Posts Tagged ‘Aquatic Birds’

Explore the Beauty of Hawaii through Kayaking

The chance to vacation in Hawaii is a rare opportunity for some people. Nearly everyone daydreams about feeling the sand between their toes while sipping on a pina-colada. So, if given the chance to visit Hawaii, it’s not likely one would pass it up. With miles of sandy-white beaches and emerald-green waters, it’s a place enjoyed by people of all ages. But unlike the other 49 states of America, Hawaii isn’t just one solid mass of land that can be explored through driving; it’s a chain of islands that represent the entire state. Therefore, there’s no better way to check out this amazing land of paradise than by kayak!

There are wonderful opportunities for kayaking on nearly every island of Hawaii. No matter what part of the state you plan to visit, a kayaking adventure is available at every corner. If you are planning to be in Kauai, this is a prime location for some of the best Hawaiian kayaking adventures. You can explore the waters around Hanalei Bay and have a chance to see some breathtaking Hawaiian wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for the sight of bottle-nose dolphins and a beautiful assortment of aquatic birds. Kauai is also known for its many small rivers and streams that flow into the tropical rainforest, so take advantage of the opportunity to see some exotic animals and plants first-hand.

The east coast of Oahu is also a great spot to experience kayaking. Oahu is known to be one of the most relaxing places for a smooth-sailing kayaking trip. This area offers some of the calmest and serene waters in Hawaii, giving you the chance to take in some sightseeing while enjoying your time in the sun. Because of the many, small islands that surround Oahu’s coast, you can stop for a picnic lunch during your kayaking adventure.

Maui is an island of Hawaii that offers several kayaking options and adventures. Maui is home to Honolulu Bay marine preserve, where you can experience some excellent snorkeling or scuba diving. The waters surrounding Maui are ideal for the beginning kayaker, as conditions are usually calm and easy to paddle. However, if you are an experienced kayaker and looking for a challenge, then explore the island of Molokai. Here, the waters are known to be a bit rougher and offer quite a physical challenge. Please be advised that this area should be reserved for only the experienced kayakers.

If you’ve never been kayaking before, the good news is that you don’t need any experience in order to enjoy a kayaking trip in Hawaii. Kayaking is a wonderful activity that’s ideal for people of all ages and skill level. If you book a guided tour, you will be taken to only the places with calm and quiet waters that require little physical exertion. In fact, kayaking in Hawaii is an activity that can be enjoyed by nearly every member of your family and is an excellent way to get in your sightseeing!

Kayaking in Florida; A Different Approach to “Fun in the Sun”

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!