Kayak Trips in South America: 14 That Fill a Day Properly

1.Half a day of kayaking on Lake Moreno in private service

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 92 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $150Our pick

You’ll be picked up for a private four-hour outing from Bariloche and driven through Circuito Chico to Lake Moreno. After a safety briefing and paddling lesson, you’ll kayak from Arroyo Angostura with views of Cerro López, Cerro Bella Vista, Llao Llao Hill, Rabbit Island, and Hotel Llao Llao. Guides including Andres or Andy may lead the trip.

“Fabulous trip. We loved our guides, and the beauty of the surrounding area. I would definitely recommend this tour if you love the outdoors.”

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2.Kayaking to the mangroves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $36Best value

Paddle from Pontal Beach around Ilha dos Pombos, through Paraty’s final urban mangrove, and along the Perequê Açu River. English-speaking guides such as Brenda and Mateo provide instruction, gear, wildlife help, and photos. The relaxed 2-hour outing suits beginners and includes single or double kayaks.

“This was a brilliant experience in Paraty despite the overcast weather. I can only imagine how amazing it would have been with some sunshine. Our guide was extremely friendly, patient and knowledgable, and provided us with pictures afterwards. We saw all sorts of birds and even a bright blue crab. Would fully recommend”

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3.Tierra del Fuego Trekking and Canoeing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 75 reviews · 8 hours · from $158

Spend eight hours in Tierra del Fuego National Park with a bilingual guide, a forest walk, lunch in a geodesic dome, and an hour in stable inflatable canoes. You will follow the Lapataia and Ovando rivers toward Lapataia Bay, with boots, overpants, and a life jacket supplied. Groups are limited to 10 people.

“La parte con la canoa é stata la più divertente (e faticosa), le guide sono state bravissime, ci hanno fornito tutte le informazioni e le indicazioni. Pranzo al DOME molto caratteristico, ovviamente spartano come era facile immaginare. Il trekking é la parte meno riuscita: organizzazione ottima ma forse si potevano scegliere sentieri più panoramici.”

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4.TRU KAYAK – Navigating the Uruguay River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 60 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $100

TRU Kayak takes you onto the Uruguay River for an easy, guided outing of about three hours. Juan Pablo and Laura provide rowing and safety instruction, adjust the route to your group, and share stories about local flora, fauna, history, islands, and the river coast. Kayaks, life vests, paddles, cockpit covers, insurance, and a first aid kit are included.

“Excellent experience. 100% recommended!. I hope I can come back to do the full moon.Auto-translated”

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5.Sunset Sea Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 56 reviews · 1h 30m · from $70

Set out from Karib Kayak & Paddle Center in Castillogrande for a gentle 2-kilometer sunset paddle across Cartagena Bay. Guides such as Einer, Carlos, Andres, and Germán provide patient instruction, local stories, and steady support. The 90-minute outing suits beginners and children five and older in a double kayak with a parent.

“i loved the interaction with Stefanie and Carlos. very well safety instructions and very nice and peaceful weather to do the activity. it was brilliant. i felt very relaxed and comfortable and we went so far away!!!! Brilliant activity would recommend it to everyone!!!”

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6.Half a day of kayaking on the Nahuel Huapi lake in private service

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $150

Spend about four hours with guides Andy, Diego, or Julián, traveling from Bariloche through Circuito Chico to Bahía López. After a safety briefing, paddle toward Brazo Tristeza on Nahuel Huapi, with views of Cerro Capilla, Cerro López, waterfalls, beaches, and Sentinel Island. Expect roughly two hours on the water and a traditional mate break.

“Great experience! Andy was our guide and was super friendly and knowledgeable about the area. On the way to the lake we took several quick stops at interesting and beautiful viewpoints. The kayaking itself was amazing. The water was so clear and surrounding mountains were stunning. We spent about 2 hours on the water with a surprise rest for traditional Mate tea and treats on the lake. Highly recommend this experience to anyone spending time in Bariloche!”

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7.TRU KAYAK – Cruise along the majestic Uruguay River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · from $200

TRU Kayak takes you onto the Uruguay River near San José, Entre Ríos, for a private, low-difficulty paddle shaped around your group. Guides Juan Pablo and Laura provide instruction, safety gear, single or double kayaks, and close support. Expect about eight hours outdoors, with possible rest stops and wildlife viewing.

“Walk from San José to Leibig, they taught us how to paddle a cross-country kayak and we paddled for approximately two hours. They brought everything very delicious to rest on a beach in the middle, some bosses!”

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8.Kayak paddling adventure around Bariloche

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $160

Spend about seven hours kayaking on Moreno Lake, Nahuel Huapi Lake, or both, with a private bilingual guide such as Juan Carlos or Andres. Your guide matches the route to your fitness and paddling level, then serves a picnic lunch on a quiet beach or island. Hotel pickup, kayaks, safety gear, snacks, and drinks are included.

“Our kayak tour with Juan around the stunning lakes of Bariloche was absolutely amazing! Paddling through the crystal-clear waters surrounded by breathtaking mountain views was an unforgettable experience, and the picnic of delicious empanadas on a peaceful island made it even more special. Juan was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, sharing insights about the area and making the whole trip both fun and informative. He even went above and beyond by giving us great recommendations for the rest of our time in Bariloche. Highly recommend this tour for a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation!”

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9.Kayak through the Sunken Forest of the Maullín River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $95

Paddle the Maullín River near Llanquihue in a sea kayak or sit-on-top kayak, with local guides such as Felipe, Camilla, Esteban, Benjamin, or Fernando helping you handle the current and spot birds and native plants. The four-hour outing includes transport, safety gear, snacks, and pizza with craft beer or a soft drink.

“This was an excellent half day kayak experience. We paddled in a beautiful area with lots of different birds to see and gorgeous scenery. Our guide Filipe was excellent. He had lots of knowledge about the birds and plants, which was very interesting. The instruction on paddling and steering technique was helpful and the advice on the route to take on the faster water was so helpful. We felt safe and supported. It really was a brilliant afternoon.”

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10.Kayak Water Trail in Red River Park by Adrenailha

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $68

Spend about two hours kayaking around Rio Vermelho State Park and Lagoa da Conceição in Florianópolis. Adrenailha provides kayaks, paddles, life vests, safety gear, instruction, and a guide such as Sergio or Diana. The route changes with wind, weather, and your group’s ability, with stops for nature and local culture.

“La remada por zonas realmente naturales. Parque y lago. Quia excelente y muy empática. Es algo para repetir”

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11.Stand-Up Paddle – Copacabana Beach Sunrise

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 39 reviews · 1h 30m · from $70

Meet at Posto 6 near the Fairmont and Fisherman colony Z-13 for a 90-minute sunrise SUP outing. An instructor explains the basics, then you paddle toward Copacabana Fort and pause offshore as the horizon brightens. Boards, paddles, life jackets, lockers, waterproof phone cases, and photo and video coverage are included.

“Fue una gran experiencia, lo único que pienso de puede mejorar es la puntualidad para comenzar la actividad ya que el amanecer estaba por salir y aún seguíamos en tierra.”

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12.Puerto Maldonado: Sandoval Lake Full-Day Trip with Canoeing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 38 reviews · 1 day · from $85

Join a small group of up to 12 for an afternoon journey from Puerto Maldonado to Sandoval Lake. Ride the Madre de Dios River, walk 55 minutes through Tambopata National Reserve, then canoe in search of giant otters, monkeys, parrots, and black caimans. Guides speak English or Spanish, though you should confirm your preferred language before booking.

“Llegaron 2 horas tarde de lo que pone, lo que supuso hacer la excursión con un calor asfixiante. A pesar de que claramente pone que la excursión es en español, el guía Sergio solo hablaba en inglés, por más que le insistimos traducía solo una parte y de forma incompleta y malas formas, cuando es su lengua materna. Éramos 6 españoles en el grupo que se lo estuvimos continuamente diciendo. Luego decidió mandarnos con un compañero suyo para separarnos y él no tener que hablar en español. En el camino de vuelta, pasó lo mismo, no volvió a hablar en español. No entiendo, porque se ofrece esta excursión de esta…”

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13.Sunset Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 37 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $36

Join a professional guide for an easy two-hour sunset kayak from Pontal, Paraty. After basic instruction, paddle toward Jabaquara Beach, enter the city’s last remaining urban mangrove, and continue to Ilha dos Pombos for birds, plants, bay views, and possible capybara sightings. No kayaking experience is needed.

“This was such a great tour! Brenda was a wonderful guide and showed us so many cool things. Highly recommend.”

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14.Kayaking Mangroves tour ( Natural Reserve )

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $36

Start at Pontal Beach with a short safety briefing, then paddle toward Paradise Beach, Jabaquara, nearby islands, and Paraty’s remaining mangroves. The two-hour route may include capybaras, while the three-hour route explores farther without a capybara stop. Local guides such as Brenda, Paulo, Lumila, and Sergio lead the outing.

“It was a great experience. We explored the beautiful nature and had a nice tour guide. 100% recommended!”

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