Adventures in Paradise has provided snorkeling and kayak trips to Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island for over 10 years. Their open-deck tandem kayaks and quality snorkel gear help you explore amazing cobalt blue grottos, swim with myriads of colorful tropical fish, turtle, and spinner dolphins in warm clear water, above beautiful coral gardens. read more
With Puerto Rico Bio Bay Tours, guests can discover the bioluminescent waters of Laguna Grande, explore the mangroves of Las Cabezas de San Juan Reserve and experience Las Croabas fishing village. Guests are brought into this one-of-a-kind ecosystem and guides are proud to share more than 20 years of experience and knowledge. read more
Experience the beauty of Makena Bay with Maui Eco Tours. Kayaks have zero emissions, and don't disturb the marine life or their environment and allow access to some unique spots that you normally can't get to. Enjoy the stunning coastlines, and pristine tropical waters teeming with colorful coral reefs, turtles, dolphins and whales. Or learn to surf or SUP on gentle rolling waves. If you’re into more extreme sports, try windsurfing or kiteboarding. Excellent conditions make Maui one of the worlds best spots to learn!read more
Discover snorkeling, SUP and kayaking in Duck Key with Sole Watersports, and enjoy some of the bluest water in the keys! Snorkel the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US, kayak through the island's mangrove forests, or SUP the shallow water off the white sand beaches. Enjoy the Caribbean water and reefs right in Florida!read more
Kayak Rentals, Tours & Tubing with Verde Adventures
FROM$42 per 2 hrs
4.5
Based on 573 reviews
Paddle the only wild & scenic designated river in Arizona with Verde Adventures! Verde offers guided kayaking tours and inflatable kayak and tube rentals for self-guided trips through the magical high desert oasis of the Verde River. Scenic tours range from 2 hours to full day adventures with professional guides.read more
Vela Baja is here to help with your exciting, action-packed and hassle free Baja Sur vacation where you can practice, learn or improve your favorite adventure sport in the glorious Baja sunshine and scenery. From 15th November to 20th March each year their team of dedicated, experienced and friendly personnel will help with your kayak and SUP rental needs.read more
With Maui Adventure Tours you have the opportunity to kayak, snorkel, or scuba the incredible coral reefs of Hawaii’s unique marine eco-systems. Experience majestic views of the West Maui Mountains and the beautiful Olowalu coastline while discovering the incredible marine life of Hawaii!read more
Paddle Florida's #1 manatee refuge, Blue Spring State Park. Blue Spring Adventures offers kayak, SUP and canoe rentals to explore this gem along the St. John's River. The 72 degree spring waters host more than 400 manatees seasonally, from March to November. The pristine beauty of this state park makes paddling an incredible adventure. Reservations fill up fast, book online today!read more
Puerto Rico Access Tours offers guided eco kayaking tours for you and your family in some of Puerto Rico's most stunning destinations. Tours endorsed by the Puerto Rico Tourism and the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of Puerto Rico include the Bio Bay Night Kayaking Tour, Rainforest Tour, and many others. Come see all that Puerto Rico has to offer!read more
River and Earth Adventures combines expert guides, pristine wilderness and top-of-the-line equipment for your Boone, NC rafting or paddling adventure. Their private river put-in means that you will paddle without the crowds. Rafting trips, tube rentals and kayak rentals offer time to connect with friends and family, while discovering some of the most breathtaking natural areas in the Appalachians. Rafting trips range from 2-5 hours and include class II-III rapids, van shuttle, and private put-in.read more
The Hub has the latest kayak and SUP gear for rent to equip you for the rivers and lakes just waiting to be explored in the Pagosa Springs area. With plentiful National Forest, State Parks and wilderness surrounding the town, it's an outdoor recreation paradise!
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James River Outfitters offers float trips and camping on the James River in Galena, MO. Rent kayaks, canoes and rafts for the float, book a shuttle to take you up the river, and camp out at their RVs, glampsites and tents when you are finished!read more
The River Deck Marina offers rental gear for water sports activities like canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and everything you need for a great day on the water.read more
Eco Adventures is an owner/operator family business that provides unforgettable Fajardo eco tours. Enjoy a full day of Rainforest hiking, waterfall exploration, swimming in chilly mountain pools, local Puerto Rican cuisine and a kayak adventure to the amazing bioluminescent “Laguna Grande” to see the rare phenomenon of glowing, sparkling water, existing in only 4 other places on earth!read more
The mission of Ballard Boards is to connect everyone with the Eau Gallie River in order to inspire the next generation of lagoon protectors. Convenient, enjoyable access to the water for every skill level. Experience the return of so many dolphins!read more
Whitewater Express takes you to the wonders of Georgia's adventure-filled rivers! The Chattahoochee River holds the distinction of being home to the world’s largest urban whitewater course for white water rafting in Georgia, and with class I-III rapids there is something for everyone! From a lazy river to surfing rapids, your adventure will be one of a kind.read more
Adventure Paddle Sports specializes in family-friendly, award-winning guided kayak tours on the Dillon Reservoir. Guided kayak tours are informational and conservation-minded, with the potential to see unique Colorado wildlife.read more
Join Adventures in Whitewater for whitewater rafting and inflatable kayak trips through the rugged canyons of the Colorado River! Highly regarded as one of the best Class II/III river trips in America, perfect for all ages and abilities! Trips stop at the Radium Hot Springs so you can soak in a volcanically-heated mineral pool directly next to the river, and watch the adventure-seekers in your group jump off a 25 foot vertical cliff into the river at the world-famous "Jump Rock". read more
And Adventure offers world-class kayak tours on the stunning Croatian coast. Create unforgettable memories and explore Croatia's idyllic coves and fascinating underwater world while you swim, snorkel, or get a refreshing drink at the beach bar. Explore the historic town of Hvar with the emerald jewels of the Pakleni Islands for one of Croatia's most popular half-day kayak tours.
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Rent Kayak and SUP gear from Bay Breeze Paddle Adventures, or join their kayaking eco-tour to explore the area's mangroves and look for Florida wildlife like dolphins and manatees! read more
Discover the real Florida with kayak tours & rentals from Go Kayaking. Explore Florida's coastal lagoons, rivers, bioluminescence, and wildlife like manatees and alligators.read more
Odyssea Watersports is a family owned shop with over 20 years of experience. They offer paddle board and kayak rentals to discover the wonders of Ocean City!read more
Tampa Bay SUP rents top quality SUP and kayak gear by the hour or the day. They offer several convenient Tampa pickup locations, or they can come to you! Paddle the calm intracoastal off Clearwater Beach, dolphin sightings are common! read more
Exclusive Excursions provides unique river rafting and tubing adventures in Park City on the Provo River. The Provo is a fantastic mellow river with light rapids and spectacular scenery. We offer some spectacular Park City Rafting packages that include this scenic float along with other activities! read more
Join Southeast Exposure for a paddle in the Tongass National Forest. The protected waters of Clover Pass provide an opportunity to really enjoy the tranquil setting of the Tongass National Forest as you paddle to Eagle Island. Along the paddle you will learn about the natural and cultural history of the area while keeping a keen eye out for bald eagles and their nests, seals, jumping salmon, and - when the tide is right - sea stars. No experience necessary!read more
Rent a kayak or SUP from Barefoot Billy’s and launch right from the beach at the Reach Resort to begin your journey to experience Key West from the water. Discover what makes paddling one of Key West’s most popular activities. Barefoot Billy’s rentals include kayak or SUP, paddle and personal flotation devices. read more
Join a group on a paddle trip to explore hidden caves, relax on some of Europe's best secluded beaches, and snorkel with marine life.
EZRIDE will take you on a journey to discover the natural treasures of Lagos Coast up close and personal.read more
Nature Adventures offers kayak and stand up paddleboard tours to explore the beautiful South Carolina coast. Knowledgeable tour guides include marine biologists and master naturalists, who guide visitors through the unique tidal salt marsh ecology, local history of Shem Creek and Charleston’s relevance to the Revolutionary, 1812 and Civil Wars. read more
Rent a kayak or SUP from Barefoot Billy’s and launch right from the beach at Marriott Resort. Experience Key West from the water, and see the colorful underwater world aboard a kayak or SUP. Discover what makes paddling one of Key West’s most popular activities. Barefoot Billy’s rentals include kayak or SUP, paddle and personal flotation devices. read more
Located at the base of Willamette Falls, eNRG Kayaking offers guided kayak and SUP tours, rentals and lessons for paddling the greater Portland, OR region. Paddle to Willamette Falls, whitewater raft the Santiam River, or float the scenic Clackamas. Beat the heat and paddle with their world class staff. read more
TripOutside is the largest kayak rental and tour booking website to help you find and book different types of kayaks from the best outfitters around the world.
If you haven’t rented a kayak before, below is a rental guide that you may find helpful in picking the best kayak for your adventure.
But don’t worry, you’ll be renting with the highly experienced outdoor businesses that will make sure that you get on the best kayak for your adventure.
What are the different types of Kayak Rentals available near me
Recreational Kayak Rentals
Most kayak outfitters offer recreational kayaks as their rental option as these are the most versatile option for any type of water. The recreational kayaks may not be great at any one thing, but they are the jack of all trades. The main option to consider when renting a Recreational Kayak is whether you’d like a sit on top or a sit-inside kayak (if the rental options are available).
The next decision is whether you’d like a solo kayak to yourself or if you want to paddle with a partner in a tandem kayak.
Sit on top kayaks:
A sit on top kayak is an open platform kayak where you sit on top of the kayak with your legs open and exposed.
Best Kayak For Beginners
Easy to get in and out when you’re getting in and out and it’s easier to get back into the kayak if you flip over.
Things to consider when renting a sit on top kayak
You legs are exposed to the sun and the elements and you could get splashed on a bit more and slightly higher chances of getting wet
Sit inside kayak rentals
Sit inside kayaks allow you to sit inside the kayak rather than on top of it. The sit inside recreational kayaks are very common, easy to paddle, and a great multi-purpose kayak. The two options you will have to choose from are Solo or Tandem kayak rentals.
Touring / Sea Kayak Rentals
Touring kayaks are generally longer and narrower than a recreational kayak as they are designed to go faster and further than a recreational kayak but they are not as stable.
Touring / Sea / Ocean kayaks also have a bulkhead on either end of the boat that creates extra buoyancy and helps the boat stay afloat in open water in case of a turnover.
You do not want to rent or use a sit-inside kayak without one of these bulkhead options in a large body of water as they may accumulate water and sink instead of floating.
Solo Touring
Tandem Touring
Inflatable Kayak Rentals / Duckies
Inflatable Kayak Rentals are becoming more popular for many reasons including the ease of transportation and their ability to paddle rivers and waters with rocks and rapids that you typically can’t or wouldn’t want to in a recreational kayak.
These kayaks can be inflated in a matter of minutes at the start of the trip, which means you don’t need to have a large vehicle or kayak racks to be able to transport them.
Another ease of using an inflatable kayak is that they are easier to paddle for beginners but, they are slower than a recreational kayak. They are best suited for paddling with the flow of water where paddling efficiency is not as important.
Kids Kayak
Most often, kids can join adults in a tandem kayak and it’s best for them to sit in the front so you can keep an eye on what’s going on and help them paddle by providing guidance and instruction. But, when the kids become old enough or proficient enough at paddling and want their own kayaks, there are a few options available for them to enjoy their own journey.
Check with the outfitter before renting a kids kayak to see which options they provide and it is crucial to know what the water conditions are like and make sure that it’s the best decision for the kids to paddle by themselves.
Whitewater Kayaks
How to Choose A Kayak to Rent
It really depends on where do you want to paddle, your outfitter partner will help you pick the best kayak based on their location and available paddling locations. In general, here are some guidelines.
Lake
Small lake or a pond: A recreational kayak is perfect for paddling a small lake or a flat river. You just have to decide whether you want solo or tandem and/or sit on top or sit inside.
A big open water lake or ocean: A touring kayak is necessary and recommended if you’re padding in a big lake or open water. You need a separate dry compartment, a bulkhead, which is a great safety feature to provide buoyancy for the boat in open water.
River (flat)
A recreational or a touring kayak will be perfect for a flatwater river trip
If it is a river with a lot of turns and small narrow channels, go with a recreational kayak as it will be easier to maneuver and balance than a long touring kayak.
A long flat river: You could go with a touring kayak if you want to do a long day trip or a multi-day trip.
A river with rapids
Inflatable kayaks/duckies: With class 1-2 rapids, you could potentially go with a recreational kayak or an inflatable kayak.
Caution: talk to your outfitter before deciding which kayak to choose if the river that you’re planning on running has rapids. Inflatable kayaks are growing in popularity to run rivers with rapids when you don’t want to be on a rafting trip and like doing your own DIY adventures.
For more extreme rapids, you may need a whitewater kayak but these aren’t typically rentedout just to anyone as the risk of flipping over is very high and there is training required to learn to flip back over.
Frequently Asked Questions on Kayak Rentals
How much does it cost to rent a kayak?
Kayak rentals are generally very cost-effective to rent, in most cases, recreational kayaks priced average:
Per hour averages are around $10-$15
Half-day rentals range from $30-50
Full-day and the prices range from $40-$75 an hour
Tandem kayaks can cost $5-$20 more for the same time periods but you do save money instead of renting 2 kayaks.
Touring kayak rentals cost more and therefore their rental prices are also higher ranging $10-$20 more than recreational kayaks.
Ultimate Guide to Kayaking
If you are looking for a way to escape the crowds, get outdoors, get a great workout and potentially spot wildlife, kayaking is the ticket. This easy-to-learn watersport will get you outside exploring, and getting fit. If you are new to kayaking, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered in our Ultimate Kayaking & Gear Guide. This comprehensive resource is valuable for beginner kayakers and avid paddlers alike. Get tips and tricks from experts, recommendations on gear and destinations, and more.
