Kayak & canoe · LAKE KAYAKING
Flat water, no swell and a reflection at dawn. The 15 below are the lake paddles worth the early alarm, priced and timed, with the ones that suit a complete beginner marked by how short they are.
Paddle about five miles across calm Mendenhall Lake toward Mendenhall Glacier with a wilderness guide such as Luke, Mason, Issy, or Ben. Expect a steady workout, close ice views, wildlife possibilities, provided rain gear, snacks, and hot drinks. This is canoeing only, with no hike.
“It is physically strenuous but the beauty of being up close to Mendenhall and the surroundings areas more than compensates for it.”
Meet your guide at Anagnina or Lake Albano, then paddle past Castel Gandolfo, Domitian’s Roman port, the Village of the Millstones, and the Pope’s Trampoline. Guides such as Enrico, Simone, Andrea, and Matteo help beginners, with swimming, pizza, showers, and transport included.
“Fantastic morning kayaking on the lake. A beautiful, peaceful setting with a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere from our host. Enjoyed the swim and pizza too. Thank you!”
Spend about three hours kayaking around Lake Albano with a local guide, learning basic paddling before visiting Le Macine, the Pope’s old swimming platform, and forest-side hermits’ houses. Stop for a swim, water, and pizza. Pickup is available from Anagnina Metro station.
“This Kayaking group was amazing. They stayed with the everyone gave clear instructions. This was my children first time and they throughly enjoyed it. The crew was very pleasant. Restaurants in the area and different paths to get to the beach.”
Start with a safety briefing, then paddle an open-deck kayak around Bellagio’s peninsula with guides such as Michele, Mich, Michaela, or Daniele. See Villa Serbelloni, Punta Spartivento, Varenna, and the Alps from the water. Expect a gentle workout, calm morning views, and some splashing.
“Lots of fun and great to see the lake from a different view. Tip you may get a wet bottom from waves.”
Spend about two hours kayaking Lake Brienz with a guide such as Ben, Sonya, Ryan, or Sophie. Learn basic paddling, cross the Lütschine, pass cliffs and Ringgenberg Castle, stop at beaches, and enjoy included photos in a group of no more than six.
“Fun day on the water. Easy kayaking. Beautiful water and scenery. Barry was knowledgeable, attentive and made a fun afternoon for our family ( young adults)”
Set out from Piarere with Riverside Adventures Waikato for a 3.5-hour kayak trip on Lake Karapiro and the Pokaiwhenua Stream. Guides such as Daniel, Amy, Jess, Lofty, and David share local nature and star knowledge while you paddle through a canyon after dark to see glowworms.
“The staff was super friendly and helpful. They provide you with everything you need, shoes pants and coat. The kayak trip was not too long and very scenic. We got to see so many glow worms on the rocks at night fall. I loved this experience very much. Highly recommend!”
You’ll kayak from Antelope Point into Water Antelope Canyon, then hike through its red-rock passage and light channels. Guides such as Vince, Rich, Brian, and Oliver offer patient instruction, local stories, and photo help. Allow for sun, paddling effort, and a possible $30 park entry fee.
“Liked hearing about the changes that have occurred in the canyon and Lake Powell and other facts about the dam and Page”
Join Hightide Kayak School for a three-hour winter paddle on Lake Brienz. Your guide, possibly Sean, Ryan, Chris, Patrizia, or another member of the team, supplies the kayak, dry suit, instruction, and photos. Expect calm water, mountain views, and a tea break on the lake.
“Ryan was fantastic! Kept us engaged with conversation the entire time, and was super nice! Loved the excursion would highly recommend!”
Meet at Saguaro Lake Ranch near Mesa, collect a sit-on-top kayak or paddleboard, and take a short ride to the launch. After a required safety lesson, you have two hours to paddle toward cliffs, Willow Creek, and quiet coves at your own pace. Staff handle the return trip.
“The memories with my partner and the muscles that were sore the day after. : ) Sincerely, King Kayak”
Paddle from Antelope Point into Antelope Canyon, then leave your kayak for a scenic slot-canyon walk and swim in Lake Powell. Guides including Ian, Ben, Manny, and Lucas help beginners, share geology and history, and keep the outing moving at a comfortable pace.
“An absolutely beautiful amazing experience. We were 4 women of various skill levels at kayaking. Manni our guide was patient & helpful. It's a full experience kayaking, hiking & a refreshing swim at the end. Be prepared to work but it's well worth it. Thank you!”
Paddle through Klong Root’s emerald canal with an English-speaking guide, stop for a swim among visible fish, feed them afterward, and visit a pineapple plantation. Hotel pickup, kayak gear, life jacket, drinks, fruit, and insurance are included. Add fried rice or Pad Thai if wanted.
“wonderful tour, our guide went above and beyond to make this a truely unforgettable experience. The kayaking and swimming were great, our guide was excellent and feeding the fish and watching the sunset were unexpected pluses to an already great afternoon. we were allowed to take our time and truely soak up the experience at our own pace.”
Meet at Grant Marina Road at 9:00 a.m. for a five-hour guided paddle on Yellowstone Lake. You’ll learn basic kayak skills, visit remote geothermal features near West Thumb, and eat lunch on a secluded beach. Single and tandem kayaks are available, with guides such as Alex, Brian, and Jason leading recent outings.
“Brian and Alex did a great job and a great different war it experience part of Yellowstone”
Paddle 2.5 miles across Lake Powell in a single or tandem sit-inside kayak, walk about two-thirds of a mile into Antelope Canyon, then return by water. Guides such as Sean, Jayce, CJ, and Terry add geology and local history. Expect wet feet, heat, boat wakes, and a real workout.
“The kayaking trip and the guide were excellent! Incredible views and atmosphere. We were late and they waited for us. The only downside is that your trip may be rescheduled to other times, I don't know why, so plan to have the whole day free.”
Join Hightide Kayak School for a 3-hour winter kayak tour on Lake Brienz. You’ll paddle with an English or German-speaking guide, wear a sealed drysuit, stop for hot tea and cookies, and receive digital photos and video. Beginners and non-swimmers are welcome from age 12.
“It was my first attempt, I was really really scared. But the guide Andres was great at explaining how kayaking is done and I took to the water and had the time of my life. It was the most liberating and freeing couple of hours of my life. I felt safe and knew the guide was more than capable to rescue me if anything went wrong. Highly recommend the company and the experience. Had such an incredible time. Will definitely do it again.”
Rent a double-seat kayak on Sete Cidades’ Blue Lake for one hour, with canoe, vest, flippers, and insurance included. Paddle toward the Green Lake, enjoy São Miguel’s volcanic scenery, and get help from the friendly English and Portuguese-speaking team, including Luis and Alessandro.
“Very friendly owner and great way to see all of the lake! Definitely recommend.”
Pick the water, the hull or the hour.
