Winning tip: The Soca, Slovenia
The Soca river has something for everyone – fast rapids, gentle bimbles, a slalom course – making it perfect for paddlers of all abilities. Blue snowmelt runs between steep gorges, the white-capped Julian Alps rise above dense trees and waterfalls pour tributaries into the Soca. We stayed at Kamp Koren Kobarid, right on the riverbank which has a lovely restaurant and an excellent spot for jumping or diving just upriver. Levels are best in May/June, but you can still run plenty of sections in July and August – plus you’ll warm up faster in the sun as the Soca is pretty chilly!
kamp-koren.si/en/
Naomilikesbooks
Vienne river, Charente, France
This place isn’t really on the tourist map, but you can hire canoes cheaply, and it’s got a campsite next to the river. There is easy paddling down the Vienne as far as Manot, with a few rocks to paddle round, but it’s all safe and gentle. We’ve seen kingfishers, herons, all sorts of wildlife. It’s an amazing place to bring children, and let them experience the gentle flow of nature on an unspoilt river. The weather’s pretty ideal in summer, too.
Ellie Kane
Bowron Lakes, Canada
The Bowron Lakes Canoe circuit in British Colombia is an (almost) unbroken 116km chain of lakes forming a natural circle so you can start and end at the same place. Pack everything you need to sleep and eat for a week and set off. The route is incredibly beautiful and relatively well developed with established campsites every 2km or so.
ozziee
Koh Chang, Thailand
We spent four days sea kayaking in Koh Chang, paddling from one stunning palm-fringed island to the next on clear emerald seas. Lunch breaks were spent snorkelling on the many coral reefs. We saw flying fish and elephants playing in the sea, explored sea caves, and stayed in stilted huts over the water. There are expeditions from one to 12 days’ duration, the equipment was top quality and we learned loads of new kayak skills as well as having enormous fun. This truly was paddling in paradise.
Francesca Scott
Fyksesund, Norwegian Fjords
This narrow stretch between Steistø and Botnen encapsulates the true splendour and solitude of the fjords; steep mountains on each side, gushing waterfalls and clear blue water. At the end of the fjord you come to the lovely hamlet of Botnen, only accessible by boat or foot. You can either return to Steinstø the same day, or pitch a tent and enjoy the endless midsummer light. Steinstø to Botnen, Fyksesund is 10km each way.
Rhiannon Inman-Simpson
River Wye, UK
The river Wye can be canoed and kayaked from Glasbury near Hay on Wye to as far as Chepstow. Many companies offer canoe and kayak hire, and will drive you to your starting point and pick you up wherever you finish. It’s a great day out, suitable for a range of abilities including families and beginners. Maps and buoyancy aids are all included. There are cafes, pubs and campsites en route.
Jane Dickinson
Saint Anna archipelago, Sweden
Sweden’s Saint Anna archipelago is a paradise for kayaking, with thousands of pristine islands, sheltered waters and lovely long summer days. It’s ideal for first-timers too – book a self-guided trip online and you’ll get all the kit for kayaking and wild-camping. You learn the essentials of paddling and navigating, then go island-hopping at your own pace. You can get away from it all and enjoy swimming, fishing, and exploring then sitting by a campfire gazing at the sunset. With “freedom to roam” you’re allowed to camp anywhere – you can have a different island to yourselves every night!
dothenorth.com
jongilbraith
Isle of Man
The stunning west coast of the Isle of Man is wild and remote, yet accessible for kayakers of all levels. The tiny beach at Niarbyl has been used in many films, with its picturesque thatched cottages by the shore. From here you can easily paddle out to enjoy the panoramic views and fantastic sunsets. In summer there is a chance you will spot the gobbag vooar – Manx Gaelic for the mighty basking shark, but don’t worry: this shark only feeds on the rich plankton that blooms in these waters.
adventurousexperiences.com
John Keggin
Sort, Catalonia, Spain
Last summer I found myself in the Pyrenees, in the town of Sort. It’s an awesome place to learn white-water kayaking: there are a couple of schools right in town and the easier rapids are walkable from the schools. The river running down from the high Pyrenees has loads of variants from long grade 1-2 section when you’re learning through to grade 4+ when you get more confident. It’s a great area to stay, with superb hiking, food and people.
Nick Holmes
Milford Sound, New Zealand
This is by far the most spectacular kayaking trip I’ve ever been on. You’re taken by boat to the far end of Milford Sound (almost at the opening to the Tasman Sea) and then kayak back to base (around 10-11km). You are surrounded by huge mountains and get to kayak through Stirling Falls and meet plenty of inquisitive sea lions. The whole trip took us several hours; during this, we stopped off, put all our boats together in the middle of the water, and had a picnic. Amazing day.
Cranky0ldGit
St Lawrence River, Canada
From the first moment, beginners and experienced paddlers alike will know this is a special place, unique in the world of kayaking. With a long history as an important waterway in North America, the St Lawrence River offers an unparalleled boating experience. The Thousand Islands Unesco Frontenac Arch Biosphere, with a rich, diverse environment and history, provides easy access to wildlife in ways often only experienced in more isolated places. Whether seeking solitude in exploring a Canadian national park or sharing a guided tour, there is no doubt this is truly a life experience that will long be cherished.
ID4193143
Svalbard, Norway
Kayaking in the Arctic is a unique experience. A week-long trip takes you to seldom-explored fjords, and the sheltered waters give mostly gentle paddling. A few places offer the wonder of paddling through icebergs. With the midnight sun there are no worries about enough daylight, although we did keep a polar bear watch round our campsites. Luckily the mother and cub we saw were some distance away. We did share a beach with walruses and arctic foxes, and reindeer were frequent visitors. The guides from Svalbard Wildlife Expeditions were excellent, with in-depth knowledge of both the history and wildlife.
wildlife.no/
TeresaBray
The White Nile, Uganda
The White Nile in Uganda is a white-water kayaker’s paradise, with world famous rapids and warm sunshine. It’s a safe environment that caters for all levels of paddlers from novice to world class. You kayak from Bujagali near Jinja, and stay on the Hairy Lemon, a tranquil river island.
kayakthenile.com; hairylemonuganda.com
k0nG00
Sardinia
I booked a sea kayaking holiday in Sardinia with my family and it was wonderful. The coastline was spectacular and the water was turquoise blue. Everyday we travelled a different route: some days we paddled under massive cliffs and some days we paddled to islands, all the while accompanied by our friendly guide. In the evenings we stayed in a local agriturismo which offered excellent local food. Personally, having been kayaking in many parts of the world, Sardinia stands out as the best. If you are looking for a warm water destination, your search is over.
seakayaksardinia.com
bristolwanderer
Hillsbrorough River, Florida, US
The Hillsborough River has been flowing through central Florida for about 25,000 years. A day spent on the river with a hired canoe is like going back in time. Alligators and water moccasins will accompany you through a landscape of cypress trees and swamp forest. Bring some binoculars (in a waterproof case) to get up close with bald eagles and black vultures. It’s a perfect day out for kids and adults alike, and a great, but small, detour from touristy Florida.
Merigold
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