I could live happily ever after on the Intracoastal waterways of the Brunswick Islands, and I’d probably spend a good portion of that life in a kayak gliding through the salt marshes.
I’ve decided.
It’s truly one of the most peaceful things I’ve ever done in my life, and that’s in spite of the fact I just learned to kayak for the first time right there in the Brunswick Islands.
We had booked a trip with one of the many wonderful adventure outfitters in the area, The Adventure Kayak Company, and with the coastal wetlands as my classroom, I earned my kayaking degree in no time. Within minutes the world melted away, and with each stroke of the paddle, the only thing that mattered was the moment I was in.
The salt marshes of the Brunswick Islands are bursting with wildlife. You may spot dolphins, crabs, fish or turtles, and if you’re a birding enthusiast, you’ll be absolutely thrilled with what you’ll find. There are well over 200 bird species in the area.
Kayaking can be arranged for all ages and skill levels, making it a perfect activity for families. Instructors are very thorough and will stick close to anyone who needs extra attention (like me).
Did you know kayaks are actually a heck of a lot less tippy than canoes? That was a fact I was thrilled to learn!
We went kayaking in the morning and it was wonderful because the salt marshes were teeming with wildlife activity, but there are also twilight excursions available. Sunsets are exquisite in the Brunswick Islands, so that’s awfully tempting for next time.
But no matter what time of day you kayak (or canoe) through the salt marshes, it’s an absolute must while visiting the beautiful Brunswick Islands. It’s so peaceful!
Be sure to catch up with my other Brunswick Islands posts if you missed them.
Could you envision yourself kayaking Brunswick Islands salt marshes?Â
Comments & Reviews
How fun! I have been telling Chris for YEARS that I want to go kayaking, but we haven’t gone – ever. This summer I want to make it a priority!
I feel like that could easily be part of your RueYear festivities. You gotta do it!
Haha, yes! The only snafu I can imagine is the fact that I can’t swim – so we can’t go out too far.
Oh girl…that’s what life vests are for. Any reputable kayaking outfitter will make sure you’re wearing one.
So this was your very first attempt at kayaking? I’ve been dying to do this for a few years now but frankly….I’m CHICKEN!!….and scared silly. You had no troubles picking it all up??
Yes, I was soooo nervous and mostly because I feared tipping over. Once they told me the kayaks were really quite stable and steady, I relaxed. My paddling skills were rather elementary, but I did a-ok and managed to stay within the middle of the pack. I can’t wait to go again!
What a great adventure. And I’m so impressed that you managed to capture such stunning images while kayaking!
I wish I took them, but I gave photo credit to the tourism bureau and another blogger who was brave enough to risk taking along her camera. lol
I love to kayak and this location looks incredible. You saw so much wildlife and your photos are fantastic! I’ve always been worried to take my phone or camera with me.
I think I’m going to have to get one that’s safe near water. I feel like I miss so many shots because I’m too wimpy to take my good one.
Wow this looks and sounds like an amazing thing to dom I’d love to sit in the kayak and just take in all the surroundings!
It’s so restorative and rejuvenating to be out there in such a beautiful and peaceful place.
What beautiful photos. Whenever we travel we always try and go kayaking somewhere, as it’s a great way to discover a new area.
That is so smart! I’m going to remember that and try to incorporate it into more of my trips too!
What stunning photos! I love kayaking, I haven’t been for years. Must go again, I forgot how fun it can be 🙂
I’m not sure how I’d feel about going on rougher waters, but through the salt marshes, it was perfect.
Oh, these things terrify me haha! My mum had a really bad experience in one, so I’ve never wanted to try tbh.
Lightning doesn’t strike twice??? Maybe??
How fun! I’ve always wanted to go kayaking. It’s definitely high on my bucket list. I think I’m finally going to attempt it this summer <3
Your photos are absolutely beautiful! I would love to kayak someday and love that you mentioned that kayaks are less tippy that canoes as that has been my reason for not trying it before. The view looks very peaceful and it is probably a great workout too!
Yes, once I heard that, I felt so much better about it. I don’t know what scares me so much about falling over, but it sure does!
Today is a perfect day for kayaking the salt marshes of Brunswick Islands. I do believe I could happily live there, too. I can almost feel the peacefulness as I look at your beautiful photos.
I’m glad you felt the peacefulness. It truly is nurturing to the soul.
How beautiful. Kayaking has always been one of my favorite things to do. I feel so close to nature when I’m in a kayak.
It really doesn’t get much better than that.
One of my family’s favorite things to do is hit the Georgia water in kayaks. You get a view of the surroundings and wildlife that you can’t get any other way.
That’s the absolute truth! There is something so serene about quietly being in tune with your surroundings.
My parents live near Brunswick and I love visiting the marshes. They are so peaceful.
I’m totally jealous that you have the chance to go there frequently!
I’ve never been kayaking but it does look therapeutic as you can’t really think of much else when you’re out on the water x
That’s exactly it! It is such a perfect solitude out there.
kayaking looks like an amazing experience. I’d love to learn but I’d need to learn to swim first. It looks like such a relaxing time and the photos are stunning. xx
I love love love to kayak – It’s one of my favorite “sports!” We haven’t been in a few years because our kids are so little
I hope you get to make up for it tenfold when they get a little bigger!
We have 3 kayaks so this would be on our to do list for sure. Glad you enjoyed your sweet time there.
I’ve never been kayaking. something about being that close to the water and confined intimidates me. It looks beautiful and I know it’s something I’d enjoy just for the scenery.
We just bought kayaks this past summer, and I was amazed at how stable they were! This looks like an awesome place to kayak.
I’d be worried about flies. But these experiences/shots are worth it!
Wow what beautiful scenery! I used to kayak a lot when I was younger and would always enjoy it xxx
Never been kayaking looks fun and your pictures are beautiful.
oh wow that looks like an amazing experience and your pictures are just stunning
I think I’d find this a very relaxing experience with that beautiful scenery all around!
How fun. I would love to do this. I believe in taking all adventures offered to you.
Oh gosh you photos are beautiful ! I have never been kayaking, but hope to this summer!!
My family would absolutely love this !!! How fun especially kayaking that’s our favorite !!
Wow! Love your pictures, looks so beautiful and peaceful! Love nature!!
Oh wow what an amazing looking experience, I could just sit in the middle of the lake for a while and watch all the wildlife. x
What a beautiful setting for kayaking! I miss kayaking.
I haven’t been to the Brunswick Islands or kayaking yet — both are definitely on my bucket list! Looks like a wonderful experience and your photos are beautiful. I’m in North Carolina, too! 🙂
This looks like a great way to spend an afternoon. I would love to go Kayaking in a salt marsh.
I always love exploring salt marshes. They are such a cool little ecosystem. I would have loved kayaking in the Brunswick Island salt marshes.
I love the thought of kayaking through the marshes after seeing your photos. I live in Florida, but have to admit that the thought of alligators scare me. I absolutely love your photos.
It does look so fun, doesn’t it? Salt marshes and the wildlife there have always fascinated me.
I totally get why people like to kayak. I have done it once and that was the most peaceful ride I ever did.
Wow this trip sounds amazing and your photos are beautiful!
I have got to go here with my family! We love to kayak our local lake. This looks like so much fun!
For a second I thought I saw a picture of a shark – and I almost jumped out of my chair! That is a dolphin right?! I am awful at telling them apart!!! If I were out on the water and saw that fin I would have been screaming like crazy!
What fantastic pictures you posted. Kayaking is fun and a sport that’s becoming more popular every year. I’m glad you mentioned the kayaking class so people know it’s something that can be learned in a short period of time so they can enjoy their adventure.
That sunset is stunning it almost seems unreal as I have never seen such a vivid pink sunset like that how wonderful is that? Glad you had a good time kayaking.
These photos are so pretty, I feel like I just went on vacation with you. I’ve kayaked before in Nor Cal, but I’d love to go kayaking at the Brunswick Islands salt marshes!
Great photos. Espeically the sunset! I have never kayaked. I’d be scared to even get in one.
Wow, what a great trip. I love all of the photos. I have never kayaked, but I did canoe one time (I won’t tell you about how it tipped over!) This looks like you had a relaxing and fun time.
Oh how fun and peaceful looking. I’ve always though that it looked hard to balance yoursef in a kayak. How neat to do something new and exciting.
Brunswick Island looks beautiful, I have been kayaking once and because I can’t swim it scares the bejesus outta me but I do remember it being fun lol
I need to learn how to kayak. I have a creek in my backyard and I see kayakers all the time but me…nope. It needs to go to the top of my bucket list because it is such a great way to experience nature.
Yes, yes, and, oh, YES! I’ve been kayaking for years but rarely get a chance to do it since we live in a suburban area and I don’t drive. I miss it SO much! This looks beyond amazing and I could 100% envision myself kayaking like that daily if I could.
All of the photos look great, they are so pretty. I feel like I was there too.
Oh man, this looks like a wonderful trip! I haven’t been kayaking in years and this makes me want to go this summer.
I haven’t tried kayaking before. I am sure this would be a great experience. Thanks for inspiring me.
Looks beautiful, I’m not a big kayaker.
Stunning photos! I love the resolution! It must have been a great experience for you. I should be doing more of this. I love nature and would jump at any chance to enjoy it. I’m adding Brunswick Islands to my “must-go-there-this-year” list!
This reminds me so much of The Notebook. Just look at that sunset, I could probably do this everyday and I won’t get tired of it. It’s so relaxing and it gives you a much needed rest away from all the stresses of the city life!
I went kayaking once when I was dating my husband in Lake Michigan! what a pitiful fool I was! ☺ This water look gorgeous and smooth though!
Kayaking sure is a fun way to get in some activity.
You took some breath-taking pictures!
I have never kayaked and was never super interested in trying it. You may have changed my mind with these gorgeous pictures and how you described it as peaceful. Sounds lovely!
This looks like a nice place to visit. I’d love to go kayaking!
It does look really peaceful. And that sunset is just beautiful!
Such a beautiful day for your adventure! You got some amazing photos.
This looks like such a wonderful experience 🙂 Thanks for sharing all of your pictures!
I’ve never been kayaking or canoeing but have always wanted to. The Brunswick Islands sure looks really pretty and it would be fun seeing the wildlife.
I’ve never been kayaking or canoeing but have always wanted to. The Brunswick Islands sure looks really pretty and it would be fun seeing the wildlife.
What a great and awesome experience. The place looks really nice too!
This looks great. Never heard of kayaking before.
Great experience. I love the ducks and the sunset plus the good quality and perfect shot of the photos.
This is so beautiful! I would love to kayak here and see all of the incredible wildlife.
Kayaking looks like a relaxing way to spend some time. I’d enjoy it, especially taking photos of everything.
I have always wanted to retreat in the quiet countryside. Kayaking in this beautiful place would be a dream come true for me. Thanks for letting me know about Brunswick islands!
What a beautiful adventure. These islands are now on my bucket list thanks to you!
What an amazing adventure! It looks stunning there. I’m glad you mentioned about kayaks being less likely to tip than canoes as that was my first thought when i saw them
I love kayaking though I have never done it here. It’s such a calm and peaceful activity. You see so much wildlife as it’s so quiet.
What a fabulous post! I have been kayaking once, but it was sea Kayaking in St Lucia. This looks so tranquil and peaceful, and you have some amazing photos too!
Wow…you shared some great photos of your adventure. Now it make me want to do more kayaking for sure. I have only gone twice and enjoyed both.
These are amazing pictures. I have always wanted to try to kayak. It would be so peaceful.
This looks like so much fun! I’ve always wanted to try Kayaking! The Salt Marshes look like an amazing place to spend a few hours exploring!
I have never gone to kayaking but this looks so much fun! It’s nice to enjoy mother nature like this!
What gorgeous photos. I’ve never been kayaking, but this looks like so much fun and a great way to see some beautiful views.
I picked up kayaking a few years ago and never looked back. It is one of the main reasons I can’t wait for the weather to warm up here in New England. I mostly kayak in my local river and a small lake near my neighborhood, so I’ve never kayaked any place as beautiful as this. It looks like a wonderful experience, and if I find myself in the Brunswick Islands I’ll be sure to add this to my list!
WOW these pics are gorgeous!! I’ve never been kayaking but I always have wanted to go!
What a beautiful place to kayak. I used to do that often as a teenager and it was fun.
This looks like so much fun. I’ve never been kayaking.
I know my girls would love to do this. I need to feel more comfortable in a kayak and this looks like the best way to do it with an instructor. Your pictures are stunning.
I haven’t been kayaking in a long time. What beautiful pics, I’ll have to visit the salt marshes
Kayaking is so much fun! Sounds like you had an amazing time on your trip!
Looks like such a stunning place, so much fun. I haven’t been kayaking in years!
Spectacularly beautiful! Your pictures made me feel I’m right there! The sunset was enthralling ! Anything outdoors and being with nature has a wonderful effect on the soul!
Wow! nature in all it’s beauty! I could totally live there too
I have never been in a kayak before but how lovely this looks! Wow. I am taken back by the amazing photos and sights you saw.
Brunswick Islands is very new for me, but looks like a beautiful place to visit with nature at its best to explore all around. The pictures are beautiful enough to impress anyone for a visit anytime sooner.
I agree with you, Lisa, the photos are pretty impressive. It’s so exciting to be one with nature in this way.
Kayaking would be a great way to experience nature like this. My family has kayaked in our area before and loved it.
This is such a beautiful and scenic place. By kayaking through it, you really get a sense of the nature and wildlife around you.
that sunset?!?! so beautiful…
i love kayaking so much!
What a fubn adventure! I used to love kayaking! I must give it a go again! x
Wow to the awesome pictures. What a great group of them you have! My sister in law likes to kayak. She goes out by herself a lot! I wish she had someone oto go out with her, I bet it would makea good thing even better.
Wow to the awesome pictures. What a great group of them you have! My sister in law likes to kayak. She goes out by herself a lot! I wish she had someone oto go out with her, I bet it would make a good thing even better.
Omg breathtaking photos!!! I’m all about kayaking in the summer since we live right by a lake 🙂
This looks absolutely wonderful! I have never been kayaking but it looks so peaceful in these surroundings x
You got lots of great photos! I love kayaking!
That is absolutely a fun adventure! You had a awesome day and a lot of beautiful pictures.
You had a lot of great photos. I want to try that experience
I have always wanted to kayak, but have never had the chance. These photos are just stunning. I want to go!!!
This looks so fun! I love the photos and now I want to try kayaking!
Wow, such a stunning place. Sometimes getting off the beaten track or trips like this in a kayak bring such great rewards that you’d never see if you didn’t take the plunge and go on an adventure
I haven’t ever gone kayaking before. I looks like a lot of fun. The pictures are amazing! I need to do something like this with my hubby. It would be fun!