What is the difference between a canoe and a kayak? A thorough introduction to the attractions and popular tours of each

first time" canoe "or" Kayak When you decide to try ", the first thing you will wonder is what the difference is between the two.
Both are rowing in small boats Water Activities It refers to In fact, canoeing and kayaking are completely different in terms of roots and how to row!
So this time, I don't know surprisingly Difference between canoe and kayak I would like to introduce about
table of contents
- 1 In fact, "canoe" and "kayak" have completely different roots and rowing methods
- 2 Tell me about the Canadian canoe!
- 3 The Canadian canoe is perfect for relaxing!
- 4 What is the difference between "SUP" and "Canadian canoe", which has been a hot topic in recent years?
- 5 Tell me about Kayak!
-
6
Introducing Kayak types and popular tours!
- 6.1 "Sea kayaking" is recommended for those who want to enjoy the location!
- 6.2 If you want to feel like exploring, "River Kayak" is recommended!
- 6.3 If you want to learn how to paddle properly, we recommend "Fun Kayak"!
- 6.4 Try kayak fishing, the best part of kayaking and fishing!
- 6.5 You might be able to see fireflies in the summer!? "Night River Kayak" is also popular!
- 6.6 It's like a jungle!? Mangrove kayaking, where you can fully enjoy the mystery of nature, is also a hot topic!
- 7 What is the difference between "rafting" and "kayaking" in the same river?
- 8 Summary of the differences between canoes and kayaks
- 9 Frequently asked questions about canoeing and kayaking
- 10 Editorial department recommended feature articles
In fact, "canoe" and "kayak" have completely different roots and rowing methods

"
canoe
” means
A general term for small boats that use paddles to paddle the water and move forward
I'm talking about
And if you divide the canoe roughly,
canadian canoe
"and"
Kayak
” are classified into two types. In short,
Kayak is a type of canoe
What is it?
Then, "
canadian canoe
"and"
Kayak
" So what exactly is different?
Canoe/Kayak
The difference is
Type of paddle used
.
Using a single blade paddle
canoe
, using a "double-blade paddle"
Kayak
It is
.
Tell me about the Canadian canoe!

Generally in Japan
canoe
The so-called Canadian canoe.
Characteristics of the Canadian canoe
I tried to summarize.
1. Paddle uses "single blade paddle"
" single blade paddle ” means A paddle with only one blade I'm talking about
There is a method called "Changing Stroke", in which the boat is rowed alternately on the right and left sides of the hull. However, if you paddle on the right side, the bow will naturally turn to the left, so there is a drawback that you have to quickly switch paddles and paddle the other side. Beginners and those who are not confident in their stamina should board the boat with two or more people and share the left and right sides of the boat to make it easier.
In addition, there are stroke methods called "J-stroke," "rudder stroke," and "Canadian stroke," which allow you to row in a straight line by rowing only one side of the hull. Techniques are required for these, but some tour companies have experienced guides give lectures before boarding.
2. The hull is an open “open deck” type
The Canadian canoe is Originally used by the indigenous people of North America (Native Americans) to travel and carry luggage. It is said that in those days they were made from animal bones and skin, and their shape has remained almost the same since ancient times.
Because it is made so that multiple people can board and move with a lot of luggage, "Open deck" where the structure of the upper part of the hull is open The feature is that it is made of In addition, since the lower body is not fixed, it is easy to move, and the safety of the hull is emphasized rather than speed.
The Canadian canoe is perfect for relaxing!

canadian canoe Some surfers use a "single-blade paddle" which has only one blade, so it is not suitable for exciting waters with rapids and rough waves. Recommended for those who want to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace on calm rivers and lakes where there are not many waves. is.
The hull has a spacious open deck, making it easy for children and dogs to board, making it a popular activity for the whole family to enjoy. There is plenty of space to put your luggage on, so you can enjoy fishing by dropping a fishing line and catching fish that live in the clear stream during touring.
【仁淀川・仁淀ブルー】canadian canoe宙船(そらふね)体験/スイーツ付/一眼レフ&4Kドローン撮影データプレゼント!/【ペットand一緒も♪】
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
《船が宙に浮いている!? 奇跡の透明度に癒されるcanoe体験》~約2時間 (集合~解散)/複数組でのご案内~◆イチ押し!3つのポイント◆① 一度は訪れたい"仁淀ブルー」の世界水質日本一を記録!仁淀ブルーand呼ばれる神秘的な青さは必見です!川底が見えるほど澄んだ水に、魚が泳ぐ姿も観察できます.② 宙に浮か
【Yamanashi・河口湖】富士の自然を優雅に満喫 ♪ canadian canoe体験120分 ♪(9:30~/13:30~)
- 4.9
- (44 reviews and experiences)
世界文化遺産富士山の麓、河口湖で自然を肌に感じながら季節や状況にあわせておススメスポットをご案内します.日中コースは午前and午後で参加しやすい時間帯is.お友達やご家族やグループなどお気軽にチャレンジしてみて下さい!夏期(7月、8月)は気温が落ち着く夕暮れコース120分をご用意してます♪午前の部 9:
What is the difference between "SUP" and "Canadian canoe", which has been a hot topic in recent years?

For water activities similar to Canadian canoeing " SUP What is the difference between a Canadian canoe and a SUP?
SUP is an abbreviation for "Stand Up Paddleboard". as its name suggests, An activity in which you stand on the board and paddle alternately left and right to advance on the surface of the water. is.
Depending on the tour company, there are tours where you can choose between Canadian canoeing and SUP, so if you get used to Canadian canoeing, you can try SUP!
【世界遺産 西表島】大見謝の滝キャニオニング&マングローブ SUP・canoe秘境クルーズ【ツアー写真データ無料】
- 5.0
- (51 reviews and experiences)
世界遺産 竹富町観光案内人条例公認プロガイド案内マングローブの川をSUPcanoeでのんびりクルージング〜秘境ジャングル探検&秘境の滝巡り!マングローブ&ジャングル探検では西表島の生き物・植物をプロガイドが分かりやすくご説明いたします.午後からは水遊びで大人気のキャニオニングで超〜クールダウン
☆ウミガメ遭遇率99.9%☆クリアサップ or クリアKayak-1時間プラン- 当店SNS映えNo.1ツアー♪【ドローン撮影無料】
- 4.8
- (78 reviews and experiences)
Cheerful wants you to experience the beautiful ocean of Miyakojima even more! With the idea in mind, we conduct tours on "Clear SUP" SUP boards that are all clear. With Clear SUP... ☆ Beautiful ocean ☆ ☆ Colorful fish and coral reefs ☆ ☆ Cute sea turtles ☆ You can see them through the transparent SUP boards. Furthermore, Cheerful
Tell me about Kayak!

It is a type of canoe
Kayak
can be further divided into many different types depending on the field used and how you play.
kayak features
is summarized below.
1. Paddle uses "double blade paddle"
"
double blade paddle
” means
with blades on both sides of the paddle
say.
Compared to a single blade paddle, there is no need to change the handle,
Easy to control even for beginners
is.
The common method of rowing is to row the left and right blades evenly, called a “forward stroke”. Instead of using only your hands and arms, you have to move the paddle with good balance while twisting your body around your spine. If you are not confident in your physical strength, we recommend starting with a two-seater.
2. "Closed deck" type where the deck is covered except for the seats
Kayak is said to have originally been used by Eskimos in the sea for hunting. Therefore, even if you fall over while on board, it is possible to get back up using a technique called "Eskimo roll".
The hull is different from the Canadian canoe, "Closed deck" where the deck is covered except for the seat The making of is basic. Even if the ship is covered with waves, it has the advantage that it is difficult for water to enter the ship and it will not sink easily. Even in the case of a two-seater, each boarding part is independent.
again, When using a double-bladed paddle, even if the hull is an open-deck construction, Kayak is classified as .
Introducing Kayak types and popular tours!

the kayak
There are various types depending on the field to be used and the type of play.
Therefore,
How to enjoy kayaking by type and purpose, popular tours
And so on. If you want to try kayaking, please refer to it!
"Sea kayaking" is recommended for those who want to enjoy the location!

"
sea kayak
"teeth,
Kayaking in the sea
I'm talking about
The hull is long and narrow so that it is not easily affected by waves, wind, and currents. It is used not only for walking on the sea, but also for traveling from island to island.
sea kayak
The charm of
Underwater topography, coral reefs, schools of fish, etc. can be seen up close!
With a sea kayak, you can look into the sea with your eyes close to the surface of the water, and during the day when the waves are calm, you can observe the sea with the naked eye. Also, if you join the evening tour, you can enjoy a romantic kayak while watching the sunset over the ocean.
【三重・Shima】英虞湾Kayakツアー(1.5時間コース)
- 4.9
- (4 reviews and experiences)
伊勢Shima国立公園の真珠が育つ穏やかな海"英虞湾」へKayakに乗って漕ぎ出そう!大小の島々を周遊する冒険感あるツーリングタイプのツアーis.ガイドが同行しますので、小さなお子さま連れのファミリーやご年配、初心者など大変多くの方々からご好評いただいております.体験は乗船講習をしてからの出発andなるので安心
家族割引【本島中部】サンセットmangrove kayakツアー★中学生以下のお子様1名無料&半額★画像プレゼント!
- 4.6
- (7 reviews and experiences)
【当日予約可能】ツアー画像無料プレゼント☆お子さまの長期休暇期間限定の家族割引プランです♪お子様and一緒にご家族みんなで楽しんで素敵な思い出づくりに!★サンセットタイムは恋人たちに大人気!★当日予約可能!★那覇市内から車で約45分!★ツアーにはプチマングローブ観察も込み♪★開催時間【日没の1時間30分
If you want to feel like exploring, "River Kayak" is recommended!

"
river kayak
"teeth,
kayaking on the river
I'm talking about
It is characterized by being made sturdy so that the hull will not break easily even if it hits a rocky place. In addition, it has excellent exercise performance so that it can handle the strong river flow.
Let yourself be relaxed in the gentle flow of the river, or challenge the rapids and enjoy the sense of accomplishment of overcoming difficult spots. The charm of river kayaking is that you can enjoy various ways to enjoy it depending on the flow of the river.
Depending on the tour company, there are also powerful plans that allow you to pass through between rocks or go directly under a cliff. You can experience the feeling like a scene from an adventure movie!
- 5.0
- (6 reviews and experiences)
You can enjoy a kayak that most flow was slowly without. First one and to be a kayak, is the experience area recommended for family. Of course, for those who want full-fledged spear the River kayak will be recommended area. To those who fear we will provide the stability outstanding two-seater rubber dinghy type kayak in the kayak.
【Kagoshima・Yakushima】お一人様・初心者歓迎♪到着後のお手軽river kayak体験♪(午後半日コース)
- 4.9
- (22 reviews and experiences)
・A simple kayak tour that you can experience in the afternoon after your arrival♪・A walk on the clear water in the deep green forest♪・This is a tour in a calm brackish water area, so children from 3 years old can experience it♪ Even beginners can participate with confidence♪・Children (up to elementary school students) get a 2000 yen discount! The whole family can experience it♪・Free transportation・Photo gifts・Tea time♪・Ka
If you want to learn how to paddle properly, we recommend "Fun Kayak"!

"
fun kayak
"teeth,
kayaking on the lake
I'm talking about
It is characterized by excellent stability and relatively easy to go straight even for beginners. It can also be used in seas with calm waves.
Unlike the sea and rivers, lakes do not have water flow, so you will have to row the boat on your own. in short,
One of the attractions of Fun Kayak is that you can enjoy the pure operation of the paddle without being disturbed by the water current.
That's it.
For beginners and those who are not used to paddle operation, it may be a good idea to try fun kayaking first.
- 4.8
- (149 reviews and experiences)
・実に参加者の95%が初心者is.ワンちゃん連れにも人気!普段着参加OK!誰でも気軽に簡単に漕げてしまうのがKayakの良いandころ.当社の使用するKayakは初心者向きの安定性の高い"レジャーKayak」なので安心して楽しめます."西湖andは?」・その昔、富士山からの溶岩流によって巨大な湖の大半が埋められた
【滋賀・琵琶湖】白鬚神社・湖中鳥居をKayakで参拝(のんびり120分)
- 4.7
- (46 reviews and experiences)
日本一のびわ湖でKayakしませんか?当プランでは、滋賀県最古の神社・白鬚神社の湖中鳥居を湖上参拝できます.神々しい鳥居and、広いびわ湖を存分に体感いただける人気ツアーです★
【みなかみ/群馬】かぬ~っこ 3歳から乗れる!のんびり湖上のお散歩canoeツアー(半日)ツアー中の写真無料!愛犬も乗れる!
- 4.9
- (17 reviews and experiences)
☆6月以降からは洞元湖で開催します.ツアー中の写真は無料でお届け!専用HPからダウンロードして頂けます.☆夏はcanoeの上でカキ氷!全国でもかぬ~っこだけ!!☆愛犬も乗れる!愛犬用ライフジャケット無料レンタル.安定性の良い二人乗りのKayakを使用し、初めての方でも楽しく湖上のお散歩ができます.3歳のお
Try kayak fishing, the best part of kayaking and fishing!

"
kayak fishing
” is, as the name suggests,
Kayak for fishing
I'm talking about
It features a holder for standing fishing rods and a trunk space where you can store items that make fishing more comfortable.
kayak fishing
Speaking of the biggest attraction of
A place where you can casually enjoy fishing in spots that cannot be approached by large fishing boats!
If you are lucky, you may encounter big fish.
Some tour companies offer rental services for fishing rods, so if you are interested, be sure to check in advance.
【Awaji Island・西海岸】"週末祝日Kayak・フィッシング体験!」3時間コース (写真撮影付)
- 4.9
- (8 reviews and experiences)
Kayak fishing is available only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. We will give a detailed lecture at the beginning so that even beginners can easily experience kayak fishing. If you would like to try fishing while kayaking, please make a reservation. ~Schedule~ ① First, we will explain how to ride a kayak or SUP. 10 minutes ② In the sea
This plan allows you to enjoy lure fishing from a pedal kayak around Nakama, Onna Village. Recommended points: ・Since pedal kayaks are less tiring than hand-rowing, you can fully enjoy kayaking and fishing! ・Since it is lure fishing, women who are not good at baiting can feel at ease! ・Since the kayak is close to the water surface, you can have a different feeling of distance from the fish than with a boat.
You might be able to see fireflies in the summer!? "Night River Kayak" is also popular!

Depending on the kayak tour company, you can fully enjoy the river at night.
night river kayak
” can be enjoyed.
night river kayak
It is attractive that you can enjoy the location of nature that can only be enjoyed at night!
Looking up at the starry sky from the water away from the lights of buildings and street lights is truly a masterpiece.
If you are lucky, you may also encounter nocturnal creatures and fireflies depending on the season. Recommended for those who want a thrilling experience that is a little different from ordinary kayaking.
水質トップクラス国立公園支笏湖 プレミアムナイトKayak ☆夜の支笏湖探検☆
・水中にいる魚達、スジエビ、野生動物はライトをつけて観察しよう!・千歳川源流and支笏湖の境目にある土木遺産"山線鉄橋」のライトアップが、月明かりand一緒に光り輝きます.8月頃には、蛍が飛び交う幻想的な様子も♪※定員8名まで※英語対応可
【東京 Kayak】暑さを避けて、夜の涼しさでリフレッシュ. 東京ナイトKayakツアー ♪平日1名様でも楽しめるナイトKayak
- 4.9
- (10 reviews and experiences)
真夏の東京、日中の暑さにうんざりしていませんか?そんなあなたにぴったりなのが"ナイトKayakツアー」.昼間の強烈な日差しを避け、心地よい夜風の中をゆったりandKayakで巡る癒しの時間.スカイツリーの絶景も楽しめます.水の上は体感温度も下がり、思ったより快適に過ごせます.暑さに強い人も、そうでない人も─
本島中部!神秘のナイトmangrove kayakツアー★【夏休み割・8月限定開催】ツアー画像プレゼント!6名から参加可能!
- 5.0
- (1 review/experience)
Explore the river at night on a night kayaking tour! Let's go kayaking at night! When the sun sets and darkness falls, the rare nocturnal creatures in Okinawa's subtropical forests start to become active. The kayak glides through the darkness, relying on the moonlight. What creatures are waiting for you deep in the mangrove forest? In the subtropical mangrove forest,
It's like a jungle!? Mangrove kayaking, where you can fully enjoy the mystery of nature, is also a hot topic!

In areas where mangroves grow thickly,
mangrove kayak
” can be enjoyed.
This mangrove kayak
in Japan
Okinawa
and
Kagoshima
A very valuable tour that can only be experienced in
is.
You can fully enjoy the overwhelming scale of the scenery and the mystery of nature.
Mangrove is a general term for plants that live in an area called "intertidal zone" where seawater fills up at high tide. Because it is left untouched, there are many plants and rare creatures that have never been seen in the mangrove forest.
If you join a tour, you can rest assured that a veteran guide who knows the topography will guide you well. If you're lucky, you might even come across rare plants and wild birds!
mangrove kayak体験ツアー(古宇利大橋・羽地内海周辺海域)sea kayakandマングローブが両方楽しめる人気のツアー
- 4.7
- (114 reviews and experiences)
A healing mangrove kayak experience at a point that is not well known even locally! The tour will be tailored to high tide (high tide time and meeting time change daily) At low tide (time when the tide is low), the area around the mangroves will be dry, such as shallows and sandy areas. The area around the mangrove forest is narrow due to the widening water area.
mangrove kayakツアー【当日予約可】ツアー画像プレゼント!2歳からOK、家族・カップル・女子旅に人気♪本島中部・アクセス便利
- 4.9
- (243 reviews and experiences)
[Reservations can be made up to 2 hours before the tour start time!] Free tour images included ☆★ Various limited-time discount campaign plans available! ★ [Family Discount Plan] ・Discounts for families! One child under junior high school age is free! Second and subsequent children are half price! Applicable dates: 7/19-8/31, 12/20-2026/1/12 Click here for the family discount plan ↓ https://ac
【到着日参加OK】奄美大島サンセット&ナイトmangrove kayakツアー | 人が少ない時間のプライベートツアー!
- 5.0
- (2 reviews and experiences)
遅い時間からスタートするツアーなので、到着した日に参加可能!貸切案内(無料)ができるので、飛行機の時間に合わせて開始時間をリクエストできます!日が沈み、空が赤く染まる時間からマングローブでcanoeに乗ってツアースタート!徐々に空が暗くなり、やがて真っ暗になるマングローブをcanoeで散策.運が良ければ星空
What is the difference between "rafting" and "kayaking" in the same river?
When it comes to river rafting activities, in addition to kayaking, " Rafting " There is, Kayak and Rafting What is the difference between
Kayak is usually ridden by 1-2 people,
Rafting is a large rubber boat with 6 to 8 people including an instructor.
Also, rafting often refers to a tour down a powerful torrent, and the point is that all members must cooperate with each other to proceed. for that reason,
Recommended if you want to have fun with a large group
is.
Summary of the differences between canoes and kayaks
canoe
- The Canadian canoe originated from Native Americans
- The paddle uses a single blade
- Open decks are the mainstream structure.
- Suitable for calm rivers and lakes
Kayak
- A type of canoe
- Kayaks originated from the Eskimos
- The paddle uses a double blade
- Closed deck structure is the mainstream
- There are various types depending on the purpose of use
More than " canoe "and" Kayak "The difference of becomes.
canoes and kayaks,
Water activities that can be enjoyed almost all year round
is.
Many tour companies offer tours that are easy for beginners to try, so let's figure out how to enjoy each and try canoeing or kayaking on this occasion!
Frequently asked questions about canoeing and kayaking
Q What is the difference between a canoe and a kayak?
A "Canoe" is a general term for small boats that use paddles to paddle the water and move forward. Canoes can be roughly divided into two types, "Canadian canoe" and "kayak", and kayak is a kind of canoe. The decisive factor in classifying "Canadian canoe" and "kayak" is the paddle, and the name of the canoe/kayak is divided according to the type of paddle blade (water paddle) used.
Q Can you experience canoeing and kayaking even in winter?
A The recommended season is summer when the water temperature rises, but canoeing and kayaking can also be experienced in Hokkaido in winter. There is also an activity called "drift ice kayaking" that is unique to Hokkaido. It can be said that there are relatively few worries about the temperature and water temperature in Okinawa, even in the winter season. In winter, the transparency of water such as the sea and rivers is high, so the satisfaction of the tour is high.
Q What are the seasonal clothes and popular areas for canoeing and kayaking?
A Since it is expected that you will get a little wet when getting on and off the canoe or kayak or while paddling, it is recommended that you wear clothes made of synthetic fiber material that is easy to dry and retains heat. In the summer, there are tours where you can wear a swimsuit, but be sure to wear a rash guard, hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. From autumn onwards, layered clothing such as a windbreaker that is easy to control and easy to move in is recommended. We recommend marine shoes, sports sandals, and rain boots that can be fixed on the heel, even if they get wet. From Okinawa, where you can enjoy the beautiful sea and mangroves, to Hokkaido, where you can enjoy the quiet lakeside, choose a venue and enjoy canoeing and kayaking throughout the year.
Q Features of canoes and kayaks
A Canadian canoes are said to have been used by Native Americans for transportation and transportation of cargo, and are characterized by their open hulls, which emphasize stability rather than speed. Kayak is said to have been used by Eskimos in the sea for hunting, and the hull is a "closed deck" that prevents water from entering and is easy to control even for beginners.
※本記事の内容は2025年8月現在の情報is.