The best way to explore Kolovesi is paddling. The area has numerous excursion harbours with low-rise paddlecraft docks for paddlers. There are accessible paddlecraft docks at Kirkkoranta and Hirviniemi. Kolovesi's famous sights - rock paintings and Ukonvuori Hill - can only be reached by water.

• There are no official, marked water routes, but the conditions for creating your own routes are excellent in the park characterized by islands and peninsulas.
• Good starting points are Kirkkoranta, Kirkkorannantie 200, 58300 Enonkoski, and Käkövesi boat launch, Vääräntauksentie 279, 58180 Enonkoski. Especially in July, during the peak hiking season, Kirkkoranta can become crowded, whereas Käkövesi is usually less busy. • There are area information boards at the start points.
• Watersports rental equipment is available at Kirkkoranta. The campfire site, toilet and paddlecraft dock at Kirkkoranta are accessible, but the camping area is not. PLEASE NOTE: The toilets are emptied by suction, i.e they are not composting toilets. The site also offers the possibility of sorting waste (glass, small metals, mixed waste).
• At the Kirkkoranta campfire site, campfires are also permitted when forest fire warnings are in effect.
• The Käkövesi boat launch has a campfire site, where campfires are prohibited when forest fire warnings are in effect. The toilet must be emptied by suction, i.e. it is not a composting toilet.
• When planning a canoeing or rowing route, please consider the weather forecast, wind direction, and possible waves. Before heading out on the water, familiarize yourself with the safety guidelines for water trekking.
• There is more than enough scenery and paddling to last for several days.
• Starting from Kirkkoranta, you can paddle around the entire Vaajasalo (Kirkkoranta-Ukonvuori-Kotaselkä-Syväniemi-Vaajasalo-Kirkkoranta). At Ukonvuori, you can land to see the rock paintings. There are several camping and campfire sites along the route. The total distance is about 25 km.
• You can also paddle around Vaajasalo partially by only paddling around the southern part, making the route about 15 km long. From Ukonlahti, there is a connection to Metsoselkä. The navigability of the strait varies with the water level. However, you can carry the canoe over the shallow area (distance about 100 m).
• It is advisable to reserve several days to tour the entire park. The tour around the largest islands of the national park, Mäntysalo and Vaajasalo, is about 35–40 km long
• Kolovesi has 12 excursion harbours with camping areas and campfire sites.
• Paddling trips can be continued through the Joutenvesi Nature Reserve to Linnansaari National Park (links) or through Pilppa and Kerma canals to Lake Kermajärvi.
• • Some parts of the area are off-limits to visitors. Make sure to check restrictions before setting out on your trip.