Sea Kayaking Hot Spots
To kayak or not to kayak—that is not the question.
Rather, the question on most kayaker's minds is where to launch their sleek craft. Whether it's a slow-paced adventure you want, or slicing and carving your way through a white curtain of water, there are destinations to fulfill any sea kayaker's wish list. We've tallied up a sampling of some of the not-to-be missed destinations. Criteria? Closeness to nature, varied and abundant wildlife, and adventure opportunities for all skill levels played a hand. This is by no means an exhaustive list. It's merely a sampling of the seas we feel deserve to be at the top of anyone's list. Did we miss what's on the top of your list?
East: The Outerbanks (North Carolina)
Don't just drive by it on your way to other destinations like Nags Head or Swansboro. To get the full experience of North Carolina's coastal beauty, all senses must be utilized. Taste the salt on your lips, feel the Atlantic wind through your hair and touch the shallow waters all in your ocean vehicle - your sea kayak. Because of its 4,650 square miles of sounds and estuaries, North Carolina is brimming with opportunities for sea kayaking. Choose the Rachel Carson Estuarine Sanctuary and frolick with wild ponies and tons of shorebirds. Or slide through Bear Island, home to one of North Carolina's prettiest beaches, Hammocks Beach, where the giant loggerhead turtle comes to next. Pea Island is yet another hot destination, composed of 12 miles of pristine, unspoiled beach, dunes, salt marshes, brackish waterways and tons of tidal creeks and bays. Wildlife abounds here so don't forget the binoculars!
East: Down East Islands (Maine)
The smooth, serene coast of Maine offers 920 miles of some of the most rugged shorelines in the Atlantic seaboard with hidden coves, cobble beaches, and dramatic headlands. The offshore wildlife is abundant as well with nesting endangered and common seabirds. The Down East Islands in particular is the place to slice your kayak through—each of the 255 islands offer unique charm and character. Expect unpredictability and risk at this prime destination as tides severely fluctuate, fog can engulf you at a moments notice and there is always the chance of hypothermia if you happen to fall in the frigid waters. Nevertheless, the peace and calm that sweeps over you as you silently glide by classic lighthouses hidden by the dense fog, or meditate to the trance of the lapping waves is unforgettable.
Midwest: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Michigan)
The pictured rocks of Pictured Rock National Lakeshore tower like stone castles for about 15 miles along the southern shore of Lake Superior. These miles of colorful sandstone rock formations rising 50-200 feet high and long stretches of white sand beach are two of the reasons that sea kayaking is growing in popularity at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. From a kayak, you can slip up beside the towering cliffs, explore caves, pull under water seeps, and explore the multi-colored details of the shoreline bedrock. Kayakers often begin their trips in the Munising area, which provides quicker access to cliff sections of the shoreline. Popular kayak put-in points include Sand Point, Miners Beach, the Munising Municipal Boat Ramp, and Grand Island Landing. Access points at the east end of the park include Twelvemile Beach Campground, Hurricane River Campground, and the Grand Marais Marina.
West: Prince William Sound (Alaska)
The unique character of Prince William Sound in Alaska, with its abundant wildlife, natural wonder and position along the edge of the North Pacific's "ring of fire," rank this among the key sea kayaking destinations. Hemmed in by the Chugach and Kenai mountains and their massive ice fields, this 10,000-square-mile area is conveniently close to Anchorage, making it an accessible destination. Whales, eagles, bears, and salmon are among the diverse wildlife that inhabit the area, and its thousands of miles of shoreline provide a plethora of bays, passages, islands and inlets to discover. Prince William Sound is protected by two large islands on its southern perimeter, buffering the effect of the Gulf of Alaska. Because of this sheltering, it is a good place for novice kayakers. Some days the water is as flat as glass and the paddling is wonderfully easy.
West: Baja (Mexico)
Sea kayaking in Baja, Mexico offers paddlers a unique opportunity to explore two contrasting environments: the unique flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert and the marine environment of the Sea of Cortez. The warm-water, warm-weather paddling is ideal; some fans of this kayaking destination would go so far as to say that it is the premier choice. The Sea of Cortez is one of the richest marine habitats in the world, and the translucent waters offer exceptional viewing of dolphins, sea lions and quite possibly blue whales as they mate and calve each winter. Navigate under sheer volcanic cliffs or stop for hikes up El Embudo. This is an optimum destination for people who enjoy snorkeling, hiking, fishing, beachcombing and nature photography.
West: Glacier Bay (Alaska)
Some call Glacier Bay primal. From the spruce-scented air to the wildlife, to the obvious momentum of glaciation and plant succession, Glacier Bay is a powerful, humbling thrill for both novices and pro kayakers alike. The 3.28-million-acre national park only 60 miles northwest of Juneau offers motorless seclusion in a labyrinth of channels. Along the vastness of the bay and below the snow-capped peaks that breath down over the glacial highway are alpine meadows that offer excellent hiking and camping spots.
West: San Juan Islands (Washington)
There are many features that set the San Juan Islands apart from other top paddling destinations: The close proximity of the islands offers kayakers "hands on" exploration while diversions from the water let you explore what's on shore. Also, there's a good chance of seeing pods of Orca whales, and the islands offer relatively easy access to other fascinating marine mammals like harbor seals, whales, porpoise and river otter. Located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, the islands receive half as much precipitation of Seattle, making them a relatively warm and dry paddling destination. The charm of the islands lies in their quiet isolation and small villages along the way.
West: Queen Charlotte Islands (Canada)
Often referred to as the "Canadian Galapagos," you'll get a dose of cultural and natural history in the Queen Charlotte Islands, or Haida Gwaii, as the ancient and current inhabitants call it. Located about 80 miles from the west coast of British Columbia, the Islands are a spectacular marine and mountain wilderness with an extraordinary natural heritage. The area teems with wildlife: thousands of seabirds, eagles, seals, sea lions reside there, and the more fortunate visitors might see dolphins and whales. Old-growth forests draped in moss contrast with the miniature bonsai bogs found along the San Cristoval Range. Remnants of the cultural history of the Haida people are in tact, especially their collections of carved totem poles. The kayaker will certainly have a palate of experiences to taste and enjoy.