Caribbean Kayaking: Where to Paddle in Paradise
What could be better than paddling across crystal clear seas of aqua, turquoise and the deepest of blues? Caribbean kayaking takes you into the heart of paradise islands, to explore coastal landscapes from a unique vantage point. For your next kayaking holiday, check out one of these incredible destinations.
Table of Contents
Where to go Caribbean Kayaking
Belize
Get out your sea kayak for tropical paddling across thousands of coral reefs swarming with marine life. The Belize Barrier Reef is home to tiny, picture-perfect islands, mangroves in sheltered lagoons and an array of seabirds to spot. Therefore, don’t forget your binoculars! Explore Glover’s Reef Atoll and Crooked Tree Lagoon here. It’s home to over 300 species of bird, including the Peregrine which is the world’s fastest falcon. If you prefer to take your own kayak on your travel adventures, check out the lightweight Oru Kayak Beach LT.
Saint John
The smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Saint John is a natural paradise that’s largely a protected national park. Therefore, if you’re looking for a tranquil Caribbean kayaking experience without tourist crowds, this is the island for you. The sparkling waters are calm and perfect for beginners. However, there’s plenty of astounding scenery to keep kayaking pros happy too. Take your snorkel with you to hop off and explore reefs brimming with coral and colourful fish.
Bonaire
A relaxing paddling adventure awaits in Bonaire, a National Marine Park that’s famous for excellent diving. Discover Lac Bay, a lagoon filled with spectacular fish. Paddle over to the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire to laze on its pristine white sand. For a change of scenery, kayak through the mangrove tunnels and keep your eyes peeled for an array of wildlife hiding within them. Looking for an inflatable kayak you can take on a plane? Check out the Sea Eagle 330.
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas is a popular cruise ship destination with a cosmopolitan atmosphere to go with its incredible beaches. You can easily rent kayaks at Sapphire and Coki beaches. Then, head out across the bright blue water and paddle along the coastline. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a tour out to remote cays and explore the mangrove lagoon by night. Alternatively, kayak out to the protected wildlife area at Bird Island, as the sun sets over the sea.
Nassau
The capital of the Bahamas is filled with attractions and famous for its Junkanoo street festival, conch fritters, markets and a dazzling array of restaurants and galleries on Bay Street. However, it’s water-based fun that really makes the island shine. Head to Junkanoo Beach to be in the heart of the action, where you can rent a kayak. This is a great spot for kids too, with everything you need to base yourself there for a day of fun Caribbean kayaking.
Bequia
Bequia is the second largest island in the Grenadines and is rated among the top places for diving in the Caribbean. That also makes it an incredible place for kayaking, with a rich underwater world to discover as you paddle across the sky-blue seas. It’s easy to hire kayaks from a range of outlets and you’ll find lovely, protected beaches with barely a soul in sight. Lose yourself in remote coves and don’t forget your camera for shots of the lush coastline. It’s a good idea to take a waterproof bag on your Caribbean kayaking adventures, like the Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag.
Martinique
Kayaking is one of the best ways to make the most of Martinique’s astounding natural landscapes. The island offers a taste of France in the Caribbean, on a backdrop of white-sand beaches, coconut palms and lush tropical rainforest. Expect to greet dolphins while you’re paddling along the coast and make sure you tour the mysterious mangroves. Take a guided kayaking trip to Islet Chancel to see ruins, iguanas and majestic marine birds.
