Feature: Sea kayaking tours for a unique adventure
Paddling through ocean waves as the salty spray washes over you. Witnessing soaring birds and nearby marine mammals bask in the sunshine. There is no wonder why sea kayaking is such an awe-inspiring adventure. And you also get some exercise at the same time! Last week we teased your adventurous spirit with a feature on river kayaking. So following on from that, get in the adrenaline mood with our next feature on its ocean-going cousin...
Indonesia
No country could be better suited for a sea kayaking adventure than Indonesia. Comprised of 17,000 islands which span four time zones, you could argue the last real unexplored Asian adventure lies in its varied landscapes. With tropical rainstorms, towering (and active!) volcanoes, some of the most unique vistas on earth, and clear blue seas separating the islands, explore it for yourself with Responsible Travel. The 10-day trip starts on the tiny island of Bali before flying into the loosely inhabited Nusa Tenggara islands which shoot off to the east like a trail of huge pebbles.
Expect wild camping on pristine beaches, sea kayaking over to uninhabited rocky and forested islands, witnessing traditional ceremonies, snorkelling in abundant reefs, and wildlife spotting in mangroves for bats. But the main feature has to be paddling with Rinca Rangers to look for the iconic Komodo Dragons. Growing up to three metres long, these prehistoric beasts are a sight to behold! The ten day trip costs £1450, excluding flights.
Sweden
The Stockholm Archipelago is a network of over 24,000 islands, rocks, and skerries, extending 60 km to the east of the Swedish capital. Only around 1000 of these are inhabited, so this magnificent maritime world is a stunning haven of blue seas, tiny rocky islands forested by pines, and historic towns. Nature Travels, an adventure travel specialist in this Scandinavian country, are offering a five day sea kayaking adventure paddling through the shallow passes between the islands. Start your days by swimming in the icy water for a very refreshing wake up!
Then paddle to the serene island of Bullero and check out the museum dedicated to Swedish artist Bruno Liljefors. You’ll camp wild on isolated islands where you can explore the rocky shoreline and spectacular sunsets. Summer days are very long in Sweden, so expect to wake up early in the basking sun shine. Then let your guide show you the unique flora and fauna of the region, where birds of prey like white-tailed sea eagles and ospreys circle the skies above
Canada
Boasting one of the most beautiful seascapes on earth, the west coast of Canada is a wild, pine-laden land of utmost wonder. Mist shrouded mornings give way to rocky mountains strewn with pine trees, which (along with the prolific waters) boast some of the most iconic creatures on earth. Here dolphins and whales swim in the icy sea while bears and wolves forage in the woodlands on land. Spirit of the West Adventures is offering a six-day sea kayaking itinerary starting in the Broughton Archipelago off the coast of British Columbia, along with paddling excursions along the wide Johnstone Strait – the realm of killer whales!
Start off by visiting The Bones Project where skeletons of marine mammals from the BC coast are displayed. Each night your guide will choose a new camping spot, ranging from forest groves to beaches. While exploring the protected sea passageways, expect to see orcas, dolphins, and even a few humpback whales up close! You’ll also visit Native American reserves and learn about the indigenous Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations peoples. The mobile campsite includes a kitchen tent and toilet facilities, and prices for the trip start at £880.
Montenegro
For such a small country, the Adriatic nation of Montenegro sure packs a punch when it comes to landscapes. With warm weather, there are green hills, clear lakes, fast rivers, and beautiful beaches overlooking the ever-blue Adriatic. And due to its proximity to Greece the country has an unrivalled history dating back thousands of years. Adriatic Kayak Tours have set up a seven night trip starting in the nearby Croatian town of Dubrovnik.
Begin by sea kayaking in the Bay of Kotor where massive mountain slopes rise abruptly from the sea. Paddle along the coast where historic villages dot the landscape, including the UNESCO listed Perast, and the medieval walled Kotor. Explore every nook and cranny of the coast, and pass waterfalls and WWII submarine tunnels before dining on seafood in the evening. The second part of the trip includes mountain climbing through stone tunnels and over rocky roads to visit monasteries and rivers. Take in breathtaking panoramic views and relax in charming log cabins.
Sea kayaking is a lot of fun. Not only do you get some heart thumping exercise, but you get to see beautiful landscapes and animals up close.
