Best Paddleboarding Destinations in the World
Find some of the best paddleboarding destinations in the world.
Money can’t buy you happiness, however, it can buy you a Paddle Board and that’s kind of the same thing. Paddleboarding has a pure, serene, and mediating effect. Actually, it is sort of a cross between kayaking and surfing. One can enjoy it on a lake, river, or ocean.
Related: Best Diving Destinations in the World
Top 10 Best Destinations for Paddleboarding in the Entire World
Hawaii
Undoubtedly, Hawaii is a surfing mecca. That’s why it’s also heaven for paddleboarding.
In fact, Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP sprouted in Hawaii in the 1960s with the “Beach Boys of Waikiki” paddling out on their longboards to capture photos of tourists that are learning “how to surf”.
Laird Hamilton – the surfing pioneer, popularized SUP in the late 1990s; since then it has become the fastest-growing watersport around the US.
Hawaii has 15+ exquisite islands for paddleboarding to explore its calm bays and vibrant coral reefs. While enjoying the crystal blue waters, look down and get a chance to peek at the extraordinary marine life sea turtles, whales, etc.
Oahu has a number of great paddleboarding spots, especially Sunset Beach on the north shore. Actually, the beach gains its popularity from the big wave winter surfing, hosting some of the most popular surfing competitions around the globe.
However, summers come with calm and gentle waters that are perfect for paddle boarding. Enjoy paddling all the way to Waimea Bay which is a four-mile away from Sunset Beach.
If you’re a beginner, go for Puaena Point which comes with a flatwater area with few waves and is also easy to reach.
The said spot is located at Haleiwa Beach Park on the Waimea Bay side of the Anahulu Bridge. Another famous paddleboarding spot in Hawaii is The Secret Falls in Kauai.
Best time for Paddleboarding in Hawaii: April to May & September to October
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one of the best year-round paddleboarding destinations in the world with its gentle and crystal-clear waves. The consistent waves are ideal for both beginners and experts.
If you are not a crowd-lover, then go toward the even calmer and less-visited beaches of the north such as Medewi and Balian.
Other than paddleboarding, one can also enjoy Bali’s incredible hiking and climbing mountains with a number of treks available. You can go up to a volcano or wander through the rice fields.
Bali is known as the island of the gods that will not only fulfill your wildest SUP dreams but also nourish your soul.
It gives you a spectacular diving experience. Finally, Bali is one of the best budget-friendly paddleboarding destinations in the world.
Best time for Paddleboarding in Bali, Indonesia: April to October
Banff, Alberta
With no surprise, Alberta is home to some most breathtaking national parks around the globe, particularly the famous Banff National Park.
In fact, Banff is one of the fantasy paddleboarding destinations in the world. It is home to a number of spectacular lakes that range from light blue to deep turquoise colors.
One can have a dreamy paddleboarding experience on the brightest teal lakes, then go toward Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, or Peyto Lake.
While paddling out don’t forget to see the shores for the incredible wildlife like grizzly bears, bald eagles, and herds of elk. Dog lovers will love one thing about Alberta’s national parks, they are dog-friendly.
Make sure to avoid paddleboarding in the winter season because here most of the lakes normally start to freeze in November.
Best time for Paddleboarding in Banff, Alberta: June to August
Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you want to cherish a paddleboarding experience on canals, Amsterdam is the place. Firstly, it sounds strange to paddleboard in Amsterdam, but paddleboarding/SUP can be done on any type of water.
So, as a city too has 165 canals, it’s actually a perfect SUP destination.
While paddling out, you can enjoy the magnificent windmills and tulips fields. Do visit in springs or summers, as the tulips bloom into a sea of blues, reds, and pinks.
The canals pass beautifully through the city’s golden-era buildings, cobblestone streets, and adorned gables. Remember to keep an eye on the occasional rusty bike and enjoy passing by storybook-like historical buildings.
While seeing all the magnificent architecture, one can also paddle right next to Anne Frank’s house, the place where the historical importance of Amsterdam truly sinks in.
Best time for Paddleboarding in Amsterdam, Netherlands: April to October
Lisbon Coast, Portugal
Portugal is known as Europe’s paddleboarding capital. It is home to an amazing variety of waters in which to paddle, all within fairly easy distance from Lisbon – Portugal’s Capital.
Just head toward 31 miles away in south of Lisbon, Luiz Saldanha Marine Park sits at the base of the Arrabida Hills that is sheltered from the prevailing North Easterly winds.
You can find paddling here is just like paddling in an aquarium, with water visibility of up to 70 feet on a typical calm morning.
Here, you can also see the permanent resident pod of bottlenose dolphins while paddling out. If you want a break, there is a wide variety of idyllic sandy coves to unwind yourself.
The best part, Portugal is a year around paddleboarding destination.
Best time for Paddleboarding in Lisbon Coast, Portugal: March to November
The Caribbean Islands
If you want to see heaven on earth, go and explore The Caribbean Islands. Just imagine yourself in the glittery sun as you paddle across the glassy waters. With 7,000+ picturesque islands, you are sure to dig a velvety soft sand beach to call your own.
While paddling out, you can explore the amazing marine life and the world’s finest coral reefs. Peeking around for turtles, manatees, iguanas, and stingrays is a great Caribbean paddleboarding experience. Get the finest SUP experience through the mangroves in Turks and Caicos.
On these islands, you’ll get a completely different perspective of the mangrove swamps. Further, in open shallows, you can never forget the experience to see wading herons and juvenile nurse sharks swim right underneath your board.
The shallow waters full of stingrays in St. Thomas are another incredible gift from the Caribbean.
The calm and tranquil waters of the Caribbean are great to try out SUP yoga.
Best time for Paddleboarding in the Caribbean Islands: December to April
Thailand
The southern islands of Thailand are lush playgrounds for paddleboarders. It is a gifted land to explore rich lagoons and mystical caves. It is an island filled with overly friendly naughty monkeys.
Book a paddleboard tour to discover its untouched beaches all by yourself and enjoy lucent waters, artistic rock formations, and fantasy sunsets. Make sure to bring your snorkel gear while paddling out as there are numerous beautiful fish living among its lively coral reefs.
Best time for Paddleboarding in Thailand: November to April
Italy
After visiting the Colosseum and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, if still in doubt, just paddle out. Discover Italy like never before. You can take a tour of the canals in Venice on your paddleboard.
As the canals are not so wide, your SUP will be able to explore places only very few have ever discovered in recent times.
After fulfilling your Venice thirst, head to Rome and tour the Tiber River.
The Tiber River is not recommended for beginner paddleboarders but experts can get epic views of the historical Castel Sant’Angelo and Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Booking a tour is highly recommended to get an in-depth account of the history you are seeing and tools to stay safe in the busy waters.
Best time for Paddleboarding in Italy: April to June & September to October
Boise, Idaho
Paddling out Boise’s rivers, creeks, lakes, and ponds is just like a dream come out. You can even paddle out on specially-made SUP-friendly waves and obstacle courses.
Quinn’s Pond and Esther Simplot Park is a 55-acre park that is a true SUP playground. Besides paddleboarding on 23+ acres of ponds, you can enjoy fishing, wading, canoeing, and swimming there.
Paddleboarders will truly enjoy the “meandering stream” that links the park’s two ponds with Quinn’s Pond, creating a circuit for paddling that encompasses a total of 50+ acres.
On the other hand, the most unwinding way to experience the beauty of Boise is by paddling down the popular Boise River. This is one of the most famous paddleboarding destinations in Southwest Idaho.
It will take you through the core of the city on gentle and calm currents.
Best time for Paddleboarding in Boise, Idaho: April to October
Antarctic Peninsula
Thinking of paddleboarding as solely a warm-weather sport, it’s not good. Antarctica is one of the best cold-water paddleboarding destinations in the world.
Nature enthusiasts enjoy more paddleboarding than kayaking in the Antarctic Peninsula to navigate through the ice and see penguins and seals swimming just underneath their boards.
Paddleboarding around icebergs, surrounded by magnificent scenery is a unique experience I, never ever forget. However, make sure to try to fall off your board into these chilling waters!
Best time for Paddleboarding in Antarctic Peninsula: November to March (it’s a summer season in the Antarctic)
She started BeachXplore as a traveling blog covering particularly amazing beaches which she was lucky to visit and research about. Here you can find her writings on the best beaches, guides on beach wear, items, and more.
