Your Guide To Kayak Maine + The Best Maine Kayak Tours and Rentals
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Kayaking is a great way to explore the Maine outdoors by water. Whether paddling along the rocky shoreline, in a tidal creek, on a lake, pond, fast or gentle flowing river, you will soon leave the hustle and bustle behind, and find yourself immersed in a world of tranquility, beauty, and adventure.
Kayaking is an environmentally friendly way to see the natural beauty that Maine is famous for, its quiet and low impact on the beauitful surroundings. Kayaking allows you to see birds, wildlife, and nature at its purest.
White water kayaks are short and very maneuverable. Touring Kayaks are long and fast, and offer lots of storage space to bring supplies for longer trips. Fishing Kayaks are very stable, and include fishing equipment such as rod holders and anchors. If you’re not sure what’s best for you, ask your kayak outfitter.
The possibilities for Kayaking in Maine are endless. You can rent a Kayak, take a guided scenic tour or arrange for a multi-day trip with overnight camping. You decide how adventurous you want to be. Most kayak rental companies also have available canoes and stand up paddleboards for rent by the day or the hour. SUP, aka: stand up paddleboard, is all the rage right now. Some people prefer the traditional posture of a canoe over a kayak, while sports enthusiasts enjoy the challenge and dynamic standing and surfing style paddling of Stand Up Paddleboarding.
Paddling along on a coastal tour, you’re likely to see birds, seals, and beautiful scenery. For a quieter paddle, try one of the many inlets and tidal rivers that line the coast, or venture further inland to one of Maine’s many Lakes and rivers.
What to Bring Kayaking
You’ll want to check with your outfitter to see if they have any particular requirements, but generally you’ll want to be sure to bring the following for you kayak adventure on the Coast of Maine…
- Plenty of water
- Sun block and a hat
- A snack or protein bar for longer paddles
- Water shoes if you plan on getting out along the way
You may also want to bring a camera. Make sure you have a dry bag to put it in, to avoid damage from water. Most outfitters offer these at no extra charge.
