The 15 Best Island Kayaking Trips Worldwide

1.1-Day Small-Group Stockholm Archipelago Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 266 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $223Our pick

Meet at 9:00 a.m. in Stockholm, then drive to Dalarö for a full day among quiet islands, narrow channels, and Baltic wildlife. You’ll get instruction, kayaks, a drybag, Swedish snacks, and a campfire lunch. Guides such as Marcus, Lucas, Andrew, and Daniel lead groups of no more than eight.

“Lovely coaching, safety, cooking, and senary also everything were smooth and planned perfectly and It was so friendly atmosphere”

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2.Elafiti Islands Sea kayaking: Full-Day Bike and Kayak tour on Lopud and Šipan

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 236 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $95

This active Elafiti Islands day trip pairs sea kayaking from Lopud with a bike ride across Šipan. Guides such as Karlo, Zvone, and Zvonimir lead groups of up to 10, with safety instruction, dry bags, island views, historic churches, swimming stops, and time for a seaside meal. Bring water shoes, sun protection, and enough energy for a long day.

“Great guide who couldn’t have done more for us. A long day with plenty of exercise. Better than a trip to any gym.”

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3.Archipelago Islands Kayak Tour and Outdoor Picnic

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 227 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $154

Paddle calm Baltic waters with an English-speaking guide from Skärgårdens Kanotcenter to Vaxholm and a quiet island picnic stop. Choose a 4-hour fika tour or a longer route with BBQ lunch. Beginners receive instruction, kayaks, safety gear, and a waterproof bag. Guides such as Sam, Carl, Max, and Paul are praised for clear teaching and friendly local stories.

“I had a great time on this kayaking tour! Our guide Carl was super friendly and informative. The trip organization was excellent and they equipment they provided was very nice. Highly recommend!”

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4.Stockholm Archipelago Tour by Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 99 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $212

Leave Stockholm by minivan for a full day of sea kayaking among quiet islands, bird colonies, and old fortresses. You’ll get a safety briefing, kayak gear, dry bags, lunch, and Swedish fika. Guides such as Tigho, Jasper, Patrick, and Ben have helped make the outing welcoming for beginners, with groups capped at eight.

“We had a great time . Our guide , Tigho , was fantastic . He was very helpful and explained everything to us so clearly and was very interesting and fun to be with for the day. The kayaking surpassed our expectations and was a wonderful way to explore the beauty of the Archipelago.”

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5.Kayaking tour around Vaxholm Archipelago with Fika

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · 4 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $171

Paddle sea kayaks around Vaxholm with a guide such as Sam, Carl, Jenny, or Iben. Expect calm island waters, Vaxholm Fortress, Resarö’s Ytterby Mine, nature reserves, and a fika picnic with coffee, tea, snacks, and pastries. Half-day and full-day options are available, with groups capped at eight.

“Great day ! Very helpful staff and peaceful on the water . Also used the sauna then jumped into the sea !! Take the T14 train to Danderyds Sjukhus then The 670 Bus to Engarn and the stop is just outside the centre . Takes just under an hour . Lovely to get out of the city”

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6.Island Hopping Tour A with Kayaking on Big Lagoon

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 92 reviews · from $21Best value

Spend six hours visiting El Nido’s best-known stops with an English-speaking guide. Kayak through Big Lagoon, snorkel near Miniloc, swim at Seven Commandos Beach, eat a picnic lunch at Shimizu Island, and enter Secret Lagoon. Anderson and Ken Kyle are among the guides associated with this tour. Expect extra fees for the environment, lagoon entry, and kayak rental.

“Such a fun day everything was amazing and well organized. The only thing I would say it had no vegetarian options for lunch other than rice and noodles 😂”

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7.4 Island Premium Yacht with Snorkeling & Clear Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 91 reviews · 5 hours · from $41

Spend five hours on a power catamaran from Krabi, visiting Khao Khanap Nam, Chicken Island, Poda Island, and Railay. You get hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, snorkeling gear, clear kayaks, snacks, fruit, water, and air-conditioned seating. The sunset option adds Pad Thai and salt-baked shrimp, while the 200 THB national park fee is extra.

“Everything was perfect in the yacht but the driver drove very dangerously and we didn’t feel safe in the car. The yacht was wonderful and everything there worked excellent.”

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8.Full-Day Archipelago Kayaking Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 89 reviews · from $203

Meet The Green Trails at its central Stockholm Urban Basecamp, then ride by air-conditioned minivan to the archipelago. Learn basic kayaking, paddle among rugged islands, stop for lunch and Swedish fika, hike to viewpoints, swim, and try cliff jumping if conditions allow. Guides speak English and Swedish.

“The weather was very nice, the scene is beautiful. We have done a total 10km kayaking with enough time to sun bathing and swimming. The water is super clean and clear, we could see the bottom of the water. Viktor is a very nice guide that he prepared lots of food and drinks for us during the trip. He also cares a lot about whether we enjoy the trip and adjust the trip. Overall, I enjoyed the kayaking experience a lot.”

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9.Elaphite Islands Full-Day Kayak and Bike Tour from Dubrovnik

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 76 reviews · from $95

Leave Dubrovnik’s Gruž port for Lopud and Šipan on a nine-hour outdoor day. You’ll kayak between islands, cycle about 10 kilometers through villages and olive groves, stop for lunch and a swim, then return by ferry. Guides such as Marco, Filip, Ari, and Ivica lead the day, with groups capped at nine.

“Somehow I stumbled upon this particular tour after 30 minutes of browsing, and it was the best decision to choose this day tour. Being athletic (gym), I thought it would be a breeze in the park to experience kayaking and biking. Fortunately, my assumption was incorrect - it was a challenge for me! I found kayaking to be a fun experience, and biking an exhausting experience. Put simply, this day tour was the highlight of my trip to Dubrovnik.”

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10.Guided 5-Day Kayak & Wildcamp the Archipelago of Sweden

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · 5 days (approx.) · from $1,629

You’ll kayak from Norrköping into Saint Anna and Missjö, camping on remote islands for five days with a group of up to eight. An experienced guide, kayaks, tents, cooking gear, food, water, and return transport are included. Rob is singled out for special thanks in one review, and beginners can join, though you should be ready for long paddling days and exposed sea crossings.

“This was one of the best trips I have ever taken! The guides were incredible, the gear was top notch, the food was UNBELIEVABLY good. The group I had on the trip was so fun. Really relaxing yet fun adventure. Cannot recommend Do The North enough!”

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11.Sunset Archipelago Kayaking & Toast on the Water

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 3 - 4.5 hours · from $120

Paddle through Stockholm’s archipelago and Bogesund Nature Reserve at sunset on a relaxed 3 to 4.5-hour tour. Your guide supplies the kayak, safety gear, jacket, water, and Swedish fika. Look for beavers, roe deer, seals, and birds, then add a sauna session if you want a warmer finish.

“The activity was awesome! It was raining but our guide Sam was super accommodating and well versed in the area!”

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12.4 Island Luxury Yacht with Snorkelling & Clear Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · from $84

Spend about five hours cruising Krabi’s coast by luxury yacht, with views of Khao Khanab Nam, Chicken Island, Poda Island, and Thale Waek. You’ll have time for swimming, snorkeling with supplied gear, and clear kayaking. Hotel pickup, fruit, snacks, water, and accident insurance are included. Sunset departures also include Pad Thai and salt-baked shrimp.

“Yachting around the andaman sea was amazing. Staff extremely attentive and couldn't do enough for the kids or my wife and I. The yacht was clean and despite a patch of monsoon weather (it is october afterall) which the staff kept us all safe and informed. Clear kayaking and paddle boarding was a nice touch. Snorkeling also went down a treat.”

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13.5-Day Kayak & Wildcamp the Archipelago of Sweden – Self-guided

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · from $938

You’ll kayak through Sweden’s St. Anna and Gryt archipelagos on a five-day self-guided trip from Norrköping. Do the North supplies kayaks, tents, cooking gear, food order, navigation notes, safety briefing, transport, and 24-hour support. Expect remote islands, sea eagles, village stops, saunas, and flexible wild camping.

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14.Marietas Islands Boat Tour: Snorkel, Kayak, Playa Nopalera

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 40 reviews · 6 hours · from $131

Cruise from Nuevo Vallarta or Sayulita to the Marietas Islands aboard Chica Locca’s spacious boat. You’ll get breakfast, guacamole, fajitas, an open bar, water toys, and guided access to Playa La Nopalera. Guides such as Saul and Kano keep the day moving, while an onboard photographer captures the action.

“Loved this excursion! The transportation was comfortable. The included continental breakfast of a fruit plate and muffin was perfect to start the day. The service aboard the boat was excellent! The drinks were plentiful and we were never left wanting. There was plenty of sun available on the water, and paddleboards were provided. The wet landing on Marietas island was exhilarating, and 20 minutes on the island was enough to see what we wanted to see. Due to the wet landing, bringing a camera was difficult unless you brought a waterproof case that wrapped around your neck and we did not, however the photographer came to shore with us and…”

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15.Island Hopping with Crystal Kayak & Helmet Diving

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 34 reviews · from $55

Spend six hours cruising Boracay’s coast, stopping to swim and snorkel, pose in a transparent kayak, and walk a reef floor in a helmet with certified PADI instructors. The package includes a seafood BBQ, equipment, a guide such as Jessie, and digital photos and videos. Bring water, sunscreen, and P100 for the local swimming fee.

“Overall, worth it! You’ll be spending a lot of time in the sun so bring a hat. If you sweat like me, your sunscreen will come right off…Especially on your face. The different islands were nice. Crystal Cove and Puka Beach have great picture taking places. Puka has the crystal kayaks (Instagram famous) and sand castles on it for good pics. One weird thing…the boat didn’t provide bottled water (not even one in 6 hour tour). Definitely buy your own before you get to the islands…they charge double. Overall, highly recommend”

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