Wondering Where the Best Places to SUP in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere Are?
In this article, we cover some great SUP tours you can experience both in the northern and southern hemispheres!
...
Whether you're in the northern hemisphere...
Or the southern...
SUP season is still going strong!
Sure, the temperature might be changing...
And the landscape...
What you're wearing...
And the best time of the day to paddle might be different...
Also, maybe the weather is too...
Well, you get the point.
But wherever you might be on this beautiful planet we call home, SUP season is still on.
And to convince you it is...
We want to highlight three of the best SUP tours in the northern hemisphere to capture the beauty that Autumn brings to any paddling session...
And three of the best in the southern hemisphere where spring has sprung and summer is right around the corner.
Hopefully, this will convince you that paddling is actually not a seasonal activity...
Instead, it's one to be done year-round!
First, let's start in the north...
1. Napa Valley Paddle - Wooden Whale Boat Tour (Napa Valley, California)
This tour is a bit different. Instead of paddling on a SUP, you'll take a guided tour in a traditional wooden whaleboat!
This tour is great for families looking to paddle together in one boat, or if you want to let your guide do the paddling.
Napa Valley offers guided tours of the Napa River aboard traditional wooden whaleboats modeled after those that carried early settlers to the Napa Valley from arriving ships in the San Francisco Bay. You'll ride the tide through protected wetlands in the famed Los Carneros wine region showcasing a rare perspective of several wine appellations and ecological zones visible in the nearby hills. Perfect for small groups, including families with children.
No white caps in your wine glass, just paddling and smooth sailing. Harpooning a whale may cost extra!
Choose this tour for a fun activity that's something different! Plus, if you still want to SUP, the people at Napa Valley are the best team in the area to get you on a board.
Plus, with a Perfect Paddles Member Deal you can save 10% off their services!
2. Norm Hann Expeditions - Discovery Islands (Canada)
If there is one place to experience SUP during the fall it would have to be up north in Canada. There, with a slight chill in the air, and the fall colors in full bloom, paddling along the coastline can only be described as magic. And the best company to discover all there is to see? Norm Hann Expeditions.
While they offer multiple experiences, we highly recommend their Discovery Islands tour. They write on their website, "Our Discovery Islands Ocean Camp offers a relaxing four or five days of sup touring in and around the magnificent Surge Narrows Marine Park.
The waters around Quadra Island offer an incredible place for connection, cultural history, and exploration. Included in National Geographic Canada’s 50 Places of a Lifetime, the Discovery Islands are a standup paddle boarders paradise and considered to be one of the West Coast’s best-kept secrets.
The Islands host abundant wildlife and are home to sea lions, seals, pacific white-sided dolphins, otters, colorful birds, and some of the largest starfish and clams in the world. Playful seals and seal pups often approach the boards. Even transient Orcas and Humpback Whales have at times been spotted during this trip."
Magic. Right?
3. Moxie Unleashed SUP Excursion - Croatia
Moxie Unleashed & GoXperience have teamed up to offer two different action-packed SUP & Sail Adventure weeks, island hopping in Croatia.
Each day brings new picturesque surroundings to explore and new adventures to be had while throughout the week there will be some regular favourites.
The itinerary may be full but this is your holiday and it’s up to you how much – or little – you do. We know you’ll love all of our sessions but if chilling on deck with a good book is what you need, then that’s fine with us too!
No experience is necessary for the multi activity trip, while SUP experience is needed for the SUP Touring trip – for either make sure you bring a smile and a sense of adventure!
Nathan and Sasha have years of experience in what they do and whether you are a complete novice or already an experienced pro, they will guide you through all the ropes and strokes, turns and techniques, postures and planking you’ll need, developing and challenging your skills, knowledge and ability as the week progresses.
Whether you’re escaping solo, with your partner, friends or family, step aboard the stunning 51ft GoX yacht and explore the islands along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, sleeping on board in a different location every night.
And you can save today with a Perfect Paddles Membership!
But now that we've covered the north, it's time to get to the south and their nice, warm weather...
1. SUP Tours Philippines - Water Fall SUP Tour
Feeling adventurous? Take on the challenge of paddling to Busay Falls in the Loboc River.
After a short lesson, you’ll head upstream in a leisurely manner with a stopover at a cold spring along the way.
Busay Falls are a series of high and low cascading falls that is safe to swim and jump in. Just ask your SUP instructor to guide you through the safe areas. Enjoy a total body workout after this fun time in the river. And see the wonderful waterfalls of the Philippines from aboard your SUP!
2. SUP CBR - Sunrise With Hot Air Balloons? (Australia)
This is your chance to experience the magic of a sunrise paddle SUP tour and combine it with the Balloon Spectacular in Canberra on Lake Burley Griffin.
Imagine seeing the sunrise on the water, and along with it, hundreds of hot air balloons floating into the sky.
The one catch - this spectacular event only takes place in March so keep your eye on the schedule and book in advance. This one is not to be missed.
3. The River SUP Guy - River SUP Adventure in Costa Rica
The River SUP Guy team partners with Amazing Vacations Costa Rica to offer paddling adventures in one of the most densely biodiverse regions in the world. This 10-day trip starts with 3 days of SUP Surfing on the Pacific coast in Jaco, followed by 5 days of whitewater paddling on the Sarapiqui and Pacuare rivers. They base out of B&Bs, hotels, eco-lodges, and an unforgettable jungle camp at the Pacuare Outdoor Center.
In Jaco, you will be using inflatable SUPs at a beginner to intermediate beach break and you will have two SUP Surf lessons and an optional third day to practice. On the rivers, you will have your choice of craft between SUPs, inflatable or hardshell kayaks, and the option to ride in a paddle raft on their 2-day Pacuare River excursion. This trip is suitable for paddlers of ALL LEVELS OF ABILITY. Non-paddling family members are also welcome!
Their team provides all the paddling equipment. Use of personal gear is subject to pre-approval to ensure it’s appropriate for the river.
Sounds pretty amazing, right? Sign up for the excursion taking place December 25th - January 3rd!
And remember to stay stoked!
-The Perfect Paddles Team
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