Best Kayak Rentals in New Jersey 2026
Rent kayaks at the Jersey Shore for bay paddles, ocean adventures, and wildlife tours. Single, tandem, and guided options available.
Why Kayak at the Jersey Shore?
The Jersey Shore offers exceptional kayaking in protected back bays and marshes. Unlike crowded beaches, the waterways provide serene escapes with abundant wildlife.
- Protected waters — Back bays and marshes offer calm paddling away from ocean waves
- Abundant wildlife — See dolphins, ospreys, egrets, and even seals in winter
- Scenic landscapes — Paddle through pristine salt marshes and historic harbors
- Easy access — Multiple outfitters with hourly rentals and guided tours
- All skill levels — Calm bay paddling is perfect for beginners and families
Long Beach Island & Ocean County
Premier kayaking on Barnegat Bay with calm waters, dolphin sightings, and beautiful marsh landscapes.
The go-to kayak outfitter on LBI with rentals, tours, and lessons in Barnegat Bay.
- Guided eco-tours
- Dolphin watching paddles
- Singles & tandems
- Sunset tours
Convenient LBI location with hourly and half-day kayak rentals.
- No reservation needed
- Hourly rentals
- Bay access
- SUP also available
Tuckerton Kayak
Tuckerton
Kayak the pristine waters of the Tuckerton Seaport and Great Bay.
- Seaport access
- Wildlife viewing
- Calm waters
- Historic area
Point Pleasant Kayak
Point Pleasant Beach · Point Pleasant
Kayak the Manasquan River with easy boardwalk access.
- River paddling
- Near boardwalk
- Beginner friendly
- Walk-in rentals
Cape May County
South Jersey kayaking from Cape May to Ocean City with sunset tours and wildlife encounters.
Premier Cape May kayaking with harbor tours and sunset paddles.
- Harbor access
- Sunset tours
- Dolphin sightings
- Historic views
Back bay kayaking behind the Wildwoods with guided eco-tours.
- Bay exploration
- Eco-tours
- Wildlife viewing
- Beginner friendly
Kayak through the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary marshes.
- Bird sanctuary access
- Marsh paddling
- Egret viewing
- Guided tours
Ocean City Kayak
Family-friendly kayaking in the calm bays behind Ocean City.
- Family friendly
- Calm waters
- Boardwalk nearby
- Tandem options
Atlantic County
Back bay paddling near Atlantic City with Great Egg Harbor access and marsh exploration.
Back bay kayaking just minutes from the casinos and boardwalk.
- Casino area access
- Guided tours
- Wildlife viewing
- Calm waters
Paddle the back bays behind Margate and see Lucy the Elephant from the water.
- Lucy views
- Quiet bays
- Family friendly
- SUP available
Great Egg Harbor Kayaks
Somers Point
Explore the Great Egg Harbor River and bay marshes.
- River access
- Marsh exploration
- Bird watching
- Guided options
Monmouth County
Northern shore kayaking on the Shark River, Navesink, and Sandy Hook Bay.
Shark River kayaking from Belmar Marina with easy bay access.
- Marina launch
- Shark River paddling
- Walk-in rentals
- Near beach
Navesink Kayak Co
Red Bank
Paddle the scenic Navesink River with views of historic estates.
- River paddling
- Scenic views
- Guided tours
- SUP rentals
Sandy Hook Kayaks
Highlands · Sandy Hook Bay
Explore Sandy Hook Bay with lighthouse views and seal watching in winter.
- Bay access
- Lighthouse views
- Seal watching (winter)
- Guided eco-tours
Kayaking Tips
Go Early Morning
Early morning offers the calmest water and best wildlife viewing. Wind typically picks up by late morning.
Check the Tide
Incoming or slack tide is best for bay paddling. Outgoing tides can make returning difficult.
Wear Sun Protection
Sunlight reflects off the water. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses with a strap.
Bring Water
Paddling is deceptively exhausting. Bring at least a liter of water, especially on hot days.
Skip the Cotton
Wear quick-dry synthetic clothing. Cotton gets heavy and stays wet if you get splashed.
Book Guided Tours
Guided eco-tours are worth the extra cost. You'll see more wildlife and learn about the ecosystem.
Essential Kayaking Gear
Having your own gear means better comfort and more spontaneous paddling opportunities.
Sit-on-Top Kayak
Stable, self-draining, easy to get back on if you flip.
Kayak Paddle (230-240cm)
Fiberglass blade with aluminum shaft is a good starter combo.
Dry Bag
Keep phone and keys dry. Essential for any paddle.
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FAQ
How much does it cost to rent a kayak in New Jersey?
Single kayak rentals typically run $25-40 per hour or $50-80 for a half-day. Tandem kayaks cost $40-60 per hour. Guided tours range from $50-100 per person for 2-3 hours.
Do I need experience to rent a kayak?
No prior experience is needed for calm bay paddling. Outfitters provide brief instruction on paddling technique and safety. Ocean kayaking may require more experience or a guided tour.
Where is the best kayaking at the Jersey Shore?
The back bays behind LBI, Cape May, and Atlantic City offer calm, protected waters ideal for kayaking. Popular spots include Barnegat Bay, Great Egg Harbor, and the Cape May marshes.
What should I bring kayaking?
Wear quick-dry clothing, water shoes, and bring sunscreen, sunglasses with straps, a hat, and water. Outfitters provide PFDs (life jackets) and sometimes dry bags.
Can kids kayak at the Jersey Shore?
Yes, most outfitters welcome kids ages 6 and up in tandem kayaks with an adult. Some offer youth-sized kayaks for experienced young paddlers. Guided tours are great for families.
When is the best time to kayak in New Jersey?
Early morning offers calm water and the best wildlife viewing. Summer months (June-August) have warmest water, but May and September offer pleasant paddling with fewer crowds.
Is kayaking safe in the ocean?
Ocean kayaking requires experience and proper conditions. Most shore kayaking is done in protected back bays and marshes. If you want to try ocean kayaking, book a guided tour.
Do kayak rentals include life jackets?
Yes, all kayak rentals include USCG-approved life jackets (PFDs). Wearing them is required in New Jersey waters. Many outfitters also provide paddles and dry bags.