Places to Kayak in Georgia

Georgia is more well-known for its peaches and pecans than its kayaking scene. But Georgia actually offers outdoorsmen quite a few kayaking options, from rivers to the open sea. This guide will give you an overview of the kayaking locations in Georgia.

  1. Tybee Island

    • About 30 miles outside of Savannah lies Tybee Island, which in recent years has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It also is one of the most popular areas for sea kayaking. The island, which is only 3 miles long and a half-mile wide, offers paddlers a rough patch of water known as the Triangle. The Triangle is along the southern tip of the island and is made up of a series of sand bars. Tybee Island is perfect for the experienced paddler and the novice. Many surf and kayak shops offer half-day and full-day lessons. The weather is perfect for those kayak year-round. Water temperatures dip no lower than the 50s in the coldest parts of winter and remain in the 60s during November and December.

    Altamaha River

    • The Altamaha River, which runs through much of central Georgia, is North America's third-largest contributor of fresh water to the Atlantic Ocean. The large river stretches more than 130 miles, all within the confines of the Peach State. Plant and wildlife can be seen along the Altamaha, making it perfect for the paddler who enjoys exercise and sightseeing. Old growth forests of cyprus trees linger over black-water swamplands on the inland parts of the river. For those who kayak closer to the river's delta by the ocean, dolphins and sea birds are visible, as are the white sandy beaches that make up Georgia's coastline. An especially popular half-day trip is paddling from Buffalo Swamp to Cathead Creek as the landscape transitions from swampland to marsh.

    Chattahoochee River

    • Known as the heart of southeastern whitewater, northern Georgia offers novice and expert paddlers numerous kayaking opportunities. One of the most popular destinations is the Chattahoochee River, which has a 3.5-mile section known as the Metro Hooch. The rapids at the Hooch vary from very tame Class I, meaning calm water fit for beginners, to Class III, meaning moderately difficult rapids with some complex maneuvering required. One popular area of the Metro Hooch is a spot called the Wave. It is especially popular when the river is low, creating strong rapids as high as Class III. Upstream lies the Upper Hooch, an ideal location for novice paddlers. It features four miles of Class II and III water.