Half Day Kayak Tours
Kayak East offers half day kayak tours at beautiful locations in New Jersey. Register for a location below, choose to rent a kayak from Kayak East or bring your own.
Crosswicks Creek - Mercer County, NJ (Intermediate)
From Bordentown, NJ, onetime home to Red Cross founder Clara Barton, Revolutionary war rabble rouser Thomas Paine and Frenchman Joseph Bonaparte (Napoleon's brother), we'll paddle up this tidal creek to explore the Hamilton and Abbot Marshlands. Home to eagles, osprey, heron and egret we're sure to spy some great wildlife along the way.
Tour dates: None for 2025
Time(s): 9:00am - 12:00pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Tandem kayak $99, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
D&R Canal - Somerset County, NJ (Easy)
The beauty of the canal is its pristine stillness in any season. The canal is a wonderful attraction for wildlife enthusiasts and history lovers will appreciate its 19th-century bridges, bridge tender houses, cobblestone spillways and stone-arched culverts. With most of the canal system intact today the D&R Canal is a great place for the beginner or advanced kayaker to enjoy a day of easy, peaceful paddling.
Tour dates: Sun, May 11, Jul 13, Aug 31
Time(s): 9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Tandem kayak $99, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
Delaware River - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, NJ (Easy)
The Delaware River is a favorite spot for many outdoor enthusiasts and for good reason. Its free-flowing beauty, recognized by its listing as a National Wild and Scenic River, is evident all around. With a little current helping us along, we'll guide you through one of the most scenic sections, the Delaware Water Gap. Keep your eyes alert to the riverbanks as we often spot bald eagles during our journey.
Tour dates: Mon, May 26, Fri, Jul 4, Mon, Sep 1, Sun, Oct 19
Time(s): 9:00am - 12:30pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Own kayak $55
SEE MAP
Farrington Lake - Middlesex County, NJ (Easy)
Turtles, great blue heron, egret, beaver, otter, and more wildlife than you would expect are all here in this quiet sanctuary on the edges of suburbia. Explore nature, lose yourself in the serenity of calm water, and enjoy a day you'll wish would never end.
Tour dates: Sun, May 18, Jul 6, Oct 26
Time(s): 9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Tandem kayak $99, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
Graveyard of Ships - Middlesex County, NJ (Intermediate)
Step up the cool factor on your paddling resume. Ferries, liners tugboats, and warships rest in the shallow waters of the Arthur Kill offering kayakers a chance to view the eerie beauty of these ships from the past. A truly unique paddling opportunity you won't want to miss.
Note: The vessels located here are privately owned. Any entry into or onto them is unlawful. Further, they are in a deteriorating condition. As a matter of safety, maintaining a safe and respectable distance is important and will be observed at all times. The waters can be challenging to beginner paddlers and the Intro to Paddling class is highly recommended prior to this trip.
If you are going to use your own kayak on this tour it must be at least 12 feet long.
Tour dates: Sun, Jun 15, Aug 17, Sep 28
Time(s): 9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Tandem kayak $99, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
Hackensack River - Hudson County, NJ (Easy)
Amid one of the world's busiest metropolitan areas, the Hackensack River is like few others. Numerous species of birds make their home here or stop over on migration paths. Large concentrations of fish, turtles and crustaceans use it as a spawning ground, and mammals, including raccoon, muskrat and red fox take advantage of the plentiful food available. Add in scenic views of the New York City skyline and this river is a wonderful place for a day on the water.
Tour dates: Sat, Jul 12
Time(s): 9:00am - 12:00pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Tandem kayak $99, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
Manasquan River - Monmouth County, NJ (Easy)
Our paddle will begin on the pristine upper section of this beautiful coastal river. We'll wind our way through a labyrinth of marsh grass and cedar trees as the river widens to reveal picturesque homes on the overlooking bluffs. On our return trip we'll bypass our take out spot for a quick paddle into the narrow forested section upstream revealing a wholly different ecosystem in this diverse estuarine environment.
Tour dates: Sun, Jun 29, Sep 14
Time(s): 9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Tandem kayak $99, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
Meadowlands - Hudson County, NJ (Easy)
With the NYC skyline as a backdrop you'll be pleasantly surprised to find great paddling in the Meadowlands. The many creeks, sweeping through grassy hills and phragmites, offer an ecological system of tidal waters, where wading birds and other wildlife forage for food in the mud flats at low tide. A great daytime paddle and home to some beautiful sunsets. Witness this unexpected gem right under our noses.
Tour dates: Sat, Aug 30, also see Sunset tours
Time(s): 9:00am - 12:00pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Tandem kayak $99, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
For additional dates check out the sunset tours at this location.
Mill Creek - Hudson County, NJ (Easy)
Once part of a vast forest of Atlantic White Cedar trees whose valuable wood helped build New York City, Mill Creek and its surrounding marsh has transformed into a home for diverse populations of nesting and migratory birds including shorebirds, raptors, herons and peregrine falcon. Join us as we meander through wetlands, glimpsing remnants of its past which are visible at low tide, and exploring the lush greenery that has since taken over.
Tour dates: Sat, Jun 14
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Tandem kayak $99, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
Musconetcong River - Morris County, NJ (Easy)
Nestled between two scenic mountain ridges and part of the historic Morris Canal, this section of the Musconetcong River runs slow, flat and beautiful making it a perfect place for a relaxing half day of kayaking.
Tour dates: Sun, Jun 8, Sat, Oct 11
Time(s): 9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
Passaic River - Essex County, NJ (Easy)
The Passaic River meanders through some of the busiest sections of New Jersey. You wouldn't know it here though. It's slow current and flood prone waters mean many are reluctant to build close to it's banks allowing nature to thrive. Hawks, herons, egrets and turtles are plentiful along the wooded shores of this, NJ's longest, river.
Tour dates: Sat, May 17, Aug 23, Oct 25
Time(s): 9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Tandem kayak $99, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
Passaic River/Great Swamp - Somerset County, NJ (Easy)
Bordering Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge this section of the Passaic river boasts awesome scenery and lots of wildlife. You'll feel at one with nature as the river's twists and turns carry you past beaver lodges, over their dams and deeper into the refuge's soul.
Tour dates: Sun, Jun 1, Jul 20, Sat, Oct 18
Time(s): 9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Tandem kayak $99, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
Pompton Lake - Passaic County, NJ (Easy)
This easy to reach lake is a perfect combination of open space and lakeside homes and it's calm, quiet waters ensure your paddle will be relaxing and enjoyable. With great hiking right down the road you may want to add some time in the mountains for a total outdoor experience.
Tour dates: Sun, Jun 22, Aug 10
Time(s): 9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Tandem kayak $99, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
Pompton River - Passaic County, NJ (Easy)
Flowing through Wayne, Lincoln Park and Pequannock, this often overlooked river is the largest tributary feeding into the more well known Passaic. Once vastly more populated, decades of flooding has forced many to retreat from the banks leaving forested areas to take over where homes once stood. Check out nature as it works to reclaim what it lost.
Tour dates: Sun, Aug 24
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
Raritan River - Middlesex County, NJ (Easy)
The Raritan is the largest river located entirely within the state of New Jersey and its central location means it is real easy to get to from almost anywhere in the state. Dear to the hearts of Rutgers University students and alumni, the river is glorified in the song "On the Banks of the Old Raritan," sung after commencement ceremonies and sporting events at the college. Enjoy an easy paddle in the shadows of the State University of NJ.
Tour dates: Sun, Aug 3
Time(s): 9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Tandem kayak $99, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
Shrewsbury River - Monmouth County, NJ (Easy)
With more than a dozen creeks feeding into it, this river is one of Sandy Hook Bay's most important estuaries. Its marshes and coves provide excellent habitat for wildlife and great exploring for kayakers. Egret, heron, osprey and other birds feed along the shores. Watch sailboats as they compete in a weekly Sunday afternoon regatta. Add in some cool mid-river islands and stately waterfront homes and you'll find plenty to keep your attention on this popular paddle.
Tour dates: Sun, May 25, Jul 27, Sep 7
Time(s): 9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Tandem kayak $99, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
Spruce Run Reservoir - Hunterdon County, NJ (Easy)
Surrounded by Hunterdon County's beautiful rolling hills, Spruce Run Reservoir is a wonderfully scenic place to paddle. Fifteen miles of shoreline with numerous creeks and coves to explore, abundant wildlife to view and a get away from it all feeling that will surely make your day a great one.
Tour dates: Sat, Jun 7, 28, Jul 5
Time(s): 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Tandem kayak $99, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
Wawayanda Lake - Sussex County, NJ (Easy)
This glacially formed lake in an Atlantic white cedar swamp and mixed oak-hardwood forest boasts some of north Jersey's most scenic fall foliage. It is also home to many animals including deer, beaver, black bear and river otter. One of our most scenic tours, it is also a great place to enjoy a hike on some of the parks numerous trails. Bring your camera!
Tour dates: Sun, Oct 12
Time(s): 9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Cost: Single kayak $65, Tandem kayak $99, Own kayak $45
SEE MAP
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