adventures through kayaking tours

Adventures Through Kayaking

Review Highlights

“ We were fortunate to have crystal clear, calm waters and views to Vancouver Island for our entire tour out in Freshwater Bay . ” in 8 reviews

“ We could not recommend a nicer team of people to take you on their brilliant tours of the beautiful Olympic peninsula . ” in 5 reviews

“ Also much safer to be with someone knowledgeable about weather and sea conditions as well as the underwater topography! ” in 7 reviews

Location & Hours

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2358 West Hwy 101

Port Angeles, WA 98363

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Amenities and More

About the business.

Kayaking, Mountain Biking and Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP,) tours, rentals, and sales on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula. Located just outside Olympic National Park in Port Angeles, WA, our guided kayak, mountain bike and stand up paddle board excursions are a must do while visiting the area. Trips include Sea Kayaking near Olympic National Park, Lake Kayaking at Lake Crescent and Mountain Biking the Adventure Route. Also this is the place to pick up your kayak, bike and stand up paddle board rentals. Are you looking to purchase your own equipment? Our specialty kayak retail store stocks all types of kayaks and stand up paddleboards, including Nigel Dennis Kayaks, Eddyline Kayaks, Perception, Dagger, Werner Paddles, Kokatat Waterware, Boardworks SuP's and Surftech Sup's. We love getting people set up with the right gear the first time and sharing fun, educational trips with safety as our #1 priority. Our professional staff are outdoor experts that have gone through extensive training, we look forward to your visit and sharing a positive outdoor experience with you! …

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Overall rating

Absolutely amazing! We kayaked on Lake Crescent and had the best time. Everyone at the shop was so kind getting us ready. Our guide was so much fun and very knowledgeable about the area. Kayaking Lake Crescent was the highlight of our trip! We saw bald eagles, lots of birds, baby geese, and baby ducks!

Our guide Sarah was awesome! I had such a great time learning to kayak. She was patient and very experienced. We followed her to see sea life in the Freshwater Bay. She was very knowledgeable about the kind of rocks, plants and animals in the bay. We were given wetsuits, life jackets and booties. The folks at the front desk were also very nice and accommodating. The couple hours we had on the water was perfect. Not too long, not too short. I fell in love with kayaking here and I'm excited to do it again.

Originally booked the 130pm half day sea kayaking tour online. Received a call the next day saying the 130pm tour was already full for the next few days (not sure why it let me book online then). But luckily I was able to be flexible and switch to the morning tour (they gave me a day's notice). The staff on the phone said it would be much less windy anyway...which definitely turned out to be true and I was so glad for it bc it would've been chilly otherwise! They're doing great on the Covid safety measures as much as possible. Instead of parking at the office and riding a bus to the bay, they just have you either follow the guide in his vehicle with the kayaks or give you an address/coordinates for your gps. It was easy to keep up with our guide. Everyone wore masks until we got into our own individual kayaks. Very easy to practice social distancing in this setting! The office was very easy to find, right off the highway and even has a winery right next door (and was highly recommended by the host at my inn). Plenty of parking everywhere we went. After a brief safety talk and bit of equipment orientation, we launched from a rocky beach in Freshwater Bay and went out into the Strait of San Juan de Fuca. It was absolutely gorgeous weather - sunny and calm and a perfect temperature. The water was insanely clear! We saw jellyfish and kelp crabs and all manner of birds! We even sampled a little bit of the kelp haha! Our guide, Chris, was so knowledgeable and he made the tour interesting and really fun! There's even a little cave you can swoop through if you have one of the smaller kayaks! I highly recommend you bring sturdy water shoes and waterproof camera!

See all photos from Hannah S. for Adventures Through Kayaking

Business owner information

Adventures T.

Business Owner

Oct 9, 2020

Hi Hannah, Thank you for your flexibility in switching to a calmer day, allowing for a much more diverse experience with wildlife! It sounds like you all scored on seeing a variety of critters with extreme water clarity. We are very appreciative you were game to join us and to take time to write a thorough review. We are loving your pictures too! Kayaking has been a gift during this strange time of Covid, thanks again for joining us! Sincerely, The ATK Crew

Awesome time!! We've done several tours in the PNW and this certainly rates in the top 3. Chelsie was our guide and was shamazing! Certainly helps having a marine biologist as your guide. :). The staff at the main shop were also increasingly friendly and fun making us feel welcomed. Once we were on the water we saw river otters playing and sunning themselves. we were able to play in the kelp beds and eat some bull kelp. The. We took little cuts into coves and see all the amazing sea life. Well done!! Strongly encourage you to seek this team out if your in Port Angeles and looking for something fun to do.

This place is fantastic!!!! My family, including husband and 2 teenage boys went kayaking and mountain biking. The owner, Nate was super organized and planned a yummy lunch. Nina was an incredible kayaking guide who was very knowledgeable with outdoor creatures and fauna. Bob was a wonderful mountain biking guide who gave us an epic ride. Such a fabulous experience!!!!

This operation has it all together. They provide excellent information prior to the trip regarding What to wear Where to meet What to bring Our guide, Nina, not only knew the names of all the mollusks but was cheerful, helpful & reassuring to a group of Texas newbies on our trip who'd never been in a kayak much less on the ocean. As regular lake kayakers we enjoyed going out into a different water that we'd never try without extra equipment & expertise. All together a great time.

Hi Judith, Thank you for sea kayaking with us and taking the time to write this kind review! Yes, the coastal experience is quite different from the lake experience; we're so happy you had a fantastic and educational time with Nina! We hope to see you again in the near future. Sincerely, Nina and the ATK Crew

This is one of those businesses that truly deserves more than 5 stars! I came to the area to visit family on an extended vacation, and was very excited for kayaking opportunities on the lakes and coastal shoreline of the Olympic Peninsula. Unfortunately, I was not able to bring my own kayaks here, so I started looking for businesses that might be able to get me on the water. Due to Covid, most kayak tour/rental businesses seem to be closed, but Adventures Through Kayaking has gone above and beyond to ensure that they are able to operate in a way that is safe for employees and customers both. Social distancing guidelines are in place, and they're really going above and beyond to continue to provide outstanding service in spite of this global event. As for the staff, they completely exceeded our expectations, answering all of our questions, calling us back when we needed to change our date, being very helpful in providing us with information on the area, and overall just providing the absolute highest customer service that you could ask for! The company has been around for years, so when it comes to knowing the area, these guys have it down for sure! My partner and I opted to rent one of their tandem 2-person kayaks for the day and brought it out to Crescent Lake. The boat was really nice, the oars were perfect, they provided us with live vests, and basically pointed us on our way. And once it was all said and done, we felt like we'd seen the lake, got some sunshine, and wore ourselves out! It was a blast. Could not have asked for more! While I was there I also asked about the guided trips that they do, and I was extremely impressed with the offerings. Although I actually work as a guide in a different part of the country, I actually found myself giving some thought to returning to Adventures Through Kayaking for a guided trip just to get some more info on the area and have an expert along with me. I know that business is slow right now since not a lot of people are traveling due to Corona, but I cannot stress enough that if you're in the area and have any interest in getting out on the water (the lakes or the ocean, guided or unguided), Adventures Through Kayaking is the business that you want to go through! I came to them expecting good things, but they went above and beyond in all the ways that I could have hoped for. If you're in the area, do yourself a huge favor and give them a call. They're a great resource for information on the area, and are more than able to set you up to make the most of your trip to the Olympic Peninsula! We will be returning again!

Hi Brandon, It was a pleasure to meet you! Thank you for contacting us early this Spring for kayak rentals as we were still navigating Covid protocols and keeping everyone safe. Not sure if you are still in the area or headed back to AZ, but I do hope to see you again here or there! We appreciate your sincerity and look forward to future adventures. Kindly, The ATK Crew

We had an amazing time on our kayaking tour. Nina was an excellent tour guide, I couldn't recommend her more. We had a beautiful outing to Freshwater bay and were even able to see where the Washington peninsula ends and where Vancouver island begins. Nina also pointed out some sea otters and a starfish during our adventure. She was very knowledgeable and even showed us how to eat seaweed! 10/10 would recommend.

A kayaking adventure in Freshwater Bay

Hi Whitney, Thank you so much for joining us on a sea kayak trip to Freshwater Bay! Sounds like you had a plethora of wildlife that day, including sea otters; we often times see river otters, but to see sea otters is really special. I will be sure Nina has an opportunity to read your kind words. We all hope to see you again soon! The ATK Crew :-)

We had an excellent tour with Nina on the 4th of July! We were fortunate to have crystal clear, calm waters and views to Vancouver Island for our entire tour out in Freshwater Bay. Nina was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and patient with us as we explored the coves and saw some incredible wildlife. I would also note that the whole crew at ATK was super friendly and helpful. They were clearly conscientious about the current pandemic and adjusted their operations accordingly. We felt very safe the whole time and would definitely go on another tour with them next time we're in the area.

Hi Michaela, Those are great shots of seastars, thanks for posting! Just as we are currently going through a pandemic, the seastars experienced something similar about 4 years back; it is great to see them healthy and flourishing! Thank you for joining a sea kayak trip with Nina; we are so happy you enjoyed your experience! We look forward to adventuring with you again soon- Kindly, Nina and The ATK Crew

Me and my mom went out on a sunrise sea kayak with Dylan as our guide. It was AMAZING! If you are thinking about going but are a little nervous, do it!! It was the highlight of our trip to the Pacific Northwest. The company is very cautious about COVID 19 and made sure to wear masks at times where physical distancing was not possible. We also were able to follow our trip lead in our own car to the boat put in spot. The sunrise trip is a must for beginner and advanced paddlers alike. The sunrise trip had calm conditions, unmatched views, and TONS of wildlife. We saw so many seals, birds, and sea creatures. I am new to sea kayaking and but have used a recreational kayak many times. Dylan made sure I was able to go on the water with confidence in a longer boat and even taught me how to properly use a rudder. My mom had only ever been paddling one time on a slow river in Wisconsin. To say she was a little nervous would be an understatement. This was WAY out of her comfort zone. Dylan took extra time in the freezing bay water with her just to make sure she felt safe on the water and made sure to stick close to her throughout the paddle. This was a great adventure and Dylan was a great guide. He shared knowledge of sea life, made sure we were safe and was even our photographer.

See all photos from Frances T. for Adventures Through Kayaking

Hi Frances, We very much enjoyed meeting and kayaking with you and your Mom! Thank you so much for trying kayaking, it can be a very empowering experience to try something new, especially during a pandemic. What a treat to wake up to the sun rising, flat calm water, and pods of seals! If you are in the area again, please stop by and say hi! Sincerely, Dylan and The ATK Crew

7 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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The 7 Best Kayaking Trips in the U.S. for Adventure Seekers

Some of the most beautiful places in the U.S. are best seen from the water.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

There's something extra special about spending a day out on the water , letting it pull you where it wants. And it doesn't matter whether you're paddling around a calm coastal bay in Alaska or flying down a Class III rapid in Georgia — with the cool water below you, warm sun all around you, and an ever-changing landscape that might include red-rock canyon walls, lush overhangs, or even a pod of passing orca whales, the experience is bound to be wonderful.

There are hundreds of amazing kayaking trips across the U.S., but to help you narrow it down, we curated a list that offers a little something for everyone, from newbies looking for perfectly flat waters to advanced kayakers interested in careening down a Class IV rapid. Just make sure to secure the proper permit and practice good stewardship on whatever trip you choose. And don't forget the proper apparel .

Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

When it comes to pure, natural beauty, Alaska is hard to top. And that beauty is only enhanced from the water. While you won't find any rapids or whitewater off the shores of Glacier Bay National Park, you will spot glaciers, puffins, sea lions, and even orca or humpback whales.

If you're interested in booking an overnight trip during the summer (a must), make sure to register for a free permit .

Colorado River, Arizona

The great Colorado River traverses several states — Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and California — and while you could technically float the entire way, you'd need some serious paddling skills and a surefire plan to do so. To get a taste of the Colorado , head to Arizona and run the relatively mild 15-mile section of the river from Glen Canyon to Lees Ferry. And don't forget to look up, so you get the full effect of the red-rock canyon walls and near-constant bluebird skies.

You don't need a permit to float to Lees Ferry, but if you want to continue on, you'll need to secure one.

Klamath River, California

For a beginner-friendly river trip, check out Klamath River . The water may flow out of Oregon with gusto (Class IV water), but it mellows out in California. For a great family experience, put in at Happy Camp and enjoy the views on the 20-mile journey to Dillon Creek. Along the way, you'll come across natural swimming holes, cliff-jumping spots, waterfalls, and some Class II and III rapids. Enjoy great waterfront camping and keep an eye on the skies above — bald eagles roam these parts.

A whitewater rafting permit is not required, but a fire permit is necessary.

Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Maine

If you have your heart set on an East Coast expedition, head to northern Maine. The Allagash Wilderness Waterway flows through an expansive, underdeveloped part of the state and boasts moose, bears, and blueberries along the way. For a full, multiday trip, put in at Churchill Dam and float till you reach Allagash Village, a section that has Class II rapids, lakes, and a short but mandatory portage around the Allagash Falls (well worth the effort).

You'll need to register before you put in and be prepared to pay camping fees.

San Juan Islands, Washington

If sea life is what you seek, head to the San Juan Islands in Washington. Located near the U.S.-Canada border, this string of islands is home to orca whale pods all year round. Plus, it's known for regular sightings of sea lions, seals, dolphins, and otters.

You can book anything from a half-day to multiday kayaking trip around the islands, but we suggest giving yourself plenty of time to explore the smaller islands off Lopez Island, paddle through the protected waters around Orcas Island, and try your luck at spotting a resident orca pod off San Juan Island.

Chattooga River, Georgia

Georgia's Chattooga River has some Class V rapids, but most people plan out a more family-friendly trip that traverses Section 2 and 3 of the river. During Section 2 , you'll float over and around Class I and II rapids, as well as enjoy calmer sections of the deep, crystal-clear water. After seven miles on Section 2, you can take out or continue on to the more difficult (and more remote) Section 3 — home to rapids that reach up to Class IV.

You can self-register for a permit to run the Chattooga River when you put in.

Middle Fork of the Salmon, Idaho

If you're up for more of a challenge, plan a kayaking trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon — a journey found on almost every river lover's bucket list . The river has some serious Class III and IV rapids, but it's also known for its superior fly fishing, so make sure to cast a line when the water calms.

A permit is required to float the Middle Fork of the Salmon and a lottery takes place during the busy summer months.

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Kayaking Tours & Vacations

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We don’t just snap photos of epic places, we jump in a kayak and paddle through them. It’s how we row.

From the exhilaration of floating past giant waterfalls to the feeling of spotting rare wildlife in a steamy jungle waterway, kayaking is one of the most unique ways to explore. If you like to travel with an extra splash of adventure – we're talking getting up close with Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia , rafting through rapids in Costa Rica or drifting over ancient sunken cities in Turkey – then our kayaking tours are for you. With a little bit of hiking and biking thrown in there too – as well as plenty of opportunities to explore the highlights, feast on delicious food, hang out with the locals and learn about the culture – these are active outdoor adventures that give a new perspective of some of the world’s most iconic destinations.

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Kayaking tour highlights

New Zealand

Kayak on the shimmering surface of Lake Wanaka and soak up the South Island’s mountainous scenery while swimming in crystal clear waters. Continue the adventure on a hike through alpine landscapes to hanging glaciers and take on Otago’s most impressive cycling trail.

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Raft the rapids of the Pacuare River and admire the nearby jungle, get up close to wildlife at Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and hang ten in the nearby surf, and spot turtles as you kayak through the tranquil waters of Tortuguero National Park.

Paddle through the calm waters of Resurrection Bay in Kenai Peninsula National Park while enjoying beautiful mountain vistas. Make sure you keep an eye out for bald eagles and cold water critters like humpback whales, sea otters, seals and leaping salmon.

Soak up the magic of Halong Bay as you explore the karst-studded waters surrounding Cat Ba island. Drift through hidden coves, discover secret lagoons or hop out of your kayak and get your blood pumping on a hike to fantastic viewpoints overlooking the bay.

See the best bits of Cambodia while getting active. Paddle through the stunning flooded forests of Stung Treng, spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins on a Mekong River boat trip, wave at locals as you cycle through rural villages, and temple hop through the incredible Angkor complex.

Cycle through tea plantations, float down the Gin River and feast on fish curries as you hike, bike and kayak from Negombo to Colombo. With untouched coastline, ancient ruins, rugged peaks and heaps of wildlife, Sri Lanka is a dream for outdoorsy travellers.

Kayaking tour reviews

Kayaking tour faqs, how fit do i need to be to participate in a kayaking trip.

You don’t need to be a super athlete! But a general level of health and fitness is needed to make the most of the experience. The physical level of kayaking and other activities differs between trips, so be sure to read the Essential Trip Information in detail to understand what level of exercise is involved.

If you’re not sure if you’re able to participate in any of our Active Adventure trips, visit your doctor to see if you’re in healthy shape to fully enjoy the activities included.

Do I need to train for a kayaking trip?

Training isn't necessary, but as many of our trips can involve multiple days of hiking, biking and water-based activities, it’s generally a good idea to start walking more at home, upping your pace at the gym or undertaking regular cardio exercise prior to the trip.

Will I get to experience the local culture on a kayaking trip?

Outdoor activities and being immersed in nature are a focus of our Active Adventures, but we also know that a lot of the fun happens on the sidelines. That's why these trips still feature the same local interactions and real-life experiences that are a hallmark of the Intrepid experience. Our aim is to help you discover a destination in a new way while learning about the culture and its people.

Do I need to bring equipment with me?

No. There is no compulsory equipment on any of the trips. Bikes, kayaks and safety gear will be provided for you, however, it's important to check the packing list for each particular itinerary as there may be items we suggest you bring, such as cycling gloves (that may come useful on other activities like zip-lining), gel seats, day packs or water shoes. Check the packing list of your trip for a full list, including what clothing and footwear might be needed.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance?

Absolutely. Because of the active nature of our trips, we require all travellers to hold an appropriate level of insurance coverage prior to departure. This includes coverage for included and optional activities on your tour. Most insurance providers will cover all the activities we offer on our trips, but it's important you read your product information summary (or equivalent insurance policy document) carefully to ensure you're covered.  

When reviewing your insurance coverage, keep an eye out for included activities such as Via Ferrata, rafting and high-altitude trekking (checking what exact altitude you are covered for is essential). If you have problems finding insurance, please  contact our adventure consultants for further advice.

Who will carry my luggage for me?

We take care of all the little details so you can focus on spotting wildlife or paddling those rapids. We transport your main luggage for you while you are trekking, cycling or kayaking, but we recommend carrying a day pack to hold a few essential items such as sunscreen, snacks, camera, water bottle and any other items you may need for the day.

Read more about Active Adventures

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Sunrise Kayak Tour in the Harbor

331 things to do – #35 rise & shine with seals.

Wake up with a two-hour Sunrise Sea Kayak Tour

Paddle the calm waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca in the Port Angeles harbor where you’ll spot playful seals along side Olympic mountain views. Book this tour with Elevate Outdoors who will meet you at the Port Angeles Sail and Paddle Park, located on Ediz Hook. They’ll take care of bringing everything you’ll need including the kayaks and all the gear. Once you’re out on the water, you’ll hear the backstory of the second deepest harbor in the country while gliding past curious seals and sea birds.

You’ll likely work up a post-paddle appetite, so we recommend stopping in at First Street Haven , located in downtown, for a hearty breakfast.

Photo by Alethea “Lee” Leddy

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Adventure through stunningly clear spring-fed waters of Merritt’s Mill in a 100% clear kayak! Undoubtedly one of our most beautiful locations, this is a must-do in Florida’s Panhandle!

Destin Clear Kayak Tour

Join us on a 100% clear kayak tour launching from the quaint town of Mary Esther just minutes from Destin, Fort, and Walton Beach, in the clear waters of the Santa Rosa Sound on the Emerald Coast of Florida! This guided eco-tour includes a paddle through salt marshes to uninhabited islands surrounded by picturesque white quartz sand dunes, with swimming and photo opportunities along the way.

St. Augustine Clear Kayak Tour

Explore St. Augustine’s historic waterways in a unique way with Get Up and Go Kayaking’s clear kayak tours. Paddle through the serene Salt Run near Anastasia State Park on the Sunset & Glow Tour, with the St. Augustine Lighthouse as a backdrop. Witness dolphins and sea turtles as you soak in the sunset, then light up the night with LED lights in your kayak. Or embark on the Adventure Meets History Tour from Vilano Boat Ramp, gliding past landmarks like the Fountain of Youth and Castillo de San Marcos, surrounded by lush mangroves. Both tours offer a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue, perfect for creating unforgettable memories.

Flagler Clear Kayak Tour

A good choice for nature lovers, this tour takes you into a unique coastal estuary. The first part of the tour is a slight push across the Matanzas River – be on the lookout for dolphins. Paddle alongside a great view of oyster beds, mullet, and striking birds through the winding channels of Flagler’s intracoastal.

Winter Park Chain of Lakes Clear Kayak Tour

Experience the beauty of Winter Park like never before! Travel through three of central Florida’s most beautiful lakes on this relaxing guided tour in a 100% clear kayak. Be ready for a daytime paddle, sunset excursion, or glow-in-the-dark adventure that will showcase Winter Park’s scenic charm from the water.

Rainbow Springs Clear Kayak Tour

Take a paddle through the crystalline waters of Rainbow Springs. This paddle is what any outdoor enthusiast or adventure-seeker is looking for! Year-round we experience other wildlife such as fish, gators, turtles, birds, otters, and more!

Jupiter Clear Kayak Tour

Join us for a great adventure through the blue-ish green waterways of Jupiter with some great sights along the way in our amazing clear kayaks! We launch from the beautiful Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management! Let’s go on an unforgettable experience together!

Weeki Wachee Clear Kayak Tour

Experience the Weeki Wachee River in a clear kayak! Explore the waterways of the Weeki Wachee and Mud Rivers with a focus on manatee education and stewardship! This famous river is great for all skill levels!

Silver Springs Clear Kayak Tour

Experience an epic adventure paddling through the crystalline waters of Silver Springs. Located in Silver Springs, Florida, this paddle is what any outdoor enthusiast or adventure-seeker is looking for. Be on the lookout for manatees, monkeys, turtles, birds, and so much more along this crystal-clear spring paddle.

Rock Springs Clear Kayak Tour

Just a short drive from Orlando, Florida, our Rock Springs kayaking adventure offers a blend of excitement and relaxation in crystal clear waters. The tour takes place along Rock Springs Run, also known as Emerald Cut and Kings Landing, renowned for its vividly clear and refreshing spring waters.

↠ ABOUT US ↞

Get Up And Go Kayaking is the highest ranked 100% clear kayaking company in the world! We are your premier destination for unique, clear kayak tours that offer unparalleled experiences on the water. Founded on a passion for outdoor adventure and a deep appreciation for the beauty of our natural environment, we have been guiding explorers through scenic waterways since 2016.

Our journey began in the sun-kissed state of Florida, where we first launched our clear kayak tours. Driven by a commitment to offer extraordinary experiences, our venture quickly gained popularity, leading to our expansion across 20+ stunning locations at iconic Florida waterways like Crystal River, Weeki Wachee, Rock Springs, Rainbow Springs, Florida Keys, Silver Springs, Merritt’s Mill, and so many more. Today, we are proud to guide adventurers in Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, and we are rapidly broadening our horizons.

Join us at Get Up And Go Kayaking and discover why we’re the leading choice for clear kayak adventures across Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. Experience the magic of our unique tours and join our ever-growing family of happy kayakers. Get up, go kayaking, and let the adventure begin!

• Chevron down Our Mission

As we continue to grow, our mission remains the same: to provide exceptional, immersive kayaking experiences that showcase the natural beauty of our diverse locations. We’re more than just a kayaking company; we’re a community of nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and explorers who value the magic of outdoor experiences.

• Chevron down Top-Rated

Our commitment to providing top-notch services and unforgettable experiences is evident by over 31,000 five-star reviews! These reviews are a testament to the high-quality experiences we deliver and the trust we’ve earned from our valued customers.

• Chevron down The Clear Difference

At Get Up And Go Kayaking, we believe the best adventures happen when you immerse yourself in nature. With our transparent kayaks, we provide a unique perspective that allows you to explore the underwater world as you navigate through serene waters.

• Chevron down Beginner-Friendly

Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner looking to embark on your first kayaking adventure, we’re here to guide you every paddle of the way. With our team of professional and friendly guides, you’ll feel safe, welcomed, and inspired to explore.

SMALL GROUPS

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While you paddle through the mangrove tunnels, discover hidden coves, and observe the abundant marine life below you, thanks to our transparent kayaks! All while learning about the state’s unique flora and fauna from our seasoned and knowledgeable guides as they show you around the state’s most beautiful spots. Our crystal-clear kayak tours offer an exciting experience for paddlers of all experience levels. Plan your trip to Florida, Texas, or Tennessee today and see the state’s stunning landscapes in a whole new perspective.

• Clock Tour Length: 1.5 Hours
• Map Marker Grapevine
• Users All Ages

Grapevine Clear Kayak Tour

Are you ready to Get Up And Go in Grapevine, Texas? Our 100% clear kayaks make for the perfect adventure just outside of Dallas-Fort Worth! Now offering sunset and glow-in-the-dark guided tours with LED lights to illuminate the night and waters below!

• Clock Tour Length: 2.5 - 3 Hours
• Map Marker Old Hickory Lake

Old Hickory Lake Clear Kayak Tour

Take a clear kayak tour under the relaxing Tennessee sunshine on this adventure less than 45 minutes from Nashville! Be on the lookout for deer, beavers, turtles, cows, many different birds, and so much more! As you paddle through the lake you will adventure near sheer rock cliffs that make for an amazing backdrop for a photo memory of your experience. After heavy rains there may even be a chance to check out a gentle waterfall along the paddle.

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Adventure Sea Caves Kayak

Discovery sea caves kayak, ultimate sea caves kayak, guided snorkel excursion, snorkel & kayak tour.

OUR MOST POPULAR TOUR!

Experience the stunning beauty of Channel Islands National Park on our Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour at Scorpion Anchorage. On this tour, you’ll spend 2.5-3 hours exploring the unparalleled natural wonders of this unique area. With more sea cave kayaking opportunities than any other part of the park, Scorpion Anchorage is the ultimate destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and kayaking enthusiasts.

Availability Meets on Santa Cruz Island daily at 10:30am and select days at 9:30am.

Tour Time (~4 hours)

~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~2.5-3 hours – Kayaking

Paddling Distance

2.5-3 miles

Level of Difficulty

Beginner through advanced levels. Children under age 5 not permitted.

Tours often sellout. Please book in advance. Compare All Tours

$205 per adult + ferry transportation ($66)* $187 per child 12 and under + ferry transportation ($52)*

*Ferry tickets must be purchased to get to the island. You’ll have the option to add your ferry ticket to your cart. If you already have ferry tickets directly through Island Packers you can select to not add ferry tickets to your cart.

Ferry Tickets The 10:30am tour requires a ferry departure of 9am or earlier from Ventura Harbor. The 9:30am tour requires a ferry departure of 8am. Check-in is one hour prior to departure.

Ferry return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 3:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 4:30pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

What if I want to snorkel? Snorkel gear is available for rent at our storefront on the island. Please note that there is no time for snorkeling during the Adventure Tour. However, you are welcome to snorkel before or after your tour if time allows. Please tell your guide at check-in if you are interested in snorkeling.

Snorkel rental pricing:* • Snorkel & Mask – $19 • Fins only – $19 • Snorkel, Mask and Fins – $37 • Three-Piece 7mm Wetsuit – $37 • Full package (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit) – $69

*Our storefront accepts all major credit cards, but we do NOT accept cash for snorkel rentals. All snorkel rentals include a flotation belt.

More Details

Channel Islands Adventure Company is the sole kayak guide and outfitter concessionaire for the Channel Islands National Park at Scorpion Anchorage. We are the number one choice for Channel Islands National Park outfitting and tours. Dangerous conditions may exist at any time of the year, and we cannot guarantee cave exploration. This overview serves as a general guideline to you help plan your island trip and is subject to change on a day-to-day basis or at the guide’s discretion.

Visit our FAQ’s page .

“It was an awesome experience that allowed us to explore and enjoy nature while having fun.”

– Karen Hemkey

Owned and operated by Santa Barbara Adventure Company.

Our Discovery Sea Caves Kayak Tour is a shortened version of our Adventure Sea Caves Kayak Tour. For 1-1.5 hours you’ll kayak through stunning sea caves, kelp forests, and pristine coastlines. Perfect for first-timers visiting the island, this tour allows you to pack in multiple experiences into one day, from hiking and snorkeling to birding and exploring endemic species. Don’t miss out on the rich history and breathtaking scenery that this national park has to offer.

Availability February-November: Most days

Meets on Santa Cruz Island at 9:30am and/or 10:30am as well as 12:30pm and/or 1:30pm (meet times depend on the ferry schedule to Santa Cruz Island – Scorpion Anchorage)

Tour Time (~2.5 hours)

~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~1-1.5 hours – Kayaking

$145 per adult + ferry transportation ($66)* $127 per child 12 and under + ferry transportation ($52)*

Ferry Tickets The 9:30am tour requires an 8:00am ferry departure (7am check-in time). The 12:30pm tour requires a 10:00am ferry departure or earlier (check-in is one hour prior to ferry departure). Ferry options typically will be 8:00am, 9:00am or 10:00am. The 1:30pm tour requires a 4:30pm or later return from the island.

What if I want to snorkel? Snorkel gear is available for rent at our storefront on the island. Please note that there is no time for snorkeling during the Discovery Tour. However, you are welcome to snorkel before or after your tour if time allows. Please tell your guide at check-in if you are interested in snorkeling.

The longest of our kayaking tour options, the Ultimate Sea Caves Kayak Tour is for the true ocean adventurer. We’ll explore incredible sea caves and kelp forests along our route to the famous Potato Harbor, a remote area of the park that allows for a truly breathtaking and memorable experience with its aqua-colored cove and pristine shoreline.

This tour is best for

1. Intermediate-Advanced kayakers who are looking for a longer day on the water, must have 8am ferry departure and 4:30pm return 2. Campers on their 2nd day at the island, so they can enjoy a first full day exploring the island on land

Availability This tour is offered on Friday-Sunday and Wednesdays from May through November. Meets on Santa Cruz Island at 9:30am.

Tour Time (~5 hours)

~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~3-4 hours – Kayaking

Intermediate – Advanced

Summer tours often sellout. Please book in advance. Compare All Tours

$275 per person + ferry transportation (adults $66 / children 12 and under $52)*

Ferry Tickets This tour requires a ferry departure of 8am (check-in at 7am) or prior nights camping on Santa Cruz Island. This tour also requires a 4:30pm or later ferry return. 

When booking ferry tickets on our website, the return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 4:30pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 5:00pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

What if I want to snorkel? Snorkel gear is available for rent at our storefront on the island. Please note there is no time for those snorkeling if you are on the Ultimate Tour unless you are camping.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of kelp forests and pristine coastlines on our Guided Snorkel Excursion at Scorpion Anchorage. Our expert guides offer a wealth of knowledge on marine ecology and the natural history of the islands, allowing you to gain a deeper appreciation of the underwater world. Explore the island’s vibrant sea life and create lasting memories on this educational and scenic adventure.

Availability Our Guided Snorkel Excursion run every Sunday starting at 11am and 1:30pm from mid-June through September 30th.

Snorkel Snorkel Excursion Time (~3 hours)

~1 hr – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~1-1.5 hr – Snorkeling ~30 min – Gearing down

Intermediate through advanced experience levels recommended. Minimum age 10; children 12 and under must be escorted by an adult guardian on the excursion. All guests MUST know how to swim. Prior snorkeling experience is REQUIRED .

• Snorkel & Mask* • Fins • 3-piece, 7mm Wetsuit • Snorkel flotation device • Knowledgeable guide(s) on the local natural history and marine ecology *We do not have prescription masks. If you have contact lenses, you should wear them. *We provide wetsuits and snorkel masks; however, if you would like to bring your own, you are more than welcome to do so.

Guided Snorkel Excursions often sellout. Please book in advance. Compare All Tours

$151 per person + ferry transportation (adults $66 / children 12 and under $52)*

Ferry Tickets The morning excursion requires a 9:30am or earlier ferry departure (check-in 1hr prior to departure). The afternoon excursion requires a 4:30pm or later return from the island.

Ferry return times vary daily and will depart anywhere between 4:00pm and 5:00pm (arrival in Ventura between 5:00pm and 7:00pm). If you would like to know your exact ferry return time for a specific date, please call or email us.

What if I don’t want a guide but want to rent snorkel equipment? Snorkel gear is available for rent at our storefront on the island.

Explore Channel Islands National Park both above and below the ocean’s surface on our expert-led Kayak & Snorkel Tour at Scorpion Anchorage. Kayak through vibrant kelp forests, sea caves, and the island’s pristine coastlines. Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through marine ecology and the rich history of the island. Get up close with sea life and leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the underwater world.

1. Guests who already have previous kayaking and snorkeling experience. Guests should be comfortable in the ocean and comfortable swimming with a snorkel. 2. Campers who are already on the island and want a full day of adventure on & in the water

Availability Our Snorkel & Kayak Tours run every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9:30am from mid-June through September 30th on days when there is an 8am ferry departure.

Snorkel & Kayak Tour Time (~5 hours)

~1 hr 45 min – Orientation, gearing up, and paddle talk ~1-1.5 hr – Kayaking ~15 min – Lunch ~45 min – Snorkeling ~30 min – Gearing down

Intermediate through advanced experience levels recommended. Minimum age 10; children 12 and under must be escorted by an adult guardian on the tour. All guests MUST know how to swim. Prior snorkeling experience is REQUIRED .

• Snorkel & Mask* • Fins • 3-piece, 7mm Wetsuit • Snorkel flotation device • PFD (personal flotation device) for kayaking • Ocean kayak** • Knowledgeable guide(s) on exploring sea caves as well as the local natural history and marine ecology

*We do not have prescription masks. If you have contact lenses, you should wear them. *We provide wetsuits and snorkel masks; however, if you would like to bring your own, you are more than welcome to do so. **By default, even-numbered parties will be paired in a tandem (2-person) kayak. For single or odd-numbered parties, single (1-person) kayaks will be provided.

Ferry Tickets This tour requires an 8am ferry departure (7am check-in) or prior nights camping on Santa Cruz Island. This tour also requires a 4:30pm or later ferry return.

What if I don’t want a tour but want to rent snorkel equipment? Snorkel gear is available for rent at our storefront on the island.

Forks Chamber Member Directory

Forks Washington businesses provide warm, welcoming service to both locals and visitors alike. Use our Forks Chamber member directory to find all the services, shops, and info you need.

Adventures Through Kayaking Outfitters

Experience the best of the Olympic Peninsula and Strait of Juan de Fuca through sea kayaking, lake kayaking and mountain biking excursions! We specialize in small group outings, assuring a personal touch from our professional, experienced guides. Join us for an adventure!

• Sea Kayaking

Baja and British Columbia Sea Kayaking Tours

• Core Adventures

Sea Kayaking Tours

Offering the rare and up-close wildlife encounters, our sea kayaking trips are simply the best!  They have guests come face-to-face with inquisitive sea lions, playful dolphins and immense whales while experiencing spectacular wilderness areas. We have been known for our sea kayaking trips for decades and strive to create immersive experiences and unforgettable moments. 

We hand-select the destinations and craft the perfect sea kayak programs on earth. Come on an Islands of Loreto Bay tour through the wildlife-filled Sea of Cortez and even bunk down at one of our exclusive camps on the Pacific Coast at Magdalena Bay. You can also encounter playful orcas and humpback whales near the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve on an expedition to Vancouver Island as you kayak in British Columbia. We also offer award-winning kayaking adventures through the glacial waters of Alaska and the marine-filled archipelago of the Galapagos Islands, as well as encounters with whales in Patagonia. 

Popular Sea Kayaking Trips in Baja and British Columbia

• Kayaking in La Paz : Seven and eight day journeys to the azure water in Baja.
• Kayaking in Loreto Bay : Six, Seven and eight day tours to the Aquarium of the World, the iconic sea kayaking adventure.
• Kayaking in God's Pocket : Six days kayaking in one of the most wildlife-filled destination in the world.
• Kayaking in Johnstone Strait : Six day kayak trips with Orcas in British Columbia.
• Orca Base Camp Tour : 4 day kayaking trip in the heart of Orca territory.

Equipment, Guides and Ethics

With exceptional equipment and extraordinary guides, you know you’re in safe hands on any kayaking trip with ROW Adventures. Not only do we offer incredible wildlife experiences, our guides will share with you the fascinating natural history of each region to enrich your experience. We’re dedicated to responsible tourism and conservation initiatives, with a “leave no trace” philosophy. We were the first kayak tour operator to join the World Cetacean Alliance's Responsible Whale Watch Partnership to help raise the standards of global whale watching and have also teamed up with sustainable travel partners to ensure we’re doing our bit to preserve our magnificent natural environment. 

Sea Kayaking Trip Options

Johnstone Strait Orca Kayaking Tour

Kayak with Orcas - Johnstone Strait

Gods Pocket Kayaking Tour

La Paz, Baja Sea Kayaking Tour

Loreto, Baja Sea Kayaking Tour

First Name * Last Name * Preferred Trip - None - Alaskan Small Ship Adventure Baja Whale Camp & Kayak Bruneau and Jarbidge River Trip Clark Fork River Rafting Clearwater River Rafting Coeur d’Alene and Hiawatha Trail 4-day Cycling Adventure Corsica Hiking & Kayaking Croatia Yachting Tour Cuba Island Bike Tour Culinary Whitewater Series Custom & Private Small Ship Tours in Croatia Deschutes River Multiday Rafting Trips E-Bike Tour - North Idaho's Iconic Trails Family Magic White Water Rafting Trip Galapagos Islands Vacation Galapagos Islands: Christmas Vacations Galapagos Kayaking Expedition Galapagos Unbound Gods Pocket Kayaking Tour Grande Ronde River Rafting Hiking the Snake River in Hells Canyon Historic Cave Paintings and Murals of Baja Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp Idaho's Salmon River Near Riggins Johnstone Strait Orca Kayaking Tour Kayak with Orcas - Johnstone Strait La Paz, Baja Sea Kayaking Tour Lochsa River Rafting Loreto, Baja Sea Kayaking Tour Lower Selway Rafting Luxury French Barge Cruise Middle Fork of the Salmon Fly Fishing Middle Fork Salmon River Raft-Supported Hiking Middle Fork Salmon River Rafting Moyie River Rafting North Idaho 5-day Rails-to-Trail & Hiawatha Bike Tour Olympic Peninsula E-Bike Tour One Day Trip - Rogue River Whitewater Rafting Owyhee River Kayaking Owyhee River Rafting Peaks of the Balkans Hike Peru & Machu Picchu Peru Unbound Rafting the Snake River through Hells Canyon River Soul Journeys Rogue River Hiking Rogue River Rafting Rogue River Rafting and Camping Salmon River Canyons Rafting Trip Snake River + Lochsa River Whitewater Rafting St. Joe River Rafting Superlative Idaho Adventure The Mighty Lochsa The Mountains and the Sea of Loreto Turkey Yachting Adventure Western Cuba Cycling Tour Whitewater ROWing School Email Address * Telephone Contact Preference Please Select Phone Email Your Request Privacy Policy Leave this field blank Math question * 5 + 13 = Submit

Kayaking Vacations & Cruises

Top 10 all-inclusive kayaking vacations for 2024-2025, antarctic small ship expedition, norway's fjords and arctic svalbard, classic yachtsman caribbean, eastern galapagos catamaran cruise, hawaiian seascapes, authentic amazon, discover costa rica, south africa snapshot, 8 best sea kayaking destinations for 2024-2025, caribbean sea kayaking trips, costa rica sea kayaking adventures, belize sea kayaking tours, amazon sea kayaking trips, galapagos sea kayaking trips, south pacific sea kayaking trips, kayaking in antarctica tours, arctic sea kayaking trips, top 10 kayak cruises in arctic polar waters for 2024-2025, 10 best caribbean kayaking trips for 2024-2025, grenadine islands, enjoy caribbean rhythms at the turn of the year, pearls of the caribbean, windward islands, treasure islands, cruising the leeward islands, leeward islands, the essential of the caribbean, sailing the caribbean, 10 best south america kayaking adventures for 2024-2025, patagonia kayaking video.

Top 10 North America Kayaking Vacations for 2024-2025

Last frontier adventure, alaska's inside passage sojourn, remote alaska adventure, arctic discovery, tutka bay wilderness lodge, exploring alaska's coastal wilderness, wild alaska escape: haines, the inian islands, and tracy arm fjord, glacier bay national park adventure, inside passage & glacier bay wilderness cruise, 10 best central america & mexico kayaking tours for 2024-2025, costa rica kayaking travel guide.

• Kayak the Paquita River to Damas Island . En route, you'll see numerous bird species, snakes, ant eaters and white faced monkeys. You may also see heron species, kingfishers, ospreys, frigots and migratory birds.
• Kayak in the Caribbean- Cahuita National Park.  With the largest coral reef system in Costa Rica, you will have the chance to see a large array of colorful tropical fish, sting rays and possibly a reef shark or two. 
• Kayak in the Pacific.  You are equipped with snorkel gear so that you can jump off your kayak and browse the underwater world as you like.
• From  Bisanz Beach , you'll likely see whales or dolphins. 
• Explore Corcovado's rich rainforest from kayaks.
• Kayak the mangrove colonies  of Terraba Sierpe Mangrove Swamps near the Sierpe River.
• Ballena National Park  sea kayaking & snorkeling.

Belize Kayaking Videos

Top 10 South Pacific Kayaking Adventures for 2024-2025

Tahiti & the society islands, society islands, cook islands, tonga & fiji, marquesas, tuamotus & society islands, fiji, tonga, cook & society islands, more tuamotus & society islands, society islands & tuamotus, tahiti, the society & tuamotu islands, rites and relics: fiji firewalking, vanuatu volcanoes, and beyond, cook islands & society islands, west papua, raja ampat and micronesia, 10 best kayaking trips in africa for 2024-2025, kayaking traveler stories, ecuadorian rainforest kayaking adventure, kayaking lake titicaca, why travel with adventure life, recognized by.

Best Kayaking Trips in the USA

Kayaking is an excellent way to slow down, appreciate the details of nature around you, and get some exercise. The United States and its territories are diverse, with slotted canyons, mangrove forests, emerald islands, and plenty of coastlines. The United States has many opportunities to paddle and explore and I want to share some of my favorites with my readers. Here is a list of traveler’s favorite US kayaking experiences.

Table of Contents

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

by Val of Voyages with Val

Kayak highlight: See Antelope Canyon with fewer crowds.

Length of paddle: 6 miles

Without a doubt, one of the best kayaking tours to take in the US is through Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona. If you are ever taking a  day trip to Page , this is not an activity you will want to skip!

The main part of Antelope Canyon is well-known and photographed, and accessible by land, with many tourists walking through it every day. You have likely seen photos of the curvy, red rock with light shining through.

However, a lesser-known portion is only accessible by several miles of kayaking, followed by a hike through this magnificent slot canyon. Seeing the canyon this way will allow you to escape the crowds, as well as have an amazing kayaking adventure through the towering, red cliffs of the canyon.

Tavernier, Florida Keys, Florida

Paddle Highlights: Manatees, mangrove estuary, swim in a mangrove pool

Length of Paddle: 3 miles

Tour Duration: 2 hours

Read on about my experience  kayaking in the Florida Keys.

Book your paddle with Paddle! the Florida Keys.

Virginia Keys, Miami, Florida

by Martin Soto of Travel Explorator

Paddle highlights: sealife with a background of the city

A kayak tour in the Virginia Keys in Miami, Florida, is one of the top ones you can do in the U.S. You can easily rent out a kayak in the Virginia Key Outdoor Center and start the tour right from there. Right away, you can enter Lamar Lake and check out some of the nearby mangrove lagoons. The area is quite famous for its abundance of manatees. Once you get out of the small lake, you can head to the ocean to try and find other marine life. If you’re lucky, you might run across some loggerhead sea turtles. Apart from seeing some beautiful wildlife, it also provides an amazing view of the Miami skyline. The Virginia Key Outdoor Center offers plenty of guided kayaking tours and paddleboarding tours if you’re looking to get an expert tour.

The water is relatively calm around the island, and it’s a good place for beginner kayakers. Just make sure you know where you’re going since it’s not too difficult to get lost with a wrong turn and venture into protected areas. Overall, you can make the kayak tour as long or as short as you want with miles around the island you can cover. Virginia Keys is only a 25-30 minute drive from downtown Miami.

Book your rental with the Virginia Key Outdoor Center.

Sanibel Island, Florida

by Lori of Travelin Mad

Kayak highlight: Explore mangroves even after your tour is finished.

If you’re heading to the lower Gulf coast of southwest Florida, there is plenty to see and do from a car, but with so much shallow water around, it’s best to go  kayaking around Fort Myers and Sanibel Island  and explore what this region is known for — outdoor adventure.

Sanibel Island may be known for its beaches and amazing shelling, but the wildlife and natural landscape at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a primordial and magical place to paddle and will be the highlight of your trip to southwest Florida.

Naples, Florida

by Ruma of TheHolidayStory

Kayak highlight: birds, mangroves, and sunset views.

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples is a part of the Ten Thousand Islands in Naples, USA . This bay area is famous for its kayak tours. Both beginner and professional level kayakers are allowed to experience kayaking here. The unique estuarine ecosystem has always piqued tourist interest. As a result of which a lot of tourists flock to this area for relaxation. A lot of tour companies are established in the area offering kayaks to explore the area.

Passing through the mouth of Henderson Creek, you can proceed to the channel of Rookery Bay. One can observe Dolphins and Manatees moving around in this channel. Exotic birds like the bald eagle, herons, egrets, cormorant, anhinga, ibis, pelicans, and ospreys have made themselves home in the surrounding vegetation.

Most of the tour is winding narrow paths of water within the mangrove forests. The noiseless forests with just occasional bird sounds provide a sense of calm over the kayakers. The water is mostly still. After navigating through the endless narrow water corridors within the mangroves, you can spend some time in the opening. Amazing sunset views are observed from here.

Important facts:

• It usually takes 2.5 – 3 hours to complete the tour
• Prior registration is required
• The ticket price starts from $65 for adults and $55 for children
• Children below the age of three are not allowed
• Most of the tours provide a guide and the kayaks who impart their knowledge about mangroves and the area in general.

 So on a lazy Sunday afternoon, this can be a relaxing yet learning experience for all.

Everglades, Florida

Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii

by Noel Morata of This Hawaii Life

Chicago, Illinois

During this kayak tour, you can see all the main buildings in Chicago, 333 Wacker Drive, Wrigley Building, and Marina City. I would definitely recommend this tour as a great alternative way to see the city.

Acadia National Park, Maine

by James Ian from Parks Collecting

Paddle Highlights: wildlife along Maine’s wooded coast

Paddle Length: 5-6 miles

Acadia National Park in Maine is a great place to go kayaking.  The park is surrounded by water, and there are miles of beautiful shorelines to explore. With crystal clear seas, wooded hills that go right down to rocky beaches, and islands dotted around. You can spend hours paddling around and never get bored. There are also great chances of seeing birds and marine life. Keep an eye out for porpoises and seals, and look up, and you may see ospreys, bald eagles, or blue herons.

Typical kayak tours in Acadia are half-day / four-hour trips that give about 2.5 –3 hours on the water. The exact location varies with weather conditions, but they always try to arrange trips so that you don’t need to paddle against the wind and current.  This way, you can enjoy yourself without too much exertion. In total, you will paddle about 5 or 6 miles, but they also give you a quick lesson on how to paddle without straining yourself.

You will also have a chance to take a break and get out to explore a remote beach accessible only by water. On a sunny day, with wildlife all around, the sun sparkling on the water, the beautiful Acadia scenery in view wherever you look, and the experience of paddling around, this is a kayaking experience you will remember forever.

Chowan River, North Carolina

by Krystee of Vacation Geeks

Kayak highlight: calm waters.

The Chowan River in North Carolina is a quiet and calm blackwater river formed from the merging of Virginia’s Blackwater and Nottoway Rivers. It has several other small rivers that are tributaries. The river is a highlight for people who love to fish due to the largemouth bass and catfish in abundance.

The cities on the Chowan are located in primarily rural parts of North Carolina. They are one of the few parts of the Southeastern Virginia/Northeastern North Carolina areas that you can find affordable waterfront housing. There are several canal-style neighborhoods where you can pull your boat right up to your deck, making launching your kayak easy. Public boat launches are also all up and down the river that can be used to enter the water.

What we love about this river is the calmness that is ideal for kayaking and its beautiful natural setting. At times, the water can be as smooth as glass, making for some beautiful sunsets, stability in small watercraft, and ideal for nature watching. You can paddle for many, many miles before it gets rougher as it enters the Albemarle Sound. For nature lovers and bird watchers, this river is fantastic to nature watch. When you are kayaking, you aren’t just looking at riverfront house after house, but nature at its best. Also, this is not a crowded river, so you do not have to dodge boat wakes, and you can feel like you are the only one out there.

Bio Bay, Puerto Rico

Paddle Highlights: Bioluminescent Organisms

Length of Paddle: 2 miles

Read more about one of my favorite kayaking tours,  paddling in Bio Bay, Fajardo.

Book your paddle trip in Bio Bay.

San Juan Islands, Washington

by Utkarsh of Journeys From Heart

The San Juan Islands are among the most popular destinations in Washington state for kayaking, especially in the summers. The islands lie among the Puget Sound and straddle the Washington-Canada border. Hundreds of lined-up islands with rocky reefs create an adventurous shoreline perfectly suited for Kayaking.

Sea Quest Expedition is one of the most experienced agencies to hire and give you a memorable kayak tour for life. They have highly trained guides who convert the whole experience into a learning one, keeping the activity’s safety the topmost priority. One of the most dramatic parts of the kayak tour was orca whales(also known as killer whales). The whale family is as huge as 50, and the kayak route provides a splendid view of these whales playfully in full spirits. Other remarkable landmarks that one may witness in the way would be National Monument, National Wildlife Refuge, National Historical Park, & State & County Parks. The picturesque sea cliff and lighthouses make the experience quite unique. You can also opt for camping along with it on a nearby island to absorb the lovely vibe of the place a little more.

Book a kayaking tour in the San Juan Islands now.

Cave Point County Park, Door County, Wisconsin

Paddle highlights: kayaking into a cave on Lake Michigan

Length of paddle: 4 miles round trip

Read more about my time kayaking in Door County

Book a Cave Point County Park kayak tour.

St Thomas, US Virgin Island

by Anna of Stuck On The Go

Kayak highlights: marine creatures

You’ll find one of the best kayaking tours in the US in St. Thomas, led by Virgin Island Ecotours. The guides here know so much about the history of the island and the plants and animals that inhabit it.

Their longest tour is the Best of Mangrove Kayak, Hike, Snorkel, & Lunch Tour, where you kayak through mangrove lagoons to the island of Cas Cay. You may even see some stingrays on the paddle over.

You’ll also make a stop at a geological blowhole before your final destination of Cas Cay. Once you make it to Cas Cay, you’ll have lunch which on our trip consisted of a great sub sandwich. On a short hike, you’ll learn more about the island and even a poisonous tree there.

Finally, you’ll snorkel in the mangrove lagoon and see all kinds of marine life! Tons of colorful fish, lobster, sea urchins, and so much more. The paddle back is very tiring as you’ll have had a long day, but it’s so worth it.

Between everything you learn and the gorgeous coastline of the island that you get to explore all day, this is a fantastic day trip. Don’t make dinner plans though; you’ll be sure to collapse into bed after this is over. It should definitely be part of your St. Thomas itinerary .

Which of these tours would you like to try first? Where have you taken the best kayaking tour in the US?

If you liked it, please share it. Thank you!

7 thoughts on “Best Kayaking Trips in the USA”

I would really enjoy a kayak in Antelope canyon with a follow on hike through the narrow passage area. The kayak in Florida with the possibility of seeing manatees sounds awesome.

We do love to kayak in great spots around the world. This list gives us some new ones to try in the US. We were sorry we missed Antelope Canyon in Page although we did get out on the water in Navajo Canyon in a speedboat. My concern in Florida has always been running into an aligator. But a kayak trip in Hawaii may be higher on our list.

I love to kayak as well! As a novice, I do like calm waters, so I see some of your suggestions would be perfect for that. I think my favourite would be Chicago actually, to gaze upon the architecture and definitely would steer clear of Florida with the gators!

I’ve seen some photos of Antelope Canyon, but had no idea where it was. Now it all makes sense! And wow, I did not know that you could kayak the Chicago river. What a different way to explore and view the city. That would be cool

OOhhh I LOVE kayaking!! It’s such a fun way to get a different perspective on places. I bet kayaking in Antelope canyon would be AMAZING!! But I bet seeing Chicago from the water would be pretty cool too.

Wow! Great destinations to visit on a USA Vacation. Thanks for sharing.

I’ve never kayaked before, but I think it’s a fun way to travel. Looking forward to going kayaking in Chicago.

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21 Best Kayaking Trips in the US for Your Bucket List

If you’re looking for a unique outdoor experience, the best kayaking trips in the US are definitely the way to go. You can explore waterways and landscapes that you would never get to see any other way.

From the Colorado River to the dramatic shorelines in the Midwest to sea caves and icebergs, the best places to kayak and canoe in the USA will blow you away!

For this post, we teamed up with some of our favorite travel bloggers to give you the “ best of the best” places to kayak and canoe in the United States.

You’ll find plenty of stunning kayaking destinations to choose from. So if you’re ready for an adventure, read on for the best kayaking trips and multi day canoe expeditions in the US !

Our Favorite Resources For a Kayaking or Canoe Trip in the USA

• 10 Best Inflatable Kayaks and Canoes that are very easy to transport and set up.
• 10 Best Water Shoes for Kayaking and Canoeing will increase your comfort and protection.
• Planning a kayak or canoe trip in the US as part of a road trip? Check out these 60 USA Bucket List Trip Ideas .
• If you want to rent an RV or Sprinter Van, we highly recommend Outdoorsy after our rental in Utah. Use code Jen50 to get $50 off your first Outdoorsy rental . Hotel and campground information is included for each kayaking destination below.

Best Kayaking Trips in the US

Bear Glacier Lagoon, Alaska is Our Vote For Best Kayaking Trips in the US

There’s something special about paddling through a landscape of icebergs. It’s like being in another world. And that’s exactly what you’ll find when you go kayaking in Bear Glacier Lagoon in Kenai Fjords National Park.

This unique place is home to some of the largest glaciers in Alaska, and it’s an absolute paradise for kayakers.

The lagoon is full of icebergs of all shapes and sizes, and paddling through them is an incredible experience. You’ll also have the chance to see wildlife up close, including seals, otters, and other creatures.

Getting to Bear Glacier Lagoon is half the fun. You either take a helicopter or a water taxi. The helicopter gives you a Birdseye view of the icebergs above and below the impossibly turquoise water.

Once there, you will meet your outfitter who will supply you with a kayak, drysuit, dry bag and everything you need for the 2-4 hour paddle.

The cost for this adventure ranges from $325-$650 per person depending on your transportation to the lagoon. It’s suitable for all ability levels and sure to be one of the most memorable experiences on your Alaska itinerary .

Other fun activities in Seward include a whale watching cruise where you can also see a glacier calving, a fishing charter or hiking on Exit Glacier.

Stay at the Harbor 360 Hotel Seward . It’s perfectly located near the dock where boats depart for multiple activities. If you prefer camping, Resurrection Campground & RV Park have beautiful views of the bay complete with hookups.

RELATED POST: 11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SEWARD ALASKA

Backhaul Horseshoe Bend May be the Coolest Arizona Kayaking Destination

Recommended by Catherine of Nomadicated

Experience a different perspective of the famous American landmark, Horseshoe Bend, by kayaking the Colorado River that winds through it.  

To embark on this adventure, make your way to the nearest river access, Lee’s Ferry in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

You will need a National Park Pass or a day pass and hire a backhauling service to tow you north to the starting point. Horseshoe Bend is at mile marker 10, but tell the captain if you would like to start even further. 

Be prepared for a full day of kayaking through incredible landscapes. Starting at Horseshoe Bend, expect to paddle for approximately 3-4 hours as the river currents are slow-moving.

Beginners and experts alike are welcome, as there are no rapids to worry about here. 

Along the way, break up the journey by hiking in secret slot canyons, picnicking on the shores of the Colorado River, and discovering ancient petroglyphs. If you’re lucky, you may even encounter wild horses quenching their thirst on the banks of the river. 

Horseshoe Bend is one of the best places to kayak in the US, but there are so many other awe-inspiring things to do in Page, Arizona too.

Make time for other hotspots like touring through Upper Antelope Canyon , the lesser visited Lower Antelope Canyon or boating on Lake Powell . 

Hampton Inn & Suites is well located in Page to get to all activities. Camping is available at   the  Waheap Campground  or the  Page Lake Powell Campground .

RELATED POST: 11 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE DOING THE HORSESHOE BEND HIKE

Russian River Kayaking in Sonoma County, California With Sea Kayaking in Jenner

Sonoma County is home to some of the best kayaking in California. The Russian River is particularly popular for canoeing and kayaking, as it runs through some of the most stunning wine country, redwoods and quaint small towns in the state.

There are plenty of options for paddling on the Russian River from a half day canoe float to a full day multi activity Kayak, Bike and Wine Tasting trip .

What says vacation more than taking a break from your California wine tasting with a paddle on the Russian River?!

Another amazing place for a kayaking tour is in Jenner at the mouth of the Russian River, where it meets the Pacific Ocean.

In this quaint coastal town, you will find a scenic estuary filled with sea lions, wildlife, beaches, sandbars and breathtaking coastal views.

It’s one of those magical places to spend time out on the water and is great for all ability levels and ages.

Launch your own kayak or rent one in Jenner by Cafe Aquatica , a terrific place to enjoy a meal before or after.

There are beautiful Northern California beaches you can explore when you are done like Goat Rock State Beach . Hikers will enjoy the trails in Sonoma Coast State Park and Jenner Headlands Preserve .

Highlands Resort  or AutoCamp Russian River  in Guerneville are great places to stay. Or choose one of the Best Hotels in Healdsburg to be right in town with great restaurants and shops.

RELATED POST: 15 FUN THINGS TO DO IN SONOMA COUNTY CALIFORNIA

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is One of the Best Kayaking Trips in the US

Recommended by Deanne of Scenic and Savvy

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a nature lover’s paradise. Located on the northernmost tip of Wisconsin, the Apostle Islands are set in the turquoise waters of Lake Superior with stunning sea caves naturally carved into the Islands.

From small to spacious, these sea caves are a popular spot for kayakers. Whether you kayak on your own or with a tour, for a few hours or an entire day, you’ll be amazed at the spectacular scenery that awaits you.

Beginner kayakers may decide to venture to the sea caves with a guided tour. There are many local tours to choose from.

If going on your own, be sure to have all the proper equipment. Because Lake Superior is a large unpredictable lake, a sea kayak is recommended. No permit is required, but parking at nearby Meyer’s Beach costs $5.

Kayaking isn’t the only  adventure in the Apostle Islands . There are great hiking trails, waterfalls, boat tours, wineries, and restaurants nearby.

The city of Bayfield is the gateway to this beautiful area. You’ll find a variety of accommodations here. The Wild Rice Retreat is a stylish Scandinavian inspired retreat that offers delicious dining, yoga, meditation and more.

If camping is more your style, the Apostle Islands Area Campground has more than 60 wooded sites with firepits, picnic tables and hookups.

Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area is a Multi-Day Bucket List Canoe Trip

Recommended by Stephanie of The Unknown Enthusiast

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota is an absolutely stunning place for a canoeing adventure.

No motorized vehicles are allowed, a limited number of permits are given out per year, and campsites are at least ¼ mile away from the next site, so the area maintains an undeveloped feel where you can have a peaceful nature experience.

The Boundary Waters is about a million acres in size and brimming with over 2,000 lakes.

As such, a trip to the Boundary Waters is designed as a unique, multi-day adventure, where you paddle across a lake, portage (carry all your gear + canoes across land), and repeat as you explore this pristine wilderness.

Some people will set up a base camp and do day trips where they explore nearby lakes, but packing up every day and exploring deeper into the Boundary Waters is perhaps more adventurous. 

After you’ve done your canoeing for the day and made camp, you can swim in the crystal clear lakes, go cliff jumping, relax in hammocks, fish, climb a waterfall, or do a hike. 

Permits are valid for up to 14 days of canoeing, but you can have a great experience with even just a few nights on the lakes.

While you can do the Boundary Waters as a relative beginner, it is highly recommended to have at least one person experienced in canoeing, navigating, and remote camping in your group.

Most groups start the Boundary Waters from the town of Ely, MN – a great hotel there is the Grand Ely Lodge . 

Watson Lake, Prescott, Arizona is One of the Best Places to Kayak in Arizona

Recommended by Brittany of Travel by Brit

Kayaking at Watson Lake is one of the best things to do in Prescott, Arizona , during the spring, summer, or fall, when the weather is sunny and warm. 

Watson Lake is a beautiful seventy-acre lake with large granite boulders surrounding the lake.

These boulders make Watson Lake an excellent place for hiking, picnicking, or bouldering, in addition to water sports, like kayaking and paddleboarding. 

Since the lake is so calm, it’s a great location for adventurers of all skill levels to enjoy. 

While there is no permit required to kayak at Watson Lake, there is a three-dollar parking fee to enter Watson Lake Park. If you don’t have your own kayak, you can rent a kayak from Prescott Outdoors.

Tandem kayaks cost $20 for the first hour and $15 for each additional hour, and solo kayaks cost $15 for the first hour and $10 for each extra hour.

You probably won’t need to stay longer than three hours, so budget roughly $30-35 per person if you’re planning to rent kayaks. 

While you’re in Prescott, don’t miss the chance to explore the quaint western Courthouse Square . You can take a walk down Whiskey Row and grab a table at The Palace Saloon —one of the country’s top ten historic bars.

If you’re interested in more outdoor adventures, an eBike ride at the Peavine National Recreation Trail is a filled with great views and fun.

The Prescott Resort and Conference Center  is the best hotel choice in the area and Point of Rocks RV Campground has large private RV spots with hookups but no tent camping.

RELATED POST: 20 EPIC ADVENTURES FOR YOUR ARIZONA BUCKET LIST

Animas River in Durango, Colorado is a Top Kayaking Trip in the US for Families

Located in the heart of Colorado, the Animas River is renowned for its scenic beauty. This 126 mile gem originates high in the San Juan Mountains, northeast of Silverton, and joins the San Juan River at the New Mexico border.

Whether paddling through towering cliffs or peaceful meadows, kayakers are sure to be mesmerized by the natural wonders of this region.

For those looking for a bucket list kayaking adventure, the Animas River is a must. The 26 mile stretch of the Upper Animas River offers challenging Class III-V rapids for experienced kayakers. Single day and multi day trips are available.

The most thrilling sections can be found through Rockwood Gorge and the Silverton Section. The Needleton section is a little less crazy but still a fun adventure through stunning scenery.

If you are visiting with the whole family, the Lower Animas River in Durango is perfect for beginners. In addition to kayaking, you can also take a half day family rafting trip or even tube down the river for a few hours.

Durango is also home to some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails in the country. Do a zipline adventure in the San Juan Mountains .

History buffs will enjoy riding on the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to the historic town of Silverton . You can also do a little shopping or enjoy the restaurants in Downtown Durango .

Club Wyndham Durango is perfectly located for every activity. United Campgrounds is on the banks of the Animas River with RV and tent sites and plenty of fun things to do.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan is One of the Top Kayaking Destinations

Recommended by Rebecca of Veggies Abroad

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is renowned for its miles and miles of untouched beauty — dramatic kaleidoscope cliffs, turquoise waters, waterfalls, and lush forests.

One of the best ways to truly experience this beauty is kayaking through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Launch from Sand Point Beach, Miners Beach, Twelvemile Beach, and Hurricane River — we found launching from Sand Point Beach to be a great starting point.

Head east along the cliffs to enjoy an array of scenery. A few gorgeous spots to look out for include the dramatic cliffs of miner’s castle and its secluded beach, Painted Coves, Lovers Leap, Chapel Rock, Spray Falls, and much more!

There are a few things that you should know before you go. Conditions can change rapidly. Lake Superior has been known to overwhelm even the most experienced kayaker.

For this paddle excursion, you’re going to need a sea kayak, life vest, whistle/air horn, and a spray skirt — it is required by law that a life vest is worn at all times.

If the conditions of Lake Superior are rough, you can head just slightly north to Grand Island, which is usually sheltered from the rough seas. Grand Island is also a part of the lakeshore and has its own variety of painted cliffs and coves to explore!

Kayaking through Pictured Rocks can be done in one-day, or some will plan to camp at rustic spots along the way, including Chapel Beach and Twelvemile Beach, but you do need a reservation, and it is $25 a night.

The best places to stay in Pictured Rocks is in Munising at The Beach Inn Motel .

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota is One of the Best Kayaking Vacations

Recommended by Taylor of Nomads in Nature

A truly unique place to canoe in the United States is in Northern Minnesota at Voyageurs National Park.

This very remote national park partly borders Ontario, Canada and contains 84,000 acres of water, 655 miles of undeveloped shoreline, and over 500 islands. To say this is a rare and bucket-list-worthy destination to canoe is an understatement. 

While you can stay at hotel like the Cantilever Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham and canoe in one of the fairer-weather lakes, the most exciting experience is to camp inside Voyageurs National Park. 

All of the 270 campsites in Voyageurs are canoe or boat-in only and must be reserved in advance.

To get to Voyageurs National Park, fly into International Falls and rent a canoe in town.

From here you can canoe over Rainy Lake to one of the remote islands, where you will have one of the most epic campsites you’ve ever experienced. Plan on staying two nights at a campsite.

During the day you can fish for walleye, northern pike, and lake trout or adventure out to a few of the other islands and explore the backcountry hiking routes.

At night soak in the dark sky with phenomenal stargazing and if you’re lucky, you may even see the northern lights! 

Read our Voyageurs National Park Camping Guide to learn exactly how to camp, rent, and explore Voyageurs,

Emerald Cave, Arizona for a Half Day Colorado River Kayaking Adventure

Just an hour from the bright lights of Sin City, you can find yourself paddling through the serene waters of the Colorado River on the border of Arizona.

Even beginners can handle the relatively easy 2 mile paddle to Emerald Cave, which boasts emerald green water that’s simply stunning.

The cave is small but the kayaking is delightful on this gentle portion of the Colorado river, through the Black Canyon.

You’ll pass areas where Native Americans lived along the shoreline. And if you feel like stretching your legs, you can even get out of your kayak and explore some of the historical sights dotting the landscape.

Most people start kayaking from Willow Creek Marina where you can rent kayaks or launch your own.

If you are visiting from Las Vegas you can take the highly popular Half-Day Emerald Cove Kayak Tour , which includes a knowledgeable guide, all your gear and transportation.

It’s a great way to beat the heat of Las Vegas and spend the day on the water.

La Jolla Cave Kayaking Trips are a “Must-Do” in San Diego, California

Recommended by Chelsea of Chelsea Explores

If you are looking for the best places to kayak in California, La Jolla, San Diego has to be at the top of your list. The rugged sandstone sea cliffs that stretch along the shoreline with seven sea caves that you can enter, make it a unique experience.

You’ll also be paddling through the La Jolla Marine Reserve and the La Jolla Underwater Park, which are protected areas that are home to many different types of sea life, including leopard sharks, sea lions, stingrays, squid, sea turtles, and more. 

This is a great destination for both beginner and experienced kayakers. Take a guided tour like this 90 minute kayaking cave tour or bring your own inflatable kayak and enter from La Jolla Cove or La Jolla Shores. A few hours to kayak in this area is ideal.

Kayaking in La Jolla is just one of the many things to do on a trip to San Diego. Visit Coronado Island , have a fancy dinner in downtown San Diego, or spend time in historic Old Town San Diego , home to California’s first settlement. 

Staying at La Valencia Hotel is a great choice for location and above-average amenities. There are a couple of RV parks nearby but the closest option for tent camping is Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, just 15 miles from La Jolla.

RELATED POST: 13 PRETTIEST SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BEACHES

Trillium Lake, Oregon is One of the Prettiest Places for Kayaking

Recommended by Val of Voyages With Val

Trillium Lake near Mount Hood is a beautiful spot to go kayaking and one of the  best day trips from Portland . The drive is a little less than 2 hours to get to one of the prettiest lakes in Oregon.

Around the lake, there is a picture-perfect view of Mount Hood. In the morning, the mountain is reflected in the lake on a clear day.

The lake itself is 63 acres so there is plenty to paddle, all while gazing up at Oregon’s most famous mountain. This lake is usually calm, so it is great for all types of kayakers. 

You can spend the morning kayaking around the lake, followed by hiking one of the many beautiful trails in the Mount Hood National Forest. There is an easy 2-mile trail around the lake if you don’t want to drive far to a trailhead. 

There aren’t rentals available at the lake, so you will have to bring your own kayak. There is easy parking with access to the lake and a boat ramp available. Parking for the day is $10 a vehicle, or you can use a Northwest Forest Pass.

To stay nearby, consider camping at the campground located on the edge of the lake. You can also stay in the nearby town Government Camp at the famous Timberline Lodge . 

Lake Cushman, Olympic National Park, Washington

Recommended by Anna of Anna Tee

A really great place for kayaking and canoeing is Lake Cushman in Washington. Paddling out on a lake is fun and relaxing, and doesn’t require any experience!

Lake Cushman is a little over 4,000 acres, and it’s surrounded by gorgeous scenery, with mountains around the lake.

A fun thing that you can do when you kayak or canoe on Lake Cushman is to paddle to Lake Cushman Rock – a big boulder on the northern shore of the lake – and climb onto it to jump off!

The jump is less than 20 feet high, so this is a really popular cliff jumping spot.

You only need one a day to kayak on Lake Cushman. It’s an easy day trip from Seattle or a fun stop on your way to Olympic National Park.

You don’t need a permit and there is no parking fee if you launch from the north side of the lake, where there are several pull outs and parking areas. Some people start from Skokomish Park, which does have an entrance fee of $15.

After you’re done kayaking on Lake Cushman, there are a lot of fun hikes in the area! You can drive into Olympic National Park and hike the easy Staircase Rapids Loop, or hike Mount Ellinor for a challenge.

Stay overnight in a vacation home with private lake access or camp at one of the tent sites at the Staircase Rapids campground nearby. Since Lake Cushman is right next to the national forest, you can also wild camp for free!

Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint is One of the Best Places to Kayak in Idaho

Recommended by Christina of Live A Wilder Life

Lake Pend Oreille is the largest lake in Idaho and sits in the panhandle of North Idaho, an area famous for its reclusive, quiet, and lush environment.

With 111 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of paddling routes to choose from and you can spend days out exploring.

Eagle Boat Launch, Talache Point, and Garfield Bay are all popular put-in areas for kayaks and canoes. Experienced kayakers will love the serene beauty of the Clark Fork Delta for the sloughs, channels, and backwater exploration.

Anyone from beginners to experts will enjoy the depth and breadth of paddling possibilities on Lake Pend Oreille.

You’ll want to spend two to four days in Sandpoint to try out different lake spots, whether that’s the right off City Beach in downtown Sandpoint or the resort community of Dover for a quieter day on the river portion of Lake Pend Oreille. 

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles gliding over the lake to find their next meal. 

After you’ve gotten your fill of exploring by kayak, there are plenty of fun things to do in Sandpoint . Check out local art galleries, sip on craft beer at Mick Duffs, or try Idaho’s best ice cream at Panhandle Cone and Coffee.

If you’re looking for more adventure, drive up to Schweitzer Mountain, a ski resort, and hike to to the top for panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille.

The Best Western Edgewater Resort is popular for its proximity to downtown Sandpoint and lakeside access. If you’re looking to camp, Springy Point is a lush campsite on the water that’s just over the scenic Long Bridge into town.

Lake McDonald, Montana is an Iconic Kayaking Adventure in Glacier National Park

Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

If you want to kayak in one of the most jaw-dropping alpine landscapes, Lake McDonald, in Montana’s Glacier National Park, should definitely be on your bucket list. 

The fjord-like lake, located in the park’s West Glacier section, is the largest body of water in the park (over ten square miles!).

It arguably, offers its most stunning scenery, with the dramatic Rocky Mountains reflected in its emerald waters.

In addition to the accessible paddling, the lake offers tons of places to pull off, bring your kayak ashore, and go on small hikes, like the Lake McDonald Trail , to explore the gorgeous surrounding forests.

The lake is suitable for kayakers of all levels. There are no additional parking or permit fees for kayaking here, beyond the park’s entrance fee ($35) and mandatory vehicle reservation if you’re visiting in the busy summer months ($2),

After your day on the water, take advantage of all the outdoor adventures to be had in Glacier, from hiking the famed Highline Trail to gazing at ancient glaciers. And of course, you must drive up the the famed Going to the Sun Road .

Consider a stay at Lake McDonald Lodge, a historic lodge built in 1913 with stunning views of the lake.

If camping is more your speed, consider staying at Under Canvas Glacier or the Avalanche Creek Campground, nestled in a gorgeous pine-tree forest and right by the trailheads of two of the most beloved hikes in the park, Avalanche Lake and Trail of the Cedars.

Put-in-Bay Island, Lake Erie is One of the Best Places to Kayak in Ohio

Recommended by Nikki of She Saves She Travels

If you’re looking for the best places to kayak in the US or canoe in the US, then Lake Erie must be on your list!

Located on the northern border of the US, Lake Erie is the 4 th  largest of the Great Lakes, with a surface area of almost 10,000 square miles.

One unique spot to kayak or canoe on Lake Erie is the island of Put-in-Bay. Rent kayak and do a fun paddle around Gibraltar Island.

Another great place to launch a kayak or canoe is from South Bass Island State Park. You’ll kayak along the limestone cliffs of the island, with rocky beach views and blue-green water beneath you.

It’s not safe to get too far away from the shore because the water can be really choppy. Stay along the shoreline and within the bays of the island.

Oh, and keep an eye out for the area’s well-known water snakes! Kayaking on Lake Erie at Put-in-Bay is best done in 1-2 hours, or an afternoon adventure.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Put-in-Bay . Dine at a tiki bar or catch live music downtown. There are two wineries on the island, butterfly gardens, an international peace memorial and even a crystal cave.

You won’t run out of fun activities for a day (or two) spent on Put-in-Bay, Ohio.

For local accommodations, try the Anchor Inn Boutique Hotel . You can also find a basic tent campground at the South Bass Island State Park, which is near the boat dock.

Night Glow Kayaking in Pensacola, Florida

Contributed by Roshni from TheWanderlustWithin.com

The only place to try night glow kayaking along the Florida Panhandle is the historic city of Pensacola . 

This experience is located on Little Sabine Bay , and involves crystal clear kayaks which allow you to view the marine life below you.

This experience is elevated at night, as the kayaks are fitted with LED lights, meaning you can observe “life under the sea” with a colorful glow. Fish, stingrays, jellyfish and even starfish are found in this bay.

The kayaking tours are suitable for everyone including first timers, and there are 1 to 2 people per kayak.

The shallowness of the bay, means this is a family friendly activity, but all children must be accompanied by an adult and there is minimum weight of 30 pounds. Children between 10-17 can kayak solo if they have parental permission.

Sessions last 45 minutes, and there are multiple time slots available between 7pm and 11.30pm daily.

If you want to experience something different and are over 18, there are also glow stand up paddle boards or glow bicycles, available to rent.

Note, there is limited parking available at the premises, but there is public parking across the street. 

The Margaritaville Beach Hotel is well located for glow kayaking and kayaking right from the beach during the day.

If you prefer to camp, then head over to the Fort Pickens area of Gulf Islands National Seashore , and stay at the campground there.

Kayaking With Manatees in Florida at Crystal River

Recommended by Taylor from Tea N’ Sea Travel

Crystal River is the perfect spot for a Florida kayaking adventure. The water is pretty clear, but the real draw is the manatees!

Also off the river are tons of natural springs that are around 72 degrees year round and great for swimming! Three Sisters Springs is one of the best natural florida springs to visit, especially during manatee season!

The beauty of kayaking on Crystal River is you can choose varying lengths of time to spend on the river. Go on your own or take a 2 hour clear kayak tour of crystal river or a Three Sisters Springs kayak and swim eco-tour of Crystal River .

Kayaking Crystal river does not require a permit. Metered parking and kayak launches are found at Kings Bay and Hunter Springs Park, as well as the Crystal River Preserve State Park.

If you are renting a kayak, there are many companies around which typically offer parking at their place of business.

Crystal River is a great spot for beginners and kayaking enthusiasts alike. With a very low current, lots of springs to swim and enjoy, and plentiful wildlife, it’s a great way to cool off from the Florida heat!

After spending the day kayaking, you can explore some of the town’s mom-and-pop restaurants, visit the local winery and brewery, or head down to Tampa for some nightlife!

Plantation on Crystal River, Ascend Hotel Collection is a conveniently located hotel with plentiful amenities to make your trip to Crystal River longer than a day trip.

If you’re looking for a campsite, there are a plethora of options around including the Crystal Isles RV Resort, which offers lots of amenities including laundry, pools, and more!

Outer Banks Kayaking in North Carolina

Recommended by Candice of CS Ginger

A great place to go kayaking on the east coast is the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

The Outer Banks is about 200-miles of barrier islands off the coast. It is a great place for a vacation filled with water sports, relaxing at the beach, and more. 

The Outer Banks have beautiful scenic paddling paths. Paths range from calm waterways through the rivers to ocean waves.

If you want to paddle in the ocean but do not want the large waves, you can paddle through the sound side of the islands. No matter your experience, you can find a place to kayak in the Outer Banks. 

One of the best places to kayak in the Outer Banks is the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. It is one of the best wildlife refuges in the area. The water here is very calm and there are lots of fun things to see. 

You can also launch a kayak right from the  Outer Banks beaches . There are rental companies that offer launches right from the beach.

The sound side of the island will have calmer water than the ocean side. There are no permits required or parking fees. 

Saltaire Cottages are located right across from the beach and near a kayak tour of the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest . There are a plethora of campgrounds to choose from.

Kayaking in the North East in Cape Cod and the Islands, Massachusetts

Recommended by Shobha of Martha’s Vineyard Tourist

Many people love to kayak in Cape Cod and the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Although these places get busy in the summer, there are never that many people paddling on the water.

When you  kayak Martha’s Vineyard’s ponds  or the Nantucket ponds, for example, you will feel like you are on your own in nature. Yet, you are very near lots of summer tourist resort amenities when you get out of the water. 

On Cape Cod, you can paddle the Cape Cod National Seashore which is a haven for birds and other wildlife.

There are so many ponds that you can kayak as much as you want and never get bored. Travel between Cape Cod and the islands via ferry. The ponds are easy to kayak for mixed-ability groups like families.

Either bring your own kayaks or rent them locally. Kayak rental stores will bring kayaks to where you would like to go. There are public kayak launches easily accessible as well. 

There is no permit needed to kayak. Parking fees will depend on the location.

Wequassett Resort and Golf Club has tons of activities and access to Cape Cod National Golf Course. The Richard in Edgartown is charming and well located for a trip to Martha’s Vineyard.

Both Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod have campgrounds. Dune’s Edge Campground in Provincetown has RV, tent and rustic cabins on the edge of the National Seashore.

Wailua River and Hanalei River, Kauai, Hawaii Kayaking Tour

Recommended by Megan of Next is Hawaii

You will find several amazing places to go kayaking in the United States and one of the top spots on Kauai is Kayaking the Wailua River . The Wailua River is the only true navigable river in the state and definitely the only one on Kauai.

The Wailua River and Secret Falls Kayak and Hiking Tour includes a waterfall that can only be reached by kayaking the river first. It is a fun and relatively easy trip takes about half the day and perfect for beginner kayakers visiting Hawaii!

You will be given points along the river to meet at but can navigate it at your own speed and leisure.

Once you arrive at the trailhead for Uluwehi Falls, it is about a 20-30 minute hike to the waterfall (with a few stream crossings along the way). The two mile kayak trail can also be done by canoe or standup paddleboard.

Another cool kayak adventure is the Hanalei Bay Kayak & Snorkel Tour on the Hanalei river. Experience sea turtles and other marine life in addition to exploring by kayak.

If youʻre looking for some things to do after the kayaking trip, a Na Pali Half Day Snorkel Raft Adventure or a Na Pali Sunset cruise will allow you to see the dramatic cliffs of Kauai, with a stunning sunset, dolphins and other marine life.

A great place to stay that is not too far from the Wailua River is the Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue set on gorgeous Kalapaki Beach, near the Kauai Lagoons Golf Club. It is a short drive from the Wailua River kayaking tour meeting point.

Have you been inspired to add one of these best places to kayak or canoe in the US to your next trip? We have!

Pack your inflatable kayak and hit the open road! Make the trip even more exciting with a $50 off your first Sprinter van rental from Outdoorsy . What was your favorite place to paddle? We’re always looking for more cool adventures!

About Jenifer

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Clear Kayaking Adventures

Tours in jupiter, florida, clear kayaking in jupiter, clear kayaking adventures offers you a unique kayaking tour that explores the pristine waters and breathtaking beauty of jupiter's coastal paradise in a 100% clear kayak.   whether you're a seasoned kayaker or have never picked up a paddle before, our tours are designed to accommodate all skill levels. families, nature lovers, and solo travelers alike can enjoy the serenity of clear kayaking in jupiter. .

Red mangroves are easily identified by their remarkable aboveground prop roots. 

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Enjoy the beautiful sunset of Jupiter from a clear kayak!

With Clear Kayaking Adventures, our goal is to help you enjoy, relax, and experience an extraordinary adventure with our clear kayaking tour through the waterways of Jupiter.  Our experienced guides are passionate about the local ecosystem and are dedicated to making your kayaking tour both safe and educational. They'll lead you through the most scenic and ecologically significant areas, sharing their knowledge and stories about the unique flora and fauna that thrive in Jupiter's waters.  All the while seeking to spot an array of sea life including manatees, rays, sea turtles, and many species of colorful fish (nature willing).  You will also have the chance to spot various birds including pelicans, herons, falcons, owls, and ospreys.  Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply in search of a peaceful escape, a clear kayaking tour promises an experience to remember! 

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Discover the magic of jupiter, florida, through an exclusive private clear kayaking tour.  from celebrating milestones to strengthening bonds with friends or colleagues, our private kayaking tour promises to create memories that endure.  personalize your clear kayaking tour to align with your vision.  we can launch from several locations in the jupiter area. get in touch with us for a creative planning session..

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If you are not sure what to get for the special people in your life, a clear kayaking tour gift card is a great choice.  .

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• Red River Gorge Vacations

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Red river gorge underground: cave kayaking & boat tours, classic tours.

Classic Boat Tour

Your journey begins as you descend into the darkness in a custom-built cave boat. With an expert guide at the helm, you'll wind your way through the 100-year-old flooded limestone mine and discover the rich history and hidden secrets of The Gorge Underground.

Adult (Ages 13+) Youth (Ages 3-12)

$25 All Days $20 All Days

• 20 People Max Group Size

Minimum age for children on this tour is 3. For safety, children under 3 years of age are not able to participate.

Classic Kayak Tour

Feeling adventurous? Paddle your way through the mine in a kayak on this unforgettable one-hour tour. Make your way through the darkness as our expert guides lead the way illuminating the unique features of the Gorge Underground.

Adult (Ages 13+) Youth (Ages 5-12)

$55 Mon-Thur, $65 Fri-Sun $55 Mon-Thur, $65 Fri-Sun

• 12 People Max Group Size

Minimum age for children on this tour is 5. For safety, children under 5 years of age are not able to participate.

Deluxe Tours

Crystal Kayak Tour

Prepare to have your mind blown as you explore the Undergound in a deluxe crystal clear kayak! Underwater led lights coupled with these see-through kayaks provide a stunning view of our rainbow trout and the mine's otherwise hidden underwater details.

Adult (Ages 13+) Youth  (Ages 5-12)

$75 Mon-Thur, $85 Fri-Sun $75 Mon-Thur, $85 Fri-Sun

• 8 People; Can accommodate larger groups on request

Crystal Clear Sup Tour

Upgrade to our deluxe 1.5-hour SUP tour and experience the wonders of the cavern in a new (colorful) light. As you navigate the mine surrounded by the glow of your Crystal Clear LED board, our expert guides will reveal the best-kept secrets of the underground.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Adventure!

Gorge Underground cave tours offer a thrilling opportunity to experience a historic mine system near the Red River Gorge. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world as you move through the cool, damp air, listening to the sounds of water dripping and marveling at the stunning rock formations.

Our local guides are experts in the geology and history of the mine system, and they’ll share fascinating stories about the area and the creatures that call it home. You’ll also learn about the delicate balance of the underground ecosystem and the efforts being made to preserve it.

Tours are suitable for all levels of fitness. So whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-time explorer, come join us for an adventure you’ll never forget!

Got a Group?

Gather up your friends, family, even uncle Gary, or some co-workers and we’re here to show you how adventure is done. Give us a call for special pricing and package offers.

Everything for the Perfect Getaway

Single-family to large group cabins, hotel rooms, and camping. We’ve got you covered.

We have something for everyone; from family activities to high-adrenaline adventures.

Grab the gear you need during your stay and fuel up with tasty treats.

Snacks to hearty after-hike meals, we’ve got something for every appetite!

We’re Right in the Heart of Red River Gorge

Convenient for groups coming from: Lexington, KY: 1 hr Louisville, KY: 1 hr 59 mins Ashland, NC: 2 hrs 4 mins Cincinatti, OH: 2 hrs 2 mins Nashville, TN: 4 hrs 3 mins

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• See Through Canoe

Our guests see manatees and dolphins all year long. We practice "passive observation" of the wildlife. We show you how to have an amazing encounter where the animal chooses to approach you. Our guests see manatees 99% of the time and dolphins almost as often. Let us help you make a memory you'll never forget.

.We do daily tours at Fort DeSoto and many other locations throughout Pinellas County . These places are typically calm and shallow waters with a lot of marine life to see, & of course dolphins & manatees. There are numerous mangrove islands as well as beautiful islands with white sandy beaches and great shelling. Between Dec & April, we also go to other locations where our kayak renters are very likely to see manatees. Dolphin can be seen at Fort DeSoto & Shell Key year round, however manatees are usually only in this area between May & November. Whatever the time of year, we have a very high success ratio of our renters seeing manatees and/or dolphins. We're taking glass bottom boats & glass bottom kayaks to a whole new level. manatee dolphin tours glow kayaking eco tour kayak tours tampa St petersburg

Why See Through Canoe

See Through Canoe brand kayaks are only available through the See Through Canoe Company at SeeThroughCanoe.com, anything else is an imitation! 

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Glaciers, Wildlife, Wilderness

An intimate way to experience the alaskan wilderness.

A passion for Alaskan glacier and wildlife kayaking tours in the Prince William Sound wilderness defines Anadyr Adventures, the premier sea kayaking company in Valdez, Alaska.

Choose from a variety of world-class day trips or multiday camping, lodge or mothership based tours. We can also work with you to design a trip customized to your interests.

Anadyr Adventures operates under special use permits from the Chugach National Forest and the Alaska Division of Parks. We are proud to work with Valdez City Schools, Valdez Parks and Recreation, and Advocates for Victims of Violence to introduce kids to paddling.

And we are proud to have received the the 2004 Spirit of Alaska award, presented by ATIA to the Alaskan business best exemplifying the Alaskan spirit of community and public service.

Anadyr Adventures offers four types of trips: day trips for those with limited time in Valdez, multi-day camping trips, Mothership trips for those desiring the amenities of a support vessel, and lodge based trips offering Prince William Sound day excursions from the comfort of a remote Alaskan wilderness lodge. 

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Established in 1989, Anadyr Adventures offers naturalist guided sea-kayaking, sailing and hiking trips to novice and experienced kayakers, families, kids and the physically challenged. We are a company dedicated to sharing with you the beauty of Prince William Sound wilderness. Our groups are small, our impact is low and sustainable tourism is in the forefront of our agenda.

Valdez has been our home since 1984. Through the years we have kayaked, sailed and hiked Prince William Sound extensively. Consequently, we are uniquely positioned to help you plan your trip.

You may choose from a wide range of trips with varying levels of difficulty and comfort; from easy, suitable for novice paddlers and kids, to strenuous, geared for the more experienced paddlers. Our guided trips throughout Prince William Sound are small and intimate, giving you the perfect opportunity to view your surroundings and the abundant wildlife in a way that most larger tour companies simply cannot offer.

The trips we have listed are not exclusive…. in fact, many great tours have not made it on these pages! If you don’t see anything that immediately excites you, feel free to call for new ideas. You will find our staff knowledgeable, our pricing to be reasonable and affordable. We pride ourselves on providing honest and accurate information so that your expectations are well matched with what we can deliver. Don’t hesitate to call or write with your questions at any time.

Why choose Anadyr Adventures for your Alaska sea kayaking adventure?

Anadyr Adventures has over 30 years of experience leading quality sea-kayaking and hiking trips in Prince William Sound.

We carefully select only the safest, reliable and knowledgeable guides to lead you. Our guides are top professionals, who not only teach their skill, but offer interpretive discussions of the local history, geology, flora, and fauna. Whenever possible we make a point to employ locally in order to benefit the local community and its economy directly, thereby providing further incentive for local support and preservation of natural areas and wildlife habitat.

Because we are locally owned, we have more in-depth knowledge to share with you. The majority of our guides are Alaskans as well. Their knowledge of the Alaska wilderness, not to mention our native fauna & flora, was gained from years of first-hand experience in the backcountry, and not read from a book a few months prior to your tour. Your guide will not simply be another guest on the trip with you, but will have valuable insight to offer and practical knowledge to share on the areas you’ll be paddling through. We strive to make sure our guides are equally well versed in the natural history & geology of the area and often employ university professors and museum curators to assist with our training.

Finally, we pride ourselves on offering personalized service. We maintain small group sizes allowing us to ensure the highest quality of tours. We make every effort to coordinate our groups so the interests of our individual clients and guide complement one another. Please don’t hesitate to use “our client feedback” page to ask questions from our former guests.

Anadyr Adventures is a proud member of the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau, Valdez Convention and Visitors Bureau, Valdez Chamber of Commerce, Tok Chamber of Commrs, Valdez Trails Associations, Alaska State Parks Advisory Board and Alaska’s Wilderness Recreation & Tourism Association. We support local conservation organizations and encourages our clients to make a $1-A-Day voluntary donation to organizations working to conserve Alaska’s wilderness. We are proud to have received ATIA’s Spirit of Alaska award in 2004.

Valdez is located on the north shore of Port Valdez, a deep water fjord in Prince William Sound. Referred to as “Little Switzerland”, Valdez is surrounded by breathtaking snow capped mountains. Valdez lies 305 road miles east of Anchorage, and 364 road miles south of Fairbanks.

Valdez can be reached by the Alaska Marine Highway. The state ferry provides transport to and from Whittier, Cordova, Kodiak, Seward and Homer. It takes 6 hours from Whittier to reach Valdez via the ferry system.

Alaska Airlines has two, and sometimes three, daily flights from Anchorage. The flight from Anchorage to Valdez takes 40 minutes. Our advice is to make your reservation for an earlier flight or even for the day before to avoid potential flight cancellations.

The Richardson Highway connects Valdez to Anchorage, Fairbanks and Canada. Driving time from Anchorage to Valdez is 6 hours. Allow ample time for driving because the highways are very scenic and you’ll want to stop to admire the view and take pictures. Along the way there are a number of roadside lodges and campgrounds. If you are driving from Anchorage we recommend food and lodging at Sheep Mountain Lodge.

Once you reach Thompson Pass and enter Keystone Canyon, you are getting close to Valdez. Follow the Richardson Highway into town, ( about 10 miles), passing a number of RV Parks. Turn left on Chitna Drive, go to the end ( 2 short blocks) turn right on North Harbor Drive. We are located three buildings down on the right hand side at 225 North Harbor Drive. If you see a place called Fish Central or Mike’s Palace, you have just passed our office. For a complete listing of accommodations, tours, and services in Valdez, please visit our helpful travel links.

Natural History

From the many icefields covering the vallies of the Chugach Mountains flow more than 150 glaciers with 17 reaching sea level. The climate is maritime with moderate temperatures and an average precipitation of 100 inches annually.

Prince William Sound has the greatest diversity of wildlife habitat along the entire northern Pacific Coast. Two hundred forty species of birds have been observed, ranging from the tiny rufus hummingbird to the mighty bald eagle, and during spring and fall migration tens of millions of migratory birds traverse the area. Humpback, killer, and minke whales, seals and Steller sea lions reside in this marine environment. Thirty different land mammals have been recorded in Prince William Sound. Most easily spotted are Sitka deer, black bears and mountain goats. Commercial and sports fishermen harvest five species of Pacific salmon as well as halibut, shrimp, crab, herring and bottom fish in the rich waters of the Sound.

This vast resource of natural beauty and wildlife is easily accessible to you through Anadyr Adventures.

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• 8 North Cascades National Park adventures for this summer

Despite growing pains and staffing challenges, North Cascades National Park remains one of the most rewarding places to explore the mountains in Washington , if not the entire country. The superlative stretch of peaks motivated Bellingham-based nature photographer John D’Onofrio to pen the newly published guidebook, “ Hiking Mt. Baker & the North Cascades .”

“Sure, nowadays there are some places in the North Cascades that attract a crowd and require advance planning to secure a permit,” D’Onofrio said. “But there are also lots of places that are empty of people, where solitude can still be found and where serendipity holds sway. Hikers can experience true wilderness and — with a little effort — the increasingly rare experience of being alone.”

With a lower-than-typical snow year, many of the park’s hikes might melt out sooner than normal, potentially affording a longer-than-average hiking season. Nevertheless, check wta.org for trip reports (and submit your own!) and be prepared for snow travel at higher elevations. Boaters be advised, however, that those same conditions have led to lower-than-normal water levels in Diablo and Ross lakes.

Here are eight ways to explore the park this summer.

Stay at the North Cascades Institute

The North Cascades Institute maintains a world-class environmental learning center on the shores of glacial blue Lake Diablo. It offers spartan but clean and comfortable overnight accommodations in lodge rooms with bunk beds, three healthy cafeteria-style meals included (from $100 per person ; see ncascades.org ). The center is the closest North Cascades National Park has to a grand hotel — just don’t expect anything approaching the white tablecloth ambience of the Paradise Inn Dining Room or Roosevelt Dining Room at Lake Quinault Lodge. Rather, the experience is what my colleague Tan Vinh once called “ nature camp for grown-ups .”

Take a tour of Lake Diablo on a glass-roofed boat

Lake Diablo and neighboring Ross Lake, home to the coveted floating cabins at Ross Lake Resort and boat-in campsites along the lake’s 23-mile serpentine sprawl, are the result of Seattle City Light dams on the Skagit River. Much of the electricity that powers Seattle comes from water draining out of the national park, while tribes are challenging the dams’ future due to their environmental impact. You can ponder those issues on a lake tour aboard the Alice Ross IV , a glass roof boat, offered jointly by the institute and City Light on Wednesdays through Sundays starting July 3 ($50 for adults, $45 for seniors age 62-plus, $30 for youth ages 3-12). Reserve lodging and boat tours at ncascades.org .

Related outdoors

• 6 Mount Rainier hikes that won’t require a reservation this summer
• Youngest climber to complete WA’s Bulger List featured in new movie
• 5 WA beginner backpacking trips for this summer
• Forget the long drive home: Here are 5 great hike-campground combos in WA
• Top tips for first-time campers in WA
• Whitewater rafting is a springtime rush for WA adventurers

Swim in a “sea of peaks”

If there is one classic hike in the park, with the crowds to match, it’s Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm . Start at the end of Cascade River Road (unpaved for the final 16 miles, but suitable for low-clearance vehicles) and switchback up 1,700 feet across 3.6 miles to Cascade Pass. The view here is stunning as you immerse yourself in the North Cascades “sea of peaks,” as the collection of jagged summits is sometimes described, but it’s worth pushing another 2.5 miles and 2,400 feet up the rocky outcropping of Sahale Arm until you reach the Sahale Glacier Camp. The lucky few campers here (maybe you, if you snagged a lottery spot or a walk-up permit) are perched at the park’s highest-elevation trail-accessible camp.

Climb to an alpine lookout

For another dip into the sea of peaks, perhaps with fewer crowds, try the hike to Hidden Lake Lookout . The trailhead starts after a rutted 5-mile forest road — high clearance recommended — then ascends 3,300 feet over 4.5 miles to one of the most panoramic fire lookouts in the state, cabled to the side of a rock pile. The 360-degree views are spectacular, and you can even spend the night on a first-come, first-serve basis. Consider a donation to Friends of Hidden Lake Lookout to defray maintenance costs. Only a sliver of the trail just before the lookout enters the national park, but the lake itself down below is squarely inside the park — permit required for overnight camping.

Beat the crowds while hiding in plain sight

You wouldn’t know cars are zooming above you on North Cascades Highway while you meander along the cacophony of Ruby Creek . Starting from either the East Bank Trailhead or the Canyon Creek Trailhead, it’s a 6.5-mile round-trip walk through mossy forest and along the occasional sandy riverfront beach. If you’re driving over Highway 20 without plans to otherwise visit North Cascades National Park, consider this forest stroll a worthy pit stop.

Get way off the grid — then ride a cable car

There are many options for plunging deep into the North Cascades for days on end. But only Copper Ridge and the Chilliwack River trails offer you a chance to live an Indiana Jones-style moment, hauling yourself by hand over a raging river on a rickety cable car. Start at the Hannengan Trailhead off Highway 542 (the road to Mt. Baker Ski Area) and head 5.1 miles to Hannegan Pass. From here, you have a choice. Fork right and you’ll reach the cable car crossing at 10.7 miles. Fork left and you’ll reach Copper Lake at 11.2 miles, after passing the Copper Ridge Lookout and some spectacular views of surrounding, rarely seen high peaks like Mount Redoubt. Unfortunately, the trails east of the lake and the cable car are closed due to the 2021 Bear Creek and 2022 Chilliwack fires, so you cannot currently complete this loop hike. This is nevertheless a popular backpacking destination, so overnight permits may be limited.

Wing it below Black Peak

While crowds flock to Rainy Pass Trailhead during larch season for the way-too-popular Heather-Maple Pass Loop, take the offshoot trail west out of the basin and toward towering Black Peak, the 16th highest mountain in Washington. Cross a difficult talus field and ascend above Lewis Lake until you reach the alpine gem that is Wing Lake . This is a rugged 8-mile hike with off-trail sections — you’ll be following cairns or your GPS through the boulder field — but the lake is a stunner, especially if you stay the night for sunrise and sunset. On Labor Day weekend a few years back, my wife and I shared the area with just one other tent. We also got snowed on. That’s the North Cascades for you.

Take an easy stroll through ancient forest

Colonial Creek Campground may be full of families around the campfire, but the longer you stroll up the Thunder Creek Trail , the fewer people you’ll see. This aptly named waterway makes quite the roar when in earshot, a pleasant soundtrack to the old-growth forest setting. With campsites at regular intervals, backpackers of any level will find something they like. Families can start out little ones on a short 1.5-mile jaunt to Thunder Camp, while scenery seekers can press on 10.2 miles to Junction Camp for views out to the Boston Glacier.

Most Read Life Stories

• Jollibee fried chicken chain to open in Seattle next week
• Why North Cascades National Park is WA’s wildest
• Meet Seattle artist Casey Curran, whose Met Gala design went viral
• Seattle restaurant deliciously connects Lebanese, Mexican cuisines

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

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Get ready for your next iconic adventure like a pro with these tips

From climbing Kilimanjaro to walking the Camino de Santiago, we asked guides, travelers, and explorers for hacks on how to train for these trips of a lifetime.

The start of a new year is often the time people resolve to tackle bucketlist travel goals: rafting the Colorado River , scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef , exploring the poles. But how does an entry- to intermediate-level adventurer start preparing to make those big dreams a reality?

In 2010, to train for an assignment that required me to live for weeks at Mount Everest Base Camp (elevation 17,598 feet), I snuggled into my cold-weather sleeping bag on the deck outside my home in northern Minnesota during a few weeks of sub-zero temperatures in January. I started with a few hours in daylight and eventually slept out all night without a tent. That exercise helped me discern the number of clothing layers I would need to stay warm and put to rest my fear that I would freeze to death.

The best training isn’t always physical, sometimes it’s psychological or even spiritual. And every adventure requires developing a specific set of skills. That’s why we’ve asked the following experts for their advice on how to approach seven iconic travel experiences.

Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef

“It’s preferable to learn to dive in a place where there’s warm, clear water, as poor visibility can be disorienting and cold water makes it difficult to equalize and draw deep breaths,” says Carrie Miller, co-author of National Geographic’s A Diver’s Guide to the World . Neither should be a problem on the Great Barrier Reef, off the northeastern coast of Australia . There, visibility ranges between 30 to 100 feet depending on the season and water temperatures range from 72 degrees Fahrenheit in the austral summer to 84 degrees in the austral winter.

With many dive training organizations, she says, you can do the coursework and pool sessions in your hometown and complete your course on the Great Barrier Reef.

“Some people don’t take to scuba diving straight away and that’s okay,” she says. “It’s common to struggle with skills like mask clearing and the experience can feel overwhelming.” Practice doing laps in a pool wearing a mask that’s half full of water. This will help you get used to the sensation of water sloshing around your nose.

( Scared to scuba? Here are five reasons it’s finally time to learn .)

One thing to know about the reef is that it has already lost half its corals, so instead of expecting to dive in pristine beauty, use your trip as “an opportunity to learn about the pressures facing the reef,” says Miller.

Whitewater rafting the Grand Canyon  

Extreme heat and submersion are two major risk factors when rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon —neither of which are easy to prepare for in advance, says Kevin Fedarko, a former Colorado River guide and author of the forthcoming book , A Walk in the Park: The Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon.

“There’s an old saying among river guides: ‘If you’re hot, you’re stupid.’ ” To cool off in summer temperatures that often rise well above a hundred degrees, Fedarko recommends that rafters, always under the supervision of their guides, jump into placid sections of the river with their clothes on several times per day. “The Colorado is the best AC you’ve got,” he says. “Getting all of your clothing completely wet allows the effect of evaporative cooling to bring your body temperature back toward normal.”

( Explore 10 amazing river trips in North American parks .)

As for getting dunked in a monster rapid, says Fedarko, “unless you’re a Class V kayaker, the pure shock of being tossed in is so overwhelming there’s little you can do to prepare short of filling up your bathtub with 59-degree water and trying to simulate what it’s like.”

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

The trip to the “ Roof of Africa ,” which soars 19,340 feet above Kilimanjaro National Park , Tanzania , does not require technical climbing skills, but it still calls for caution. Many people ascend too quickly before properly acclimatizing, ultimately succumbing to altitude sickness.

To prepare physically for the ascent, Dave Hahn, a mountaineer and guide for RMI Expeditions , recommends pushing pre-trip workouts beyond just one or two hours at a time. Spend entire days outside doing just about anything. “Ski, snowshoe, pull weeds, whatever. Be slightly uncomfortable for twelve hours at a time,” he says.

( Here’s how the pursuit of one European peak gave rise to modern mountaineering .)

On Kilimanjaro, Hahn tries to time it so that he reaches Uhuru Peak with the sunrise, requiring a near-midnight start, followed by a nearly 10,000-foot descent back to Mweka Camp. “Summit days are extremely long, like 11 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Kili.”

Skiing the Alps

“Skiing in the Alps is so different,” compared to the U.S., says Gordy Megroz, the author of National Geographic’s 100 Slopes of a Lifetime . “The resorts are enormous and often connected.”

For example, Matterhorn Ski Paradise , the highest ski area in the Alps, spans Switzerland and Italy . Because “the hotels are better in Zermatt and the food is better in Italy,” Megroz prefers to stay in Switzerland and ski 6.5 miles in the shadow of the Matterhorn to Cervinia, Italy, to eat lunch.

To prepare for such epic runs, he says, build your endurance and strength by signing up a few months in advance for two- or three-times-per week CrossFit (a workout that focuses on varied, high-intensity, functional movements) or Orange Theory (a workout that focuses on heart-rate zone training) classes. Or find a personal trainer who can set you up with a specific ski training plan.

( Climate change is altering how visitors experience Switzerland’s Eiger mountain .)

“There are no ski areas in the Alps that are easy,” says Megroz—the reason he advises beginner or intermediate skiers to stay on groomed trails, known as “on-piste,” in Europe. If you’re an advanced intermediate and want to explore off-piste, says Megroz, hire a guide. In Europe, unlike in the U.S., many of the ungroomed runs are not bombed by the ski patrol to clear avalanches. “You can certainly ski the off-piste stuff on your own,” says Megroz, “but it’s dangerous.”

Cycling in Tuscany

Few journeys are more idyllic than cycling past the olive groves and vineyards of the Tuscan countryside. On trips like these, “endurance serves travelers more than speed,” says Lauren Hefferon, the founder of 35-year-old bike tour company Ciclismo Classico .

“I always remind people that if they are going on a bike trip, they have all day to cycle the 35 to 40 miles from point A to point B. But even if you ride three to four times per week [pre-trip],” she says, “that will not prepare you for the hills of Tuscany.”

( Take a road trip through Tuscany's breathtaking countryside .)

In addition to logging hours on your bike, Hefferon also recommends going to a gym two to three times per week to build core strength, always reminding clients that multi-day cycling trips are not a race. “Speed might cause exhaustion, disappointment, and an accident.”

Exploring the poles

“People look at these big trips and see the end product,” says Eric Larsen, the polar explorer who in 2010 was the first to reach the North and South Poles and climb Mount Everest in one year. “What you don’t see is the process of getting there.”

This January, Larsen is leading an eight-day polar training course that aims to train BIPOC polar adventurers. His co-leader is Emily Ford , the first Black woman to hike Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail . “I have this philosophy: Train hard, travel easy,” says Larsen. During the course, held on Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota, the attendees spend three days learning how to dress even before they step on to the ice to train.

“It’s very deliberate how slow we go,” says Larsen. “We’re not just throwing people into the woods and telling them, ‘Here’s a toothpick and a piece of jerky.’ The more time you spend outside getting to know your body, the better off you’ll be.”

Walking the Camino de Santiago

Millions of people have walked the Camino de Santiago, the iconic pilgrimage created in the ninth century by the Catholic Church. It’s the one bucket-list travel experience that doesn’t require much—if any—preparation, according to Andrew McCarthy.

In the 1990s, the actor and writer, a self-professed “long-ago lapsed Catholic,” walked the route from Saint Jean Pied-de-Port, France , crossing the Pyrenees mountains, and arriving 500 miles later in Santiago de Compostela, Spain . Halfway through, McCarthy had a life-changing moment when he broke down sobbing in the middle of a field, realizing that fear had dominated his life, a story he retells in his book The Longest Way Home . McCarthy returned to Spain in 2021 to walk the Camino again with his then-19-year-old son, which resulted in his latest book, Walking with Sam .

( Here are three ways to plan a Camino de Santiago hiking pilgrimage . )

So, what is it about this path that is so compelling? “I find walking a powerful thing,” says McCarthy. “It’s the natural rhythm at which we are meant to process things.”

His advice? “Go! Buy your ticket and go within a week. The beauty of the Camino is that it requires no preparation, just a good pair of walking shoes.”

Related Topics

• EXPEDITIONS
• EXPLORATION
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL

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Watch CBS News

Take a guided kayak tour to Straightsmouth Island in Rockport to view the lighthouse

By Rachel Holt

Updated on: May 26, 2024 / 4:08 PM EDT / CBS Boston

Inspiring a passion for the outdoors through adventure, North Shore Adventures & Outdoor Center in Rockport helps bring you closer to nature. Host Rachel Holt takes a guided kayak tour to Straightsmouth Island to forage for berries and check out the island's famed lighthouse.

Rachel Holt is a lifestyle reporter for WBZ-TV.

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Hate bus tours? These 7 unique guided tours were made for you

W hether I'm vacationing with my family or traveling solo , I love having a guide when I'm exploring a new destination. But guided tours that consist of riding on a bus for days on end are just not for me. If you're like that too, I have good news, because it turns out there are plenty of other ways to travel with the benefit of a guide. 

If you want active family travel adventures or simply an alternative to the classic coach tour , there are options around the globe for you to hit the road without hitting the (actual) road. Here are my top non-bus tour picks, which include hiking, biking, trekking, and kayaking tours; expedition and river cruises; and a train journey for the ages. 

WORLD'S BEST: 15 best guided tour operators for trips around the world

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1. A Hiking Tour

Norway Fjord Trekking with G Adventures

Plan to move more and see plenty as you hike through the land of the Vikings. G Adventures offers a range of adventure tours, and trekking the fjords of Norway is a great way to take advantage of one of the company's areas of expertise: hiking. 

After a ferry journey from Bergen, you'll settle into basic accommodations in Odda, your home base for five days of trekking at moderate and high altitude. Highlights of those treks include walking across the blue ice of the Folgefonna Glacier, taking in the views across the Hardangerfjord, and hiking the Oddadalen Valley.

WOMEN TRAVELING TOGETHER: 9 best tour companies for women’s-only tours

G Adventures prides itself on taking care of the adventure and activities, so you have experienced guides and spend your days touring the dramatic landscape. Since it's a budget-minded adventure tour, the itinerary includes basic accommodations such as the Trolltunga Hotel. With a lounge and bar and basic rooms, you’ll have everything you need, including a lakeside location at the end of your active days.

• Starting price: $2,465
• Length: 7 days, 6 nights
• Activity level: Challenging ("Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travelers.")

2. An Expedition Cruise

Indonesia and Papua New Guinea itineraries with Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have teamed up to offer some of the most incredible cruise opportunities on the seven seas. Pairing the sophistication and quality of Lindblad Expeditions and the knowledgebase of Nat Geo, these opportunities are the go-to for small-ship educational and elegant cruising. With 28 destinations , you have your choice, but I recommend the opportunity to get up close and personal with the islands of Southeast Asia, many of which are uninhabited and otherwise impossible to get to.

TOUR REVIEW: National Geographic Expeditions’ Costa Rica Wildlife and Conservation Tour walks on the wild side 

Lindblad-National Geo’s five itineraries in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea range from 11 to 20 days. On the Bali and Beyond trip, guests visit three national parks, including Komodo, a UNESCO Heritage site. And on the Journey through Southeast Asia sailing, guests see both the urban beauty of Singapore and the reefs on the islands of the Andaman Sea.

Though much of what there is to see and do is in the water and on land, you’ll have an experience on board as well. With no assigned seat dining and casual attire, you’ll feel right at home in the dining room, and a central lounge brings people together to share photos, stories, and experiences. 

"Onboard, I loved hanging out in the lounge, where there was always good snacks and drinks, good conversations, and often an informative and interactive talk from one of the onboard experts," says TourScoop's Christine Sarkis, who sailed with Lindblad on its seasonal Baja California offering Among the Great Whales . 

• Starting price: $9,800
• Length: 11-20 days
• Activity level: Easy to Moderate

3. A Train Tour

Vancouver to Lake Louise, Canada, aboard the Rocky Mountaineer

Traveling on the Rocky Mountaineer is an unrivaled experience in train travel. This unique journey through Western Canada is worth every penny, whether you choose the Silver or Gold-Leaf experience . The journey along rivers, valleys, and mountaintops is truly one of a kind, as the local roadways cannot access this route. 

"I took this trip a few years back and still think of it at least once a month. The views, the food, and the comfort were so exceptional that it really stands out," says TourScoop's Christine Sarkis.

TRAIN TRIPS: 12 best Amtrak vacations and scenic train rides in North America

The six-day adventure on the First Passage experience starts with your arrival day plus one in Vancouver; that's time enough to explore the Stanley Park Seawall, stroll through historic Gastown, or take the ferry to Granville Island. 

Your first of two days on the train will take you to Kamloops; as you go, river canyons, green fields, and lush forests surround you as you wind along the Thompson River to Kamloops. Unique to the Rocky Mountaineer, you actually spend your evenings on terra firma , enjoying comfortable lodging in Vancouver, Kamloops, and majestic Lake Louise. On the second day, experience high mountain passes, ranch land, and snow-capped peaks as you wind your way to your final destination at Lake Louise.

The Rocky Mountaineer’s glass-domed train cars are why you’ll book this trip, but you'll have the added reward of knowledgeable hosts, delicious locally-inspired breakfast and lunch options, and comfortable and spacious reclining seats with plenty of legroom. 

• Starting price: $2,653
• Length: 6 days, 5 nights
• Activity level: Easy

4. A kayak tour

San Juan Islands, Washington, with Anacortes Kayak Tours 

There are plenty of ways to see Washington state's San Juan Islands , but there's nothing better than staying close to the water to experience the thrill of wildlife both in and above the water. 

If you're up for a little bit of challenge and want to get a sense of the islands, a multi-day kayak tour is the way to go, and Anacortes Kayak Tours provides the perfect intro and enough options to adapt to all sorts of budgets and interests. With two- to five- day overnights (and options for both all-inclusive and self-catered), this family owned company offers what we all look for in a tour: flexibility.

BRING THE KIDS: 50 family vacation ideas for the best trip ever  

Anacortes Kayak Tours is a family-owned business born out of Megan and Erik Schorr’s love of the water. You’ll feel that love permeates through every aspect of your experience with this company, from the super friendly booking staff (though you can book online) and passionate and deeply knowledgeable guides to the high-quality gear. 

When I went with my family, our guide was kind and funny, and engaged our kids beautifully (both a teen and a child), helped us find and identify birds, plants, tidal changes, and sea life, and always put safety first. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

Three-day options can give you a peak at the Cypress Island Reserve or Stuart, Jones, or Sucia Islands. Longer trips might take you as far as the Canadian border or the Wasp Islands. And, if you’d like to plan your own tour as a family-owned business, Anacortes is ready and willing to create a custom itinerary for your group of six or more, including all meals and glamping-like accommodations. 

• Starting price: $499 and up with options to self-cater or have all-inclusive meals
• Length: 2-5 nights or custom
• Activity level: Moderate to Challenging

5. A riverboat tour

Pharaohs and pyramids: Cairo, Egypt, with Viking River Tours

On the 12-day Pharaohs and Pyramids tour from Viking Rivers Cruises , guests go deep on the wonders of the Nile. These well-appointed ships are designed particularly for Nile River cruising, and set you up to have a 360-degree view of the river from the sundeck, pool deck, lounge area, and restaurant. 

ULTIMATE GUIDE: Everything you need to know about river cruises in the U.S.  

Spend your first three checking out Cairo, Giza, the pyramids and museums; on day four, fly to Luxor to see the Temple obelisks and pick up your ship. There's plenty onboard as well, including a lounge and bar, pool and two jacuzzis, and a range of sleeping options—including almost 300 square foot suites. During the river portion of the trip, you'll see the Aswan High Dam, ride in a felucca sailing ship, and see temples that demonstrate the incredible feats of ancient Egyptian engineering.

• Starting price: $5,999
• Length: 12 days, 11 nights

6. A walking tour

Walking the Portuguese Camino with Intrepid Travel 

Travelers can count on Intrepid Travel for a variety of adventures and for staying true to its mission of “creating positive change through the joy of travel.” A certified B Corp with a commitment to climate action, empowering and supporting local communities, and sustainable development, Intrepid is a trusted name in group travel.

WALK THE WORLD: 9 best companies for walking, trekking, and hiking tours

The Santiago de Compostela is a bucket-list hike for many. But with seemingly infinite ways to do it, it's nice to let Intrepid do the heavy lifting of coordinating, and take this alternative route along what is known as the Portuguese Camino , which follows the Portuguese coast from Porto to the Camino. 

There are fewer pilgrims on this lesser-known trail, so you’ll enjoy unencumbered vistas paired with lunch stops and a dedicated rest day in Vigo. One part of your walk includes local wineries and the hot springs of the Caldas de Rei region. With all of that walking, you’ll appreciate that Intrepid transfers your luggage between your accommodations, so you can bring what you need but only need to carry a day pack.

• Starting price: $2,390
• Length: 10 days, 9 nights
• Activity level: Moderate (long walking days, sometimes carrying all bags for up to 30 minutes)

7. A bike tour

A cycling trip in Chile with Backroads

No need for a custom trip if you're going to ride with Backroads . Known in the industry for its knowledgeable guides, community-building approach, and detailed planning, Backroads trips feel personalized. And with backpacking, hiking, snow-adventure, cruising, culinary, and multi-adventure trips, Backroads covers a lot of different adventures.

FROM THE VINE: 9 best European wine tours to take this year  

There's a lot to love about Backroads’ seven-day adventure through the lakes and volcanoes of Chile , which is geared to sporty adult families. Starting in Puerto Varas, you’ll wind your way through Chile’s Ring of Fire with stunning views of remote lakes and valleys. Along the way, you’ll have an opportunity to sample local foods, explore the intersection of cultures in colonial villages, and learn from local indigenous leaders. 

This Backroads trip offers premium lodging (other trips might offer either premium or casual), which means you’ll stay in elegant hotels with exceptional views, plus perks like pools and spas. All meals, beverages, and snacks are included as well. 

This particular bike tour includes Backroads’ standard titanium bikes, helmets, and accessories, and given the distance it covers, also includes shuttling to make sure your biking experience covers the most special views—fear not, the views from the shuttle aren't too shabby either.

• Starting price: $7,299

Hate bus tours? These 7 unique guided tours were made for you originally appeared on TourScoop.com .

More from TourScoop:

• 9 best tour companies for culinary tours
• How to choose the best walking shoes for travel
• 8 best senior travel tour companies

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations .

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hate bus tours? These 7 unique guided tours were made for you