When is the best time to go on a kayak tour?

For most northern locations, plan your trip between May and September. In Sweden's Saint Anna Archipelago, pick late June through August when days are longest and you can swim in the warm water. One TourRadar traveler said "August is a really beautiful time to visit Saint Anna. The water has had the whole summer to warm up and it's usually a bit calmer than earlier in the summer." If you're heading to the Yukon River, July and August are ideal with comfortable temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C).

What type of places do you stay in during multi-day kayak tours?

You'll mostly camp in the wilderness, with a few hotel nights mixed in. Take the Yukon River Classic tour - you'll spend 9 nights camping under the stars, plus stays at the Hotel Elite in Whitehorse and Aurora Inn in Dawson City at the start and end. In Sweden's Saint Anna Archipelago, you get to camp on your own private islands. As one TourRadar traveler put it: "Always find an island completely your own to set up camp, cook a delicious meal and watch the sunset."

What wildlife might I see on kayak tours?

Being right on the water gives you an amazing view of local wildlife. In Sweden's Saint Anna Archipelago, you'll often spot grey seals, white-tailed eagles, ospreys and lots of coastal birds. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "There is an abundance of coastal birds and you may even spot Grey seals near Norrbådarna and Ådskär." On Canada's Yukon River, keep your eyes peeled for bears, moose, Dall sheep and beavers along the banks.

What kayaking and camping gear is provided?

Tour companies supply quality equipment for both kayaking and camping. In Sweden's Saint Anna tours, you get Hilleberg tents, Haglöfs sleeping bags, good kayaks, paddles, life jackets and waterproof gear. A TourRadar traveler said: "The equipment provided was very high quality and I felt that we really got great value for our money." Some companies like Do the North even offer extra comfort items like inflatable mattresses and hammocks.

How many people are usually in a kayak tour group?

Groups stay small to give you a better experience and protect the environment. Sweden Saint Anna tours usually have 6-12 people, while Yukon River tours take 8-10 paddlers. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The small group size made it easy to get to know everyone and created a great atmosphere around the campfire each evening."

How much paddling do you do each day?

Most days include 4-6 hours of paddling, with plenty of breaks for exploring and relaxing. On the Yukon River Classic tour, you'll cover about 20-25 miles (32-40 kilometers) daily, stopping at historic sites and scenic spots along the way. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The pace was flexible and you could go at whatever pace you wanted, with plenty of time built in for exploring islands and enjoying sunset views."

Do I need to be really fit for a kayak tour?

You don't need to be super athletic - these tours work for different fitness levels. Even Sweden's Saint Anna Archipelago tours welcome first-timers and experienced paddlers alike. One TourRadar traveler said: "Despite not having had any kayaking experience at all this trip turned into a wonderful outdoor adventure!" You'll paddle 4-6 hours daily on calm water, with lots of breaks to swim and relax at places like Uggelholmarna Nature Reserve and Lake Laberge.

Kayak & Canoe Tours & Trips

10 best Kayak & Canoe tour packages

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Nature & Wildlife
1-Day Private Lake Duluti Hiking and Canoeing
5.0 (2 reviews)
"The canoeing was serene yet thrilling, with Philemon steering us past kingfishers and monitor lizards like a pro."
Bevath, traveled in June
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Arusha
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese+5 more
Operator
African Polecat Safaris
From
US$169per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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$5 Day \$
$5 Day \"One Way\" Algonquin Park Canoe Trip - 1 destination$
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Nature & Wildlife
5 Day "One Way" Algonquin Park Canoe Trip
5.0 (1 review)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Algonquin Provincial Park
Age Range
Ages 6+
Regions
Eastern CanadaCanadian ShieldOntarioAlgonquin National ParkGreat Lakes+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Voyageur Quest
From
US$864per person
+$112 upfront costs
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Price based on Shared Room
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Adventure & Adrenaline
Cambodia: Hike, Bike & Kayak
4.5 (17 reviews)
"Nice group and excellent tour. Sum provided us with lots of local exposure, tastes, language, experiences and knowledge."
Patricia, traveled in December
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Phnom Penh, Kratie, Trong Island, Stung Treng, Siem Reap,Angkor Wat+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Physical Rating
Active
Country Region
Siem Reap
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
30% Off
From $1,636
US$1,146per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Adventure & Adrenaline
Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
3.0 (2 reviews)
"A very nice sampling of Costa Rica: cloud forest, volcano, Caribbean beach. Good for those looking for moderate physical activity."
Maya, traveled in February
Duration
8 days
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Caño Negro,Pacuare River,Puerto Viejo de Talamanca+2 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $1,820
US$1,456per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Adventure & Adrenaline
Vietnam: Hike, Bike & Kayak
4.5 (18 reviews)
"The activities and leader were both good."
Edward, traveled in January
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Hanoi, Sapa, Ta Van, Su Pan, Mai Chau, Poom Coong, Ninh Binh,Hai Phong City,Cat Ba Island,Halong Bay,Baie de Lan Ha+4 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Northern Vietnam
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $1,950
US$1,560per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Nature & Wildlife
18 to 35s Real Australia
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Sydney, Crowdy Bay National Park, Port Macquarie,Red Rock,Byron Bay,Springbrook,Lamington National Park,Gold Coast,Brisbane,Noosa,Sunshine Coast,Fraser Island,75 Mile Beach,Whitsunday Islands,Airlie Beach,Townsville,Magnetic Island,Mission Beach,Cairns+16 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Country Region
East Australia
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From
US$4,095per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Adventure & Adrenaline
8-Day Lodge-to-Lodge Golfo Dulce Sea Kayaking Trip
Duration
8 days
Destinations
San Jose, Esquinas, Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve, Rincon ,Playa Blanca,Puerto Jimenez,Corcovado National Park+3 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Sea Kayaking Costa Rica
20% Off
From
US$2,685per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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Adventure & Adrenaline
Australia and New Zealand: Surf Camps & Kiwi Highlights
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Auckland, Waitemata Harbour, Bridal Veil Falls, Raglan,Waitomo,Rotorua,Huka Falls Resort,Taupo,Wellington,Sydney,Manly,Coffs Harbour,Arrawarra,Byron Bay,Brisbane+11 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $2,499
US$1,874per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Adventure & Adrenaline
Central America: Hike, Bike & Kayak
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Antigua, Acatenango Volcano, Ahuachapan, Playa El Tunco
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $2,200
US$1,760per person
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Island Hopping
8-Day Panama Sea Kayaking Adventure: San Blas Kayaking and Cultural Experience
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Panama City, San Blas Islands, Guna Yala
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Sea Kayaking Costa Rica
20% Off
From
US$3,099per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Adventure & Adrenaline
Team Expedition - Guided Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago
5.0 (7 reviews)
"The food, camping gear and kayaks provided were exceptional. The archipelago contains a lot of natural beauty."
Bradley, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Saint Anna Archipelago, Aspoja, Kupa Klint, Missjo,Harstena,Häradskär Island+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Do the North
20% Off
From
US$1,542per person
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Price based on Cheapest Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Yellowstone Camping Explorer
5.0 (3 reviews)
"Our early morning starts meant short - or no! - lines to enter the parks and a chance to take it all in."
Dolores, traveled in July
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Jackson Hole, Yellowstone National Park,Grand Teton National Park,Jackson+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Western USAYellowstone National ParkRocky Mountains+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From
US$2,199per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Adventure & Adrenaline
10 Day Komodo Kayaker
4.8 (8 reviews)
"Wonderful scenery, water/reef wonderlands and animal encounters."
Lara, traveled in March
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Bali, Labuan Bajo, Komodo National Park, Kelor Island,Rinca,Sebayur Besar,Kanawa Island+3 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Islands
Nussa TengaraFlores+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
No Roads Expeditions
20% Off
From
US$2,619per person
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Nature & Wildlife
Algonquin Park 3-Day Canoe Trip
5.0 (4 reviews)
"a great way to explore the great tee lake of Algonquin Park"
Matthias, traveled in August
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Algonquin Provincial Park
Age Range
Ages 6+
Regions
Eastern CanadaCanadian ShieldOntarioAlgonquin National ParkGreat Lakes+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Voyageur Quest
20% Off
From
US$527per person
+$68 upfront costs
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Price based on Shared Room
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Nature & Wildlife
Algonquin Log Cabin 3-Day Canoe and Hike Adventure
5.0 (16 reviews)
"The whole experience was fabulous...the people, the location, the canoeing, the hiking, the food."
Margaret, traveled in August
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Algonquin Provincial Park
Age Range
Ages 6+
Regions
Eastern CanadaCanadian ShieldOntarioAlgonquin National ParkGreat Lakes+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Voyageur Quest
20% Off
From
US$599per person
+$78 upfront costs
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Price based on Shared Room
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