Kayaking in Israel is a great way for all the family (and couples) to spend a hot summer’s day in the Holy Land. We’ve done it on a number of occasions and had a blast every time – and always forgotten just how chilly the water is at this time of the year!
Yep, unbelievable though it may seem, the waters flowing down the main rivers you can kayak in Israel (in the north) are absolutely freezing. Perfect for steamy summer days, but still a shock to the system…
Where to go kayaking in Israel
There are FOUR main sites for kayaking in Israel. The first two are Kfar Blum and HaGoshrim, based in the Upper Galilee and both providing more of an adventurous ride, depending on the water level (the water flows down from the Hatzbani and Banias streams in the Golan Heights, hence the freeze factor). The third option is Abu Kayak, on the northern tip of the Sea of Galilee. The fourth option is Rob Roy, based at the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee and great for a relaxing kayak session on the River Jordan.
At all of the options listed below (prices have been updated for 2017), children must be at least 3.5 to 5 years old to sit in a kayak. If you’re unsure, please verify with the operator listed. Everyone gets a life-jacket, but conditions change and the kayak operators often play it safe.
Kayaking at Kfar Blum
The original location for kayaking in Israel, the guys at Kfar Blum know what they’re doing, and have been doing it superbly since 1986. They have two routes to kayak down:
- The Standard route, which takes around 75 minutes (you can always jump off along the route and make it longer), and costs 97 shekels. You can choose a raft that seats six, or smaller kayaks that fit two.
- The Speed Kayaking (Long) route, which takes around 2.5 hours (again, you can always jump off) and costs 129 shekels. Again, you can choose a raft that seats six, or smaller kayaks that fit two.
Not exactly white water rafting, but they do have a great little waterfall to kayak down for a bit of an adrenaline rush! There are also camping facilities and a rope adventure park, great if you intend staying for a day or two.
Telephone: 072-3951180
See the map below for directions, or check their official website.
Kayaking at HaGoshrim
Also known as Maayan HaGoshrim, this great alternative to Kfar Blum also consists of two main routes:
- The Family route, up to 5km and 90 minutes long, this is a great option for all the family. Costs 77.60 shekels (if you order online).
- The Challenge route, which does not include a guide, takes 6km and up to 2 hours. Minimum age of 10. Costs 117 shekels (discount available if you order online).
These guys also operate on the same routes as Kfar Blum, though slightly shorter. There are also camping facilities and discounts available for other attractions in the area.
Telephone: 077-2717500
See the map below for directions, or check their official website (discounts available if you order via the website).
Kayaking at Abu Kayak
Located in the Jordan Park at the north-eastern tip of the Sea of Galilee, this option is great for kids. It’s a more leisurely route, approximately 3 km in length, and there are also huge rubber rings to ride on (known as abuvim in Hebrew, and usually a big hit with the kids), instead of kayaks.
They have a whole range of prices on offer, largely because they’re combining rafting with lunches etc, so you might be better off calling them at the number listed below. Expect to pay a little less than the two options above.
Telephone: 04-6921078
See the map below for directions, or check their official website (still no English unfortunately).
Kayaking at Rob Roy
This option is more for those looking for a leisurely paddle down the warmer, calmer waters of the River Jordan. Rob Roy styles itself around the adventures of the famous John McGregor, who called his Native Indian kayak Rob Roy. This is a cool little place for chilling out too, with a small beach and shady eating/chillout areas, plus Native Indian activities for the kids, all on the banks of the River Jordan.
Rob Roy also has two kayaking options:
- Native Indian kayaks, built for 2/3 people (check out the pic below).
- Rafts that can hold up to 10 people.
Telephone: 052-2413176
See the map below for directions, or check their official website (a small English section only unfortunately).
When to go kayaking in Israel?
The season for kayaking typically runs from April/May right through the summer, provided there’s enough water running! So yes, you’ll probably be kayaking on a hot day, and even though the water is typically freezing, make sure you cover up with sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Even though some of the routes are heavily shaded, many stretches aren’t, and that cruel Israeli sun can do some damage.
Always check before you head for one of the above kayaking options, as water conditions often change, particularly at the start of the season.
The map below shows the locations of the four kayaking options in this article.
Happy Paddling!
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