Birdwatching · CANOES & KAYAKS

Kayak and Canoe Trips Around the World: 15 to Book

17 tours  ·  from $15 a head

This is the shortlist you would send a birding friend: 15 kayak and canoe trips worth the early alarm, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Penguin and Seal Islands Sea Kayaking Experience - Seal Island and the sea lion encounter
Australia Birdwatching Tours, Birdwatching Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Penguin Tours, Penguin Tours in Australia, Perth Birdwatching Tours, Tour Reviews

Penguin and Seal Islands Sea Kayaking Experience

1.Penguin and Seal Islands Sea Kayaking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 141 reviews · from $142Our pick

Paddle from Shoalwater to Seal Island and Penguin Island in a double sea kayak with guides such as Jimmy, Ryan, and Rosie. Expect beginner-friendly instruction, wildlife viewing, a guided island walk, picnic lunch, and seasonal snorkeling from December to March. The six-hour tour begins at 8:00 am and suits ages eight and up.

“Absolutely amazing experience, would highly recommend to anyone visiting Perth! Our guide Ryan made the day super fun, was a great laugh and really informative. He took some fab pictures of us kayaking with the sea lions so we didn’t haRead more”

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Guided Kayak Tour to see ponies, birds, dolphins and more - Searching the shoreline for Assateague ponies
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Guided Kayak Tour to see ponies, birds, dolphins and more

2.Guided Kayak Tour to see ponies, birds, dolphins and more

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $75

Set out at 8:30 a.m. from Chincoteague Island for a guided kayak trip through coastal channels, coves, and creeks near Assateague. Small groups of up to five make it easier to follow the guide and watch for ponies, birds, dolphins, and changing wildlife conditions. Bailey is one guide named in guest feedback.

“We had a great tour with Bailey. We were able to see Riptide with several mares up close. We had a wonderful time.”

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Seal Island and Penguin Island or Point Peron Sea Kayak Tour - Seal Island and the search for sea lions
Australia Birdwatching Tours, Birdwatching Boat Trips, Birdwatching Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Penguin Tours, Penguin Tours in Australia, Perth Birdwatching Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Seal Island and Penguin Island or Point Peron Sea Kayak Tour

3.Seal Island and Penguin Island or Point Peron Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · from $134

Paddle from Perth toward Seal Island and Penguin Island in a double kayak with a guide such as Emily, Lindsay or Simon. You may see Australian sea lions, dolphins, penguins and seabirds, then enjoy lunch, snorkeling, swimming or a walk on the island. Hotel pickup is available from central Perth when selected.

“This was a great experience. Ellie was a lovely tour guide and very professional. We saw one penguin under a boardwalk and a seal decided to swim up and lie on the beach on Penguin Island.”

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From Perth: Rockingham Seal & Penguin Islands Sea Kayak Tour - The 1-kilometer paddle to Seal Island
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From Perth: Rockingham Seal & Penguin Islands Sea Kayak Tour

4.From Perth: Rockingham Seal & Penguin Islands Sea Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 42 reviews · 6 hours · from $140

Paddle a tandem kayak from Shoalwater Bay to Seal Island and Penguin Island with an English-speaking guide. You may see sea lions, dolphins, pelicans, penguins, and other wildlife. Tom, a guide with biology experience, has led some outings. Lunch, snorkel gear, kayaks, and Perth transport are included.

“Belle journée Dommage que les pingouins et les lions de mer ne soient pas venus nous voir Pas de dauphins on pensait qu’on y en aurait d’après le descriptif Mais la guide super Bravo”

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Montpellier : Birdwatching by kayak in the Camargue - What you may see from the kayak
Birdwatching Boat Trips, Birdwatching Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, France Birdwatching Tours, Tour Reviews

Montpellier : Birdwatching by kayak in the Camargue

5.Montpellier : Birdwatching by kayak in the Camargue

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 39 reviews · 2 hours · from $76

Paddle the shallow Petite Camargue lagoon with a state-certified guide from L’échappée verte. You’ll use stable open kayaks, binoculars, and landing nets while looking for flamingos, herons, egrets, kingfishers, and mullets. Choose a morning outing for young children or a sunset trip for pink and orange skies.

“Beautiful morning spent on the water observing the birds and learning about local culture. Our family had a wonderful time. Highly recommend!”

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Kayak/SUP Tour: Birds, Beavers, Turtles, maybe even Cliff Jumping - Starting at Dig Paddlesports in Hurricane
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Kayak/SUP Tour: Birds, Beavers, Turtles, maybe even Cliff Jumping

6.Kayak/SUP Tour: Birds, Beavers, Turtles, maybe even Cliff Jumping

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $70

Paddle Quail Creek Reservoir by kayak or SUP with Dig Paddlesports guides such as Bill, Nicole, or Kathy. Expect basic instruction, sandstone and limestone scenery, possible turtles, birds, and beaver lodges, plus optional swimming, shoreline walks, rope swings, or cliff jumping. The relaxed 2 to 3 hour outing suits families, beginners, and active visitors.

“This is our 2nd time doing the kayak tour at Quail Creek. We had a beautiful calm day on the water. It was a fun and relaxing day kayaking with Cathy.”

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Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lesson in Playa Flamingo - From knees to standing in two hours
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lesson in Playa Flamingo

7.Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lesson in Playa Flamingo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $66

Meet Alessandro from Aò! Experience at Playa Flamingo for a two-hour beginner stand-up paddleboarding lesson. You’ll learn the basics on land, practice kneeling and standing in the bay’s sheltered flat water, and use the supplied board, paddle, leash, rash guard, life jacket, and insurance. Suitable for confident swimmers from about age six or seven.

“Awesome 2 hour lesson with Alessandro who was very informative, patient and encouraging throughout. Explained things well and gave us time to practice the basics before heading onto the water. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone who wants to give paddle boarding a go. Alessandro took lots of photos during the lesson and posted them on to us afterwards. A great morning all round”

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BIRDWATCH - Premium guided canoe tour at Cape Vente, Nemunas Delta Regional Park - The first 40 minutes on the water
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BIRDWATCH – Premium guided canoe tour at Cape Vente, Nemunas Delta Regional Park

8.BIRDWATCH – Premium guided canoe tour at Cape Vente, Nemunas Delta Regional Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $159

Start at 7:00 am with canoe practice at a local marina, then paddle a handmade cedar canoe into the Curonian Lagoon. Your English-speaking guide supplies binoculars, snacks, photos, and drone images. Expect a small group of up to eight, possible sightings of 170 bird species, and a visit to Uostadvaris Lighthouse or Cape Vente’s bird station.

“We had a wonderful time on this canoeing and birdwatching adventure! The guides were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We were also excited to see over 50 different species, which the guides kept track of for us.”

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Paddle with the Penguins - Starting at Seaforth Beach with a proper safety briefing
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Paddle with the Penguins

9.Paddle with the Penguins

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · from $34

Paddle from Seaforth Beach with Shark Warrior Adventures in a single or double sea kayak. Guide Terry leads the safety briefing, teaches you about African penguins and marine life, and returns you to shore after about two hours. The trip depends on safe weather and suits moderately fit beginners.

“We had such a great time with Terry and his team. Terry is very knowledgeable and passionate about this area and the penguins. We learned a lot, and I highly recommend this tour to others!”

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2 Hour Kayak Lessons On Lady Bird Lake - The short lesson before launch
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2 Hour Kayak Lessons On Lady Bird Lake

10.2 Hour Kayak Lessons On Lady Bird Lake

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 18 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Meet Longhorn Kayak Tours at 7 East Ave for a two-hour Lady Bird Lake outing. You’ll receive a short paddling lesson, route advice, a kayak, paddle, and life jacket, then explore at your own pace toward the Austin skyline, lake wildlife, or Congress Avenue Bridge.

“Fun, exciting and you will get a little wet. Shawn was very friendly and I definitely recommend trying”

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Downtown Austin Skyline Clear Kayak Tour at Lady Bird Lake - Paddle beneath the Austin skyline
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Downtown Austin Skyline Clear Kayak Tour at Lady Bird Lake

11.Downtown Austin Skyline Clear Kayak Tour at Lady Bird Lake

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 18 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55

Paddle a tandem clear kayak on Lady Bird Lake for about 2.5 hours with a guide such as Patrick or Satvik. You’ll see Austin’s skyline, Congress Avenue Bridge, Pfluger Bridge, Barton Creek, and Barton Springs Pool. Sunset departures offer the best chance to see the famous bats.

“Very informative tour, beautiful skyline. Satvik is very knowledgeable about what we saw but also beyond. It was a great benefit that he is born and raised in Austin.”

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Austin: Kayak and Canoe Rental on Lady Bird Lake - The first strokes on Lady Bird Lake
Austin Birdwatching Tours, Birdwatching Boat Trips, Birdwatching Boat Trips in the USA, Birdwatching Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Tour Reviews, USA Birdwatching Tours

Austin: Kayak and Canoe Rental on Lady Bird Lake

12.Kayak and Canoe Rental on Lady Bird Lake

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 14 reviews · 1 hour · from $15Cheapest here

Live Love Paddle lets you choose a single kayak, tandem kayak, or canoe for a one-hour outing on Austin’s Lady Bird Lake. You’ll collect your boat at the shop, use included personal flotation equipment, paddle toward Barton Springs Pool, and enjoy downtown views from the water. Parking is free, and extra time is charged in 15-minute increments.

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Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town - Simon’s Town Harbour puts the town in perspective
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Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town

13.Kayak to the penguins in Simons Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · from $54

Paddle from Long Beach with a guide such as Josh, Jennifer, or Jason, following a weather-dependent route past Simon’s Town Harbour, Boulders Beach, Windmill Beach, and Long Beach. You’ll receive a PFD, kayak, paddle, safety briefing, and basic instruction. Early starts can offer penguins heading out to sea.

“Our guide was super chilled and really great at the role. The kayaks, being 'fisherman' flat bottom kayaks are not made for speed and quite hard to control with two people vs the one person kayaks, BUT we had no trouble doing 10km worth of paddling in 2 hours. The 07:00 tie slot was perfect, we got to see the penguins going out for their early morning fishing.”

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Kayak Rentals on Lady Bird Lake - Getting Set Up Without Previous Experience
Austin Birdwatching Tours, Birdwatching Boat Trips, Birdwatching Boat Trips in the USA, Birdwatching Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Tour Reviews, USA Birdwatching Tours

Kayak Rentals on Lady Bird Lake

14.Kayak Rentals on Lady Bird Lake

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Rent a kayak from Austin Rowing Club at 74 Trinity St and spend two hours exploring Lady Bird Lake on your own. Expect quick equipment service, city views, bridges, the Congress Avenue Bat Bridge, and a possible paddle toward Barton Springs. No prior kayaking experience is required.

“The team was great and helpful. No need to have any experience. It was a nice day to be on the water!”

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St. John's, Antigua Kayak, Snorkeling, & Beach Bird Island - Forty minutes among red mangroves
Birdwatching Boat Trips, Birdwatching Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Snorkeling, St Johns Birdwatching Tours, Tour Reviews

St. John’s, Antigua Kayak, Snorkeling, & Beach Bird Island

15.St. John’s, Antigua Kayak, Snorkeling, & Beach Bird Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 7 reviews · 4 hours · from $147

Spend four hours exploring Antigua by van, speedboat, kayak, and snorkel gear. Paddle through North Sound mangroves, snorkel near Great Bird Island, and relax on a quiet beach with fruit or rum punch. Crystal is one of the guides praised for her humor, local insight, and warm approach.

“Loved the trip because of Captain Crystal! She made it an unforgettable day and experience.”

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