Great for beginners and seasoned kayakers alike! Staff is very helpful,kind and will educate you on the area you're floating

Still coming back, year after year. All excellent experiences! It's not their job but, if the rivers were cleared of obstacles a little more, that would make it even better. read more

Kayaked the hour Batsto. It's narrow and a bit of an obstacle course, which I enjoyed but probably not a great fit for beginners. Overall, Professional, good natured, and extremely informative. read more

Pinelands Adventures - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Shamong, New Jersey

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Ive taken the 4 hour Batsto kayak trip twice in the past month. Amazing way to see the pine barrens. Staff were helpful and informative. Highly recommended read more

Pinelands Adventures - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Shamong, New Jersey

A rave. Every team member we interacted was super friendly and informative. For $50 we got kayak rentals and a four hour adventure. Upon arrival, we checked in, and the staff gave us a run down of the route we'd be taking. Then we loaded on to the bus. Along the ~15 minute ride to/from the launch site, we were regaled with a history of the area - bonus! Be warned, while the way back is paved, you get to the launch set in a very bumpy dirt road and we were bouncing all over (I thought this was super fun). We launched and began our adventure. The route is very twisty, which was good for skill sharpening and fun. The water was low since we've been without good rain, so we did get minorly stuck a few times, but we're able to move on with some good shaking. About half way down the route there are two lovely mini beaches were you can dock and enjoy lunch/a snack. Not so pro tip - once you pass mile marker 11 things open up, when you see the lily pads, stay to the right, or you'll get stuck like me, and if you get out to drag your boat, you'll get sucked into lake mud. Good news -- I got out . Bad news -- one of my water shoes fell victim to the mud, and I've never felt something so gross in my life. Also in a bad news front, when things open up, the biting flies got really bad - don't forget your by spray! Overall this is a fabulous experience! Staff is fabulous, the route is fun and beautiful, and you can learn a lot about the area in your bus rides. Don't forget lots of water, sunscreen, and bug spray! read more

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A top notch outfit for fun and adventure! The staff were extremely friendly and offered great navigation and tips for novice yak'rs like me. They were very prompt and efficient from beginning to end. We had an absolute blast and hope to come back for future outings!! read more

Pinelands Adventures - Picturesque scenery! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Shamong, New Jersey

We did the "Shorty" trip when the river was high - there were many overhanging branches, half submerged logs, on this narrow very twisty river, which opens out in spots into marshes. The drop off and pickup were smooth, the drivers friendly and the scenery lovely - but I would not recommend for beginners. read more

Staff are all very professional, friendly, and helpful. They are also incredibly knowledgeable about the history and ecology of the area, and they share that information on the way to and from the launch area, so you learn a lot even when not on a guided tour. Paddling these narrow, winding rivers is very different from paddling on a lake, and the staff explained what to expect before we set off. read more

Great experience. Everything handled beautifully. They got us on the river with good instructions and they were waiting for us at the haul out for the drive back. And the kayak rental rate is excellent. Highly recommend them if you want to explore the incredible rivers of the Pine Barrens. We did a self guided trip but they have lots of guided trips for people nervous about doing it alone. read more

We completed a kayaking beginners course this past weekend lead by Allison. she is an excellent instructor- clear, enthusiastic, and helpful. The lesson fully met our objective for the day - we now feel confident that we could rent kayaks on our travels and be comfortable that we could have a good time and stay out of trouble. It was a fun, enjoyable, productive day. Thank you so much! read more

Pinelands Adventures is an outfitter that provides canoe and kayak rentals for Atsion Lake, Batsto River, and other areas in the Pinelands. They also offer guided trips, hikes, and other tours of the Pinelands. I did a self-guided tour of the Batsto River. The cost to rent the kayak is similar to other outfitters. read more

We had a wonderful, safe trip with Pinelands Adventures. We kayaked the beginner route with four adults and two children. We felt completely safe and well cared for the entire trip. It was so much fun. Every Pinelands Adventures team member we encountered was friendly and knowledgeable. A super efficient operation. It felt like a concierge experience. Highly recommend and we will return again. Also love The Pinelands Preservation Alliance. I recommend joining it for member discounts- including for kayaking- and staying up to date with preserving the unique natural beauty of the pine barrens. read more

Tranquil and so restorative! My husband and I kayaked the Batsto River - Quaker Bridge - Batsto Lake and it took us about 4.5 hrs. We decided on a staycation this summer and booked a trip here with overnights at a nearby hotel. Weather was set to be cloudy but the sun came out and made for a glorious day. Water is slow flowing and refreshingly cool. You almost don't have to paddle except when you need to navigate. There were parts in the beginning that are windy and you must paddle around some downed trees. There are several spots where you can stop to eat your snacks and refuel. We are both beginners with kayaking and got the hang of it after the first mile. Beautiful flowers and we saw lots of turtles on our route! I felt it helped to watch a basic paddling video to prep, but if you have time to take a lesson, that's probably even better. I can be apprehensive in the water as someone who can't swim well but wearing the PFD and being in the gentle waters I gained some confidence pretty quick. While I'd say we are generally fit and in good health, my forearms and hands were pretty sore in the evening. Next day though I was good to go and felt like my soul was quenched after a day out in the beautiful Pine Barrens. The staff is very knowledgeable and make you really feel safe and at ease from the start. You are given a map, there are mile marker signs to look for along the way and you have texting capability to be in touch with the staff for your pickup point. We came with a bus group of people but only saw a handful of others on our route. I hope we get to return again soon, thank you for a wonderful experience! read more

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The 4-hour kayak trip through the Pinelands is other worldly. My new favorite form of meditation!

We had an amazing day kayaking with Pinelands. We saw turtles, heron and beautiful flowers along the way. We can't wait to go again. We highly recommend pinelands. read more

Pinelands Adventures - Large turtle - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Shamong, New Jersey

This outfitter has the concession from the state for the Batsto River. Very friendly and informative staff. Good home base facility. It was very helpful that they gave good instructions and that they gave us a laminated map with some written instructions. River itself could use a rope swing or two along the way, for kids to enjoy. I've been on the Wading River and they have some rope swing and bridges for jumping. In the other hand, the Wading River is often so shallow the kayak drags on the bottom. That as never the case on the Batsto. Kayaks themselves were nice, if not new. They had a place in back with bungee cords to store your lunch cooler as well a bungee cord in front to hold your paddle while not in use. Could use some newer kayaks. I recommend and would go again. read more

Today was an AMAZING way to spend my birthday!!! Apologies for not remembering our BEYOND BRILLIANT and upbeat guide (uh-oh ... memory issues already). She truly made the trip so colorful, informative, and fun! Hope to spend my 78th on the river with her again!! read more

Pinelands Adventures - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Shamong, New Jersey

Everything was handled perfectly. They gave us an overview of our trip before taking us to the dropoff point, and were there to pick us up at the end. Drivers gave us interesting information about the areas we were passing through both ways. It made for a great day. read more

Such an amazing experience. Mike was super helpful and full of information! Great first time kayaking! And we have the same birthday! read more

Pinelands Adventures - Bastos river - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Shamong, New Jersey

I cannot recommend this place more. This was the second paddling trip I took, and the first time on the Mullica river. Pinelands Adventures made it so easy, and everyone on staff was very friendly and helpful. read more

I was extremely pleased with the kayaking experience this weekend. I will admit to a certain amount of fear and the need to overcome it. Thus, the lesson. It was comfortable, complete, confidence building and fun. Allison did a great job!! I am now planning a kayaking trip with the Pinelands Adventures Team. read more

Yesterday we did the two hours kayaking trip and it was amazing!! Great service and super friendly personal that answered all my questions. Plus they let us take our puppy with us on a kayak!!! Definitely coming back!! read more

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Pricey, but worth it. The Batsto River kayak trip is great. Have been hiking the Pine Barrens for years but kayaking it was different. Staff is friendly and will get you set up well. TIP: If you're a beginner kayaker/canoer, I would strongly suggest watching an intro video to paddling because there will be some obstacles (fallen trees, low hanging trees) and a lot of tight turns. Gotta know how to stop and turn. Also, it's only 6 miles but it will be tiring, I suggest bringing food and plenty of water so you can take a couple breaks in between. read more

Went here on 9/3/18. They were able to accommodate us last minute. Very friendly staff even shared a bit of history of the local area on the way back. The kayaks were great and had tie down storage space. The river was a beautiful leisurely paddle but the last mile in the lake with a headwind was a challenge after 5 miles of river. We loved it. Would definitely go back! read more

Our entire experience was fantastic. Every employee with whom we interacted was incredibly friendly and informative. During our trip to and from the river, our driver gave us an incredibly detailed history lesson on the area, which was quite interesting. Our ride down the Basto was incredibly fun (although quite the workout). We will definitely be back. read more

Pleasant, informative employees. On-time departures and timely pick ups. Great self-guided kayak trip through the Pine Barrens. We took the 5 hour trip on the Mullica River. Very reasonably priced. Highly recommend. read more

We took the 4 hour Kayaking trip from Quaker Bridge to Batsto Lake. I'd recommend this if you had never kayaked before since the river is slow and it gives you plenty of time to figure out how to steer the kayak. In terms of the organization, you arrive in Shamog and they have a restroom and changing area. After you check in, they load up the bus. The ride to the drop off it about 15 mins. During the ride, they give you some history of the area which explains why the water has a reddish hue. If you want, you can also bring your own kayak and they will transport it for you. read more

This was my first time at Pinelands Adventures though not my first time kayaking. From start to finish it was a great experience. The staff are all very friendly and offered lots of additional information. Did the 2 hour self guided tour and loved it. Can't wait to go back and do the 4 hour!!! read more

Pinelands Adventures - Pushing away from shore at M1 stop - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Shamong, New Jersey

We did the shortie trip that is about two to three hours. This one is on the Mullica River and cuts off a mile to twisty, turning river. But we still had about a mile of that, and there are lots of obstacles. But we were able to negotiate that and then it opens up. We were in a canoe, a kayak might be better. But it was very nice, they drop you off and pick you up and the drivers give you information on the way. We will return for a longer trip. It was very beautiful with lots of wildflowers blooming. read more

We had such a great time yesterday. Everyone was extremely welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable. Our guide that drove us to and from the site gave us so many interesting pieces of history along the way. I was pleasantly surprised by how much he went above and beyond. This business is run by great people and offers a very nice opportunity to have fun and enjoy the outdoors! Would give more than five stars if I could. We will definitely be back! read more

Pinelands Adventures - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Shamong, New Jersey

There is no substitute for the best kayak experience in the Metropolitan area. The owners are not only knowledgeable and helpful, but they are contributors and leaders in the effort to preserve the Pinelands of NJ. This is literally one of the most perfect businesses I've ever encountered. Please, do yourself a favor and GO to Pinelands Adventures. You will experience one of the best adventures you've ever had. And what a bargain it is! read more

Love the staff and the variety of adventures are thrilling. A perfect outdoor trip for a couple or a family. Kayaks are in good shape and the different trips fit anyone's style. Bring sunscreen and a packed lunch as well!!! read more

Great place in the pine barrens to canoe or kayak in the south Jersey. Rob, Rob, Mike and crew run a fantastic operation. Don't forget to buy a waterproof bag for your phones. The canoes can get a bit tipsy. The 6 of us had a wonderful Father's Day. Grab some blue berries for the ride home. read more

We stayed at the cabins on Atsion lake for a few days during Memorial Day weekend, and had great experiences with Pinelands Adventures. We rented a canoe for several days for fishing, and also did a 2 hour day trip with kayaks and canoes down the Mullica river. The staff was very helpful with useful information on local fishing and all the paddle options on the rivers. The trip down the Mullica river was really fun and showcased plenty of wildlife. We are looking forward to returning to Wharton State forest and Pinelands Adventures again soon! read more

Great time and worry free kayaking trip. Our driver John was professional and even gave a brief history about the Pinelands on our way to the docking site. read more

Pinelands Adventures - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Shamong, New Jersey

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Class act company. The team was very cool and wanted to give a first class experience. Highly recommend going with them for rentals or tours. We kayaked the 4-hour Batsto River trip and it was fabulous. The river is smooth and windy, which made it fun to navigate. read more

Pinelands Adventures - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Shamong, New Jersey

I will never go on another trip with this company. My wife and I were given a canoe for a trip that was not navigable with such a watercraft. 20 yards into the trip we capsized on an submerged log, only to have this happen 12 more timed during the remainder of the trip. When I shared these details with the owner upon our return he informed me that he is not responsible for the waterway maintenance and often hear complaints from those who had rented two-person canoes. He also admitted that it had been some time since he took the same route himself! read more

What a lovely day canoeing on the Batsto river yesterday. We couldn't have asked for better weather, the water was plenty high, and the company grand. We only had one of our party tip a canoe - but that's half the fun, right? Pro tip: Don't play boat Frisbee when the aft oarsman is trying to navigate obstacles :-( Oh ... this is suppose to be a review of Pinelands Adventures. Well ... OK. In short, we've been canoeing many times, and have had varying experiences with rental places. These guys got it all right. We took three canoes out yesterday with eight people on a 4 hour trip (that we made last to 5+ hrs). Their website was up to date, so we knew right away which trips were out due to lack of water. I called and spoke to [sorry ... I forget his name] who help me select a trip. He took our reservation - no credit card needed till we got there. Online Waivers made check-in a breeze. The staff were all pleasant and thorough. We arrived early and our bus departed on time. You don't generally think about the trip to/from the river as part of the experience, but it was. Our driver, Barnes, was great. Not only was he thorough and no-nonsense when it came to safety, he's a "piney" from way back and on the way to the river gave us a narrative of the Pinelands that could rival a Philly Bus Tour Driver. I remember as a kid when my Dad, Brothers and I would help load and unload canoes from the trailer so I tried to help, but Barnes would have none of it. We didn't have to touch a canoe or equipment till a boat was in the water. He was focused on us having a safe and enjoyable paddle down the river, and that didn't include carting canoes from the trailer to the water. Paddle ... good times ... paddle ... good times ... paddle ... good times ... paddle ... We understood that when we got to the end that it might be a while till someone was there to pick us up, but Barnes was waiting when we made land. I tried to help grab some equipment, but again he kindly said "Thank You" as he gracefully scooped it all out of my hands and made for the bus - no need to do any work if the canoes were not in the water. These guys have it down. Highly recommend! read more

Great experience. Staff was amazing and the tour was fun, challenging and relaxing. Thanks for such a great day.

The woman who answered the phone and claimed to be the manager, Krissy, was incredibly rude, repeatedly interrupted me, and was obnoxious. I cannot believe that she would be the face of any organization. Because of an accident on the road, we were running a bit late. While we didn't expect the group to wait for us by any means, we hoped that they could work with us in terms of booking a trip on a different date or being somewhat accommodating in terms of our family of 4 not losing the entire $180 cost that we already paid. Nope. Instead, the woman insisted it was in the email we were sent. The email actually said that they couldn't guarantee that they'd be able to rebook our trip whereas Krissy didn't even try to do so. She also entered us about taking responsibility and being accountable. As a business owner myself, I found that entitled, self-aggrandizing behavior abhorrent particularly when a family is losing out on near $200 and especially during diffict financial times. If this is how you they treat their customers, I do not need to be one of their customers. read more