Paddling Through Providence

It’s kayak season again, and time to hit the waters with one of Providence’s several kayaking tours that will give you the opportunity to see our beautiful city from the river route throughout Providence. But which tour to take? Here are your options for a fun summer adventure.

Providence Kayak, located at Waterplace Park, promises a fun time for kayak pros and newbies alike. They offer single and tandem kayak rides through the urban epicenter of Rhode Island’s capital. This is Providence Kayak’s second season, and while they’re new, they have gotten many outstanding reviews.

Their sit-on-top kayaks provide a beautiful scenic view, with morning guided tours offered every Saturday. This tour takes you through the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, Riverwalk, Waterplace Park and the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier. The last Thursday evenings of the month also promise food truck events outside Skyline at Waterplace, followed by a 45-minute sunset paddle throughout the city’s waterways. Even if you’ve lived in Providence your whole life, you’ll see a side of the city you’ve never experienced before.

Single kayaks and tandem kayaks are available for 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. They are open Sat and Sun until Jun 17, then Fri through Mon starting from Jun 22 until Sep 3. Hours are 10am to 6pm, with the final paddle of the day scheduled for 4pm.

Another Providence kayak tour comes to us from Eastern Mountain Sports Schools. This tour promises views of everything from the new 195 suspension bridge to outdoor sculptures created by RISD art students. It launches from Bold Point Park in East Providence and goes through India Point Park. The climax of this tour begins when entering the fire grates used to create Providence’s acclaimed WaterFire and ends in Waterplace Park downtown.

The three-hour downtown Providence tour launches from 500 Waterfront Dr in East Providence. Tours are available on Jun 19 and Jul 16, from 10am to 1pm.

Last up is Community Boating Center (CBC), located in India Point Park. This is a nonprofit and public access sailing program, seeking to make boating affordable and accessible to all. Many family kayaking sessions are offered throughout the summer, available with membership to CBC. If you’re someone who loves kayaking and wants to make it a staple activity for you and your family this summer, this is probably the kayak rental for you.

The RiverRomp family tour teaches the basics to those new to paddling, featuring both single and tandem sit-on-top kayaks. Summer sessions are offered Jun 22, Jul 6, Jul 20, Aug 7, Aug 18 and Aug 24 from 4pm to 6pm. There is no fee to members — trial and student memberships are available. Go to communityboating.com for membership information.