The 15 Best Kayak and Boat Days

1.Ha Long Bay Day Cruise – Swimming, Meal, Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 7,415 reviews · from $41Our pick

Leave Hanoi by modern bus for a full day on Ha Long Bay. Cruise from Tuan Chau Harbor, visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak or take a bamboo boat through Luon Cave, swim or hike on Titop Island, and finish with wine and fruit at sunset. Guides such as Sunny, Alex, Ken, and Tom are praised for their energy and clear explanations.

“Sunny really showed all the places very well and his humorous is very funny and keep us very lively. Thank you Sunny.”

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2.Koh Samui: Mu Ko Ang Thong Park Cruise with Kayaking Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 3,728 reviews · 9 hours · from $38

Spend nine hours cruising from Koh Samui to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park. Hike to a 500-meter viewpoint, visit the Blue Lagoon, snorkel, and add kayaking through caves and granite boulders. Hotel transfers, meals, gear, and guides such as Otto are included, but expect a full day, steep steps, and possible crowds.

“We had a great trip the views after climbing the mountain are amazing. We had Otto and he was a great guide. The food provided was tasty and there was plenty of tea, coffee and water available. We chose snorkelling and due to winds the water was murky which was a shame.”

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3.Cozy Bay Halong 5-Star Day Cruise, Buffet, Cave, Kayak, Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,512 reviews · from $48Top rated

Spend 11 to 12 hours traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by comfortable shuttle, then cruise among limestone islands. You’ll visit Surprising Cave, climb Ti Top Island, kayak or ride a bamboo boat, and enjoy a buffet lunch and sunset snack party. Guides such as Minh, Tim, Duc, and Max are often praised for clear communication.

“Stunning views, peaceful waters, and amazing food—Ha Long Bay cruise is an unforgettable escape!!!!!”

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4.Beach Hopping Cruise w/ Paddleboard, Food, & Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,224 reviews · 6 hours · from $81

Spend six hours aboard Float Ibiza’s catamaran from San Antonio, visiting Cala Bassa, Cala Tarida, Cala Comte, and secluded swimming spots. Johnny and the crew provide guidance, music, food, drinks, paddleboards, snorkels, bodyboards, and floating mats. Choose a daytime sailing for unlimited drinks or an afternoon trip for sunset views near Mambo.

“Unforgettable day on the water in Ibiza! We booked this boat for a family day out with our 8- and 3-year-old, and it was one of the best decisions of our trip. The boat was pristine, comfortable, and fully equipped for an incredible experience. The crew was exceptional—friendly, professional, and attentive, ensuring we felt safe and welcome from start to finish. They guided us to hidden coves, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and stunning beaches with plenty of time to explore. The food was delicious, and the views were breathtaking. Everyone was perfectly catered for, and the kids loved jumping into the vibrant blue water. Highly recommend this…”

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5.James Bond Island Longtail Boat and Sea Canoe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,364 reviews · 9 hours · from $52

Spend nine hours touring Phang Nga Bay from Phuket, with a longtail boat through mangroves, lunch at stilt-built Koh Panyi, sea canoeing around Talu Island, and photos at James Bond Island. Guides such as Nikom and Tuk Tuk are praised for clear English and good humor. The day also includes Wat Suwan Kuha and a 2.5-hour road journey each way.

“A lovely way to spend the day. Absolutely stunning scenery and the trip was well organised and worth the money. Our guide Nikom was fantastic. Very friendly and informative.”

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6.Ponta da Piedade Caves Kayak Tour from Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,015 reviews · 2 hours · from $37

From Lagos Marina, you’ll cruise by catamaran to Ponta da Piedade, slide into a double kayak, and paddle for about 75 minutes through arches, grottoes, and narrow passages. Guides such as Bruno, Ricardo, and Alfonso keep the group safe and entertained. Afterward, swim or use the boat slide before returning to Lagos.

“the guides were fun and informative, we very much enjoyed the good vibes on the water and the well organized trip. did not expect we could swim in the sea in november and were pleasantly surprised! big recommend!!”

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7.Kayaking and Boat Cave Explorer Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,988 reviews · from $41

From Lagos Marina, you’ll take a support boat to Ponta da Piedade, then paddle a tandem kayak through small caves and past golden beaches with guides such as Leo or Sebastian. Expect clear-water swimming, basic safety instruction, and a friendly crew. Bring beachwear, a towel, sunblock, and a wind jacket.

“Leo was an amazing instructor and adaptable and made sure everyone who was kayaking made it to each cave safely and swiftly. No one fell off their kayak and the boat and other two crew members were attentive and nearby watching out for us! You don't have to have prior kayaking experience to enjoy!”

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8.Islands & Caves Ha Long Cruise with Lunch & Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,317 reviews · 4 - 13 hours · from $34

You’ll cruise Ha Long Bay aboard the Dragonfly Cruise, eat a seafood lunch, walk through Thien Cung Cave, and kayak or ride a bamboo boat through quiet coves and water tunnels. English-speaking guides such as Harry, Benjamin, Linh, and Hoi keep the day moving. The Hanoi transfer makes this a practical choice when you have only one day.

“This was a fantastic day out and great value. The buffet lunch was really good (have a light breakfast or skip that), the cave visit was incredible and kayaking spot was very nice. The afternoon tea & fruit topped it off. Definitely recommend!”

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9.Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour – Cave, Kayaking, Swimming & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,244 reviews · from $42

Spend about 12 hours traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by modern bus, then cruise to Sung Sot Cave, kayak or take a bamboo boat at Hang Luon, and swim or climb Ti Top Island. Guides such as Alex, Ken, Hoang, and Nam are known for keeping the day moving. Lunch is included, but food quality can vary.

“Day is quite long (about 12 hours as stated) however really enjoyed the trip especially doing the speed boat and caves. The views are amazing from daytime to sunset. Cuddos to the tour guide Hoang ( aka Alex) who was a great guide and very enthusiastic!”

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10.Halong Bay: Luxury Day Cruise w/ Pool, Kayak, Free Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,034 reviews · from $26Best value

Spend 6 to 7 hours among Halong Bay’s limestone islands aboard a modern cruise with a sky deck, pool, cave visit, kayaking, Titop Island, and lunch. Guides Mr Bean and Harry are known for clear instructions and friendly help. Hanoi pickup is optional, with a limousine upgrade available.

“We had an incredible time on the cruise we couldn’t recommend it enough - a must do when visiting Vietnam! The scenery, and the stops were amazing and definitely a highlight of our holiday. A special shout out to our guide Mr Bean who was amazing throughout, he couldn’t have been any more helpful, informative, and kind! He made sure everyone on the cruise was having a good time and he ensured the day ran smoothly. You’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience with Mr Bean as your guide”

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11.Snorkeling and SUP Paddle, Beach and Cave Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 992 reviews · from $68

Spend three hours cruising Ibiza’s west coast with English- and Spanish-speaking guides. Swim, snorkel, or paddleboard at Cala Bassa and Cala Comte, enjoy beer, sangria, water, and soft drinks, and enter a sea cave if conditions allow. Crew members have included Miguel, Marcos, Ricardo, and Rick.

“it was really better than I expected, our guides were friendly and helpful, also the activity itself is better than expected.”

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12.Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves on Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 905 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $48

From Lagos Marina, a purpose-built catamaran carries you to Ponta da Piedade, where you launch in a double kayak. Guides such as Ricardo, Jaime, Andre, and Bruno may lead the group through caves and around the cliffs. After about two hours on the water, you reboard for swimming, a possible slide, and a coastal cruise back.

“A wonderful guide…professional, fun, and friendly. The tour is amazingly beautiful and informative. A must do in Lagos.”

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13.1 night Halong Bay Cruise-Titov Island,Surprise Cave,kayak,meals

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 855 reviews · from $135

You spend two days aboard a small Ha Long Bay cruise with an English-speaking guide, kayaking or rowing through Luon Cave, climbing Titov Island, and exploring Surprise Cave. Guides named Alex and Bobby have received especially strong praise. Cabins, meals, bottled water, air conditioning, and a sunset party are included, while drinks and some pickup charges cost extra.

“The Lavender Elegance Cruise was more than I expected, the boat is realy nice, the rooms were great, the crew in the boat was nice and Alex the tour operator was awesome. Alex was the person who picked us up from the hotel and helpeRead more”

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14.All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Halong Luxury Cruise, Meals, Cave, Kayaking,Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 668 reviews · from $50

Spend one night aboard a small-group Halong Bay cruise with a private balcony cabin, meals, cave visits, kayaking, swimming, Tai Chi, cooking, and squid fishing. You’ll visit Sung Sot, Titop, Dark and Light, Luon, or Thien Canh Son caves, depending on the route and weather. Hanoi pickup is available for an extra $20 per person.

“You will be treated with the utmost respect and very courteous. You will always know what to expect in advance.”

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15.Sea Adventure – Boat, Kayak, Snorkeling & Cliff Jumps

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 516 reviews · 3 hours · from $58

Start at Marina Polesana with guides such as Suad, Ivan, Teo, or Sule, then take a speedboat to the Muzil Peninsula. Paddle past cliffs, enter rocky sea passages, snorkel from a secluded beach, and try a cliff jump if you wish. Stable double kayaks, safety gear, drinks, dry bags, and photos are included.

“This was such an enjoyable experience. The guides were friendly, informative and made the few hours we spent together fantastic. They looked out for our safety and kept the group together as we spanned out with different strengths when paddling. Safety was a priority when entering the cave due to the people volume at the time and this was addressed. Thank you it was a highlight. Louise”

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