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    Paddle Boston

    4.5 (89 reviews)
    Open 8:30 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated 2 weeks ago

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    Emily C.

    Tons of fun, amazing views, awesome activities. Most people come here to kayak but there are other types of equipments available such as canoes and paddle boarding. I have only gone kayaking here and it was so much fun! The views are beautiful on the river and it's an awesome activity for either groups or even by yourself (even though it would be a bit lonely to enjoy the experience by yourself). The only thing is that you have to stay on the right side cause there are lots of schools practicing rowing and boats that go through the middle of the river so that can be annoying since you have to stop when they're passing to make sure that you don't collide into them. Usually by the afternoon, they're done with practice and will be out of the river so it's actually not bad and it's still very peaceful on the water! The staff is very kind and makes the process very easy for you. You just have to fill out a waiver and answer a few questions, show an ID and then pay for the rental when you return - charged by the hour. It's a very quick process to get into the water. There's also lots of parking right next to the rental spot so that's an added bonus.

    Made it to Longfellow bridge from the launch spot!

    It took us a little over 45 minutes to get to Longfellow bridge for a good photo of the city, but it took pretty intense paddling the whole way! If you want to make it there at a leisurely pace, definitely opt for the 3 hour package.

    Alex B.

    Love this place. You can know nothing about kayaking, show up, and by the end of the day you will feel like you are ready to take on some Colorado River rapids (although you probably shouldn't). Free parking, grace time for setup, picnic tables, and a helpful staff all really make this place great. I usually take a single kayak and I paddle hard to the MIT boat house (just before Mass Ave Bride), then I rest for a little, and head back. I do all of this in about 1.5 hours and it only costs $23. It makes for a nice challenging workout all while getting a nice tan. It is also a great place to take a day date. Pack a cooler with lunches and drinks to leave in the car while you kayak. Afterwards, set up a blanket on the grass or sit at one of their picnic tables. Few tips... 1) If it's on the weekend come early before they run out of boats 2) They have big water jugs, but bring your own drinks because they don't sell anything and when you are on the water in 90 degree heat the little thimble cup of water wont help you 3) Just tell them you have taken the test before if you have kayaked before. If you have never kayaked it is a good idea to take the test and learn the basic rules. 4) Unless you have something to cover your electronic (waterproof case) you should leave them in the car. You do get residual splashing in the kayak.

    beautful sunny day
    Osh K.

    I love to kayak and I have been here many times. You must fill out a waiver and answer a few easy funny test questions, present Id and you will be logged in the system to keep track of your time on the kayak, once you return you will pay for the rental time.. single kayak (2 hours $30) double kayak canoes are all available for rent. parking: there are 3 lots to park and they are free. The Charles river is really beautiful and you start in watertown, and you can pass through cambridge all the way to Boston, you can rent waterproof bags for your belongings, I don't know the price, also bring snacks with you and drinks, you will need it cause boy does it get hot out there in the afternoon. staff: They have alot of people working here and they were all great and very helpful, from getting you a vest, paddle, and helping you get on the kayak. Overall it was fun, peaceful and most important fun!!

    Heron!
    Rosemary F.

    Easy walk from Harvard Sq, this is a great location for paddling toward the Charles Basin or heading our toward Watertown (lots of wild life). They have sea kayaks if you want to go fast. Great service and Covid careful. Felt like a vacation.

    Emily S.

    I'm a wussy and this place was easy. Is it sunny? If yes, go now! They have sunscreen for you there! Just go!

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    They were very kind and professional. the boats are in good shape. It was the perfect thing to do for Father's Day.

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    Mark J.

    This is AWESOME! Im going to quote it on Facebook! You are amazing.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Paddle Boston

    Review Highlights - Paddle Boston

    I think 3 out of the 4 times I've been to this location they've rounded down my time when returning the kayak.

    Mentioned in 33 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Zoar Outdoor

    4.8(142 reviews)
    91.0 mi

    Whitewater rafting trip. The staff was great! They were all very friendly and helpful. Zoar Outdoor…read moreis located on route 2 in Western MA directly across the street from the Deerfield River. Very beautiful area. After a brief safety video and briefing, we were given our rafting kit, loaded on buses, and brought up river to the raft slip, this was about a 30 minute trip north west. The raft trip ended across the street from where we started. An easy exit, we got out of the boat, returned our kit, and walked across the road to watch the video, and purchase souvenir photographs. We had an excellent day on the river during our 10 mile trip. My 14 year old son and I did the Zoar Gap trip which took most of the day with an hour break for lunch at a nice riverside picnic ground in the mountains. You can bring your own food( appropriately packaged) if you would like. They store it in a water proof bag and stow it on the raft. If there is even a hint of rain or you just don't want to get completely soaked, bring a three season jacket or rain coat. Also, you will be out on a river dress accordingly. NO open toed shoes! This includes flip- flops. You can rent shoes and wetsuits. If you have any medical issues like allergic reactions etc. I would either bring your own Epi Pen kit and medications with you, and stow it in the water proof bag, or possibly think about finding a less isolated outdoor experience. Be warned, white water rafting can be physically strenuous. The only issue I had was the lunch that was provided. Not that it was bad, it was well packaged and pre-made( not to order). If you have food allergies or don't like mayonnaise bring your own food. Zoar Outdoor is not really able to accommodate food allergies or pickey eaters. Mayonnaise was on every sandwich. I don't know why. They could just have provided packets on the side but they there were none available. My son hates mayonnaise so he only ate the chips, pickle, and cookies provided which got him through the remainder of the trip but not exactly a great lunch. One man we were with had a dairy allergy. I'm pretty sure he was not able to eat any of the food. I'm not sure why he didn't make sure a head of time if he could eat the food.I wish I had known the sandwiches had mayonnaise on them a head of time. Not a huge deal, we got over it. The trip was super fun! I would love to go again and will definitely choose Zoar Outdoor again.

    Steve was our guide for white water rafting and he was awesome. Truly an expert on the route and…read moregave perfect instructions. All staff were very friendly. They even accommodated our dietary restrictions. 10/10 recommend!

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    Paddle Boston: Cambridge at Kendall Sq.

    Paddle Boston: Cambridge at Kendall Sq.

    4.3(144 reviews)
    2.5 miKendall Square/MIT, East Cambridge

    I booked a kayak at the Kendall Square location and landed here. I should have gone the other…read moredirection - the most difficult part was near this location, and I was paddling against the wind and current most of the way. Other than that, it was a great trip! It's a nice mix of peaceful trees and city views. I also paddled through a sailing team practice, which was cool. The boats were in great shape. The life jackets were showing their age, but I guess that's what you get with rentals. They estimated 1.5 - 2 hours for this trip, and it took me about an hour. I docked a star from this location, because the workers didn't really seem to know what was going on when I returned the boat. I needed to let them know I came from the other location and the responses were "that's cool" and "okay" and "I don't know what to do with that". Turns out you have to check out in a trailer at the end of the dock and tell them, but no one seemed to know. Still a great trip!

    TL;DR - Paddle Boston at Kendall Square is my go-to for kayaking on the Charles. The staff is…read morealways friendly, prices are fair, and the views of Boston and Cambridge are unbeatable. Their season passes and Fourth of July rentals make the experience even better--highly recommend! _______________________________ I love being outdoors, especially on the water, and Paddle Boston has become one of my favorite spots in the city. I discovered them shortly after moving to Boston and working in Cambridge, and it has been a go-to ever since. Their kayak rentals are fairly priced and offer an amazing way to enjoy the Charles River with unbeatable views of both the Boston and Cambridge skylines. The staff is always friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Their kayaks are perfect for the calm waters of the Charles, not overly advanced but not basic either, just right for a relaxing paddle. I also love that they offer season passes for frequent paddlers and special rentals for the Fourth of July Boston Pops Fireworks, which is truly the best way to experience the show. While I typically take the T to get there, parking nearby on Main Street has never been an issue. If you are looking for a fun and easy outdoor activity in the city, I highly recommend Paddle Boston at Kendall Square.

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    By Land and Sea Stand Up Paddle - Girls group SUP lesson day in Seaport Boston

    By Land and Sea Stand Up Paddle

    5.0(3 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    So I'm not exactly sure what I was thinking trying paddle boarding. I think it had something to do…read morewith the fact that my friend and I had wanted to do it when we were down in key west but ran out of time. Suffice it to say, this fool can barely walk in a straight line sober. I had no business attempting to stand up on a floatation device. Anyway. I'm going to claim temporary insanity, but as soon as I saw a Gilt deal for SUP I was on it. It also didn't hurt that Jill is one of my favorite instructors at btone, so I figured it wouldn't be a bad time. It was really windy when we went out and lets just say i've had enough Charles river on me circa Brandeis rowing 2007-09, so i was way too chicken to even stand up on the board for fear of falling into the cesspool of hepatitis. A B C--pick your flavor. Bless my instructor Ingrid's heart, she was so patient with me. Today is the day after and i'd say a good 60% of my body is screaming "whyyyyyyy?!?!?!" if nothing else, at least i got a killer work out...and definitely an awesome view of the city. can't beat that. I suggest bringing a waterproof disposable to snap a couple of shots. some logistics stuff--you may have to reschedule to a location other than the one you were planning on depending on wind conditions. Jill is savvy with an iphone, so communication/planning isn't an issue. If you're meeting on the Charles, you'll be pulling into the riverside boat club parking lot (free) across from Trader Joe's. Just look for the out of place UHaul to the far left of the lot. Remember to bring your Gilt voucher if you have one, and definitely some cash for your instructor.

    Jill was an awesome instructor. We had such a great day out on the water. I would highly…read morerecommend her to anyone. We will definitely be back for more stand up paddle board as soon as the water warms up.

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    Paddle Boston - rafting - Updated May 2026

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