Must-Visit SUP Destinations for 2025
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Stunning views of Attersee. | Photo: TVB Attersee-Attergau
SAN DIEGO, California - Ready to make 2025 your year of epic paddleboarding adventures? From serene alpine lakes to turquoise tropical waters, the world is brimming with breathtaking spots to explore. Picture yourself gliding along the dramatic cliffs of Gibraltar, navigating Austria's crystal-clear mountain lakes, or soaking up the Gulf Coast sunshine in West Florida. Craving something more exotic? Dive into Thailand's vibrant seascapes, Sicily’s Mediterranean charm, or the idyllic lagoons of Mauritius. This year’s bucket list of paddleboarding destinations is as diverse as it is awe-inspiring—so grab your board and get ready to paddle through unforgettable landscapes! Check it out:
Places to Travel for Standup Paddle Boarding 2025
- Gibraltar
- Austria
- West Coast, Florida
- Thailand
- Lee County, Florida
- Sicily
- Mauritius
- Lake District, UK
Gibraltar
Gibraltar sea caves. | Photo courtesy: Alex Trinidad
Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is a relatively new water sport that has taken the world by storm and Gibraltar is no exception. With its stunning scenery, calm waters, access to multiple beaches and abundance of marine life; Gibraltar is a perfect place to try SUP for the first time or to improve your skills.
One of the best things about SUP in Gibraltar is that it is a great way to see the sights from a different perspective. You can paddle around the Rock of Gibraltar, past historical landmarks like the Gorham’s Cave UNESCO world heritage site and get up close to the marine life. More often than not you might encounter some playful dolphins, breaching tuna as well as ample indigenous and migratory birds.
The beaches are generally very accessible with buses running every 15 minutes or so. If driving, parking is generally available nearby, however it is best to head off early to catch the beautiful sunrise and ensure you get a parking spot.
Austria
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Standup paddle boarding Wolfgangsee (left) and Mondsee (right), Austria. | Photos: SUP Box
The Salzkammergut region of Austria, with its 76 crystal-clear lakes, offers a picturesque landscape, lush greenery, and majestic mountains. Among its many water and land attractions, stand up paddling has emerged as a popular way to explore the waters of this breathtaking region. Combining adventure with tranquility, paddling in the Salzkammergut Area offers enthusiasts an unforgettable experience.
Amongst lakes, mountains & nature, the city Bad Ischl in the Salzkammergut Area is European Capital of Culture in 2024. It brings the diversity of historical and contemporary art and culture on center stage and raises the profile of this beautiful city to an international level. The well known movie "Sound of Music" was filmed on different locations in the picturesque World Heritage City of Salzburg and surrounding places in the Salzkammergut Area, first and foremost the landmark mountain “Schafberg” with its breathtaking 360° panoramic view, looking over some of the biggest and most popular lakes in the region.
West Coast, Florida
Group Sunset Paddle Sessions in West Coast Florida | Photo by Riccardo Celio on Unsplash
If you Google: “best places to paddleboard in the world,” Florida is sure to come up as one of those places on almost every list. With the ocean virtually on every side of this sunny state, and many lakes in between, there are countless adventures to escape to. Just look out for alligators!
Seeing as Florida has so many places to paddle, this article dives in deep to uncover the rich variety of West Coast Florida paddleboarding. West Coast Florida is a paddle boarding paradise with many remote islands, national parks, manatees, and more. Florida’s picturesque waterscapes and a wide variety of places to paddle make it one of the most accessible paddleboard destinations. Whether you like to surf, fish, sightsee, or simply just paddle, West Coast Florida has it all.
Thailand
Photo by SIC Maui | Paddling on the RS DF in Ko Lan a small Thai island off the coast of Pattaya.
In Thailand, there is no shortage of jaw-dropping locations that are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding. Whether you crave a location with vibrant nightlife or one that leads to several tourist attractions and historical landmarks (in addition to clear, calm waters), there are a variety of picturesque routes to choose from. Check out the Kwai River, Beaches in Pattaya, Phuket and more for an epic SUP getaway.
Lee County, Florida
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Photos Provided by Mike Hammond
The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, a 190-mile adventure, offers paddlers an unparalleled subtropical experience right on the U.S. mainland. Named in honor of Southwest Florida’s first indigenous water people, this trail winds through the scenic backwaters of Lee County, beginning at its southern border. While only a handful of paddlers have attempted to traverse the entire trail, most prefer to plan day trips using detailed maps, websites, or apps. With its lush jungle-like creeks, pristine beaches, uninhabited islands, mangrove tunnels, and diverse wildlife, the Calusa Blueway is truly a flatwater stand-up paddleboard (SUP) paradise.
Sicily
Isola Bella in Taormina, Sicily. | Photo: Shutterstock
Sicily is a sun-drenched Mediterranean gem off the southern coast of Italy. Famous for its tranquil azure waters, mesmerizing blue caves and warm sandy beaches, Sicily is a prime destination for watersport enthusiasts, especially those who love paddleboarding.
Glide across the serene Ionian Sea and admire the vast mountainous landscapes, soothing your senses with the gentle flow of emerald water. Venture to hidden coves inaccessible by foot, dipping into refreshing lagoons as the sun paints a golden sky.
From the northern regions of Cefalù to the southern coast of Syracuse, this guide will take you on a journey across the island, pinpointing the best paddleboarding spots and their unique features. Whether you’re on a family holiday or a romantic getaway, the vast and varied Sicilian coast offers endless possibilities for paddleboarding adventures.
Mauritius
Mauritius Underwater Waterfall. | Photo: Xavier Coiffic
Those looking for exceptional paddle-boarding experiences will love Mauritius. The beautiful island offers plenty of calm waters, stunning natural surroundings and an array of fantastic beaches, providing an ideal setting for this popular activity. With an abundance of activities and attractions, Mauritius is also an excellent place for those looking for plenty of things to do during their break, great for anyone planning to get out and active during their stay. However, if you’re heading to the island for paddle boarding, you’re likely looking for some of the best spots here. Luckily enough, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re seeking endless natural beauty, places for beginners or advanced paddle boarding spots, there’s something for all in Mauritius. Keep reading to learn more about where to go, helping you plan your paddle boarding excursion with ease.
Lake District, UK
Morning view of Buttermere lake. | Photo: Shutterstock
The Lake District is a beautiful region in Cumbria, England. This outstanding national park comprises a ton of impressive lakes, natural beauty at every twist and turn, breathtaking landscapes and endless adventure. With so much to see and do here, it comes as no surprise that visitors continue to explore this gorgeous part of the UK. Whether you’re looking for a selection of exciting hiking trails, mighty peaks to climb, exhilarating water sports or somewhere to simply sit back and unwind, the Lake District has something for everyone. Great for families, friends and couples alike, you’re sure to be impressed by all that this fantastic destination has to offer.
If you’re looking for excellent paddle-boarding destinations, there's no better place than the Lake District. With so many fantastic spots to choose from, you’ll discover more than enough incredible opportunities to enjoy the sport here. Keep reading to learn more about where to go paddle boarding in the lakes, helping you choose the best place for you.
As you're planning your vacations for the year and need some inspiration on where to go where you can also take your paddle board, let these locations be on your radar as they will definitely show you a good time.
To see more SUP Destinations, click HERE.
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