Kayak & canoe · SAFARI
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 safari trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Paddle from Los Cristianos toward the cliffs of Guaza with guides such as José, Irina, and Elina. You’ll learn basic kayak technique, look for dolphins and turtles, visit a sea cave, and stop to snorkel if conditions allow. Expect sun, exercise, wildlife, and changing sea conditions.
“Activity was awesome, lots of new experience and unforgettable impressions!”
Paddle from Los Cristianos with guides such as Didi, Moses, Max, and Daniel, then stop near Lovers Cave for swimming and snorkeling. You get a wetsuit, safety gear, snacks, drinks, and wildlife viewing, though sea conditions and animal sightings can vary.
“Seeing the dolphins and the guide Santiago was the best!”
Kayak from Bullock Harbour along the Dalkey coast with guides such as Philip, Dave, Eavan, or Jenny. You’ll learn basic skills, wear provided safety gear, look for seals and seabirds, and may land on Dalkey Island when weather allows. Bring swimwear, spare shoes, and dry clothes.
“Really enjoyed seeing the birds and seals! Being from Toronto, we rarely have the opportunity to kayak in a sea…a really fun time, seeing the freighters and large boats passing through. Really commend Jenny and Eva for taking us safely through the paddle!”
Paddle from Los Cristianos toward the Cave of Pal Mar with a guide such as Moses, Max, Didi, or Mana. You’ll get safety instruction, kayak and snorkel gear, snacks, juice, and a chance to spot dolphins, turtles, and fish. Wildlife and snorkeling conditions depend on the sea.
“Three of us did the experience which was well organised and explained. We managed to see dolphins and a turtle which was a bonus. Sadly due to weather conditions snorkelling was not possible but we loved the experience. The guide was great and overall the service was excellent .”
Paddle from Los Cristianos along the Guaza coast, watching for dolphins, turtles, and seabirds before visiting the cave of Palmar. Your English-speaking guide handles navigation, pace, and safety. Snorkeling gear and a buoyancy vest are included, but expect open water, waves, sun, and a real workout.
“We had an amazing time kayaking around the coast, we saw multiple dolphins! Unfortunately we did not see any turtles but with the nature of this trip being in the wild, we knew that was a chance we were willing to take. Saw loads and loads of interesting fish snorkelling, the tour guide was extremely informative, would definitely do this trip again.”
Pick a six to seven-hour Dubai adventure: dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, BBQ, and live shows in Lahbab, or kayaking at Hatta Dam with heritage stops. English-speaking guides such as Yasir, Rehan, Ali, and Umair lead small groups of up to six.
“The guide Rehan was amazing, very polite and knowledgeable. Very good experience. Dam was very nice”
Ride a 4WD minivan from Akaroa to Pōhatu Flea Bay, then paddle a double kayak along the marine reserve for 1 to 1.5 hours. Guides such as Ben, Kevin, and Vila share local wildlife and conservation knowledge. No kayaking experience is needed, but sea conditions decide the route.
“We had the best time! Guides were so great and knowledgeable. Was super fun riding in the van to get to the kayaking spot. Wish we saw dolphins but I think we chose the worst thing of year for it. 17th of April Thanks for a great birthday trip!”
Paddle through Kilim Karst Geoforest Park with a nature guide such as Wan, Zack, Sham, or Fauzan. Expect tidal waterways, Bat Cave, eagles, mudskippers, lizards, and a fish-farm lunch option. Small groups of up to 10 make this a calm, personal way to explore Langkawi.
“Very fun. It was a small group of people so we were well taken care of during the kayaking part. The tour guide was friendly and gave us a lot of information about the ecosystem of the whole area. Except the transportation, we were happy with all the arrangements.”
Leave Split for a 45-minute ride to the Cetina River, then paddle 11 km through calm stretches and gentle grade II rapids. Your guide, possibly Ivan, Iven, Dan, or Ante, provides gear and instruction. Expect swimming stops, canyon views, and a solid workout.
“We really enjoyed our canoe trip on the Cetina River. The trip was well organised and all the guides were extremely friendly, helpful and professional. Proper safety equipment supplied. Loved the various aspects of the river and the beautiful scenery. Great to see a different perspective rather than just Split.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at 83 Center St in Folly Beach for a two-hour beginner paddle along the Folly River. You will learn SUP basics, follow the tide and wind, and watch for dolphins, crabs, stingrays, and birds. Guides including Pat, Eric, Jack, and Lindsey have helped new paddlers feel at ease.
“I would recommend this activity to everyone. Eric was our guide who was FANTASTIC! Both of us were beginners and myself alone was a challenge. It was awesome and very informative. We had to go on one of the hottest days and my daughter started to feel it. Eric noticed right away and helped her. They even called later to make sure she was ok. Everyone should use this group for either kayaking or paddle boarding.”
Set out from Oddicombe Beach with Kieran and his team for a three-hour sea-kayak trip along Torquay’s UNESCO Global Geopark. Expect caves, fossils, wild herbs, a beach fire and possible seals or cetaceans. Beginners and children over four can join, with tandem kayaks for young paddlers.
“Amazing from start to finish. Kieran is so knowledgeable about the area and full of enthusiasm! If you’re 50/50 about booking this experience, just do it ! You won’t regret it !!!”
Paddle Lysefjord with an English or Norwegian guide, learning basic kayak skills before heading beneath Preikestolen. Expect waterfalls, possible seals, Vagabond’s Cave, mountain views, and a secluded lunch stop. Guide Anna has earned special praise for her history and wildlife stories.
“We had a wonderful time. Our guide explained everything and helped us get set up. He had trivia, he had facts about Norway and the fjord. He even brought snacks! Even though we had some rough weather that day, it was still an amazing trip and activity thanks to Nordic Paddling.”
You will paddle into Algonquin Park with a guide such as Andrew, camp at remote sites, and look for moose and beaver at dawn. Canoes, tents, sleeping gear, meals, hammocks, permits, and parking are included. Expect portaging, hiking, swimming, and about 15 km of paddling on the final day.
“We had a wonderful time on the 3-day canoe tour, traveling as a family with 2 kids and with another 2 kids as fellow travelers in our group of 8. The 4 kids gave the group a great dynamics. The trip is extremely well throught out and everRead more”
Join guide Taran and a group of up to eight for a three-hour sunset kayak trip from Golfo Aranci to Isola di Figarolo. You will receive a safety briefing, kayak along a known dolphin area, snorkel in clear water, and use double kayaks for children under 12.
“Bella l’esperienza in kayak, ma è stato dato per scontato che i delfini non si sarebbero palesati causa vento, senza neanche provare ad andare a vedere/sperare (non metto in dubbio le sue conoscenze a riguardo, ma è stato dato per scontato quindi personalmente sono ritornata a casa con l’amaro in bocca del “e se invece si”)”
Spend three hours kayaking the Turner River near Ochopee with an English-speaking naturalist guide and no more than eight participants. You’ll pass through mangrove tunnels, cypress trees, and Everglades grasslands in stable kayaks, with snacks, water, dry bags, and safety instruction included.
“The kayak safari great! We did not see many animals sadly enough. But tge tour guide is an amazing person and very fun to chat with!”
Pick the water, the hull or the hour.
