As a kayaker, whether you want a slow-paced adventure or blast your way through a sheet of white water, there are destinations to fulfill any kayaker’s bucket list. When considering top kayaking destinations, there are several factors that need to be considered. These factors include closeness to nature, varied and abundant wildlife, and adventure. Opportunities for all skill levels play a role in considering the best destination. The above factors are not the only factors. We have just named a few.

Kayaking is an exciting sports and recreational activity for all ages. It provides an excellent exercise for the whole body. In addition, each kayaker can enjoy as close as possible the natural environment that surrounds him. While there are wonderful and exciting places to kayak in the world, there are destinations that every kayaker should never miss. Some of the top kayaking destinations are:

1. Glacier Bay, Alaska:

Since John Muir visited Glacier Bay in 1879, the area has opened up countless fjords and bays for sea kayaking and offered 16 tidewater glaciers to explore. The area offers another advantage, namely, one has the best chance of witnessing the stages of plant succession left behind by retreating glaciers. The ‘bush’ in Alaska, as it is known locally, is made up of tundra, marshes and dozens of active volcanoes along with the Aleutian Islands, an archipelago of 300 people that stretches like Christmas lights between the Americas and Asia.

Alaska is home to a fascinating diversity of wildlife. Terrestrial fauna includes wolves, beavers and moose, while sea lions, whales and marine colonies abound in the waters of the peninsula. Alaska is a huge place with a plethora of options for adventure seekers and the question is how to fit it all together to make the most of all the options available in Alaska.

2. Kayaking in Baja, Mexico.

With approximately 2,000 miles of rugged, wild coastline and just a short drive from the US, the Gulf of California is one of the top kayaking destinations in the world. Sail through coves, around rocks, caves, empty beaches or whale watching on the many kayak routes offered here. There are about 100 islands in the Gulf of California, with about half of them protected as ultra-biodiverse reserve sites and all of them surrounded by crystal-clear blue seas. The climate in this area is mild all year round and enjoys calm seas thanks to the shielding of the peninsula itself.

As you tour Baja, you’re sure to see marine animals visiting this secluded paradise as you kayak through calm, clear waters and marvel at the enchanting island backdrops. Kayaking aside, the region is now seeing a return to its unique biodiversity that was once threatened due to overfishing. In Baja Mexico, there are large colonies of plants endemic to the region, as well as a staggering number of rare plant species numbering some 3,500 species in total, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.

3. Kayaking in New Zealand.

New Zealand literally has everything to offer. Along with the giant national park, it has great kayaking spots. The bay has remote coves, beaches, caves, and year-round tropical weather so you can visit whenever you have time. New Zealand offers a wide variety of wildlife. Milford Sound is New Zealand’s largest attraction and was formed over millions of years of glacial activity.

Milford Sound offers unrivaled beauty whose scale and majesty make it unlike anywhere else on the planet. The mountains in this area are huge and lush with vegetation, waterfalls cascade hundreds of meters down vertical cliffs, and the sea rushes through valleys that are crystal clear. Ascending through lush tropical beech forest and into the alpine setting at the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of surrounding mountains, alpine lakes, and deep, bush-covered valleys.

4. Dalmatian coast in Croatia

The Croatian coast is full of pine forests and limestone cliffs. It is not necessarily the tropical paradise that you find in the South Pacific, but it is a unique and attractive trip that you will surely not forget. The large number of islands off the Croatian coast will give you plenty of options on where to go.

5. Greek islands.

For those of us who prefer the real thing kayaking, the Greek islands offer thousands of excellent sea kayaking waters. In these islands where sea kayaking is civilized, it is possible to paddle from one island to another. There are plenty of coves and remote spots that you can kayak to.

One of the Cyclades islands in Greece is Milos. It has a Mamma Mia-like setting of turquoise blue seas, matched with pale golden skies and sands. Milos’ main claim to fame is that it is the place where the Venus de Milo statue was found in 1820, but the man-made artifacts pale in comparison when you look at the natural beauty of Milos. The lunar landscape of Milos, where rocky crops of burnt reds, earthy browns and stark whites come together, is a great scene-stealer on any ancient artifact. Since you will be sea kayaking off the coast of Milos, you will be able to go where most other boats cannot.

6. The west coast of Scotland.

The west coast of Scotland is home to countless sea lochs, inlets and islands dotted amongst an achingly beautiful highland panorama and it’s hard to think of a better way to explore the area than by sea kayak.

Scotland is blessed with all kinds of fantastic waters for kayaking, but its coastline and the sea kayaking it offers are truly a jewel in its aquatic crown. Walking along the Scottish coastline you will see thousands of miles of inlets, sea caves, coves and islands to explore and the sea kayak is the perfect craft for the job.

Wherever you go you will find a plethora of wildlife, ancient culture and the Scots are renowned for their hospitality. The west coast offers fantastic sandy beaches, rugged reefs, and abundant wildlife. You can enjoy the beauty of the area while the seals curiously swim under your boat. It is simply a magical sea kayaking area.