It is often the feature of top 10 diving sites , but it is possible to kayak here . Another of Southern Sea Ventures (
www . southern seaventures . com ) spectacular trips allow you to paddle amongst these islands – and you may likely be the first people to have ever paddled into some of the many nooks , bays and beaches . Raja Ampat may be one of the most beautiful island chains globally , and you can explore them whilst living out of an Indonesia style mothership with kayak day tours .
No surprise that the significant profession here is fishing , however , local people are extremely welcoming to tourism , and there are more and more guest house opportunities arising . These guesthouses often have sit-on-top kayaks available for those just looking to dip the paddle in quickly .
Vulcano , Sicily
One of the most unique and stunningly beautiful locations I ’ ve ever had the pleasure of paddling – Vulcano , one of the Aeolian Islands off Sicily .
The Aeolian Islands are a group of seven volcanic islands , two still being active . Each island has its own character . Lipari is the largest and most developed , and Stromboli is the most volatile and active , with regular eruptions . You can hike up the volcano of Stromboli and view it from above , looking down into the crater as it erupts and spews lava into the sky .
A hydrofoil ferry system connects the islands , but why not just take a kayak ? By paddling between them , you can take in the impressive cone shape from a distance before getting up close and even inside the islands – by exploring their tunnel and cave systems . Sleeping on the beach , kayaking between islands and indulging in delicious Sicilian food and wine . Does it get much better ?
As mentioned , all the islands were formed by volcanic activity . This makes them , unlike anything I ’ ve ever seen before . Geologists and volcanologists are drawn to the islands for research . You ’ ll find underwater fumaroles bubbling beneath you , and the buoyant pumice rock float passed whilst you kayak .
Sicily in Kayak (
www . sicilyinkayak . com / it /) is the local kayak company based off of Vulcano . Eugenio , the owner , is a sea kayak master and has dedicated his life to the craft . He lives for sea kayaking and now runs kayak tours out of his mothership sailboat , taking you around the islands by sail , then getting up close and personal by kayak .
Antarctica . Photo : Hurtigruten / Maximilian Schwarz
Sicily . Photo : Chris Whittaker
Sicily . Photo : Chris Whittaker