The Route: An 80-mile paddle from Cape Tribulation to Cooktown along the only coastline where two World Heritage Sites — the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park — meet. You'll snorkel live coral reefs and camp on the beach.

When to go: May to September

Difficulty: Moderate

Travel advisory: Although it's unlikely, your trip could be moved farther south to the Barnard Islands due to high winds and waves. Not the worst scenario: The skies above this uninhabited cluster of islands are filled with sea eagles and kestrels.

High/low points:

• Watching a manta ray with a 12-foot wingspan glide silently under your kayak.
• Burning up in your mandatory jellyfish-proof skinsuit if you decide to go in summer.