Kayak or paddleboard rental in the French overseas territories: the best spots overseas

The French Overseas Territories (DOM-TOM), or French overseas departments and territories, are true gems for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you're a fan of stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking, or canoeing, each island or overseas region offers unique landscapes to explore from the water: turquoise lagoons, mangroves, volcanoes, secret coves, and more.

Here's a roundup of the best places to go kayaking and paddleboarding in the French overseas territories, with local and practical information to enhance your experience.

Kayak or paddleboard rental in the French overseas departments and territories

Guadeloupe – Paddle and kayak between mangroves, islands and coral reefs

Guadeloupe is a paradise for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. With its butterfly shape, warm, clear waters, and diverse coastal ecosystems, it offers an exceptional variety of spots accessible to all skill levels.

🌊 Areas to explore:

• Cousteau Reserve in Bouillante (Malendure beach): corals, tropical fish, transparent kayak, optional snorkeling.

• Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin : walk in the mangroves, exploration of the islands in Gosier and Sainte-Rose.

• Salée River : peaceful navigation between Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre, ideal for kayaking.

• Saint-François Beach , Le Moule , Port-Louis : coastal spots for paddleboarding in calm water.

  
  

📅 Clubs and rentals:

• Karukera Kayak Nature (Sainte-Rose)

• Gwada Paddle (Le Gosier)

• Yalodé Kayak (Petit-Havre Bay)..... (Are you a rental professional? Contact us)

• Access the complete Guadeloupe file

  
  

Martinique – Between postcard beaches and secret mangroves

In Martinique, the diversity of coastal landscapes offers incredible SUP or kayaking routes, from turquoise bays to the mangroves.

🌊 Recommended spots:

• Anses d'Arlet : transparent waters, sea turtles, departure from Grande Anse beach.

• Mangrove of Génipa Bay (Rivière-Salée): accompanied kayak or paddle excursion.

• Caravelle Peninsula : discover the wild coves by paddleboard, view of the cliffs.

• Fort-de-France Bay and Anse Mitan in Trois-Îlets: urban paddleboarding and lively beaches.

  
  

📅 Nautical centers:

• Madinina Kayak (Anse Figuier)

• Kayak Nature Escape (Le Robert)

• Paddle Evasion Martinique (Anse Noire)

• Access the complete Martinique file

  
  

Reunion Island – Paddleboarding on lagoons, rivers and waterfalls

Although the island is coastal and mountainous, Reunion Island offers several quiet areas for paddleboarding and kayaking, particularly in its protected lagoons.

🌊 Where to paddle?

• Hermitage Lagoon and La Saline-les-Bains : very calm area, ideal for beginners or for paddleboarding with the family.

• Bassin La Paix and Bassin Boeuf (east side): freshwater kayaking in the heart of the tropical forest.

• Saint-Paul Pond : inland paddleboarding area.

• Saint-Pierre : departure from the beach for coastal SUP hiking.

  
  

📅 Local rental companies:

• Ti Pirogue (Hermitage)

• Lagoon Reunion Paddle

• Bourbon Kayak (Cilaos and southern coast)

Kayak or paddleboard rental in the French overseas departments and territories

New Caledonia – Kayaking in the world’s largest lagoon

New Caledonia is a dream destination for any kayaking or SUP enthusiast. Its UNESCO World Heritage-listed lagoon is home to dozens of islands and incredible marine life.

🌊 Places not to be missed:

• Anse Vata Bay (Noumea): easy access, clubs on the beach.

• Canard Island and Maître Island : accessible by kayak or paddleboard from Noumea.

• Isle of Pines : translucent waters, sailing between columnar pines.

• Poe Lagoon (Bourail): very popular for water sports.

  
  

📅 Rental companies and excursions:

• Aqualagoon Paddle (Noumea)

• Kayak NC

• Aqua Nature (guided outings to the islands)

  
  

French Guiana – Paddling in the French Amazon

In French Guiana, it's a different atmosphere: kayaking in the jungle, secret coves, unique wildlife, and tranquil rivers. A paradise for lovers of unspoiled nature.

🌊 Where to go kayaking?

• Kaw River : explorations in the marshes, observation of caimans.

• Tonnegrande : nature walk, accessible from Matoury or Montsinéry.

• Gabriel Creek and Comté River : peaceful kayaking in a 100% Amazonian atmosphere.

  
  

📅 Local organizations:

• Kabanak

• Canoeing and Kayaking in French Guiana

• Amazonia Paddle Club

  
  

Mayotte – Paddleboarding in a preserved coral lagoon

Surrounded by the second largest lagoon in the world, Mayotte is an exceptional spot for paddleboarding or kayaking, particularly for observing turtles and tropical fish.

🌊 Spots to explore:

• N'Gouja Beach : sea turtles, snorkeling and paddleboarding in an idyllic setting.

• Bouéni Bay : wild, accessible by sea kayak.

• Petite-Terre : tour of the Itres, sunset paddleboarding.

  
  

📅 Clubs:

• Mayotte Kayak (Mamoudzou)

• Blue Lagoon Paddle (N'Gouja)

• Maoré Lagoon (Sakouli Beach)

  
  

The French Overseas Territories (DOM-TOM) offer a unique experience for kayaking or paddleboarding. Whether you're looking for volcanic landscapes, coral lagoons, mangroves, or tropical rivers, each overseas territory invites you to explore its wonders from the water.

Whether you're alone, with your family or on a guided excursion, renting a kayak or paddleboard in the French overseas territories is accessible, varied and unforgettable .

Prepare your board, your paddle, and let yourself be carried along the turquoise waters of the Overseas Territories.

Map of part of the French Overseas Territories

📄 FAQ - Everything you need to know about paddleboarding and kayaking in the French overseas territories

1. Can you paddleboard or kayak all year round in the French overseas territories?

Yes, the French Overseas Territories (DOM-TOM) enjoy a tropical climate conducive to water sports year-round. Choose the dry season for optimal conditions.

2. Do you need a permit to kayak in the French overseas territories?

No, no license is required to kayak or stand-up paddleboard at sea or in lagoons. You simply need to respect the designated navigation zones.

3. Where can you rent a paddleboard or kayak in Guadeloupe?

Clubs like Gwada Paddle (Le Gosier) or Karukera Kayak Nature (Sainte-Rose) offer rentals by the hour or day.

4. Is paddle boarding accessible to beginners in the French overseas departments and territories?

Yes, many spots are very calm, like the Hermitage lagoon in Réunion or the bay of Saint-François in Guadeloupe.

5. Can you kayak in the mangroves?

Absolutely. Areas like Génipa Bay in Martinique or Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin in Guadeloupe are perfect for this practice.

6. Are there any supervised outings?

Yes, almost all destinations offer guided kayak or paddleboard excursions to discover the local flora and fauna.

7. Can you see turtles while paddleboarding?

Yes, especially in Mayotte (N'Gouja beach) or in Anses d'Arlet in Martinique.

8. What is the best season for kayaking in Guyana?

From July to November, the season is drier and allows for easier navigation on the creeks and rivers.

9. What is the average length of an outing?

Between 1 and 3 hours for self-guided rentals; guided excursions can last up to a day.

10. Are there any risks at sea?

It is essential to respect weather conditions, tides and to wear a life jacket, especially in the open sea.

11. Can we paddleboard as a family?

Yes, many clubs offer child-friendly boards and safe courses.

12. Can I book online?

Most rental centers have websites or Facebook pages for booking in advance.

13. What other water activities can we do?

Snorkeling, diving, sailing, jet skiing and boat trips are very common depending on the area.

14. What are the most photogenic spots?

Sakouli Beach in Mayotte, the Mitan donkey in Trois-Îlêts, or the Saint-Paul pond in Réunion offer magnificent views.

15. Can you combine hiking and kayaking?

Yes, some tours offer combined activities, notably on the Caravelle in Martinique or the Cilaos coast in Reunion.