Theres nothing quite like skimming across the open ocean or braving the rapids in a kayak. Whether you opt for a peaceful excursion or a more thrilling endeavor, there are plenty of spots to choose from. From Alaska to Antarctica, these unreal locations will have you going home with bragging rights, no doubt.

Editor's note:Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government advice.

Kayaking off the coast ofLa Jollacan be amazing year-round, however, if you go from July through September, its extra special. Thats when leopard sharks show up in droves. Because of the nutrient-packed, shallow water and dense kelp forests, it makes a really great place for pregnant leopard sharks to cruise along. But, dont worry, they are typically no longer than 4 feet long and are harmless. Not only do you get to see them, but you will also experience four microhabitats throughout theLa Jolla Underwater Park.

Keep your eyes peeled for shovel nose guitar fish, dolphins, sea lions, lobsters and turtles. You can take an hour-long leopard-shark tour withEveryday Californiaor opt for a sea-cave tour. Hike Mt Soledad after for views of San Diego County.

Off the shores ofMakena Beach, on Mauis southern coastline, is a beautiful kayaking spot. Here, a series of underwater lava formations, created by submarine volcanoes, makes an ideal home for green sea turtles.Maui Kayak Adventurestakes guests out tothis area for a morning kayaking session and snorkel. Thanks to the clear, turquoise water, its easy to spot marine life like angelfish, moray eels, octopus, butterfly fish and moray eels. Keep an eye out for gorgeous red pencil sea urchins (they make for great photos), and stick around afterward for a beach cleanup. Keep your distance from turtles; these guys are endangered.

This is a bucket-list kayak adventure like no other. First things first: wiggle your way into a heavy-duty dry suit, thick gloves and booties to keep the body heat in. This will protect you from the 32F (0C)water. You are in the worlds coldest, driest, windiest locale, after all. Start paddling and soaking in your surreal surroundings. Penguins are easy to come by.

They hang out on the shoreline and hop from rock to rock, toboggan down the mountains, dive into the ocean and dart beneath your kayak. If youre lucky, youll also spot Weddell seals lounging on the snow banks. You may also see crabeater seals, orcas and humpback whales. Overhead, its easy to spot fast-flying petrels, Antarctic ternsand albatrosses with wingspans up to11 feet. The only noise is the sound of ice chunks, called bergey bits, clinking against each other, perhaps some avalanches and the click of your camera. So, how exactly do you get there?

Theres nothing quite likesitting silently in your kayak as bears frolic on the shore, just 50 feetaway. Here its not uncommon to come across sea otters, seals, sea stars, bald eagles, and pods of humpbacks. During whale season (AprNov), youll see several in every direction breaching and flippering. The Southeast panhandles famousInside Passageis home to moose, grizzlies and puffins, too.

VisitRock Springs Run State Reserve, about a 45-minute drive fromOrlando, to paddle your way upstream through super clear, 70F(21C) water. On a warm day, it istheplace to be. The only sounds around will be the rhythmic drumming of woodpeckers and the steady hum of cicadas. Make your way down the narrow canal toward a spot called Bonsai Bend where branches of hundred-year-old oak trees nearly dip into the water.Get Up and Go Kayakingtakes guests through this picturesque area in clear kayaks, which serve as a gigantic magnifying glass.

Certainly makes it easy to spot otters and fish and they glide by. And in the surrounding forest, you can sometimes see deer, herons and egrets. Its pretty rare, but every now and then a black bear may wander by. Check out Jacobs Island where you can climb a tree platform and plunge into the water below. As you paddle downstream back to the entryway, consider climbing the tree and taking your turn on the rope swing. Pro tip: hit the springs on a weekday morning. Its much less crowded then.

Get to know the localmarine life as you explore designated areas ofGalpagos National Park. Keep a lookout for rays and sea turtles swimming along, marine iguanas lounging on the rocks and blue-footed boobies flying overhead. Just be sure to bring your snorkel mask and fins; theres a lot to explore. Youre bound to see penguins darting to and fro, and its quite possible youll come face-to-furry face with the supercharged sea lions as they burst into a gentle swirl of back flips, leaving a trail of bubbles in their wake.

Gore Creek, which runs through Vail Village, is known for its fun rapids. Check in withAlpine Quest Sportsto rent a kayak and be prepared for some serious fun.

Even in the summertime, the water is chilly, so you may want to rent a dry suit. And if you arent up for kayaking, theres always stand-up paddle boarding, rafting or SUPsquatching (a giant paddleboard that typically carries eight to 10 people).

Kayaking among ruins on the Turquoise Coast

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7 epic places to kayak around the world - Lonely Planet Travel News