The Most Popular U.S. Kayak Trips
Planning a kayaking trip is an exciting adventure that requires some forethought. Whether you're an experienced kayaker or a beginner that is entirely new to the sport, there will be many factors that influence where your next kayak trip will take you. While access is more important to some and remote locations far more desirable to others, these popular trips cover the whole spectrum, offering something for everyone.
Kayak Lake Yellowstone, Wyoming
Located deep in the heart of the nation's wildest and most remote natural areas is the Thorofare region of Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone River feeds into the Yellowstone Lake via a complex network only negotiable by way of kayak or passenger boat. Here you can float in a grand natural setting and enjoy breathtaking views of the nearby Absaroka Range, witness a dazzling array of local wildlife such as grizzly bears, moose, elk, bald eagles, wolves, and bison. Extend your trip with hikes in the gorgeous surrounds of Yellowstone and visit the geothermal displays that draw thousands of visitors each year to the area. Kayakers are advised to beware the weather, as it can change fast at high elevations, and kayakers would do well to stick near the shore.
Orca Whale Watching in the San Juan Islands
The most popular kayak trip destination in the world, the breathtaking San Juan Islands off of Washington state hold many awe inspiring spectacles. Just off the Washington-Canada border in the beautiful Puget Sound, this rural archipelago has many miles of shoreline to explore and is perfect for sea kayak tours. Easily accessed by Seattle and neighboring cities, San Juan offers an abundant display of marine wildlife at close range, everything from crabs to bald eagle chicks to harbor seals, migrating salmon, and even orca whales. With several pods of up to fifty members residing in the area, sea kayaking trips here are designed around the natural areas, so over half of kayakers experience sightings.
Exuma Kays Kayaking in the Bahamas
Not everyone thinks of a tropical setting when they think "kayak trip," but the Exuma Cays are a large stretch of islands southeast of Nassau comprised of 365 total islands. Far different from the hustle and bustle of the densely populated tourist attractions, these natural attractions are remote and breathtakingly beautiful. Explore the marine life and unique aquatic environments or take a swim in warm turquoise waters.
Boundary Waters Kayak Expeditions
Each year, thousands of people looking for a back-to-the-land experience turn off their cell phones and enter the remote Boundary Waters, located near the border in Ely, Minnesota. Kayak for a week without seeing anyone, hike through miles of wilderness, and enjoy the rigors of a backwoods backpacking trip. Located in pristine Superior Natural Park, the Boundary Waters are comprised of many lakes and waterways, as well as forests, islands, and rocky stretches. Sign up for a manned expedition with experienced kayakers familiar with the area or plan your own with friends. Your trip will prove to be a great test of endurance and durability in a lovely natural setting.
