13 Secluded River Islands You Can Kayak To

Forget the ferry crowds these river islands are only reachable by paddle. Whether you’re craving a private beach, quiet wildlife, or just the thrill of discovery, these 13 secluded spots offer couples a peaceful escape away from the usual tourist trails. From Florida’s warm waterways to Canada’s glacier-fed rivers, each island promises adventure, intimacy, and natural beauty. Grab your kayak (or rent one nearby) and let the current lead you to places where love flows as easily as the river.

1. Atsena Otie Island, Florida

Atsena Otie Island sits just off Cedar Key on Florida’s Gulf Coast and offers a peaceful, nature-rich escape for couples arriving by kayak. Once home to a thriving town in the 1800s, the island is now uninhabited, with weathered ruins and shaded trails hinting at its past. Its shoreline is lined with driftwood, seashells, and soft sand ideal for beach picnics and birdwatching. Kayakers may spot dolphins in the calm Gulf waters or seabirds nesting in the trees. With no roads or crowds, Atsena Otie invites visitors to slow down and soak in the coastal serenity.

2. Peanut Island, Florida

Tucked in the Intracoastal Waterway near Palm Beach, Peanut Island is a small tropical escape reachable by kayak. Calm waters make it ideal for beginners, and the paddle from Riviera Beach Marina is short and scenic. Once there, couples can snorkel in the lagoon, relax on sandy shores, or explore the island’s quirky Cold War-era bunker. It’s a perfect mix of sunshine, history, and laid-back adventure. Pack a picnic and spend the day soaking in this island’s warm coastal charm just far enough from the mainland to feel like a getaway.

3. Moreton Island, Australia

While often reached by ferry, parts of Moreton Island are accessible by kayak from Brisbane’s coastline, offering a thrilling paddle across clear blue waters. Adventurous couples can explore sunken shipwrecks, vast beaches, and towering sand dunes, all without crowds. Designated campsites make overnight stays easy, adding romance to the journey. Keep an eye out for dolphins and sea turtles as you glide through this natural wonder. It’s a wild yet peaceful island escape that rewards those who go off the beaten path just bring your sense of adventure.

4. D’Arcy Island, British Columbia, canada

Once a leper colony, D’Arcy Island is now a peaceful marine park off Vancouver Island’s coast. It takes about two hours to paddle from Sidney, but the calm waters and views of the Olympic Mountains make the journey scenic and rewarding. Secluded campsites and regular sightings of eagles, seals, and otters add to the island’s quiet charm. Its haunting history and untouched beauty offer couples a truly off-the-grid escape. With no ferry service, kayaking is the only way in perfect for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature.

5. Blue Heron Island, Wisconsin, USA

Tucked in the Wisconsin River near Sauk City, Blue Heron Island is a peaceful escape surrounded by wetlands and drifting sandbars. Easily reached by kayak, this undeveloped gem is perfect for a relaxing paddle and a dose of solitude. Bird lovers will find it especially attractive herons, cranes, and bald eagles are frequent visitors. With no crowds, no buildings, and nothing but nature, it’s an ideal spot for couples seeking quiet moments and scenic views. Bring a picnic and binoculars, and enjoy a tranquil float through one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets.

6. L’île Verte, Quebec, Canada

Set in the St. Lawrence River, L’île Verte offers a kayak-accessible escape steeped in French-Canadian charm. Experienced paddlers can reach the island during calm weather, gliding past misty cliffs and seal-covered rocks. Once ashore, you’ll find a quiet world of heritage homes, windswept meadows, and Quebec’s oldest lighthouse. The pace is slow, the views are sweeping, and the cultural touches from architecture to local dialect add romance to every moment. For couples craving adventure with a touch of nostalgia, this offbeat island retreat delivers.

7. Turtle Island, Ohio, USA

Floating in Lake Erie near the Ohio-Michigan line, Turtle Island is a deserted gem reachable by kayak when the lake is calm. The island’s abandoned lighthouse and empty shoreline create an eerie, dreamlike atmosphere perfect for couples drawn to forgotten places. Though not a designated park, it still draws quiet adventurers seeking solitude, mystery, and a brush with the past. Bring plenty of water and check weather conditions before paddling out. With no crowds or distractions, it’s a surreal, off-grid escape made for shared stories and curious hearts.

8. Goat Island, South Carolina, USA

Tucked across from Isle of Palms, Goat Island is a peaceful, boat-access-only hideaway just a short paddle from Charleston. Known for its sandy paths, wild greenery, and quirky population of resident goats, the island offers a rustic, unspoiled vibe. While a few homes dot the landscape, there are no roads or businesses just calm marshes, soft breezes, and pure Lowcountry charm. Couples can explore by foot or kayak around the quiet creeks for a serene escape that feels worlds away from the mainland. It’s a perfect retreat for those craving quiet connection in nature.

9. Mulberry Island, Tennessee, USA

Set in the Tennessee River near Chattanooga, Mulberry Island offers a peaceful kayaking escape with easy access for paddlers of all levels. The surrounding coves reveal quiet beauty, from birds and turtles to driftwood-lined shores that invite you to stop and relax. With calm currents and a laid-back vibe, it’s a scenic spot where couples can unplug without venturing far from the city. Whether you’re picnicking on the beach or just floating in the stillness, this hidden island brings a gentle kind of adventure perfect for reconnecting with each other and the outdoors.

10. Sand Island, Wisconsin, USA

Located within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Sand Island is a dream for kayaking couples. Paddle across Lake Superior to explore its wave-carved sea caves, visit the 1881 lighthouse, and wander peaceful forest trails. Though the lake can be tricky, calm summer weather makes this journey doable for intermediate paddlers. Campsites let you linger overnight and take in epic sunsets over the water. It’s a romantic, wild destination where the power of nature surrounds you and every shoreline feels like your own private discovery.

11. River Island State Park, Arizona, USA

Tucked along the Colorado River, River Island State Park offers a series of small, sandy isles that are perfect for kayaking couples. Its calm, warm waters are inviting year-round, with scenic desert views and peaceful inlets to explore. Paddle out, anchor at a quiet spot, and enjoy a refreshing swim or sunset picnic. With no crowds and plenty of space to drift, it’s a hidden oasis in Arizona’s canyon country ideal for those craving tranquility and warm river breezes.

12. Thimble Islands, Connecticut, USA

Scattered off the coast of Branford, the Thimble Islands create a picture-perfect paddling route for romantic explorers. While many islands are privately owned, you can kayak peacefully between them, passing by quaint cottages, rocky outcrops, and untouched coves. The waters are generally calm, making it ideal for a leisurely couple’s adventure. Plan your visit around sunrise or sunset for soft light and storybook charm this coastal escape is all about quiet beauty and New England magic.

13. Mississippi River Sandbars, Iowa, USA

Along the Mississippi near Lansing, Iowa, countless sandy islands and shifting sandbars invite kayakers to explore a wilder, quieter side of the river. These pop-up paradises appear during low water, offering spontaneous spots to picnic, swim, or simply relax in secluded silence. With no official names or trails, each visit feels like a fresh discovery. Couples who crave simplicity and a touch of unpredictability will love how the river constantly unveils new places to make their own.