From time immemorial, sailing the seas, rivers and canals is the main way to transport goods. It was along the shores of the world’s rivers that future civilizations were formed, starting from the ancient Egyptian and ending with European countries. Today, the ancient great waterways create ideal conditions for travel, offering leisurely relaxing trips. Instead of the usual planes, trains or cars.
Kayaking, Wilderness Waterway, USA
Everglades is a swampy area in the southern part of Florida, with a narrow sandy strip in the east, which is something like a water maze. When God created this region, he definitely thought about lovers of canoeing. The development of the Wilderness Waterway can take a lifetime. The 159 km long path stretches along the eastern edge of the Everglades. Winding past 10,000 islands, it comes out to the Gulf of Mexico. Tent camps and camping areas are located at a distance of no more than 15 km. Your faithful companions during the trip will be representatives of the local fauna: alligators, dolphins and manatees. If you are not the owner of a canoe or kayak, you can rent them directly in the city of Everglades for nine days.
On the felucca, Nile River, Egypt
Traveling on a felucca, a small wooden vessel, along one of the longest rivers in the world, the Nile, is a classic of the genre. Leaving Aswan behind and moving towards Kom Ombo, this small ship with triangular sails, with six to eight passengers on board, will provide a unique opportunity for its guests to see the real Nile. You can spend the night either directly on the ship (it is better to grab a sleeping bag), or pitch tents on the island. The trip to Kom-Ombo will be with one overnight stay. The voyage to Esna will take four days and three nights. Felucas bring a good income to their owners in Aswan, so this is a fairly popular business and there will definitely be no problems with finding a ship and a captain.
Rafting, Franklin River, Australia
Despite the fact that the Franklin River is not so far from the main city of Tasmania, Hobart, its violent waters remain among the cleanest and faithfully serve all lovers of rafting. Once you launch an inflatable raft, a stormy stream will take you on an eight-day journey, during which a distance of at least 100 km will be overcome. The end of this unforgettable week will take place at the Gordon River, it is there that the angry waters of Franklin will spit out your raft. The already fascinating journey is diversified by the types of impenetrable forests protected by the World Heritage. Thrill-seekers should be delighted by the Great Revin River, whose rapids have very poetic names Koldron (Boiler), Sanderash and Chen (Churn).
Jetboating, Shotover River, New Zealand
Jetboating is one of the extreme sports popular among tourists coming to New Zealand. A kind of mecca for lovers of dangerous adventures is Queenstown, a resort town on the South Island, it is here that those who want to tickle their nerves go. The Shotover Mountain River is the best place for jetboating. A thirty—minute flight through the river canyons, almost without touching the stone walls, when viewed from the outside, looks like a dance on the water – during the movement, jetboats twist 360 degrees. Tolkien connoisseurs will easily be able to identify Brod Bruinen, known to all fans of the book, in this southern part of the Alps.
Canoe Trip, Bowron Lake, Canada
Bowron Lake Park is the best place to travel by canoe. These small boats will allow you to make a grand trip through the waters of British Columbia. You will cross about ten lakes and swim along three rivers. The trip will take from six to ten days. It is better to book places in advance, since the number of tourists is limited. There are shorter trips — from three to four days, from Lake Bowron to Lake Unna. It is best to go on a water tour in the period starting from mid-May and ending in mid-October. The greatest impressions can be obtained in September: autumn beauties will complement the journey with bright colors.