When is the best time to go on a kayak tour?

For most northern locations, plan your trip between May and September. In Sweden's Saint Anna Archipelago, pick late June through August when days are longest and you can swim in the warm water. One TourRadar traveler said "August is a really beautiful time to visit Saint Anna. The water has had the whole summer to warm up and it's usually a bit calmer than earlier in the summer." If you're heading to the Yukon River, July and August are ideal with comfortable temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C).

What type of places do you stay in during multi-day kayak tours?

You'll mostly camp in the wilderness, with a few hotel nights mixed in. Take the Yukon River Classic tour - you'll spend 9 nights camping under the stars, plus stays at the Hotel Elite in Whitehorse and Aurora Inn in Dawson City at the start and end. In Sweden's Saint Anna Archipelago, you get to camp on your own private islands. As one TourRadar traveler put it: "Always find an island completely your own to set up camp, cook a delicious meal and watch the sunset."

What wildlife might I see on kayak tours?

Being right on the water gives you an amazing view of local wildlife. In Sweden's Saint Anna Archipelago, you'll often spot grey seals, white-tailed eagles, ospreys and lots of coastal birds. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "There is an abundance of coastal birds and you may even spot Grey seals near Norrbådarna and Ådskär." On Canada's Yukon River, keep your eyes peeled for bears, moose, Dall sheep and beavers along the banks.

What kayaking and camping gear is provided?

Tour companies supply quality equipment for both kayaking and camping. In Sweden's Saint Anna tours, you get Hilleberg tents, Haglöfs sleeping bags, good kayaks, paddles, life jackets and waterproof gear. A TourRadar traveler said: "The equipment provided was very high quality and I felt that we really got great value for our money." Some companies like Do the North even offer extra comfort items like inflatable mattresses and hammocks.

How many people are usually in a kayak tour group?

Groups stay small to give you a better experience and protect the environment. Sweden Saint Anna tours usually have 6-12 people, while Yukon River tours take 8-10 paddlers. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The small group size made it easy to get to know everyone and created a great atmosphere around the campfire each evening."

How much paddling do you do each day?

Most days include 4-6 hours of paddling, with plenty of breaks for exploring and relaxing. On the Yukon River Classic tour, you'll cover about 20-25 miles (32-40 kilometers) daily, stopping at historic sites and scenic spots along the way. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The pace was flexible and you could go at whatever pace you wanted, with plenty of time built in for exploring islands and enjoying sunset views."

Do I need to be really fit for a kayak tour?

You don't need to be super athletic - these tours work for different fitness levels. Even Sweden's Saint Anna Archipelago tours welcome first-timers and experienced paddlers alike. One TourRadar traveler said: "Despite not having had any kayaking experience at all this trip turned into a wonderful outdoor adventure!" You'll paddle 4-6 hours daily on calm water, with lots of breaks to swim and relax at places like Uggelholmarna Nature Reserve and Lake Laberge.

Kayak & Canoe Tours & Trips

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10 best Kayak & Canoe tour packages

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Explorer Family Temples Mountain Bike Kayak & Canoe Christmas & New Year +3
Cambodia: Hike, Bike & Kayak
4.5 (17 traveler reviews)
"Enjoyed the itinerary. Some hotels very basic."
Robyn, traveled in October
Destinations
Phnom Penh, Kratie, Trong Island, Stung Treng, Siem Reap,Angkor Wat+1 more
Age Range
15 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Siem Reap
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
5% Off
Duration
8 days
From $2,000
NZ$1,900
$400 now + easy payments of $133
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 25 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
14 easy payments$133
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 25 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
14 easy payments$133
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Explorer Coastal Walks Kayak & Canoe +1
Amalfi Coast: Hike & Kayak (10 destinations)
4.5 (18 traveler reviews)
"Unbelievable views, hikes and food!"
Lori, traveled in May
Destinations
Naples, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Agerola, Positano, Minori,Capri,Ravello+2 more
Age Range
15 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Amalfi CoastSouth ItalyCampania+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
30% Off
Duration
8 days
From $4,585
NZ$3,209
$400 now + easy payments of $472
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 23 Oct 2025
Pay today$400
8 easy payments$472
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 23 Oct 2025
Pay today$400
8 easy payments$472
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$5 Day \"One Way\" Algonquin Park Canoe Trip Tour$
$5 Day \"One Way\" Algonquin Park Canoe Trip - 1 destination$
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Explorer Family Camping Kayak & Canoe +1
5 Day "One Way" Algonquin Park Canoe Trip
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Destinations
Algonquin Provincial Park
Age Range
6 to 80 year olds
Regions
Eastern CanadaCanadian ShieldOntarioAlgonquin National ParkGreat Lakes+4 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Voyageur Quest
30% Off
Duration
5 days
From
NZ$1,380
+$178 upfront costs
$312 now + easy payments of $416
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 18 Aug 2025
Pay today$312
3 easy payments$416
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 18 Aug 2025
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3 easy payments$416
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Explorer Family Kayak & Canoe Christmas & New Year +1
1-Day Private Lake Duluti Hiking and Canoeing
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The canoeing was serene yet thrilling, with Philemon steering us past kingfishers and monitor lizards like a pro."
Bevath, traveled in June
Destinations
Arusha
Age Range
2 to 90 year olds
Operated in
English,German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese+6 more
Operator
African Polecat Safaris
30% Off
Duration
1 day
From
NZ$283
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Explorer Sport Mountain Hikes Mountain Bike Kayak & Canoe Christmas & New Year +3
Vietnam: Hike, Bike & Kayak (8 destinations)
4.5 (18 traveler reviews)
"The whole tour was very well organised and included a great range of activities. The trip pushed my boundaries and abilities and I appreciated the support."
Sara-Jane, traveled in December
Destinations
Hanoi, Sapa, Su Pan, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Cat Ba Island
Age Range
15 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Northern Vietnam
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
Duration
11 days
From $2,695
NZ$2,425
$400 now + easy payments of $175
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 18 Jan 2026
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14 easy payments$175
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 18 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
14 easy payments$175
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Explorer Beach Walking Adventure Kayak & Canoe Sightseeing Historical +3
Central America Encompassed (36 destinations)
4.6 (11 traveler reviews)
Destinations
Mexico Belize Guatemala
Age Range
15 to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
Duration
31 days
From $7,120
NZ$6,052
$400 now + easy payments of $527
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
15 easy payments$527
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
15 easy payments$527
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Explorer Mountain Hikes Road Cycling Kayak & Canoe +2
Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak
4.6 (11 traveler reviews)
"The trip had a good mix of physical activity and culture sit visits. It also had a good mix of rural Japan and more urban city scapes."
Joshua, traveled in March
Destinations
Tokyo, Onomichi, Kyoto, Shingu, Koguchi, Katsuura, Toba,Osaka+1 more
Age Range
15 to 99 year olds
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
Duration
12 days
From $9,310
NZ$7,448
$400 now + easy payments of $1,173
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 09 Nov 2025
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9 easy payments$1,173
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 09 Nov 2025
Pay today$400
9 easy payments$1,173
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Explorer Mountain Bike Kayak & Canoe Christmas & New Year +2
Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
3.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"A very nice sampling of Costa Rica: cloud forest, volcano, Caribbean beach. Good for those looking for moderate physical activity."
Maya, traveled in February
Destinations
San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna,Puerto Viejo de Talamanca+1 more
Age Range
15 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Monteverde
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
Duration
8 days
From
NZ$2,805
$400 now + easy payments of $182
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
15 easy payments$182
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Jan 2026
Pay today$400
15 easy payments$182
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Explorer Kayak & Canoe Historical
Iceland to Greenland: Mountains, Glaciers and the Westfjords
Destinations
Reykjavik
Age Range
18 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth IcelandReykjanesIceland & Greenland+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
20% Off
Duration
15 days
From
NZ$33,210
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Explorer Coach / Bus Kayak & Canoe
Iceland Circumnavigation: Helicopters, Glaciers and Volcanoes, Operated by Quark
Destinations
Reykjavik
Age Range
18 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Iceland South CoastSouth IcelandReykjanes+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% Off
Duration
12 days
From $21,989
NZ$19,790
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Kayak & Canoe
Canoeing on the Dordogne
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The canoe provided with maps, luggage transported and hotels booked. The dinners were out of this world."
Margaret, traveled in July
Destinations
Martel, Carennac, Meyronne, Souillac, Grolejac,Carsac-Aillac+1 more
Age Range
12 to 99 year olds
Country Region
Southern FranceAquitaine & Midi Pyrenees+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% Off
Duration
9 days
From
NZ$2,860
$715 now + easy payments of $1,073
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 30 Sep 2025
Pay today$715
2 easy payments$1,073
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 30 Sep 2025
Pay today$715
2 easy payments$1,073
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Explorer Family Sport Mountain Bike Kayak & Canoe Christmas & New Year +3
Ecuador Treasures Bucket List 8 Days Tour
5.0 (10 traveler reviews)
"For our well-traveled children (aged 9 and 12) this definitely has become the most eye-opening, adventurous, and stunning journey of their life."
JamesMiller, traveled in September
Destinations
Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Sigchos, Chugchilan,Quilotoa,San Miguel de Salcedo,Pelileo,Banos,Puyo,Tena,Archidona,Papallacta+8 more
Age Range
8 to 75 year olds
Regions
Andes MountainsAvenue of the VolcanoesAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
GUIDEcuador Travel
10% Off
Duration
8 days
From
NZ$3,209
$321 now + easy payments of $241
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 02 Feb 2026
Pay today$321
12 easy payments$241
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 02 Feb 2026
Pay today$321
12 easy payments$241
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Safari Camping Wildlife Kayak & Canoe +1
Zambezi Canoe Safari
4.6 (49 traveler reviews)
"An exciting, challenging, hilarious adventure, this trip takes you into the bush to share briefly the territory of the animals living there, observing their behaviour first hand."
Valerie, traveled in October
Destinations
Lusaka, Lower Zambezi National Park
Age Range
16 to 99 year olds
National Park
Lower Zambezi National Park
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% Off
Duration
8 days
From
NZ$4,510
$1,155 now + easy payments of $1,733
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 11 Oct 2025
Pay today$1,155
2 easy payments$1,733
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 11 Oct 2025
Pay today$1,155
2 easy payments$1,733
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Explorer Bicycle Kayak & Canoe Hiking & Trekking Christmas & New Year +2
Thailand Hike, Bike & Kayak
4.5 (18 traveler reviews)
"The Itinerary was well planned out. It would be much better to have a non-stop flight between Chiang Mai and Al Nong."
Tracy, traveled in January
Destinations
Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Krabi,Surat Thani+1 more
Age Range
up to 90 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
Duration
14 days
From
NZ$3,399
$784 now + easy payments of $196
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Jan 2026
Pay today$784
16 easy payments$196
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Jan 2026
Pay today$784
16 easy payments$196
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Active Family Explorer Kayak & Canoe +1
Baja Kayak Quick Adventure 4D/3N (Fully Catered)
Destinations
La Paz, Isla del Espíritu Santo
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Regions
Baja California
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
10% Off
Duration
4 days
From
NZ$2,122
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