the Cíes Islands·Spain
Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Wikimedia Commons
The Cíes are a protected paradise of white sand and clear cold water at the mouth of the Ría de Vigo, and a kayak reaches the sea caves and quiet southern island the ferries skip.
In season: May–Sep · Peak: Jul–Aug
Sheltered paddling inside the lagoon, real open-water commitment on the crossing from Cangas when the Atlantic swell is up. A daily visitor cap and permit keep numbers low.
Sheltered water inside the islands, the gentle option
Round the southern island, sea caves on the Atlantic side
Open water out to the archipelago, weather-dependent
Book the island visitor permit and a ferry or guided paddle in advance — access is capped in summer. Base in Cangas or Vigo and watch the forecast for the crossing.
KayakingPoland
Five days on the Czarna Hańcza, finishing through the hand-cranked lock gates of an 1820s canal.
KayakingJapan
Five days paddling mangrove rivers and traversing subtropical jungle on an island that is ninety percent forest.
KayakingNorway
Six days of expedition kayaking beneath thousand-metre granite faces rising straight from the Arctic sea.
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