The kayak originated from a small boat made by the Eskimos in Greenland. This boat is wrapped in a bone frame with whale skin and otter skin and is rowed with an oar with blades at both ends. Rowing originated in Canada, so it is also called Canadian rowing.
In 1924, kayaking entered the Olympic Games as a performance event, and in 1936, kayaking became an official Olympic event. Many people love this sport, but it's only fun in the right places, and this article will tell you the best places in the world to kayak.
1. Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
This epic national park is located on New Zealand's South Island, and the most popular track in the park is a 51km walk called the Abel Tasman Coastal Walk, one of New Zealand's Great Walks.
When building this track, people often combine walking and sea kayaking, allowing them to enjoy both land and sea views. From the kayak, you can see many caves, coves, and white sand beaches and encounter many marine mammals.
2. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket and its surrounding small islands are ideal for sea kayaking. Kayaking is a great way to explore Phang Nga Bay and Krabi.
You can enjoy views of islets by the sea, close to crystal limestone caves, and find hidden beaches that are inaccessible by land. You can even snorkel from a kayak, just make sure someone stays on it so it doesn't float away!
3. Baja California Peninsula, Mexico
Baja California is a 1,247-kilometer-long peninsula in northwestern Mexico, and the city of Cabo San Lucas is located at the southern tip of the peninsula. It's a hotspot for tourists, mostly Americans, who come to Cabo to enjoy the sea and sun.
Sea kayaking is very popular locally, and the main attraction of these kayaks is the famous natural arch of Cabo San Lucas, which is located at the very tip of the peninsula and is only accessible by sea.
4. Isafjordur, Westfjords, Iceland
Iceland is a land of fire and ice, and sea kayaking is no stranger to this small European island. You can kayak in the frozen waters near Iceland, and Isafjordur is one of the best spots.
Located in the northern part of the Westfjords region, kayaking between beautiful fjords is a one-of-a-kind experience.
5. Fiji Islands
Fiji is the perfect place to enjoy calm kayaking and great views. Fiji has over 330 islands surrounded by clear and calm shallow waters and many coral reefs. Sea kayaking here, combined with snorkeling on a coral reef, and you have the best day of your life!
6. Galapagos National Park, Ecuador
The area around Ecuador's Galapagos National Park is largely limited to motor vehicles, but sea kayaking allows you to get up close and personal with the amazing wildlife on the World Heritage island.
There are Galapagos land iguanas, sea lions, penguins, giant tortoises, and more.
7. Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, and here you can enjoy a day or more of kayaking on the island. Enjoy the warm Mediterranean weather and explore secluded beaches and coves.
Enjoy lunch at one of the many deserted beaches and swim in the crystal clear waters.
8. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is also an excellent starting point for many sea kayaking adventures off the Croatian coast.
Kayaking in Dubrovnik gives you a unique view of the historic city walls, and as you continue, you can take in views of the numerous limestone cliffs and pine forests.
9. Crete, Greece
Crete is by far the most popular Greek island, and kayaking on the island is a popular attraction for tourists. They are adventurous and want more than a day at the beach.
The waters around the entire island are clear, but the southern coast is the most popular.
It offers many sea caves and coves, deserted beaches, and small villages.
10. Lofoten Islands, Norway
You can explore Norway's breathtaking fjords in the Lofoten Islands. From a small kayak at sea, the huge surrounding mountains will look even bigger and more impressive.