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Archive for the ‘Destinations’ Category

Australia offers a variety of kayaking options, from mild to wild. Here are some popular Australia kayaking destinations.

Perth
Perth, in Western Australia, offers serious whitewater kayaking. Winter in Australia is July to September. One winter destination is Murray River. The Murray features grade 2-4 rapids and a steep gradient. Rapids include Tricky Dick, Columbines, Fast Eddies, Gobbly Girl and Terminations Rapid.

Broome
Sheltered bays and abundant marine life greet kayakers along this clean coastline. Birds, fish, dolphins and manta rays are some of the marine life present. Turtle Bay Lookout is a leisurely kayak trip exploring reefs, rock formations and watching birds and marine life.

Sea kayaking south of Broome to the Eco Beach and Cape Villarette area is a leisurely paddle. Ocean kayaks are recommended.

Sydney
Kayakers can see one of Australia’s largest tourist attractions, the Sydney Harbour, from sea level. Sydney Harbour is home to the Opera House, the Admiralty House (General Governor’s Residence), Kerribilli House (Prime Minister’s Residence), some of Sydney’s most expensive water front real estate and more.

Kayaking tours of the area are available. Some tour guides have changed their policies and no longer accept inexperienced kayakers. They state that the Harbour has much more motorized boat traffic and that it’s best if only experienced sea kayakers paddle through the more crowded areas.

Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is part of the Port River Estuary. Kayaking is an excellent way to meet up with the Port River dolphins and to tour the Ships Graveyard Maritime Heritage trail.

Great Barrier Reef
Enjoy sea kayaking the world’s largest reef system. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is 1400 miles long and home to 1800 known species of fish and 450 species of coral. 3000 individual reefs and 900 islands make up Great Barrier Reef. The biggest problem in kayaking the area is in deciding where to paddle first.
Green Island is a 6,000 year old coral cay and National Park on the Great Barrier Reef. Sandy beaches, clear water and a tropical rain forest make it a popular kayaking destination with some tours.

Tully River in the World Heritage Rainforest
Reef and rain forest tours are available from various tour operators. The Tully River, a Class IV, in the World Heritage Rain Forest is Australia’s most famous whitewater kayaking destination.

The Tully is located 87 miles south of Cairns. The river flows through the World Heritage Rain Forest. It’s a steep, technical grade 4 river. A five hour kayaking trip covers 45 rapids, including the Alarm Clock, the Wet & Moisty, Staircase and Theatre.

Prince’s Bridge to Westgate Bridge
The Yarra River used to be the lifeblood of Melbourne. Kayakers can see the old docks, boats and bridges from water level. Paddle alongside tankers and cargo boats for a new perspective on size. The area now contains a casino, restaurants, shops and cycling track. Kayakers can pull up at Southbank or the Docklands and grab some refreshment.
From the magnificent Sydney Harbor to the wild Tully River, Australia offers something for both experienced and beginning kayakers.

Whether you’re looking for a challenge and a chance to test your kayaking skills or just looking to see Florida from another point of view, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Participating in a reputable kayak tour is a good way to see what Florida has to offer.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida is a popular destination for many organized kayak tours. A Day Away Outfitters offer several tours based in the refuge.

Manatee Encounter: kayaking with this beloved Florida resident and endangered species can be a fun and enlightening experience. The tour lasts two hours and manatee sightings are guaranteed from April to October. Difficulty rating is easy.
Birding Tour: This 90 minute kayaking tour gives paddlers the chance to see some of Florida’s migratory and native birds. Spoonbills, herons, egrets and more call the refuge home. Difficulty rating is easy.

Black Night/Cold Light Bioluminescent Night Tour: This isn’t a refuge tour but it is highly recommended. In the summer, the waters of the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon light up thanks to bioluminescence. Every movement produces light. Manatees glow, sting rays look like something out of something out of science fiction movies and fast moving little fish look like glow-in-the-dark rockets. The tour lasts 2 1/2 hours. Bioluminescence is guaranteed June through September. Difficulty rating is easy. Kayakers can truly see Florida in a whole new light.

Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail

This popular sea kayaking destination in Florida is one of the longest and wildest publicly owned wetlands in the United States. The 105 mile trail features a big variety of marine and bird life. White pelicans, egrets, bald eagles and ospreys inhabit the area. In the water, kayakers are likely to see crabs, fish, sea turtles, manatee, cannonball jelly fish, small sharks and rays.

Six designated campsites are spread out over the trail. Camping permits are required and guide books are available. The trail is open from September 1 to June 30th.

Blue Cypress Lake

Club kayak details several available Florida kayak routes and tours. Blue Cypress Lake is one of them. Freshwater kayaking at Florida’s Blue Cypress Lake requires moderate kayaking skills. Round trip from Middleton’s Fish Camp to Moonshine Bay is 7 miles.

The lake contains largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and blue gill in addition to other fish species. Cypress trees, often filled with osprey, surround the launch area. Available side trips include exploring the cypress swamp, complete with subtropical ferns, mosquitoes and alligators.

Weeki Wachee River

Also detailed by Club kayak is Weeki Wachee, a Florida spring discharging over 64 million gallons of water daily. Kayaking this Florida waterway, paddlers are likely to see manatee, alligators, raccoons, otters and a variety of birds. Often-sighted birds include ducks, ibis, pelicans, herons, osprey, wood storks and cormorants. Eight miles along, the Weeki Wachee meets the Gulf of Mexico.

Difficulty rating is beginner to advanced and distance ranges from 4 to 16 miles.
Kayaking options in Florida range from freshwater to saltwater and from calm water to rushing water. Kayaking tours are an excellent way to try out new waterways. State parks and kayaking trails are another option.

Florida is often a popular destination for tourists and not just in the summer, but all year long. Florida offers miles of sandy beaches, annual warm weather, great shopping adventures and wonderful dining. Most people head straight for the beach when visiting Florida, taking in the sun at places like Daytona Beach, Boynton Beach, and private beaches along Clearwater and Orlando. While these are great relaxation spots, sometimes they can get overcrowded and it’s hard to appreciate the natural beauty of Florida. That’s why Florida is also home to several kayaking adventures, where you can experience a unique aspect to fun in the sun.

In central Florida, check out A Day Away Outfitters and Kayak Tours. Centered on Merritt Island, A Day Away offers tours aimed specifically at viewing dolphins, manatee, and alligator. You’ll also have a chance to catch a glimpse of wild turkeys and pigs lurking in the woods surrounding the islands. Each tour is guided by a professional kayaking instructor and is available seven days a week.

If you’re visiting or live around south Florida, Atlantic Coast Kayak Company provides informative kayaking classes and guided tours. Take a tour around the infamous Florida Keys, where you’ll be able to take a pit stop and swim with the dolphins if conditions are favorable. For a truly unique kayaking experience, consider taking a tour to Whiskey Creek. Located between the beach and the waterway within John Lloyd State Park, Whiskey Creek is popular for spotting beautiful aquatic birds, a variety of saltwater fish, and even stingrays! Not only will you catch views of wildlife only seen on the discovery channel, but you’ll also have the chance to see the large and historic ships of Port Everglades.

If you reside in Florida or plan to visit several times a year, consider becoming a member of the Florida Sea Kayaking Association (FSKA). You can receive significantly discounted kayaking trips all around Florida, and privileges to some of Florida’s most serene and prestigious kayaking locations. Joining this or a similar kayaking association could save you lots of money if kayaking is one of your frequent hobbies.

Finally, if you plan to be in the Orlando area and have some time for a longer aquatic outdoor excursion, then sign up with Florida Sun Safari National Park Adventure. This eight day journey will lead you through many destinations beginning in Orlando. You’ll enjoy a hike through the Everglades National Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to view unique aquatic birds and some of Florida’s most hidden wildlife. In Key West, you’ll be given the opportunity to not only kayak through some of the tranquil waters, but also scuba dive! Experience a picnic lunch and a chance to touch manatees at Canaveral National Seashore on the final day. This unforgettable opportunity costs around $825 per person and covers food and transportation.

Next time you’re in Florida, you’ll find so many great opportunities for kayaking and other outdoor adventures. Laying out on the beach may soon become your old pastime!

Take a look around the city of San Diego, and you’re likely to see everyone getting around on bike or by trolley. While it’s true that San Diego is full of sites and attractions, very few people realize that it’s also an ideal location to experience some great kayaking. In fact, some of the best scenery of San Diego is only seen from the water, and kayaking is an excellent way to take in all of the sights and sounds of this “big little city”.

Start your kayaking adventure in San Diego by taking a tour of the La Jolla Sea Caves. While it sounds like it may be an intimidating experience, it’s actually a very pleasant and fun outdoor adventure! Beginning at the La Jolla Shores, you can paddle your way through an outdoor paradise while you view areas of San Diego’s coast. Before reaching the historical sea caves, you’ll have a chance to get up close and personal with sea lions, stingrays, and other aquatic life that reside within these canals. In fact, it’s even said that harbor seals sit perched among the rocks of the water and “wave” at their visitors who pass by!

However, kayaking in San Diego is just as fun in the fall and winter as it is in the summer. Winter is known to be a season of hibernation and mating, and that’s exactly what you’ll find as you explore Baja’s Pacific Coast! During the colder seasons, gray whales leave their homeland of the Arctic Ocean and make their way to the inviting warmth of Baja. In the months of December and January, the whales mate and give birth. Take advantage of a guided tour from La Jolla Shores during this time, and experience the thrill of viewing these amazing animals in person.

If you plan to visit San Diego with small children, there are opportunities for them to experience the fun of kayaking as well. In areas of Monterey and Elkhorn Slough, there are very calm and tranquil waters that are perfect for children and families. Monterey
Bay offers fascinating history and abundant marine life, while Elkhorn Slough is an excellent kayaking route for the nature and wildlife lover. (Often, you can spot several breeds of exotic birds.) The children will love the feeling of paddling through the water on a boat, and adults will enjoy the quiet ride while taking in some sightseeing.

If you’ve ever dreamed of catching the biggest fish among your friends and family, then look into opportunities for kayak fishing around Monterey Bay. While this area is known for its calm and peaceful surroundings, it is also home to some of California’s best fishing. There are several classes offered in the area and guided tours and trips directed towards kayak fishing.

With so many amazing opportunities for kayaking in San Diego, you are sure to find the water adventure that’s right for you and your family!

Kayaking Alaska gives boaters an opportunity to enjoy relaxing wilderness scenery or to test their limits in the frozen wilderness. Alaska is home to the nation’s largest national park. Both the park and the state have much to offer beginning and experienced kayakers. Tours and rental kayaks are available for kayak experiences throughout the state.

Le Conte Glacier Bay

Le Conte Glacier Bay is a 12 mile fjord carved out of the mountain range by glaciers. Le Conte Glacier is the southernmost tidewater glacier in North America. It is an active glacier, fracturing and calving constantly, filling the bay with thousands of icebergs.

Kayak day trips through the bay give boaters a glimpse of lush forests, ancient, sheer rock walls, thundering waterfalls and icebergs in every imaginable shape and size. Kayaking Le Conte lets boaters see and experience the majestic and sometimes fierce side of Alaskan nature.

Big Creek on Frederick Sound

The Kupreanof Island coastline offers miles of beaches and coves waiting to be appreciated by sea kayakers kayaking Alaska. Marine mammals in the area include stellar sea lions, porpoises, harbor seals and pacific humpback whales. River otters and bald eagles also call the island home.

Tebenkof Bay

Tebenkof Bay encompasses 65,000 acres of coves, bays and small islands – a dream destination for Alaska kayaking. The area is one of the most remote and wild parts of southeast Alaska.
Tlingit once lived there. No humans reside there now. Black bears, wolves, and Sitka black-tailed deer inhabit the area.

Stikine River

The Stikine River is the largest, navigable undammed watershed in North America. The river flows more than 400 miles from head waters in British Columbia to the Alaskan Delta.
Flat-water paddling the Stikine takes boaters through areas once used by natives and gold-seekers. Kayakers can visit a hot spring, view the towering Cottonwood trees of Ketili River and see salmon spawning.

Prince William Sound

Prince William Sound is said to offer some of the best kayaking in Alaska. 7,000 miles of ocean, river deltas, tidal flats and glaciers make up the Sound.

Shoup Glacier, unique because it can lay claim to not one but two tidal basins, boasts the fastest growing Kittiwake rookery in the Sound with over 20,000 birds and 6,000 nests.

Columbia Glacier, aka the world’s speediest glacier, is currently the largest glacier in Prince William Sound and the second largest glacier in Alaska. The glacier is moving backwards as much as 4 feet per day during the summer months.  Kayakers can take a boat to the glacier then set out via kayak to paddle among icebergs and through bays that motorized boats cannot access. Harbor seals, sea otters, sea lions, bears and whales are likely to be seen. Such areas are what sea kayaking Alaska are all about.

Sitka Sound

Experienced sea kayakers will find wilderness beaches, bioluminescent waters, and experience kayaking in ocean swells, rock gardens, sea cliffs and outer caves while paddling Sitka.
Coastal tide pools and kelp forests abound. Eagles, otters, seals, porpoises and whales call the area home, as do many smaller animals.

Less experienced kayakers will still find plenty of Alaskan beauty to tour.

Tongass National Forest

Tongass National Forest is America’s northernmost rain forest and the largest national forest in America. Almost 17 million acres, or over 20,625 square miles, make up Tongass forest. Saltwater and fresh water kayaking opportunities abound in this part of Alaska.

The Tongass is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. Black and brown bears, caribou, sheep and goats call the forest home. So do moose, bald eagles, foxes, beavers and other small animals. Swans and hummingbirds are two of the birds boaters are likely to glimpse.

The destinations mentioned here are just a few of the many Alaska kayaking opportunities for beginning and experienced kayakers. Paddling among glaciers, kayaking in sea caves, and seeing Alaska’s wildlife in their natural habitat are some of the reasons kayakers visit the state.