A major marine trail in the Caribbean offers travelers a chance to swap hiking boots for water shoes.

Now a sea-kayaking trail has been created to mirror its inland sibling.

But even a two-day paddle promises spectacular scenery.

Two people kayak in the crystal clear waters

Kayaking Dominica’s Waitukubuli Sea Trail.Credit:Courtesy of Discover Dominica Authority

Last spring, I joined Moses on an overnight journey to tackle the trails final two sections.

Past Dublanc, we saw coastline that was undeveloped for miles.

I scanned the water for fish skimming the surface and peered down at sea sponges on the ocean floor.

Two kayaks on a beach; two people pose for a photo in a kayak on the ocean

Pulling ashore after a day of paddling. The author (right) and Wes Moses, the owner of Soufrière Outdoor Centre and founder of the trail.Courtesy of Discover Dominica Authority; Courtesy of Elspeth Velten

But the most memorable moment was getting a glimpse of Morne Diablotins, Dominicas highest peak.

The 4,747-foot mountain seemed to epitomize the namewaitukubuli,which means tall is her body.

Glassy waters soon turned to challenging whitecaps as we moved across Prince Rupert Bay.

A fisher town on the coast of a island

The town of Soufrière, on Dominica’s southwestern coast.Courtesy of Discover Dominica Authority

I dug in and pushed forward, focusing on each stroke of my paddle.

We headed for the peninsula of Cabrits National Park.

Spent, I had lunch atKeepin It Real,then took a quick swim and rested on the beach.

Rum bottles at a restaurant table; the view of the ocean from a beach side restaurant

Rum bottles at Keepin It Real, a restaurant on Toucari Beach; the view at Keepin It Real.Courtesy of Discover Dominica Authority; Courtesy of Elspeth Velten

Setting off from Toucari, the final hour on the water was extraordinary.

As it came into view, the northern tip of Capuchin rose from the sea in a palm-surrounded spire.

Looking down at the water from where wed come, I felt salty, sore, and exulted.