, orca or humpback whale.

2) The Dalmatian Coast

Craggy bluffs, rocky headlands, sandy beaches and ancient towns that cascade toward the sea, are just part of the allure of kayaking the Dalmatian Coast. The stunning turquoise waters—arguably the bluest span of sea on the planet—that stretch between Croatia and Montenegro are also dotted with more than 1,200 islands and islets which make kayaking here an endless journey of exploration to hidden coves, grottoes and incredible reefs.

3) Chilko Lake, British Columbia

Known for its strikingly blue, glacier-fed waters surrounded and rugged mountain landscape, British Columbia’s Chilko Lake is an incredible destination for sea kayakers. As one of North America’s largest and most pristine alpine lakes, Chilko offers unparalleled wilderness where kayakers can spot eagles and occasionally grizzlies. The lake’s dramatic fjord-like scenery and remote location make it ideal for those seeking solitude and adventure in a truly wild environment.

4) The Belize Barrier Reef

More than 450 palm-dotted, sandy islands known as cayes make up the Caribbean kayaking paradise of Belize. And tying them together is its barrier reef, a bustling underwater ecosystem that’s the second largest on the planet and home to approximately 100 different types of coral and 500 species of fish. Here, island hopping and snorkeling make for a perfect paddling vacation. Some of the kayaking hot spots include Ambergis Caye for its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, and Cocoa Plum Caye, a secluded island with unreal turquoise water.

5) Galápagos National Park

Rules and regulations limit and restrict tour boat access throughout the chain of islands that make up Galápagos National Park, but sea kayaking in Charles Darwin’s paradise can get you special access. Head out with an outfitter who can lead you to off-the-beaten-path locales and remote beaches where you’re sure to have close-up encounters with blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, marine iguanas and so many other exotic species found only in this remote island destination.

6) Crete’s Southern Coast

From the old Venetian harbor near Chania to the spectacular white sands of Elafonisi Beach, the Greek Island of Crete offers 650 miles of crystal blue waters for paddling, but it’s the unspoiled southern coast that’s worth discovering. The region’s mountainous landscape and jagged coastline create ample sea caves, hidden coves like the perfect Agios Pavlos and enticing pink-sand beaches that lure paddlers from one tiny village to the next. It’s an area that’s ripe for exploring by kayak.

7) Baja – The “Mexican Galapagos”

Baja, Mexico’s remote and scenic coastline and its surrounding islands like Isla Espiritu Santo, didn’t get nicknamed the “Mexican Galapagos” by accident. The warm turquoise waters of Baja are home to a spectacular marine environment and a multitude of rare species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. After paddling around this evolutionary treasure chest by day, enjoy the added bonus of camping on sandy beaches and taking in stunning sunsets by night.

8) Sermilik Fjord, Greenland

Sea kayaking in the Arctic? It might sound crazy, but in high summer you can paddle the tranquil waters of Sermilik Fjord in southeastern Greenland where hundreds of icebergs break loose from the wild and rugged region’s large ice sheet each year. Navigate through a maze of floating ice chunks, catch a glimpse of some whales or seals, and take in breathtaking scenery as you explore the main channel and smaller side arms like Nærøyfjord littered with misty waterfalls and sculpted blue icebergs.

9) Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Raja Ampat is renowned for its surreal beauty and biodiversity. This island paradise boasts dramatic limestone karsts rising from the ocean, creating a truly breathtaking landscape to explore by paddle. Part of the Coral Triangle, the Indonesian region is home to some of the most biodiverse marine life on the planet. Kayakers glide over colorful coral gardens and can spot everything from manta rays to sea turtles. Because of the island group’s remoteness guided tours are recommended and can help facilitate kayaks and logistics.

10 ) Channel Islands National Park

Along the shores of any of the five islands in Channel Islands National Park, sea kayakers can glide through lush kelp forests, spotting seals, otters, dolphins, and even whales. With over 100 sea caves to explore, the park is a playground for paddlers. Rugged coastlines and quiet sandy coves make for an unforgettable and remote coastal experience, despite the park’s proximity to the busy Southern California mainland. While the other islands are generally recommended for experienced sea kayakers, Santa Cruz Island is by far the most popular and the most approachable with a lot of the kayaking activity and guided tours centered around Scorpion Anchorage.