Best Sea Kayaking in Arizona

Trying to find the best sea kayaking in Arizona? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Arizona, Coconino County

16 :25 hrs
20.5 mi
0.5313721 ft
SK II

Paddling to Face Canyon is a multi-day trip from Wahweap Marina or best done from a houseboat anchored somewhere closer. This canyon is a remote setting with high canyon walls and lots of shade. There are several offshoot canyons to explore. Be cautious in the main channel. Wind and boat traffic can create dangerous conditions quickly.

2

Arizona, Coconino County

30 :27 hrs
38.1 mi
6.9995117 ft
SK II

Forbidding Canyon is a long paddle from Wahweap Marina. It is a popular area so expect tons of boat traffic during the summer months. The trailhead to the famous Rainbow Bridge is located up this canyon and is a must see. Be cautious paddling in the main. Wind and boat traffic can create dangerous conditions quickly.

3

Arizona, Mesa

09 :06 hrs
22.7 mi
21.204285 ft
SK IV

Saguaro Lake is situated in the Sonoran Desert just 40 miles northeast of downtown Phoenix and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The lake offers miles of shoreline for paddling with side coves and channels that provide shelter from the wind and other boat traffic. The lake is divided into two sections that are separated by narrow waterways where boat speeds are restricted to 15 mph keeping the waters safer for small watercraft. Other activities at the lake include camping, picnicing, hiking, fishing, and swimming in designated areas.

4

Arizona, Coconino County

09 :00 hrs
22.5 mi
0.044311523 ft
SK IV

Located just south of the Arizona Border, the Wahweap Marina offers a great starting point for paddlers looking to explore the scenic waters of Lake Powell. Lake Powell offers open waters for paddling as well as lots of side coves and channels that provide solitude and protection from the larger boats on the lake. Kayaking around the Wahweap Bay area provides good views of Lone Rock, Castle Rock, and many other scenic red rock canyons and formations. The lake is popular for motorboating and houseboating so be very cautious when paddling near the marinas and when crossing open channels. There are lots of paddling trip options on Lake Powell, especially for multi-day trips.

5

Arizona, Coconino County

08 :20 hrs
20.8 mi
4.660034 ft
SK IV

Just south of the Arizona Border, the Antelope Point Marina offers a great starting point for paddlers looking to explore the scenic and stunning waters of Lake Powell. Lake Powell offers open waters for paddling as well as lots of side canyons, coves, and channels that provide solitude and protection from the crowds and larger boats on the lake. Kayaking from Antelope Point into Navajo Canyon leads paddlers past Antelope Island down a narrow scenic red rock canyon. The lake is popular for motorboating and houseboating so be very cautious when paddling near the marinas and when crossing open channels. There are lots of paddling trip options on Lake Powell, especially for multi-day trips.

6

Arizona, Coconino County

26 :05 hrs
32.6 mi
2.9060059 ft
SK II

Paddling the waters of Lake Powell will be an experience you will never forget. This multi-day adventure visits two impressive canyons. The first is Labyrinth that offers a slot canyon with beautiful colors. This is an ideal place for spending your first night. On day 2 you will paddle to West Canyon, which is one of the deepest and most beautiful canyons on the lake. There are many options for camping in West Canyon. Be cautious paddling in the main channel. Wind and boat traffic can create dangerous conditions.

7

Arizona, Peoria

19 :45 hrs
49.4 mi
27.813538 ft
SK V

Lake Pleasant is located 35 miles northwest of Phoenix and is one of the largest lakes in the region providing lots of opportunity for outdoor recreation. There are many side coves and channels of the lake that provide calmer waters and protection for paddling. The lake is also known for excellent fishing and wildlife viewing. The Castle Creek launch is located on the northwest side of the lake and offers great access to many of the bays and coves along the north end of the lake. The lake offers lots of amenities including multiple marinas, campgrounds, picnic areas, outdoor nature centers and hiking trails. The lake is popular for all types of water recreation so be cautious when crossing open waters and watch for other boats on the lake.

8

Arizona, Peoria

08 :59 hrs
22.4 mi
32.027435 ft
SK IV

Lake Pleasant is located 35 miles northwest of Phoenix and is one of the largest lakes in the region providing lots of opportunity for outdoor recreation. There are many side coves and channels of the lake that provide calmer waters and protection for paddling. The lake is also known for excellent fishing and wildlife viewing. The largest ramp on the lake is located on the southwest side of the lake and offers a large launch area with plenty of parking. The lake offers lots of amenities including multiple marinas, campgrounds, picnic areas, outdoor nature centers, and hiking trails. The lake is popular for all types of water recreation so be cautious when crossing open waters and watch for other boats on the lake.

9

Nevada, Henderson

04 :57 hrs
12.4 mi
0.000061035156 ft
SK III

Explore the multitudinous northern coves of Lake Mead by accessing this section of the lake from Callville Bay. This is more or less open water, but kayakers will prefer to stick to the shelter of the internal coves along the coast to the north. This is an artificial reservoir in a former high canyon and the water is deep and can be choppy. Additionally, this is a highly popular area for water sports of all kinds and you’re likely to come across much larger crafts, so be careful and make yourself highly visible.

10

Nevada, Henderson

22 :48 hrs
56.9 mi
5.8304443 ft
SK III

For high adventure lovers, this is an adventure that will tax even the most skilled and experienced. Travelling up the length of Lake Mead to the mouth of the Colorado River, you’ll be fighting current in many spots along the way, particularly as you get closer to the river mouth. Almost 57 miles one-way, this is a grueling but rewarding adventure. Finish your trek at the South Bay, AZ boat ramp, right near the river mouth on the east side of the river.

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