Places You Can And Should Only See By Kayak

Thanks to advancements in technology, places that were once largely inaccessible can now be reached by helicopter, float plane or boat. But there are still some places paddlers can enjoy alone. A kayak affords thrill-seekers the most breathtaking views and the most phenomenal experience. Relish the serenity and freedom that this kind of small watercraft offers.

Norway has so many fjords and rivers that it's no surprise kayaking has become so popular. The cliffs are very, very steep and some places are completely out-of-the-way and you can't reach them unless you are on a small boat. Seeing the majestic fjords while in a kayak is one of the most exhilarating but also relaxing ways to experience the country. The Fjords have everything you may want – beautiful coasts, waterfalls, slopes, incredible inlets, and rivers appropriate for paddlers of all levels.

As the city of canals, gondolas and hundreds of bridges, Venice, one of the most beautiful places on the planet, is known for its waterways. It's no surprise then that you can only see some of them if you paddle there. You'll be able to see the hidden splendor of the Floating City. See it while you still can. Enjoy stunning views of the Ca Pesaro, one of the most impressive palaces on the Grand Canal, paddle underneath Santo Stefano Church, and explore the hidden and narrow canals.

Sea kayaking is the way to explore this park in far northern Queensland. It has some of the oldest and most spectacular rainforests in the world and an exceptional coastline. The waters off of Cape Tribulation, a remote headland, are part of the Great Barrier Reef where you can see some of the most mind-blowing colors on the planet. You'll also likely encounter dolphins, sea turtles, whales, and sharks.

Part of what makes the Kenai Fjords National Park, where Fox Island is, so appealing to adventure enthusiasts is its remoteness. The best way to get to the scary cliffs, protected coves and beautiful beaches is to paddle there. Your companions in the water will most likely be sea lions, otters and whales, while those in the air will be bald eagles and puffins.

Ba Be Lake is about 150 miles from Ha Noi located in the Bac Kan province of Northern Vietnam, one of the most remote, beautiful and least touristy areas of the country. You will see ancient stones caves, and huge coastal waterfalls. The lake is the highest in all of Vietnam at almost 500 feet. Anywhere you turn you'll be in awe by limestone mountains and lavish forests.

The best way to see the well-known Lake Superior, inland streams that are amazing for paddling, waterfalls and other lakes, is with a kayak. You won't get closer to the natural beauty and magnificence of the park – counting the many colors of the sandstone cliffs you'll be passing by and exploring the cutaway rock caves that peer into the clear waters of the lake.

The southernmost lake in the East African Rift system, and the third largest on the continent, is best explored by kayak. In just one trip you will get to see amazing remote beaches, uninhabited deserted small islands and rich wildlife. Because most of the lake is pretested, the water is clean and the land has remained mostly untouched.

People visit Belize for its beaches and reefs. To see them even better and enjoy an abundance of views that are far more stunning than from the shore, get in a kayak and paddle. Otherwise you'll miss the chance to explore the island's fascinating channels, lagoons and mangrove marshes. Also, this is your chance to see saltwater crocodiles and owls.

If you could choose how to explore this icy island, don't hesitate to pick kayaking. The melting Petermann Glacier fills in the lower areas of the glacier and creates an unbelievable shade of clear light-blue water. This is also the reason why the river has a different shape every year. Kayaking the river is really the only way you can truly immerse yourself in its beauty and feel its uniqueness.

Vibrant blue waters lap at the hull of your kayak as you paddle the coast, exploring pristine beaches, natural hot springs and towering coastal arches around the island of Milos. This surreal destination is beautiful from any angle, but best enjoyed aboard a kayak.

Who hasn't heard of Scotland's natural beauty, copious wildlife, stunning shores and remote islands? See all of this in one day on a kayaking trip. The Shetland Islands are the northernmost archipelago of the U.K. Most of the 100 islands are uninhabited. Get close to dolphins, whales, birds, and otters and explore caves and channels.

Clear your schedule for the night and go on an out of this world kayaking trip. It's a truly unique experience. Where else will you see glow-worms from the cockpit of a kayak? The feeling is magical. The caves on Lake McLaren are mysterious that way. Float beneath iridescent worms and then let the moonlight and stars guide you back to shore.

Not far from Bariloche, Argentina, a perfect gateway to outdoor recreation in the area, Victoria Island is a natural reserve set amid one of the most beautiful clear water lakes in the area. The reserve is accessible by boat, but simply paddling the lake will afford breathtaking views. Also, the Torres del Paine National Park has many rivers, lakes and unique shoreline landscapes, making a kayaking trip a perfect way to explore them.

The 17 miles of ocean shores is one of the most popular attractions on Kauai. The 4,000-foot tall cliffs along the Na Pali coastline are some of the most dramatic in the world. The best way to explore the coast is by kayak, regardless of the fact that you can't access the area by car. You'll see dolphins, seals, sea turtles, sea caves, mangoes, waterfalls, and many stunning and secluded beaches.

Yellowstone is the largest active geyser field in the world and is home to its most renowned geyser - Old Faithful. But there are many other – smaller but also magnificent – geysers you can see if you go on a kayak tout. Get off the beaten path and go in the backcountry via sea kayak. This is one of the better ways to experience the natural wonders of America's first national park.