Kayaking in Raja Ampat is without a doubt the best way to explore the archipelago. Gliding silently among these spectacular islands without the noise and fume of outboard engines is to experience nature at its wild and beautiful best in what has to be the world’s greatest sea kayaking destination.
Raja Ampat’s maze of islets, peninsulas, bays and inlets provides kayaking opportunities for all skill and fitness levels.
A few homestays have kayaks available for local paddling. You can find those by applying the appropriate accommodation page search filter.
Kayaking in northern Raja Ampat
Gam Kayaks operate from a base next to Binn Betew Homestay at Kapisawar on Pulau Gam.
The calm, enclosed waters of Gam Bay are a safe environment for a first time paddle while affording plenty to explore. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a challenge, try working your way along Gam’s southern coast against the running tide!
Kayaking in Misool
Millekul Adventures (opens in a new window) work with Misool homestays and offer a range of paddling adventures.
There are short exploratory adventures perfect for beginners, as well as 2 and 3 week trips better suited to experienced paddlers. Millekul’s Misool kayaking expedition prices are all inclusive, with participants departing from and returning to Sorong.
You’ll find Millekul’s trip schedules here (opens in a new window).
48 Comments
Hi!
I selected ‘kayaking’ as a filter under accommodations, but no homestays appear. Is there still a way to go kayaking without having to go all the way to Misool?
Thank you!
Hi Mar
We’ve been told that Binn Betew Homestay has a single kayak available for rental, but to the best of our knowledge it’s the only homestay with one available at present.
Hi: I wrote on here in 2017 and finally coming to Raja Ampat. I’m solo, bringing an inflatable paddle board and will be staying in homestays. I only have about 10 days in the area and am just wondering if you could recommend for me your favourite places. My thoughts were Piaynemo, Gam , Rufus… And I’ve read that Misool was amazing…But just wondering about my time. I have nothing other to do but paddle, snorkel and hang in my hammock. I’d like to explore some trails and village life if available. Paddling…I’d like to see some variation in the water but also of the karst formations. Any recommendations would be so appreciated. Really looking forward to the adventure.
You mean a SUP board Tami? We have no idea how far you can cover in a day on one of those, or what kind of conditions you need, but staying at Rufas and paddling across to Piaynemo, then heading back to a homestay near Gam Bay and checking out the bay itself and Kapisawar and Sawinggrai villages would hit all those points you’ve mentioned.
Halo All,
I’m wondering whether there’s a “one day” tour kayaking in raja ampat?
I’m planning to do kayaking for only one day, because time is too short, I take 3D2N trip for Wayag and Piaynemo. The rest of 2 days is no plan, I’ll planning to stay in Mansuar island, so instead of 3 days doing nothing in the island, I would love to try kayaking.
Any recommendation for one day tour kayaking? besides of K4C, because I don’t see any option less than 8 days for kayaking.
Or is there any homestay that provide kayaking in the homestay.
Thanks and appreciate the answer!
Hi Mery
No one day kayaking tours that we know of. You can find homestays that have kayaks by applying the “Kayak (local use only)” Activity filter on the accommodation page.
Been there, done that and want to go again! Best trip of my lifetime.
Hello Raja Ampat travelers, We will be in Raja Ampat from 1 Feb. 2018 until 19 feb. We will bring a 2 seater Klepper folding kayak with us to make a tour with it around Gam. The Kayak is an old one but still in good condition. It´s fully equipment with a sail, outriggers, paddles en two lifejackets. After 19 feb. we will leave to the highlands in Papua. We don’t want to make the trouble to take the kayak with us. Is someone interested in the kayak? It isn’t worth very match and I don’t ask a lot for it. If you interested contact me on Facebook and I can send you some pics. Greatings from Holland
hallo, can I ask about this?
Hello Jerry,
Yes of course.
Hi. I might be interested. Can you contact me at my email address dcor@gmx.ch. Cheers
Hi Holger!
My boyfriend and I are planning a kayaking trip in Raja Ampat in April, where we’ll bring our own gear. Would love to hear about your experience, maybe schedule a call/Skype?!
Looking forward hearing back!
Best
Juliette & Matteo
Hi Juliette & Matteo,
Yes i like to tel you about our expirience in raja ampat.
You can contact me at info@houteninterieur.nl
greatings Holger
Hello,
We hade a great time in Raja Ampat! We did a trip around Gam and nord kubai bay. We did it all on our one with no guide. We had no problems at all. The boot did great and this with 50 years on her sholders! Thank ‘s to the stay raja ampat site we find a taker for the boot. (He hade also a great time with the boot.)
I hope I can do it again in the future.
greetings, Holger
Hi…I’m thinking of doing a s kayak/camping without guide in this area…Has there been any changes to renting kayaks since the last post?
Hi Tami –
To the best of our knowledge the above information is still current. K4C doesn’t hire kayaks without guides.
Want to do this ourselves… rent the Kayaks and stay at home stays…is it possible yet ?
Hi shaun
Yes. K4C has been in operation for many years and provide this service. As we told Tami though, K4C’s kayaks are hired out with a guide. Contact K4C for confirmation and further information. (Link provided above.)
Hi,
We are trying to rent 2 ocean kayaks in Raja Ampat for a solo trip, not a guided tour. At this moment K4C are not renting their kayaks for privately-run trips. Is there any other option?
Thanks
Sorry Gerard – like we said above, it’s either K4C or bring your own.
Hi,
I see you tried to rent kayaks on a non – guided trip.
My husband and I are looking to do the same thing. We are avid kayaker and I have been in one too many guided trips in Indonesia. Please let me know if you found an outfitter.
Many thanks,
Amy
Hi, in case kayak4conservation is already booked out, can you advise of any other options to rent a kayak? Do any other homestays or resorts have kayaks that can be rented for multiple or single days?
Hi Luke –
There’s nowhere else we’ve heard of that rents proper sea kayaks like K4C’s Kaskazis. Piaynemo Homestay has some available for guests, but as far as we know, they’re sit on tops and are not made for open water or available to hire out.
Rented a kayak from kayak4conservation in April 2013 – great kayak and great trip – can only recommend it