Escape For Kayaking Adventures

By Joanna Allen at Allen Batista Travel, Inc.

Kayaking, an adrenaline-filled activity, is a wonderful way to take in some of the picturesque scenery from the water. Whether you are a beginner or a professional kayaker, kayakers can embark on a three-to-five-hour drive from New York City to experience some of the best lakes and rivers for a kayaking adventure.

In this blog, Allen Batista Travel, Inc. showcases five key kayaking destinations featuring stunning cityscapes, islands, wildlife, and wilderness; hence, any paddler can get his/her perfect adventure. Here is a closer look at the best places to launch your kayak and get an incredible day on the water.

Hudson River – Paddle With Iconic Skyline Views

The Hudson River offers spectacular views of nature and the city, spanning from the Adirondacks to Manhattan. The Hudson offers numerous experiences, from the Statue of Liberty to the George Washington Bridge, for kayaking on all levels to take in spectacular views from Manhattan’s waterways, especially during the sunset.

For kayakers seeking more tranquil resting places, they can venture to the Beacon, Cold Spring, or Sleepy Hollow. The river expands into a tree-surrounded valley of historic estates. Wildlife is also common, and herons, bald eagles, and fish have all been spotted on the banks.

We recommend venturing onto the waters with a professional kayaking service since the tidal currents can get strong.

Thousand Islands—A Kayaker’s Paradise

Nestled between New York and Canada, the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River is the dream destination of any kayaker. There are more than 1,800 islands here, including tiny rocky outcrops and more developed islands with castles, lighthouses, and pretty cottages.

On Heart Island, Boldt Castle is a popular destination to pass by in the area. Singer Castle conjures up a feeling of history and romance. The area’s diverse landscape—sheltered bays, open channels, or the sandy beaches—offers endless rest stops for kayakers.

It is also easy to spend multi-day kayak trips in the area with numerous campgrounds and small towns to spend the nights.

Lake Hopatcong—New Jersey’s Largest Lake

Crossing into New Jersey, Lake Hopatcong stands out as a fantastic destination for recreational kayakers. As the largest natural freshwater lake in the state, Lake Hopatcong has almost 45 miles of shoreline with various marinas, restaurants along the water, and secluded coves. Kayaking here is ideal because in one moment you can be paddling on wide open waters, and the next moment you can hide in a sheltered nook with forested surroundings.

Lake Hopatcong is a family-friendly destination, especially for those who are new to the sports. Visitors often combine kayaking with fishing or swimming since the waters are not quite as active as in rivers. Early morning is the best time to go on a peaceful kayak because the motorboats are on the water later on in the day.

Long Island Sound—Coastal Kayaking At Its Best

Kayakers who like saltwater adventure and coastal ambiance will love the Long Island Sound. Spanning from Connecticut and Long Island, this 100-plus-mile Long Island Sound has innumerable put-in and take-out locations for kayakers. The Long Island Sound is characterized by its tidal marshes, sandy beaches, and small islands, which make it a perfect area to explore using kayaks.

On the North Shore of Long Island, a favorite launching point, kayakers will discover tranquil bays and secret coves full of marine life. The Connecticut coast has many paddling trails as well as bird sanctuary areas.

The Long Island Sound has peaceful inlets to open waters with waves and currents. There are several destinations to picnic and relax on the beach.

We recommend checking weather conditions prior to embarking on your kayaking adventure.

Delaware Water Gap—A River Adventure Through Nature

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has white water, rough terrain, and dense forest. Located between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Delaware River makes a deep cleft in the Appalachian Mountains. Kayaking at this location exposes you to a natural paradise, having cliffs, waterfalls, and woodlands all over.

The river has some slow-moving areas interjected with some gentle rapids. There are wonderful places to sightsee wildlife in the area—bald eagles, river otters, and deer are commonly found along the way.

The Delaware Water Gap appeals to families as well as solo and group kayakers due to the wide range of experiences. Rental shops in the region offer shuttles and safety information, making the experience carefree and memorable.

Finding Your Perfect Kayaking Adventure

​The five kayaking destinations offer endless opportunities for kayakers to take in spectacular views of cityscapes, islands, wildlife, and wilderness. Contact Allen Batista Travel, Inc. to plan your kayaking adventure.