13 Perfect Vacation Destinations For Paddling Couples

13 Perfect Vacation Destinations For Paddling Couples

If you and your significant other both love paddling then planning a couples vacation should be a piece of cake. With so many incredible paddling destinations to cross off the bucket list, it’s only natural you and your partner choose a great place to paddle when planning a holiday. While there are hundreds of iconic paddling locations sprinkled around the globe, some are particularly well-suited for paddling couples.

Some of the best luxurious paddling destinations for couples include Costa Brava, Spain, Fiji, The Maldives, and Hawaii’s Kauai Island. For couples with a sense of adventure, Madeira, Eastern Greenland, and The Galapagos are all great options. If you want to make paddling part of a bigger trip that includes great food and culture, consider Okinawa, Japan, La Paz, Mexico, or Victoria, British Columbia.

As long as there is a clean and safe body of water, then most paddlers will manage to have a good time. If, however, you are looking to find a romantic, chic, or truly unique paddling destination for you and your partner’s next vacation, then keep reading to learn about the top paddling locations for couples.

13 Romantic Vacation Destination For Paddling Couples

1. Costa Brava, Spain

Europe has no shortage of incredible paddling opportunities, but Costa Brava is a real standout for couples. This Northeastern region of Spain stretches more than 120 miles and has countless adorable villages, protected coves, and tiny islands worth exploring by kayak.

There are ample romantic towns where you can find accommodations and the bustling cultural hub of Barcelona is close by.

In addition to its coastline, this region is known for its delicious food, as well as its mild winters and long summers. This makes it a great place for paddling couples to vacation throughout the year.

2. Kauai, Hawaii

Known as the Garden Isle, and also the wettest place on Earth, Kauai is a lush tropical paradise in the Hawaii archipelago. While there are many great paddling destinations in the Hawaiian islands, Kauai is truly exceptional.

This island features the Na’Pali Coast, a stunning national park with jagged mountains, rainforest, and waterfalls. Kayaking along this coast is one of the best kayaking adventures on the planet.

This island also has no shortage of oceanfront getaways, all of which are perfect for couples. Paddlers should plan to visit this island in the summer months, as fierce waves pound the northern coast of this island throughout the winter.

3. Victoria, British Columbia

If you’re seeking a charming summer paddling holiday that features both land and water activities, then head to the enchanting city of Victoria. Victoria Island, located in British Columbia, is unique in that you can paddle out from the downtown, and then quickly enjoy a paddle in its stunning Victoria Harbor.

The easy access to great paddling and wildlife viewing, combined with the wholesome charm of the city itself make Victoria a fantastic place for paddling couples.

4. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

If you and your partner are looking to travel to an indisputable bucket-list-worthy paddling location, then look no further than the Galapagos Islands. Located hundreds of miles off the coast of mainland Ecuador, this natural wonderland is one of the best places in the world to witness wildlife while paddling.

It is a great vacation destination for couples who love nature, wildlife, and a bit of adventure. The food on these islands is also quite tasty, with Ecuadorian ceviche and other seafood-infused local dishes being among the most popular. While it’s known to be expensive here, it’s possible to take a paddling vacation to the Galapagos on a budget.

5. Koh Samui, Thailand

Thailand is a country full of beauty, wonder, and romance. Best of all, a vacation to this paradise will cost you a lot less than many other destinations on this list. Koh Samui is the largest island in Thailand, and while many great paddling locations in Thailand, this island is particularly great for couples.

There are luxury accommodations as well as cheap massages on nearly every stunning beach. Furthermore, from this island, you can take a tour to paddle at one of the best paddling locations in the country - Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park.

6. Costa Verde, Brazil

Brazil has tons of incredible paddling destinations, from The Amazon River to Rio De Janeiro. But the most romantic region of this vast South American country is also one of the best places to kayak and SUP board.

Costa Verde, located along the Brazilian coast three hours south of Rio De Janeiro by car, is an idyllic stretch of lush mountainous coastline that features dozens of gorgeous beaches and clear calm water.

If you and your partner are looking for a romantic and adventurous destination in South America, look no further than a paddling vacation to Ilha Grande.

Ilhe Grande eco-friendly and car-free island with a therapeutic and sensual vibe. Its best beaches are only accessible by kayak, and when you finish your paddling adventure you and your partner can enjoy a sunset cocktail with fresh squeezed juices.

7. Okinawa, Japan

Japan is an incredible country to visit, no matter what your interests are. The fascinating culture, rich history, and mouth-watering food are reason enough to take the long flight across the globe. This country also has great paddling opportunities.

You can find some cool paddling near Tokyo and Kyoto, but the best paddling adventures are found in Okinawa. This island is a tropical paradise but with a Japanese twist. When you finish exploring the stunning coastline by day you can have some of the tastiest Japanese seafood of your life by night.

8. The Maldives

If you and your partner are looking to take a relaxing trip to paradise, complete with pristine white sand beaches and great paddling, then consider The Maldives. This island nation, situated south of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean is a breathtaking series of atolls with endless aquatic wonder.

Every island in this archipelago is worth visiting as a kayaker, but be sure you choose one that highlights your interests. Some islands are geared towards romance and luxury, some are budget-friendly, and some have unique wildlife viewing opportunities - including swimming with whale sharks.

9. Fiji

If you and your paddling partner are looking for the perfect destination for a honeymoon, anniversary, or other major couple trip, look no further than Fiji. This island nation is located in the South Pacific and is as remote as it gets. It’s known for its deep-rooted culture, unique food, great surfing, and breathtaking scenery - both above and below the water.

The Yasawa Islands, located a ferry ride away from mainland Fiji, is the best place to visit when visiting Fiji for a waddling vacation. There are various types of accommodations, from humble to ultra-luxury. In addition to kayaking, this region has some of the best snorkeling and diving on the planet.

10. Eastern Greenland

If you and your partner prefer an adrenaline rush to a beach vacation, then Greenland may be the perfect place to spend your next holiday. The best way to paddle this region is on a specialized cruise that offers kayaking, or by renting a cabin in one of the many charming towns on Greenland’s protected Eastern coast.

Take a paddling trip to Greenland in the summer so you can paddle among icebergs, view glaciers up close, and maybe even spot nearby polar bears and narwhals. This makes Greenland a unique and heart-pumping adventure perfect for paddlers with a thirst for adventure.

11. La Paz, Mexico

Mexico is a great vacation destination for couples. Riviera Maya, Cabos San Lucas, and Puerto Villarta are all popular honeymoon and couples retreat locations. But for a paddling trip, you and your partner may want to consider going to the La Paz region.

This less-traveled peninsula is home to some of the best paddling and some of the most breathtaking views in the entire country (not to mention great food). Highlights of a trip to La Paz include kayaking the incredible Spiritu Santo Island, as well as paddling along the famous and sparsely-populated beaches of La Paz.

12. Sardinia, Italy

No romantic vacation list is complete without mentioning somewhere in Italy. While there are tons of iconic paddling locations in Italy, Sardinia may just be the best spot for paddling couples. A combination of gorgeous scenery, unbelievable food, endless protected coves, and sandy launch points make Sardinia a must-visit Italian isle.

This is also an up-and-coming paddling destination, so you won’t experience loads of tourists, especially if you avoid the peak travel months of July and August.

13. Madeira, Portugal

Another obscure and rugged holiday destination that is perfect for adventurous couples is Madeira. This wild volcanic island, located 600 miles from the coast of mainland Portugal, is a unique island that you need to experience to believe.

There are jagged volcanic rocks that give way to tranquil bays with crystal-clear waters. Best of all, this island is far less touristy than many other European islands.

When you aren’t paddling you can enjoy endless hikes, 4X4 activities, and enjoy the famous food and wine from the region.