Author: krissy k

The Amazon rainforest spans over 4000 miles starting from Andes Mountains of Peru and reaches the Atlantic Ocean. A kayak will help you enjoy the indigenous cultures, incredible biodiversity and the mysteries of the forest.

This is often missed by people who travel in a motorized watercraft. Another fascinating fact about Amazon is the extraordinary ecosystem. Here is what you should expect in your kayaking adventure.

Scenery

Amazon is the home to great creatures and has breathtaking waterways around Panacocha and Calluacocha lakes. It’s located at the heart of two nature reserves and has remarkable flora and fauna. A kayak adventure is one of the ways of accessing the narrow creeks and tributaries.

Best Time To Visit The Amazon

Amazon has two seasons – low water season and high water season. The low-water season runs through June to December. Normally, the temperature averages 98 degrees F.

If you like to trek, this is the perfect time of exploring deep into the forest by foot. You may want to avoid visiting the rainforest during the high-water season- January to April. The area is more flooded with water and is easy to access with kayaks.

Food

A visit to the rainforest is an excellent opportunity to sample the popular dishes in the region- from exquisite fish to vegetable dishes. Ceviche is an easy front-runner among tourists and locals alike. The dish is simply flavorful and refreshing.

Another most sought dish is Aji de Gallina which is commonly known as creamy chicken. It’s prepared with walnuts, cheese, sauce of cream, and is served with rice. It’s worth mentioning that most foods are accompanied by cocktails made from tropical fruits.

Camping

Camping independently will allow you to explore the forest at your own pace. You can either use smaller satellite camps or Las Piedras Amazon Center.

This will give the perfect chance to encounter wildlife including bird species, monkey species, as well as terrestrial animals. Of course, there are dozens of other places where you can camp.

Sightseeing

Kayaking along the Amazon River allows you to experience one of the most fascinating habitats in the region. The jungle bridge walk will help you see most of the wildlife like poison dart frogs, snakes, monkeys, jaguar, and other animal species. There are also hundreds of macaws, parakeets, and parrots for anyone interested in the natural world.

Another place that offers remarkable sightseeing is the Sacha lodge Canopy. The walkaway stands 90 feet and stretches 940 feet across the forest. Amazon has some of the most dangerous creatures known to man.  Keep an eye on fresh-eating piranha, electric eels, poison dart frogs, and more.

Weather

The weather in the Amazon varies depending on the time of the year. It’s important that you understand how climate changes may affect your visit. The minimum annual temperature is 21 degrees F while the maximum annual temperature is 31 degrees F. The summer season runs from May to December and the winter season runs from January to April.

Skill Level Of Kayaking

Most river cruises offer kayaking, so you can paddle in the remote areas of the rainforest. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced paddler, the guides will help you get started. Most of them are naturalists, so they will help you unlock the magnificent wildlife. No special skills or equipment are needed.

Type of Kayak

The best kayak to use is a Sit on top kayak. It’s very stable thus perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers. Alternatively, you can use Touring kayaks.

Amazon Rainforest will give you an opportunity to witness the tremendous biodiversity. You’ll also enjoy the flowing tributaries and beautiful creeks in a kayak.

Final Thoughts

The Amazon is a very unique place.  It is full of beauty and danger all at the same time.  Please do your research if you are heading to this neck of the world.

If you want a successful trip full of memories that will last a lifetime then make sure you take all the precautions and come prepared.  Happy paddling!

There is more to vacations than just visiting new places, meeting new people and sampling different cuisines. Adventures are a more epic way of spending your vacation. The beauty of taking an adventure is that it makes you feel young and energetic.

There’s also the thrill of seeing new sceneries and braving various obstacles. Norway in particular is an amazing adventure hub especially when it comes to kayaking and camping. Here’s all you need to know about kayaking and camping in Norway.

The Beautiful Scenery of Norway

Kayaking and camping are some of the most epic adventures to engage in. They are even better when the scenery is exquisite. The scenic beauty of Norway is unmatched, making it the perfect place to camp and kayak with our fissot fishing kayak.

The beautiful coastlines, glaciers, fjords and islands tend to make you feel as though you are one with nature. Whether you are looking for skill waters or raging fjords, you are guaranteed of finding them in Norway.

The best part is that some camping grounds allow you to balance between camping, taking hikes and kayaking in the clear seas.

Skill Level of Kayaking

When it comes to Norway, you will always find some adventure to fit your skill level. To experience the ultimate kayaking adventure, it is crucial that you be well aware of your abilities and skill level.

This only goes to enhance your safety, skills and comfort. Should you want to brave difficult waters or mountains, then it is important that you engage an instructor.

Generally, kayaking and camping in Norway requires you to have a few sessions of experience under your belt. The good news is that before any expedition there are orientation sessions to help determine your skill level.

The Right Time Of Year

While camping and kayaking are fun, visiting Norway at the wrong time can ruin the whole experience for you. The best time to go camping and kayaking in Norway is during the summer, which is roughly from June through august.

Even though the temperatures cab get up to 20 degrees, it can get chilly at night. The days are also long which ensures you get the most out of your adventure.

Other than being able to brave the waters and the majestic mountains, there are other advantages you stand to gain. You get to sample new cuisines and experience the rich culture of the Norwegians.

The beautiful scenery of the mountains and the crystal blue seas tend to add on to the overall experience. When you are not camping or kayaking, you can use those moments to go sightseeing.

Dangers

As with any other outdoor activities, there are dangers that come with camping and kayaking. When it comes to Norway, there is minimal danger posed by people and animals.

The main danger is posed by the climate. Even in summer, weather conditions can quickly change, which is why it is unwise to engage in these activities alone.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the time of year, skill level and all of the wonderful benefits of visiting Norway, you should book your trip now.  This country is waiting to be explored.  Do your research and come prepared to have the best time of your life.

Whether you are a novice kayaker or an experienced paddler, sea kayaking in the Barrier Reef in Belize is an experience you will not want to miss. The Belize Barrier Reef, the atolls-(Glover’s Reef, Turneffe Atoll and Lighthouse Reef), the shallow inshore waters combined with a string of small and closely spread islands-(cayes), make this place among the best destinations in the world for sea kayaking.

Belize has thousands of untouched coral reefs which are home to numerous and various aquatic life, crystal clear waters and inhabited remote tropical islands, creating a perfect opportunity to explore and tour the protected waters by a kayak.

Kayaking in Belize is a fantastic experience especially when the trade winds blow that makes your kayak more responsive and lighter. You can also dive into the waters for snorkeling to explore the vibrant and colorful marine life.

Sea kayaking also helps in connecting with the local lobster and conch divers who make their living from the sea of which many of them still use dugouts and small boats.

The Belize Barrier Reef

The Belize Barrier Reef extends 180 miles off the shore of Belize mainland and is considered as the most diverse segment of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System and the largest in the western hemisphere on second to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef in the world.

It is unrivaled for sea kayaking along with snorkeling and scuba diving, with a spectacular diversity of coral reefs and over 500 species of invertebrates and fish. Behind the corals are small islands-(cayes) of coral sand on which mangroves thrive.

The submerged mangrove roots trap sediments that provide habitat to a wide array of seabirds, marine invertebrates, and juvenile fish.

The Belize Barrier Reef also has three distinct Caribbean atolls.

Glover’s Reef Atoll

The Glover’s Reef is among the rich marine environments in the Caribbean Sea. It is named after John Glover, a 17th-century pirate that used this region as a base from which he would attack Spanish merchant ships and rob them of their riches.

Today, the protected marine reserve is famous for its abundance of marine life and phenomenal clear turquoise waters. Glover’s Reef is an elliptically shaped reef located about 40 miles off the shore of Belize’s mainland and measures 20 miles in length and 7 miles in width.

There is a shallow lagoon within Glover’s reef with over 700 patch reef. The reef wall steeply drops 2600 feet to the floor of the sea about a mile from the eastern perimeter of the atoll.

Where the open waters of the Caribbean Sea meet the sheltered lagoon is a profusion of marine life which is unmatched for sea kayaking along with snorkeling and diving.

Lighthouse Reef Atoll

Lighthouse Reef is the most remote of the three atolls and remains unspoiled and wild. The coral reefs in the atoll’s lagoon are home to a staggering 200 species of fish with various reef types like ledges, drop-offs, shelves, and shallow reefs.

Lighthouse Reef is also home to two marine parks, underwater marine trails and six islands (cayes). At the center of Lighthouse Reef is Half Moon Caye- 45 acres of beaches, coconut palms, a rare littoral forest, and shelters a large colony of red-footed boobies. Half Moon Caye is now the site for sea kayaking, island expeditions, and snorkeling.

Turneffe Atoll

Turneffe Atoll features great plant and animal life. The atoll is encircled by beautiful and well-developed coral reefs and is home to over 25 species of birds. The surrounding habitat is a favorite feeding and resting ground for dolphins.

Coral gardens within the atoll in the protected waters can be easily accessed by a kayak not far away from the shoreline.You can also paddle to different parts of the atoll to take a look at the atoll’s resident dolphins, uninhabited cayes, and explore mangrove creeks.

The Barrier Reef in Belize is a great and safe destination for experienced kayakers to explore endless mangrove-covered islands and dive to take a peek at the world’s second largest barrier reef on their own.

However, less experienced paddlers should hook themselves with local guides that are more conversant with the land sea. You will also get a chance to learn the local culture and try out traditional cuisines. It’s also the perfect spot to bring along family and friends.

Located in Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a protected area regulated and governed to protect the ecosystem. Over 250,000 tourists visit the Galapagos National Park each year and spend more time offshore than on. It’s known for its natural beauty and plentiful wildlife.

The Galapagos Islands is a “must-see” locale for any traveler who appreciates nature and marine life. Boat cruises, hiking, and kayaking tours are popular activities at the Galapagos National Park. Almost all of the boat cruises offer snorkeling and kayaking as part of their itinerary.

At the Galapagos National Park you will experience the best Ecuador has to offer. You can hike the volcanoes, take a relaxing dip in the hot springs, and swim with the sea lions. There is a lack of natural marine predators allowing the wildlife to zigzag fearlessly throughout the island.

You will find endless opportunities for taking stunning photographs during your kayaking excursion.  Kayaking is a watersport that allows you the opportunity to get up close and personal with marine life. It’s the most natural way to experience the islands without being confined to a cruise ship.

Kayaks come in a variety of types but most cover the legs with an enclosed deck. There are single paddler kayaks, or tandem kayaks that hold multiple people. Essentially, you can kayak in any body of water with some requiring permits. One of the best places in the world to kayak is the Galapagos National Park.

The park offers many establishments throughout the islands that specialize in kayaking and provide private or group tours. You are able to paddle away from the beaches to explore and spend time with the sea turtles, dolphins and other marine life.

One of the many benefits of kayaking through the Galapagos National Park is there are no large tour or cruise ships to contend with. There are never any crowds as you kayak through rocky grottoes and small coves.

What To Expect

The waters of the Galapagos Islands are crystal clear making it ideal for kayaking. Kayaking gives people a different perspective when it comes to enjoying the landscapes of the Galapagos National Park. The wind year-round is a challenging factor and causes the water to remain quite rocky.

Make sure you always wear a life jacket and helmet. If you’re bringing valuables on the boat, rent or purchase a waterproof bag. Beginners can certainly kayak the Galapagos Islands. There are several stores on the island that offer quick 5 minute lessons before entering the water.

While kayaking, you have the ability to control your speed based on your preference. If you’re a beginner, avoid exhaustion by rowing slowly as opposed to forcing your arms to move fast. V-shape kayaks are ideal for touring the Galapagos National Park as they force you to go straight. They also allow you to travel more efficiently.

The Best Galapagos Kayaking Spots

Most tourists favor Tortuga Bay, Playa de los Alemanes, Garrapatero Beach, and Divine Bay. However, there are many other beaches that are a fantastic starting point for kayaking.

Cerro Brujo in San Cristobal is the hot spot for viewing many species of wildlife. It’s home to mockingbirds, finches, sea lions, rays, shore birds, tropical fish, and sponge coral. Most tourists boast this as the most scenic beaches of all of Galapagos.

You can find three booby species at Pitt Point, on the northern shore of San Cristobal Island. While kayaking through this location, you’ll also see frigate birds and a sea lion colony that calls this beach home.

On the eastern side of the Galapagos National Park is Gardner Bay, one of the best locations for kayaking. It has the longest stretch of pristine beach in all of Galapagos.

Occasionally, you will see hawks flying overhead, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and marine iguanas. You can see hammerhead sharks swimming with the fish at Darwin Bay.

Paddling is a great way to explore the great rivers and lakes that define Minnesota’s landscape. Minnesota, popularly known as the land of 10000 lakes, also has terrific rivers that should grab any adventurer’s attention.

You will find plenty of spots susceptible to or exposed to rough waters perfect for experienced kayakers. Additionally, there are numerous places that a kayaker can find flat water, beautiful scenery and enough shoreline to paddle.Here are the top five flat water kayaking spots that you will undoubtedly find interesting:

Lake Superior, Grand Marais, MN

The harbor in Grand Marais is large enough to explore, enjoy and lacks heavy boat traffic. On the east side of the dock close to Artists’ point, there is a boat ramp with a shallow put-in and ample parking.

There are several outfitters in the town that offer equipment rentals, lessons and guided trips in case you need these services. Circle the break-wall for amazing views of the Sawbill Mountains and the town.

If the main lakes is calm, paddle past the break-wall and explore the peninsula on which the Grand Marais Sits. If the harbour is too rough to paddle, head up a few miles to Devil Track Lake and enjoy inland paddling in the North Woods.

Wild River State Park, Center City, MN

You can also head over to the Wild River State Park which is located along the roughest stretches of Minnesota’s side of the St. Croix River. The waters are relatively shallow but not particularly swift and filled with islands to explore and paddle around.

Unless the river is swollen, maneuvering a kayak up and downstream through this stretch is relatively easy. The river also provides perfect fishing opportunities which can be done from your boat or at the river banks. Beavers, otters, foxes and occasionally black bears can be spotted along the shorelines.

Lake Calhoun, Minneapolis, MN

Lake Calhoun is the perfect spot if you are looking for an urban flat water adventure. Paddling at Lake Calhoun unlocks the Minneapolis chain of lakes. The choice is yours on where to paddle and for how long.

You may decide to stick to Lake Calhoun and tour the canal that connects to Lake of the Isles. For a more thrilling adventure, paddle into the Lake of the Isles, explore the channel that connects to Cedar Lake, and if you want more, paddle further into Brownie Lake.

You may also take a swim and relax at one of Cedar Lake Beaches. You won’t see a lot of wildlife, but it’s a perfect spot to chill and enjoy nature.

Cannon River State Water Trail

Kayakers looking for a swift river experience with few rapids-(class 1) should try out the Cannon River especially the spread from Cannon Falls to Red Wing.

Kayakers will pass through rolling hills, hardwood forests and along rocks as they paddle the current downstream. Ensure that you make prior arrangements with a friend or a local outfitter for a ride back as despite the river’s smooth flow, you won’t paddle back upstream.

Root River State Water Trail

The Root River is one of the most scenic rivers in Minnesota. Flowing past thick forests, old towns, huge limestone rocks, the Root River Water Trail is an exciting spot to paddle.  At normal flow, paddling is not that challenging and neither will you be far from supplies or amenities.

However, you will be amazed by the rough beauty of Minnesota’s driftless region. Although paddling won’t pose much of a challenge, you will need a ride back.

Given that the spots we have discussed have fairly calm and slow-moving waters, you have an option of using touring, recreational or sit-on-top kayaks, and you should plan your trip especially during summer.

Paddling on these spots can be done by any kayaker regardless of your experience however, we recommended that you bring a guide along or learn a safety course first. Visit these spots to enjoy kayaking, explore Minnesota, get in touch with nature and also remember to bring your fishing gear.