Kayaking is a a lot of fun for the whole family and there are a number of places where you can rent a kayak in a nearby lake, pond, river, and the ocean. A good place to get started is a pond because the wind is generally lighter and the waves are smaller as you are closer to land. The Charles River is another good choice as it is protected from the ocean and has many rental places. When going on your first kayak adventure, try to go earlier in the day as there is generally less wind and traffic.
Ocean kayaking is little more demanding due to tidal currents and waves from wind and boats. Consider taking lessons or a tour before you venture out the first time.
Most kayaks can be rented by the hour, half-hour, half-day and full-day but a few rental places require membership. Some renters offer discounts for children and families.
Community Boating Boston This popular nonprofit has been offering affordable sailing programs and boat rentals in the Boston area since 1949. They offer 30-day, 60-day and yearly memberships as well as full-day rentals for kayaks and sailboats. Features: Rentals, Membership, Lessons, Sailboats, Kayaks, Paddleboards, Kids Price: $34 - two hours kayaks, $85 - two hour daysailers Address: 21 David G Mugar Way Boston, MA 02114 (617)523-1038 |
Charles River Canoe and Kayak Offers 6 locations in Cambridge, Allston/Brighton, Waltham, Newton, Somerville and Waltham. Rentals are available for canoes, kayaks and paddle-boards. Besides rentals, the company offers classes, guided tours, one-way rentals and a shuttled 10-mile trip from the upper reaches of the Charles River. Features: Rentals, Guided Tours, Lessons, Kayaks, Paddleboards, OneWay Rentals , Racong, Kids Price: $30 per 1.5 hours kayaks, $30 per 1.5 hours paddleboards Address: 160 Riverview Ave Waltham, MA 02453 (617) 965-5110 |
Boston University Sailing Center The BU Sailing Pavilion offers boat rentals and lessons to the public in addition to their own community. Their sailing program offers sailing instructions at different levels and is also available to the public. The sailing pavilion is located right behind the BU campus at the footbridge and can also be reached via the Esplanade. Features: Rentals, Sailboats, Kayak, Paddleboards, Lessons Price: $30.- day pass, $220.- season pass Address: 735 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215 (617)353-9307 |
Spot Pond Boathouse, Stoneham Offers boat rentals and lessons. Boats available for rent are canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboats. Kayaking and sailing lessons are available. The program is run by Boating In Boston. Features: Rentals, Memberships, Canoeing, Kayaking, Sailing, Lessons, Parking Price: $20.- per hour single kayaks, $30.- per hour canoes Address: 4 Woodland Rd Stoneham, MA 02180 617-299-3392 |
Hopkinton State Park, Hopkinton State Park with more than 1,500 acres of natural forest and open fields and a 175-acre spring-fed lake that features 3 islands, 2 swimming beaches. Rentals include kayaks, canoes, sailboats, paddleboards, windsurfers. Facility is operated by Boating In Boston. Features: Rentals, Memberships, Workshops, Kayaks, Canoes, Sailboats, Windsurfers, Paddleboards, Parking Price: $20.- per hour single kayaks, $30.- per hour canoes Address: 164 Cedar St Hopkinton, MA 01748 (617)299-3392 |
Lake Cochituate State Park, Natick Part of Lake Cochituate in Cochituate State Park, this facility rents kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and sailboats. Workshops are also available. The facility is operated by Boating in Boston. Features: Rentals, Memberships, Workshops, Kayaks, Canoes, Sailboats,, Paddleboards, Parking Price: $20.- per hour single kayaks, $30.- per hour canoes Address: 43 Commonwealth Rd Natick, MA 01760 (508)653-9641 |
Lake Quannapowitt , Wakefield Discovery Wakefield’s picturesque Lake Quannapowitt. There’s a 3.5-mile loop around the lake and plenty of open space for jogging, Frisbee, or a relaxing picnic on or along the lake. Boat rentals available include kayaks, paddleboards and quad pedal boats. Features: Rentals, Memberships, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Quad Pedla Boats, Parking Price: $16.- per hour kayaks, $22.- per hour paddleboards Address: Lake Ave Wakefield, MA 01880 (617)299-3392 |
