Searching for that perfect kayaking tour in far-off places can feel like a treasure hunt. We’ve felt the thrill of the chase, yearning for those paddle adventures that promise to be unforgettable.
Along our travels, we stumbled upon some of Earth's best-kept secrets - from gliding past icebergs in Antarctica to weaving through the verdant pathways of the Amazon River. This guide is your compass to these remote destinations, designed to lead you to an extraordinary experience on water.
Gear up for an adventure!
Here are 3 of our best expedition style tours that offer the possibility of kayaking through untrodden waters:
Kayaking lets us see hidden places in the world, places far from crowds. We glide on water - clear as glass - to spots you've never dreamed of, where the earth shows off its quiet beauty.
We love discovering new places and adventures. Today, we're going to share some of the best clear kayak tours in remote locations like Antarctica, The Amazon River, Galapagos Islands, and Patagonia.
These adventures promise not just a journey across waters but also an immersive experience into some of the most secluded and pristine environments on our planet, making them perfect for travelers seeking something truly extraordinary.
Choosing the right season for kayaking in these remote wonders makes all the difference. Let's dive into the best times to visit each breathtaking destination, ensuring your adventures are nothing short of magical.
Location |
Best Season |
Key Reasons |
November to March |
Ice melts enough for kayaking, wildlife is most active. |
|
May to June & October to November |
Lower water levels make for easier navigation and wildlife spotting. |
|
November to April |
Calmer seas, warm weather, and great for kayaking and snorkeling. |
|
November to March |
Warmer temperatures and clearer skies. |
During our travels, we've found these times to perfectly balance the weather and kayaking conditions, creating unforgettable experiences. Whether it's the icy channels of Antarctica or the biologically rich waters around the Galapagos, timing is everything. We've seen the majestic whales in Antarctica, paddled through the peaceful waters of the Amazon, and marveled at the unique wildlife in the Galapagos—all because we chose the right season. In Patagonia, the mountains and glaciers around Grey Lake revealed themselves under the summer sun, making every paddle stroke a memory to cherish.
Remember, these seasons offer the best balance of weather, wildlife activity, and navigable waters. So, when planning your remote kayaking adventure, consider these windows to truly experience the magic each location has to offer.
After learning about the best seasons to visit these remote locations, let's dive into the exciting differences between river and sea kayaking. In our own experiences exploring from the icy waters of Antarctica to the lush Amazon River, we've found each offers a unique adventure.
River kayaking often leads us down paths where every turn brings a new surprise—from calm stretches to thrilling rapids that test our skills. The rivers in the Amazon are especially memorable for their rich wildlife and challenging currents.
On the other hand, sea kayaking opens up vast expanses of ocean to explore. Gliding along coastlines or around islands like those in Galapagos and Patagonia with only water as far as an eye can see is breathtaking.
Here, we face different challenges: navigating tides and dealing with wind conditions. Yet, there's something magical about being on the open sea—spotting marine life up close or landing on untouched beaches.
Both types of kayaking have enriched our travels immensely, offering distinct ways to connect with nature and discover unseen parts of our world.
Kayak adventures offer memories that stay with you forever. Imagine gliding through clear waters, surrounded by nature's grandeur, from towering ice formations to lush, green rainforests.
In the Galapagos Islands, we get to see animals up close that you won't find anywhere else. Picture this: seals that don't fear humans, swimming right up to your kayak. It's like they're inviting us to play! Having sea turtles swim by as you paddle is unforgettable.
Here, it's not just about watching from a distance; it's about sharing moments with these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
The magic of kayaking in places like the Amazon and Patagonia is not just in paddling through breathtaking landscapes but also in the unique wildlife encounters.
Imagine gliding through clear waters with curious sea lions or being watched by a blue-footed booby flying above.
These experiences remind us why exploring remote locations by kayak is more than a trip; it's an unforgettable journey into nature’s wonders.
We glide through the waters, our kayaks a silent witness to the world's untouched beauty. The sunset over the Pacific Ocean paints the sky in hues of orange and pink during our Galapagos tour, leaving us in awe.
It's moments like these that make every stroke worth it, bringing us face-to-face with nature's masterpieces.
Kayaking in places like Patagonia alongside the Grey glacier or in Antarctica next to floating icebergs are sceneries that you find nowhere else.
Let's dive into the heart of untouched places with our kayaks… Imagine paddling through silent waters, where every stroke echoes in the vastness of nature. We’ll take you to spots on Earth that not many have seen - from icy waters near penguins to warm seas touching tropical forests.
Ready for an adventure? Let’s explore some hidden gems together!
Pacaya Samiria Reserve offers us an unmatched adventure, especially for those of us who love kayaking in the Amazon. It's a vast natural space where water and greenery stretch as far as the eye can see.
We find ourselves paddling through calm waters, surrounded by dense rainforests rich with wildlife. Here, every turn reveals something new - maybe a rare bird or a distant splash hinting at river dolphins.
Kayaking in Pacaya Samiria Reserve immerses you in the heart of the Amazon—a true escape into nature’s embrace.
River boat cruises exploring the Pacaya Samiria Reserve offer kayaking tours as part of their daily activities.
After gliding through the serene waters of the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, we set our sights on a more icy adventure - kayaking in Le Maire Channel, Antarctica. This channel is like nothing else on earth.
The towering icebergs and snow-dusted peaks create a majestic path for us to follow. We feel tiny in our kayaks, surrounded by the vast beauty of this frozen landscape.
On this journey, we brace against the cold but can't help feeling thrilled at each paddle stroke. The cost for a Kayaking tour as and add on to an Antarctica cruise ranges from $695 to $1,600 per person, but every penny feels worth it as we witness landscapes few people ever see.
Our Antarctic Peninsula Cruise offers an unmatched adventure. These are unique voyages that take you through one of the most remote and stunning places on Earth.
Ice formations loom large above us; penguins sometimes dart past in the water or watch curiously from their icy perches. Navigating through Le Maire Channel offers an unmatched blend of awe and isolation that keeps calling adventurers like us back to these remote waters.
We head to Post Office Bay, Galapagos, where adventure meets history. This spot is more than just a place for kayaking; it's part of a tradition that dates back to the 18th century.
Sailors left letters in a barrel, hoping they would reach their destination by means of passing ships. Today, visitors continue this unique mail system by leaving postcards and sorting through ones they can deliver personally.
Imagine kayaking in clear waters around this bay, then stepping onto the island to participate in an age-old postal service tradition – it feels like stepping back in time.
We offer a four to nine-day Galapagos Islands adventures that include more than just cruising. While aboard, you get the chance to dive into kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking on pristine beaches. The unique wildlife you can spot: Galapagos penguins, flamingos, marine iguanas and giant tortoises makes this experience one of the most amazing wildlife trips on our planet.
It’s not just about sports but also connecting deeply with nature and history.
After gliding through the serene waters of Post Office Bay in the Galapagos, our journey brings us further south to the mystical Grey Lake in Patagonia. Here, we find ourselves surrounded by vast landscapes that promise an equally thrilling adventure.
Kayaking in Chile offers a starkly different experience from our previous stops; it's where icy glaciers meet untouched forests.
In this remote corner of the world, we paddle through Grey Lake's crystal-clear waters. The surrounding glaciers and mountains create a natural masterpiece unlike any other.
The wildlife here thrives quietly alongside us as we navigate our kayaks through this peaceful environment. For those seeking to connect with nature, Grey Lake embodies the essence of what it means to explore untouched territories.
The opportunities for discovery are boundless here. Whether it's witnessing a glacier calving or spotting rare birds along the shorelines, every moment feels like stepping into a living postcard.
It’s not just about kayaking; it’s about immersing oneself fully into an environment so unique and secluded that you cannot help but feel transformed by its beauty and tranquility.
We dive into the heart of Iceland's raw beauty, paddling through the Westfjords Peninsula. This spot is a paradise for those who crave adventure without the crowds. The untouched landscapes here are breathtaking.
As we kayaked along the rugged coastline, every turn revealed something new - from towering cliffs to serene fjords.
The wildlife in Westfjords makes any journey unforgettable. Seabirds soared above us, and we were lucky enough to spot marine animals (whales and seals) up close. It was not just about kayaking; it felt like being part of an exclusive club that had access to nature's most hidden treasures.
For anyone looking at kayaking in remote locations—like us adventurers seeking thrills in Greenland or Arctic terrains—the Westfjords Peninsula offers a challenge that is both rewarding and full of surprises.
The Svalbard Archipelago takes us into the heart of polar beauty. Here, we glide through icy waters, coming face-to-face with glaciers and massive icebergs. It's like kayaking in a dreamland where nature shows off its most dramatic shapes and colors.
The summer months shine brightest for paddlers, lighting up landscapes and inviting wildlife out to play. We've seen polar bears on distant ice floes, seals basking on shores, whales breaking the surface near our kayaks, and birds filling the skies.
This place is pure magic for anyone who loves wildlife or breathtaking views.
Kayaking in Greenland or Iceland offers its unique thrills but nothing quite matches the remote allure of Svalbard. It feels more adventurous here – maybe it's the chance of encountering a polar bear or paddling next to an iceberg that's been drifting for centuries.
Our hearts race just thinking about it!
We glide through the serene waters of Manuel Antonio, navigating our kayaks amidst lush mangroves. This experience isn't just about paddling; it's a journey into a vibrant ecosystem where wildlife thrives.
As we move quietly, colorful birds swoop overhead, and the sounds of nature fill the air. It's not every day you get to be so close to such wonder.
Our adventure also brings us face-to-face with local dwellers, offering us a glimpse into their traditional way of life. They share stories that have been passed down for generations, making our trip more than just physical exploration—it's an immersive cultural dive.
Staying overnight at an eco-lodge allows us to witness the jungle come alive at sunrise and sunset—a spectacle of color and sound that words barely capture. It's moments like these that remind us why kayaking in Costa Rica is unforgettable.
Let's make memories kayaking in untouched spots around the globe. From the icy pathways of Antarctica to the vibrant waters of the Galapagos, adventure calls. Our trips pack in jaw-dropping sights and thrilling wildlife encounters.
Picture gliding through clear waters, under vast skies - it's a journey like no other. Join us, as we explore these hidden gems together, paddling into the heart of nature's wonders.
Some top spots include Kayaking in Bolivia, Colombia, Iceland and even the Arctic. It is also possible to explore the Amazon river tributaries, the Antarctic peninsula, Galapagos Islands and Patagonian lakes.
Absolutely! Voyagers travel can help you book the ideal kayaking trip throughout Latin America, Antarctica, the Arctic, the Amazon rainforest, as well as other unique destinations.
Packing essentials would typically include gear suitable for both backpacking and water sports activities... but remember, each location might require specific equipment based on its unique conditions.