Posts Tagged ‘Sandy Beaches’
Finding the Best Kayaking in Seward, Alaska
Alaska is a beautiful state that longs to be explored. With beautiful mountain scenery, breathtaking landscapes, and crystal clear lakes and streams, it’s no wonder that Alaska has become a top vacation spot in the United States. Alaska also provides the perfect opportunity to experience kayaking, particularly in the area of Seward. You are not likely to find a better place for kayaking anywhere in the world! Here you will find everything you only dreamed of seeing as you paddle through the calm and tranquil waters of Seward on your kayaking journey.
Lowell Point, located inside the magnificent Resurrection Bay, is a prime location in Seward for great kayaking. Here you will find abundant wildlife and aquatic animals along the shoreline of Caines Head State Recreation Area. You’re likely to spot bald eagles soaring overhead, sea lions perched atop the jagged rocks that peek up from under the water, and grizzly bears as they feast on the leaping salmon inhibiting the creeks and streams of Lowell Point.
Another common location for kayaking in Seward is Fox Island. Fox Island is said to be one of the best sea kayaking locations in the world, and for very good reason. Located about 14 miles from Seward, Fox Island is an area of natural beauty and wonder. This is an area you thought you would only see on the discovery channel! You’ll find long, sandy beaches that stretch for miles, an inhibited rainforest, and picture-perfect cliffs and coves along the shoreline. Fox Island is famous for catching glimpses of a whale, as the peek out from beneath the water to say hello to fellow kayakers. Falcons and puffins soar in the clear skies, setting the perfect scene for photography.
Kenai Fjords National Park provides the ultimate kayaking experience for those looking to view natural Alaskan glaciers or get in some whale watching. Whales are known to live just beneath the glaciers in the tranquil water, and often jump between the waves as if to put on a show for the kayakers. The surrounding glaciers provide the perfect pedestal for sea otters, sea lions, beavers, and other wildlife residing in the area. They never seem to be bothered by the passing kayaks, so be sure to snap a picture of these magnificent creatures while you have the chance. Kenai Fjords is the perfect location for a kayaking trip if you are only visiting Seward for a short time, as it can easily be explored by kayak in one day.
A simple search of the internet will provide you with a list of Seward kayak tour companies and their rates. The average cost of a one-day kayaking excursion through Seward is around $125. Most tours will include everything you need for your kayaking adventure, as well as lunch or dinner included in the price. Be sure to find a tour that will accommodate your level of physical ability. While most everyone of any skill level can participate in the kayaking tours, some of the waters of Seward tend to be rough and harder to paddle through. Keep this mind when choosing your tour and location.
Kayaking the Big Island – A True Hawaiian Adventure!
Simply put, kayaking the Big Island refers to kayaking adventures around Hawaii. While Hawaii is known for its white sandy beaches, emerald-green waters, active volcanoes, and tropical plants, it’s also the perfect location for kayaking. The Big Island provides opportunities for everyone to enjoy kayaking, regardless of your age or ability level. You can choose to paddle through either extreme or tranquil waters, both of which offer an amazing glimpse at some of Hawaii’s wildlife and beautiful scenery. The common places for kayaking around the Big Island are Kauai, Oahu, and Maui.
Kauai is sometimes referred to as “the emerald island,” and for very good reason. Not only is it one of the most beautiful Hawaiian islands, Kauai has some of the most stunning and active rainforests known to Hawaii. The waterfall terrain along the Na Pali coast provides excellent photography opportunities for those kayaking the Big Island. These waterfalls gently flow into the ocean and set the ultimate conditions for kayaking. Keep your eyes peeled for sights of Hawaiian wildlife along the coast, such as sea lions and other manatee. You may even want to consider snorkeling in this area of the Big Island, as you will find beautiful tropical fish swimming beneath the surface.
The island of Oahu is the most populated of the Big Island and serves as an ideal location for calm kayaking. Along the west coast of Oahu, you will find dolphin activity on a daily basis. Here, you will be given the chance to dock your kayak and swim with these amazing aquatic creatures. Also in this area is the infamous Pearl Harbor. Feel free to take pictures and video tape this historic battle site as you kayak around the Big Island. Oahu is also known on the Big Island as a great spot to scuba dive, so be sure to take advantage of all the opportunities Oahu has to offer.
Although the island of Maui is only forty-eight miles long, it is one of the most famous places of the Big Island. It’s often referred to “Valley Isle” because of the massive valley between its two volcanoes. The shoreline of Maui provides some great kayaking and is most popular for whale-watching. Kayaking in this area of the Big Island is sure to bring you up close and personal with the humpback whales that inhibit the Hawaiian Island. It is recommended to kayak in the early morning hours to see the whales, and it should be noted that the waters surrounding Maui are typically rough and not as easily navigable. Therefore, you should go on a guided tour to kayak this area of the Big Island to help ensure your safety.
The Big Island is full of kayak opportunities as well as scuba diving, snorkeling, cliff jumping, and many other thrilling water activities. If you ever plan to visit Hawaii, kayaking is your best bet to seeing all of the beauty and wonders of the Big Island.
Experience Whale Watching on Rosarito Beach
Mexico is a country known for its tropical appeal and lush vegetation. Most people traveling to Mexico visit the popular cities of Cancun, Tijuana, and Cabo San Lucas. These places are distinguished for having miles of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and genuine Mexican cuisine. But there’s another beautiful area of Mexico that’s a well-kept secret – Rosarito Beach. Located a short distance from the shores of Baja, California, Rosarito Beach provides an excellent opportunity to experience nature at its finest. This stretch of private paradise is famous for sights of the grey whale, and is most notable for great kayaking adventures.
If you take advantage of the kayaking opportunities available on Rosarito Beach, you’re sure to get up close and personal with the magnificent whales that inhibit the area. Rosarito Beach is located just south of the pacific coast of Baja, California, which is also known to be famous of spotting glimpses of the grey whale. You’re most likely to meet the whales during the winter months of December and January in Rosarito Beach. This is the time of year when whales make the journey from their home in the Arctic Ocean to take in the warmth of Rosarito Beach, and begin their mating and birthing season. Traveling by kayak along the waters of Rosarito Beach provides you the ultimate opportunity to take pictures, view the whales through binoculars, and simply take in the wonders of watching these amazing creatures you otherwise would never have the chance to see.
While you’re paddling through the waters of Rosarito Beach, be sure to try your hand at fishing. This would be very easy to accomplish if you plan to kayak through the waters. The waters of Rosarito Beach are known to have a wide variety of fish, and you’re likely to have the most luck just off the Coronado Islands. (These tiny, uninhibited islands are located northwest of the Rosarito Beach shoreline.) Even people who have never caught a fish before succeed around Coronado Islands!
Along with whales and fish, you are also likely to spot sea lions, manatee, and tropical birds along the shoreline of Rosarito Beach if you kayak during the warmer months. Not only will you have this once-in-a-lifetime chance to see some amazing wildlife, but you’ll also be given the opportunity to experience great photography.
Most kayaking and whale watching tours in Rosarito Beach are daytime excursions, but there are some tours that offer camping as part of an overnight addition to the tour. If you choose an overnight tour, you will set up camp along the sandy beaches of the tiny surrounding islands of Rosarito Beach. What better way to view a tropical sunset? Although most kayaking tours in Rosarito Beach are not physically challenging, you will need to be in average physical shape to participate. The waters in this area can be a bit wavy or rough at times due to the inhibiting whales, but can still be paddled through by the average person.
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!
