Best Kayaking Trip – Runner Up
Kayak Trip To Tavernier Key in the Florida Keys
I loved my kayak fishing trip to the Tavernier Key so much, I wanted you to enjoy it as well. Although its not in my list of the top 5 kayaking locations, I definitely consider it a runner-up! Its one of the many small Florida Keys within short reach of the main hwy.
Why We Love Kayaking
Kayaking is amazing for so many reasons. First, it is a great way to enjoy an outdoor adventure surrounded by stunning beauty. Another reason is the physical and mental health benefits associated with kayaking. Kayaking puts you right at eye level with dolphins, sea lions, even whales, what else could be so amazing? Yes I could go on all day about the reasons why kayaking is so great. So it is no secret why so many people have taken it up as one of their favorite pursuits. Not only is kayaking fun but finding the perfect spot for your next kayaking experience can be as fun as the actual trip its self.
The United States offers up a nearly endless number of amazing places for kayaking. Thanks to the huge variety of waterways in the US, there is a spot for every type of kayaker out there. With this said, we have taken the time to narrow down a few spots that truly stand out as the best of the best for kayaking. These are the top 5 best kayaking locations in the US (in my opinion) that exemplify the diverse environments that we have available to enjoy. Of course, no doubt you probably have a long list of your own. Really it’s all relative, and each individual will love different locations for reasons that are personal to him or her.
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Our Top 5 Picks For The Best Kayaking Locations
…subject to change daily 🙂
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of the most renowned outdoor destinations in the US and one of the top hotspots for kayaking. Both the California and the Nevada sides of this iconic alpine lake offer up amazing spots for hitting the water with your kayak. The high elevation of the lake contributes to its crystal clear waters which add to its breathtaking beauty. Lake Tahoe has some 72 miles of shoreline that are perfect for kayaking around. It is particularly notable as a great kayaking spot for beginners.
Here are a few facts that make Lake Tahoe such a unique place. First, the lake straddles the boarder of California and Nevada. It is the largest fresh water alpine lake in all of North America with 122,160,280 acre feet of water. It sits at a very high elevation of 6,225 ft above sea level while at the same time is the second deepest lake in the US at 1,645 ft. What’s the deepest lake in the US? That honor goes to Crater Lake in Oregon.
As you can see with this brief overview, Lake Tahoe is a place of immense beauty with many opportunities for outdoor adventure. Be sure to put this on your bucket list of ‘must-do’ kayaking adventures.
Glacier Bay National Park
Alaska’s Glacier Bay is a perfect example of the stunning beauty that is commonplace in the state. Taking a kayak trip around this incredible body of water will provide you with the opportunity to take in the sights of native wildlife that includes sea lions, puffins, humpback whales, and orcas. Glacier Bay National Park truly offers up a unique opportunity for a kayaking adventure.
The Bay is just a small part of the larger geographical area called Glacier Bay National Park. This park covers 3.3 million acres of immense beauty. You will experience the awesomeness of rugged mountains, towering glaciers, temperate rainforest, rugged untamed coastlines and deep sheltered fjords. As one of the largest areas of international wilderness protection, the national park is a standout of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Glacier Bay is also part of a 25-million acre World Heritage Site—compared to all other such locations it is one of the largest international protected wilderness areas. Are you looking for a spot that offers unlimited opportunities for adventure and of course kayaking? Then start making plans for your next vacation, Glacier Bay is the spot for you.
Kayaking La Jolla Shores, San Diego
La Jolla is one of my all time favorite kayaking destinations. This is definitely one of the ‘top 5 kayaking locations’. The southern California coast offers many perks for the kayaker. First the weather can’t be beat. Often you can head out in Jan or Feb with temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s, sunny skies and stunning scenery.
When you kayak in La Jolla, the ocean here often comes alive with creatures great and small and there is no better way to experience these wonderful sea mammals than in a kayak. Dolphin pods regularly cruise the waters just outside the surf line. Frolicking sea lions are often seen sunning themselves along the rocky coast line. The biggest thrill of all is the sighting of a passing whale. I have had whales pass by just 100 feet or so from my kayak.
Another unique feature of kayaking in La Jolla are the sea caves. Just a short paddle from the La Jolla Shores beach launch are 7 awesome sea caves. You can paddle to the caves in about 10-15 minutes.
Yet another unique aspect of La Jolla and the surrounding area is the annual migration of Leopard Sharks. During the summer months, thousands of leopard sharks converge on the area. Snorkeling and swimming with these magnificent sharks is the highlight of my time on the water here. Oh and yes, they are harmless.
The Colorado River
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The Colorado River is renowned for its fast-moving rapids. Its length begins in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and ends when it empties into Lake Mead on the border of Nevada and Arizona. There are many amazing spots along the river to put your kayak in the water for an outdoor adventure that you will remember forever. Along the way, there are plenty of places to stop and relax or throw your line in for some fishing.
Juniper Run, FL
Located in the stunning Ocala National Forest, Juniper Run is one of the most unique places to head for a kayaking adventure. This unique waterway crosses through a dense, tropical forest setting that offers up incredible natural beauty that is truly unforgettable. There are also several places along the run where you can hop out and take a break.
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So, these are just 5 possibilities out of an endless supply of amazing kayak locations here in the US. I’ll bet you have amazing kayak locations within an hour of where ever you live. Kayaking is a fun sport that can be enjoyed by everyone. Its good for your health and a great way for families to actually do something together. So pull up your favorite online map program and head out to the nearest body of water and find your ‘kayak launch‘.
