Nature Activities
Paddling & Cruises
From spring through early fall, several wildlife sanctuaries give nature lovers a fresh way to enjoy local ecology—by canoe, kayak, or boat.
Meander down the Housatonic River in the Berkshires or explore the salt marshes of Cape Cod. See nesting shorebirds on Newburyport's Plum Island or the Boston skyline from the Charles River. Rent a boat to guide your own adventure or join a naturalist-led paddle program to learn about the wildlife living just beneath the surface.
Canoe, Kayak, & Paddleboard Rentals
Wachusett Meadow, Princeton
Canoe Rentals, May-October
Explore Wildlife Pond to see mink, beavers, otters, and at least a half dozen species of frogs and toads. A variety of woodpeckers favor the standing dead tree snags around the pond’s edges, and there's almost always a Great Blue Heron around somewhere fishing for its dinner. Learn more about canoe rentals at Wachusett Meadow
Ipswich River, Topsfield
Canoe Rentals, June-October
Thanks to the flat topography of the surrounding silver maple floodplain forest, the Ipswich River is slow-flowing and winding, great for new paddlers and for birders. Learn more about canoe rentals at Ipswich River
Felix Neck, Edgartown
Self-Guided Kayak and Paddleboard Tours, Weekdays, May-October
Explore the Sengekontacket Pond on a self-guided paddling treasure hunt, where you’ll uncover the story of the pond’s people, places, and wildlife. Single and double kayaks and two stand up paddleboards available for rent on a first-come first-serve basis. Learn more about kayaking & paddling at Felix Neck
Paddling & Cruise Programs
See MoreEven more wildlife sanctuaries offer paddling opportunities via guided programs throughout Massachusetts.
Family Guided Kayak Tour - Single Boat
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Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown
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Friday, July 25
10:00-11:30am
Adults & Families - 5 - 17
Family Guided Kayak Tour - Double Boat
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Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Edgartown
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Friday, July 25
10:00-11:30am
Adults & Families - 0 - 17
Summer Nights Paddling
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Magazine Beach Park Nature Center, Cambridge
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Tuesday, July 29
Sessions from 4:45-8:00pm
Adults & Families - 4 - 17
Marine Discovery Tour
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Oak Bluffs Harbor, Oak Bluffs
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Tuesday, July 29
5:30-7:30pm
Adults & Families - 4 - 17
Neighborhood Nature: Canoeing at Bell Pond
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Wednesday, July 30
10:00am-1:00pm
Adults & Families - 0 - 17
Evening Paddle on the Housatonic River
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Decker Boat Ramp, Lenox
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Thursday, July 31
5:00-7:30pm
Adults
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