Paddle Pulse: Uncharted waters – secret kayaking destinations
Popular kayaking spots earn their fame for good reason – their beauty, accessibility, and infrastructure make them highly sought after by adventurers. However, venturing off the well-paddled path can offer a different kind of reward. In these lesser-known places, you’re more likely to find pristine landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a sense of serenity that’s increasingly rare in our crowded world. Crucially, by promoting responsible travel, we can experience these hidden gems while also helping protect them for future generations.
From secluded archipelagos to remote freshwater havens, these lesser-known destinations promise paddlers both tranquillity and adventure. Any keen kayaker looking for a unique experience should consider adding them to their bucket list.
The Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia
Off Western Australia’s coast, the Abrolhos Islands comprise 122 islands known for their rich marine life and historical significance, including shipwrecks like the infamous Batavia and early European landings. The waters around these islands are teeming with fish, corals, and other marine creatures, making them excellent for snorkelling and underwater photography. Their isolation, due to limited tourist infrastructure and protected status, makes them an ideal escape for paddlers seeking natural beauty and historical intrigue.
The Togean Islands, Indonesia
Nestled in the Gulf of Tomini, the Togean Islands feature vibrant coral reefs, lush mangroves, limestone cliffs, and traditional stilt villages of the local Buggis people. The crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches, and unique jellyfish lakes, where you can swim with non-stinging jellyfish, make this a kayaking paradise. The islands’ remoteness and limited accessibility keep them relatively undiscovered by larger tourist crowds.
Lake Pedder, Tasmania
Surrounded by dense forests and imposing mountains, Lake Pedder’s pristine waters are so clean that you can drink directly from the lake while kayaking. This location is also the gateway to Tasmania’s remote Southwest wilderness, making it an ideal starting point for bigger adventures. Lake Pedder’s status as a wilderness area preserves its isolation, keeping visitor numbers generally low.
Palau, Micronesia
Palau, located in Micronesia, is famous for its unique jellyfish lakes and submerged caves. It’s a prime spot for kayakers looking to explore clear waters and diverse marine life. The Rock Islands, with their distinctive shapes and hidden lagoons, are particularly captivating. In addition to kayaking, Palau is a top destination for snorkelling and diving, thanks to its rich underwater ecosystems. Its remote location helps preserve its natural beauty, making it a must-visit for adventurous paddlers.
The Faroe Islands
Between the volcanic landscapes of Iceland and the rugged coastlines of Norway lie the Faroe Islands, a cluster of cliffs and fjords where the sea meets the sky in dramatic displays of natural beauty. They are perfect for adventurous kayakers looking to explore untouched nature and experience the raw beauty of the North Atlantic. Their remote location and challenging weather conditions keep them off the mainstream tourist trail.
The Ross Sea and Macquarie Island, Southern Ocean
These destinations are about more than kayaking; they’re about encountering the raw edge of the world, where polar explorers once walked and where icebergs carve the horizon. Macquarie Island is a wildlife hotspot, home to a vast array of seabirds and marine mammals. The Ross Sea, known for its pioneering polar exploration, offers a chance to paddle among big ice formations and witness the wild ice edge. Experiencing these destinations is a journey into the heart of the Southern Ocean’s wilderness, where few have ventured before. The extreme conditions and remote location make these areas some of the most unspoiled and least visited places on earth.
Toby Story is Senior Guide and Director at Southern Sea Ventures, which has been guiding paddlers to remote kayaking destinations for decades, offering specialist knowledge of the best places to paddle across the world.
