Tag Archives: Tidal

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Kayaking Ogunquit River – Ogunquit, ME

August 1, 2020 Laury Leave a comment

The Ogunquit River in Ogunquit, ME is a shallow tidal river popular with kayakers, paddleboarders and tubers alike. On any summer weekend you’ll see many different types of crafts paddling this sweet little river.

Because the Ogunquit River is so shallow, it can only be paddled for a couple of hours either side of the high tide which limits your time on the water making this a rather short kayaking trip. However, the real draw to the Ogunquit River is its fantastic location directly behind Ogunquit’s famous Foot Bridge Beach, considered one of the best stretches of beach on the Gulf of Maine.

Kayakers can enjoy both the river and the beach on the same day without the need to move their car. After you finish kayaking, grab your beach gear and simply walk across the pedestrian bridge and enjoy the rest of the day at the beach. This easy access to Foot Bridge Beach makes kayaking the Ogunquit River worth the effort. We highly recommend this outing, especially with kids. A fun little river to kayak and a great beach make for a perfect family day in the sun.

WHY PADDLE HERE? – For a combination kayak and beach day, family fun, scenic beauty, coastal nature, tidal river experience, or a sunset paddle.

We turned left from the boat launch and paddled upriver until the river narrowed.

We then reversed course and paddled downriver to the Ogunquit Main Beach area. This a a view from atop the Foot Bridge Beach pedestrian bridge looking downriver.

Once you paddle under the Beach St. bridge you have arrived at the Ogunquit Main Beach area.

Paddling in the main beach area.

The river ends at the Gulf of Maine.

We then paddled back upriver toward the boat launch.

On the way back we took a break here on the side of the river. There are plenty of spots to stop, this one has beach access.

Paddling back upriver.

Paddling under the Foot Bridge Beach pedestrian bridge to the boat launch.

Back at the boat launch.

THE PADDLING ROUTE – We launched from the Foot Bridge Beach boat ramp located at the eastern end of Ocean St. in Ogunquit, ME and turned left, paddling upriver exploring the marshy river until the river narrowed. We then reversed course and paddled downriver with the outgoing tide. We paddled past our launch point and continued down-river paddling under the Beach St. bridge to the Ogunquit Main Beach area where the Ogunquit River meets the Gulf of Maine.

In the main beach area, we paddled around for a little bit and then began to paddle back upriver, fighting against the strong current of the outgoing tide. Once we paddled back under, and away from, the Beach St. Bridge, the worst paddling was over as the current significantly slackened. It was only 15 minutes past high tide and the current was already quite strong.

We continued paddling upriver and took a break on the side of the river along the way. There are plenty of places to stop and at least one spot with direct beach access.

After our break, we paddled back to the launch site, loaded up our kayaks and gear, then hit the beach for the rest of the day. This is definitely a shorter kayaking trip but still very enjoyable.

Keep track of the tide or you might end up stranded!

CAUTIONS- Watch the tides! Kayaking on Ogunquit River is only accessible close to high tide, launch 2 hrs. before and return 2 hrs. after high tide if you want to play it safe. Also, there are strong currents near the main beach where the river and ocean converge. Avoid paddling under the Beach St. bridge with young or novice paddlers as they may have trouble paddling against the currents in this area.

Looking upriver from the Foot Bridge Beach parking lot.

Foot Bridge Beach parking lot is large enough to accommodate kayak trailers.

The boat ramp is located next to the Foot Bridge Beach pedestrian bridge.

PARKING & LAUNCH – A large parking lot with boat ramp is managed by the town of Ogunquit, ME at Foot Bridge Beach parking lot located at the East end of Ocean St. in Ogunquit, ME. There is room for kayak trailers, unload your kayaks at the boat ramp and park in the rear of the lot. There is a $25 fee to park and launch, $50 if you bring a kayak trailer. They do accept debit/credit cards.

RESTROOMS – Yes! Public restrooms are located across the river from the boat launch at the opposite end of the Foot Bridge Beach pedestrian bridge.

WHEN TO VISIT – For kayaking, launch 2 hrs. before high tide and return within 2-3 hrs after high tide. After kayaking, load your boats on your car and then walk across the Foot Bridge Beach pedestrian bridge and enjoy some time on the beach. Avoid weekends if you can, especially holiday weekends. Although the parking lot is large, it fills up fast. An early morning high tide is your best bet to secure a parking spot for the day during busy summer weekends.

DIRECTIONS

TIDE CHART

WORLD WITHIN KAYAK RENTALS

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Kayaking Pepperell Cove – Kittery, ME

July 16, 2020 Laury Leave a comment

Pepperrell Cove in Kittery, ME is one of several premier kayaking destinations for paddlers in southern Maine. Pepperrell Cove’s beautiful views, central location and all-tide boat ramp make it easy for paddlers of all experience levels to launch a kayak and enjoy a day on the water.

Located near the Atlantic Ocean on the Maine side of the mighty Piscatacqua River, Pepperrell Cove’s location lends itself to several paddling trips of varying lengths.

Depending on one’s experience and skill level, a kayaker may opt to paddle in the cove or venture down Chauncey Creek to Brave Boat Harbor. Other paddlers may choose a trip down the Piscataqua River and over to Little Harbor and some may choose to travel up the Piscataqua River to Spruce Creek or other locales. Several worth while trips originate from Pepperrell Cove making this a very popular launch site for kayakers in southern Maine.

WHY PADDLE HERE? – For harbor views, scenic beauty, coastal nature, a tidal water experience, or a combination paddle/beach day.

Lisa launching 1.5 hours before low tide.

Paddling in Pepperrell Cove.

Bobbi and Johnna paddling the Point65N Martini break-apart tandem kayak.

Paddling across Pepperrell Cove toward the Piscataqua River.

We’ve now paddled out of the cove and into the Piscataqua River. The Wood Island Life Saving Station is seen in the distance.

Beautiful views from the beach. Fort Foster pier, Wood Island Life Saving Station and the Whaleback Lighthouse are seen in the distance.

Plenty of beach to spend time on at low tide.

Looking across the Piscataqua River from the north side at low tide.

Paddling by the Wood Island Life Saving Station.

Looking toward the Whaleback Lighthouse.

We paddled around this area for a little bit and then reversed course.

THE PADDLING ROUTE – We launched 1.5 hrs. before low tide and paddled across Pepperrell Cove then headed east along the northern side of the Piscatacqua River to access the beach area just west of Fort Foster. We ate lunch on the beach and then paddled in the waters adjacent to Fort Foster before returning to spend more time on the beach. We then reversed course paddling with the incoming tide back to the boat ramp.

CAUTIONS- Tides, waves, fog, rapidly changing weather conditions and frequent large boat traffic.

Covid-19 rules apply at the pier and boat ramp.

Kittery, ME town boat launch at Pepperrell Cove near low tide.

$5.00 Kayak Launch fee. Cash Only.

PARKING & LAUNCH – The town of Kittery, ME maintains a working pier with an all-tide boat ramp located at the end of Bellamy Lane. There are approximately ten free parking spots available to the public at the pier. The rest of the parking spots are either resident parking or limited to one hour. There is a $5 launch fee per kayak. Pay envelopes are located at the top of the boat ramp. The Harbormaster’s office is located at the pier and both the Harbormaster and the local police are frequently on-site at the pier.

RESTROOMS – Yes! There is a singular public bathroom located at the end of the Harbormaster’s office building.

WHEN TO VISIT – Avoid busy summer weekends and holidays if you can as public parking is limited at the boat ramp. Paddle 2 hrs. either side of high tide for the easiest paddling. If you love spending time on the beach, launch 2-3 hrs. before low tide for the best access to the beaches and return at least 1 hr. after low tide.

TIDE CHART – Click Here –

US HARBORS LINK – Click Here –

PEPPERRELL COVE FOOD OPTIONS – Click Here –

DIRECTIONS – Click Here –

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2019 Sagamore Creek Cleanup Day

May 17, 2019 Laury Leave a comment

May 31, 2019 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Attention all kayakers! Join the effort to help keep our coastal shores clean for local wildlife and paddling enthusiasts alike. Bring your kayak or stand-up paddle board to Portsmouth Kayak Adventures on May 31, 2019 and participate in cleaning up the shores of the beautiful Sagamore Creek.

Volunteers should plan to meet and launch their boats at Portsmouth Kayak Adventures. Depending on how many volunteers sign up, paddlers may be divided into several groups to collect trash all along the creek.

REGISTER: Sign-up for the event through NatureGroupie.org. Updates and/or cancellation will be posted at “Save the Great Bay – Piscataqua Estuary” Facebook page.

WHAT TO BRING: Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own kayaks or SUPs, but a limited number of boats will be available from Portsmouth Kayak Adventures. Please bring your own gloves and paddling safety equipment (PFDs). Bug repellant is suggested. Snacks and water will be provided.

QUESTIONS? Contact Melissa Paly at mpaly@clf.org or call 603-502-0798.

NATURE GROUPIE – Click Here

SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF NH FORESTS – Click Here

PORTSMOUTH KAYAK ADVENTURES – Click Here

GOOGLE DIRECTIONS– Click Here

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Kayaking To Choate Island – Essex River Basin – Essex, MA

September 16, 2018 Laury 2 Comments

The Essex River Basin in Essex, MA is home to the Crane Wildlife Refuge. Encompassing seven islands, the refuge is surrounded by the Essex and Castle Neck Rivers and the Great Marsh. Choate Island, the largest of the islands, is a popular kayaking and day hiking destination boasting extraordinary views from its elevation overlooking the river basin and beyond. For little effort, one can easily hike to the height of the land via mown grass trails courtesy of the MA Trustees of Reservations who manage the island and maintain its three historic buildings. Choate Island was originally the summer home of the native Agawam people and more recently, the set of the 1995 movie The Crucible.

WHY PADDLE HERE? – To explore a tidal river basin, hike Choate Island, relax on a sandbar, for coastal scenic beauty or a combination kayaking-hiking-beach day.

138-Comono-Point-Rd-Boat-Launch-Essex-MA

Getting ready to launch at 138 Comono Point Rd. Essex, MA

Paddling behind Corn Island.

ERBA guide leading the group toward Crane Beach.

Paddling toward Crane Beach in the Choate Island Channel. The Choate Island barn was used in the 1995 movie The Crucible.

Kayaking-to-Crane-Beach-and-Choate-Island

Arriving at the back of Crane Beach. Choate Island in distance.

THE PADDLING ROUTE – For this trip we left the planning to others and joined a guided kayak tour to Choate Island arranged by Essex River Basin Adventures (ERBA) of Essex, MA.

Today’s launch site was the public boat launch located at 138 Conomo Point Road in Essex, MA. Once on the water, our ERBA tour group of fourteen paddlers immediately turned left, and paddled behind, and then along the left side of, Corn Island. We then paddled the Choate Island Channel aside the Great East Sand Bar continuing on until reaching the back side of Crane Beach where our group enjoyed some time in the sun and a swim.

After our beach break, we re-launched and paddled over to Choate Island where we landed and hiked on well-worn grass paths to the historic Choate family farm-house still standing since c.1725. We gathered around the back of the original two-story home and enjoyed a picnic lunch in the shade of the old building. But, what’s a hike to a historic location without a little local knowledge? Lucky for us, Tom Barrieau of the MA Trustees of Reservations was paddling with our group today and provided a brief history lesson of the island and its early inhabitants.

Arriving at Choate Island.

The paths on Choate Island are obvious and easy to follow.

First glimpse of the historic Choate Farm House.

Kayaking-To-Choate-Island-For-Impressive-Views

Beautiful views from the Choate House.

Kayaking-to-Choate-Island-For-Magnificent-Views

The higher you go, the better the views!

After our lesson, we continued hiking toward the top of the island while gazing at the magnificent views of the river basin below. The views along the hike were our reward for the physical effort it took to reach this unique location and we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to witness such natural beauty on this warm September afternoon.

Once arriving at the height of the land, we located the final resting place of Cornelius and Mine Crane, the last stop on our journey. We pondered the views from the hilltop before retracing our steps to the water’s edge and then paddled back to Conomo Point Road landing at Clammer’s Beach.

The impressive views of the Essex River Basin from the trails on Choate Island, combined with a history lesson, and some time spent on the beach, made this paddle a local adventure to remember and one that we highly recommend.

CAUTIONS- Tides, shifting sand bars, boat traffic and rapidly changing winds and weather conditions. Attention to the tides is critical as the river basin’s numerous sand bars can leave an unprepared kayaker stranded.

Conomo-Point-Rd-Boat-Launch-Essex-MA — Conomo Point Rd. Boat Launch – Near Low Tide

PARKING & LAUNCH – Because the town of Essex, MA has little to no non-resident public parking spaces at each of its three public launch areas, I would recommend skipping the hassle of trying to find parking and enlist the services of a local kayak shop. Essex River Basin Adventures (ERBA) 1 Main St. Essex, MA, is a fully outfitted kayak shop and tour operation offering both kayak rentals and several interesting guided tours.

RESTROOMS – NO. There are no restrooms available at any of the public launch sites in Essex nor anywhere else while kayaking the Essex River basin, so plan accordingly.

WHEN TO VISIT – Plan to visit during the milder days of June, September or October if your primary reason to paddle the basin is to hike Choate Island. Otherwise, paddle here during the summer and spend some time relaxing on a sandbar or the back side of Crane Beach. Avoid the summer weekend crowds if you can.

TIDE CHART – Click Here

US HARBORS LINK – Click Here

ESSEX RIVER BASIN ADVENTURES – 2020 Update- No longer in business.

MA TRUSTEES OF RESERVATIONS – Click Here

MA TRUSTEES OF RESERVATIONS KAYAK TRIPS – Click Here

ESSEX MA HARBOR MASTER – Click Here

138 CONOMO POINT RD. LAUNCH (NORTH END) – Click Here

CONOMO POINT RD. LAUNCH (CLAMMER’S BEACH) – Click Here

MAIN ST. BOAT LAUNCH – Click Here

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Kayaking Sagamore Creek – Portsmouth NH

July 16, 2017 Laury 1 Comment

Sagamore Creek in Portsmouth, NH is a very attractive paddling destination for both local kayakers and visitors alike. Not only is paddling here scenic, but your efforts rewarded by the rare opportunity to paddle to a popular seafood restaurant where you’ll find a soft landing area for kayaks. At BG’s Boathouse Restaurant, paddlers can enjoy a meal on the deck while keeping an eye on their kayaks and the tide. Because Sagamore Creek is tidal, the ability to use the tides in your favor makes this paddling endeavor that much more enjoyable.

WHY PADDLE HERE? – For coastal nature, harbor views, a tidal water experience and an opportunity to paddle to lunch or dinner at BG’s Boathouse Restaurant, a popular waterfront restaurant located on Sagamore Creek in Portsmouth, NH.

THE PADDLING ROUTE – In planning today’s trip we had one simple goal in mind, paddle to BG’s Boathouse Restaurant for dinner and a glass of wine. We launched our kayaks from the public boat ramp at Odiorne Point State Park Boat Launch approximately two hours prior to high tide.

Once launching, we turned right and paddled into Little Harbor, paddled underneath the Rte 1B bridge and then paddled upriver with the flood tide. We veered left into Sagamore Creek and paddled the length of the creek landing to the left of BG’s Boat House Restaurant where we enjoyed an excellent seafood dinner. We highly recommend the haddock!

After dinner, we re-launched with the ebb tide, and reversed course paddling downriver. We paddled back under the Rte 1B bridge and into Little Harbor where we took a short paddle to watch the sun set before returning to the boat launch before nightfall.

Little Harbor, especially at sun set, is one of my favorite places to paddle. If you paddle here, you will not be disappointed.

Entering Little Harbor after launching from Odiorne Point Boat Launch

Cormorant in Little Harbor

Paddling under the Rte 1B bridge

Paddling under the Rte 1B bridge

Paddling upriver with the flood tide

We launched our kayaks from Odiorne State Park Boat Launch, turned right and paddled under the Rte 1B bridge and then paddled upriver with the flood tide toward Sagamore Creek.

Paddling up Sagamore Creek to BG’s Boathouse Restaurant

BG’s Boathouse Restaurant, kayak landing to the left of building

Nice soft landing area for kayaks at BG’s Boathouse Restaurant

View of Sagamore Creek from inside BG’s Boathouse restaurant

We veered left into Sagamore Creek, paddled the length of the creek and landed to the left of BG’s Boathouse Restaurant.

Laury and Bobbi, all fueled up and ready to go

Lisa, ready to paddle back downriver

Paddling Sagamore Creek downriver with the ebb tide

Paddling downriver

Lisa, leading the way back downriver

Bobbi paddling a Point 65 break apart kayak that fits inside a mini-van

Paddling downriver

Paddling downriver, the historic Wentworth Hotel in distance

After dinner we re-traced our route paddling down Sagamore Creek with the ebb tide and back under the Rte 1B bridge to Little Harbor.

Back in Little Harbor

Paddling around Little Harbor as the sun is setting

Watching the sunset

Sun is low, time to go

End of paddle, waiting in line as many boaters attempt to exit before dark

Once back in Little Harbor, we paddled around the harbor while the sun was setting before returning to the boat launch before nightfall.

CAUTIONS! – Tides, strong currents, and boat traffic. The tidal currents are strong as you paddle underneath the Rte 1B bridge. For safety, paddle under the bridge as close to slack tide as possible and avoid paddling in the center where the current is always the strongest, and paddle as you pass underneath the bridge. We routinely paddle under the bridge within two hours either side of the high tide without issue but after that, the current becomes increasingly strong and should be avoided by novice kayakers.

Ordione Point State Park Boat Launch

Self pay station

Parking lot

Boat launch, looking to the right

Boat launch

PARKING & LAUNCH – The State of NH maintains a public boat launch at Odiorne Point State Park 570 Ocean Blvd. Rye, NH. The boat launch itself is located on Ocean Blvd. approximately one mile north of the main entrance. The launch has a concrete ramp and a large parking lot for vehicles and trailers. There is a self pay station with suggested donation fees.

RESTROOMS – Yes, there are portable toilets located in the parking lot. Additional restrooms are located in Odiorne Point State Park near the main entrance, approximately one mile south of the boat launch.

WHEN TO VISIT- Summer is the best time to paddle Little Harbor and Sagamore Creek. Avoid holidays and weekends if you can as the boat launch parking lot is used by both boaters and those visiting Odiorne Point State Park.

BG’S BOATHOUSE RESTAURANT – Click Here –

US HARBORS TIDE CHART – Click Here –

US HARBORS LINK – Click Here –

ODIORNE STATE PARK TRAIL MAP – Click Here –

DIRECTIONS – Click Here –

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Kayaking Boothbay Harbor, ME – Windjammer Days –

June 28, 2017 Laury Leave a comment

WHY PADDLE HERE? – For the annual, weeklong Windjammer Days celebration of course! A grand opportunity to view majestic Windjammer Ships entering and exiting the harbor under full sail. Also paddle here for coastal scenic beauty, harbor views and a tidal water experience.

Getting ready to launch, pedestrian bridge in distance

Heading out

Paddling toward main harbor

Entering the main harbor

Checking out the ships

Laury taking a closer look at the 122′ long Tall Ship Lynx, homeport Portsmouth, NH

Main mast of the Tall Ship Lynx

Watching the boats

Lots of activity in the harbor today

The 122′ long Schooner American Eagle, the last fishing schooner built in Gloucester, MA. Homeport Rockland, ME

We tucked into this area to view the ships as they sailed by

The 65′ long Schooner Eastwind hand built by Harold and Doris Smith. Homeport Boothbay Harbor, ME

A closer view of the Schooner Eastwind

The 58″ long Schooner Ardelle is a pinky schooner constructed almost entirely from recycled material. Homeport Gloucester, MA

A closer view of Schooner Ardelle

More Schooners coming

The 70′ long Schooner ALERT, homeport Bailey Island, ME

A closer view of the 70′ Schooner ALERT

Laury hamming it up for the camera

Searching for less congested waters

Beautiful views

Paddling toward the western part of the harbor

Back in the now quiet main harbor after the rain

Lisa checking out the 95′ Schooner Heritage, homeport Rockland, ME

A closer view of the Schooner Heritage

Paddling back to the inn before the next rain

Passing Tidal Transit Kayak Co.

End of paddle, Blue Heron Seaside Inn and dock shown in distance

THE PADDLING ROUTE – After launching from the dock at the Blue Heron Seaside Inn, we paddled under the pedestrian foot bridge and into the main harbor. Once in the harbor proper, we avoided the main channel paddling alongside the edge for a front row seat to view the Schooners as they entered the harbor. And what a view we had, we couldn’t have picked a better route for viewing the ships, simply spectacular! Schooner after schooner past by us making all of our effort to get here well worth the trip.

Because of all the Windjammer Days activities, the harbor was extremely congested with large and small boat traffic and the water was choppy as well, making it difficult to linger in one place for very long. After viewing the ships for a while we decided to put a little distance between the congested harbor and our kayaks.

Still hugging the shoreline for as long as possible, we paddled passed past Mill Point, crossed over the entrance to Mill Cove and past Railway Point. After exploring this western section we reversed course and began paddling back when a sudden, unanticipated driving rain caused us to immediately seek shelter underneath the nearest dock. Visibility during the short fifteen minute storm was extremely limited and when the rain finally lifted the harbor was empty, all of the boats and onlookers previously lining the harbor had retreated to avoid the sudden rain.

After the rain, we paddled into quiet Mill Cove for a short time and then paddled back into the now deserted main harbor enjoying the calmer waters and taking a closer look at the Schooner Heritage and the harbor itself before paddling back under the pedestrian bridge and returning to the dock at the Blue Heron Seaside Inn.

Despite the rain and because of it, this trip is one we will likely remember for a very long time. Overall, it was a great experience to have viewed and paddled with ships of a bygone era.

Boothbay Harbor — Windjammer Days bring heavy boat traffic

CAUTIONS!- Frequent large and commercial boat traffic, especially during Windjammer Days, as well as rapidly changing weather and sea conditions. If you paddle during the arrival of the fleet, bring your A game, you’ll need it to navigate the constant chop, boat wake and boat congestion, on this day it’s very easy to find yourself in another boater’s way. If you’re not an experienced kayaker, your better off viewing the fleet’s arrival from the docks and saving your paddle for a less hectic day.

We stayed at the Blue Heron Seaside Inn and launched from their dock

Blue Heron Seaside Inn dock

Blu Heron Seaside Inn dock

View from inn parking lot

PARKING & LAUNCH – We stayed with our husbands at the Blue Heron Seaside Inn 65 Townsend St. in Boothbay Harbor, a lovely waterfront inn located at the end of the harbor featuring a dock directly behind the inn. Ability to launch from the inn’s dock exists at half-tide or higher.

If you don’t own a kayak, or would rather rent or take a group kayak tour, Tidal Transit Kayak Co. is conveniently located four doors down from the inn. Walk on over and talk to the friendly owner, Travis Journagan, for knowledge about the local paddling scene. He may even offer a free lesson in how to safely launch from a dock.

If you do bring your own kayak, you might also consider launching at the all-tide public boat ramp located at the Dept. of Marine Services 194 McKnown Point Rd. West Boothbay Harbor, a few minutes drive from the inn.

RESTROOMS – The only public restrooms available are next to the Dept. of Marine Service building in West Boothbay Harbor if you are paddling that far. The restrooms are only open when the marine service building is open.

WHEN TO VISIT – Anytime during the warm summer months or early fall is a great time to paddle Boothbay Harbor. It’s a popular tourist destination so you’ll have plenty of company. Planning your visit around the annual Windjammer Days celebration week is especially fun as there are numerous events held throughout the week.

WINDJAMMER DAYS – Click Here –

BLUE HERON SEASIDE INN – Click Here –

TIDAL TRANSIST KAYAK CO. – Click Here –

US HARBORS TIDE CHART – Click Here –

US HARBORS LINK – Click Here –

NOAA CHART – Click Here –

DIRECTIONS – Click Here –

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Kayaking Fort Gorges – Casco Bay – Portland, ME

August 27, 2015 Laury Leave a comment

WHY PADDLE HERE? – For adventure, history and coastal scenic beauty.

Kayaking-Fort-Gorges-Casco-Bay-Portland-Maine

Heading out

Boats in the harbor

Paddling to Fort Gorges

Halfway there!

Arriving at the island

This boater got stranded and had to wait for the incoming tide to relaunch

Approaching the Fort

Enter the Fort at your own risk

Looking back through main entryway

Exploring the remains

Parade grounds

Watching for enemy ships

Another view

View of shoreline from island

Views from the island

Bring footwear!

Views from the island

Weather changing, time to go

Paddling back

Small island off shore

Back at the boat ramp

THE PADDLING ROUTE – Launch from the East End beach boat ramp, turn right and you will see Fort Gorges in the distance. It is approximately a 1mi/1.6km paddle to the fort. Once nearing the fort, look for the American flag to guide you to the easiest place to land.

CAUTIONS! – Tides, waves, strong/confused currents, fog, rapidly changing weather conditions and frequent large boat traffic. Do not attempt this trip if you are not an experienced kayaker with self-rescue skills. If this is the case, I highly recommend you engage the services of a kayak touring company. Although I have never paddled with them, Portland Paddle has a seasonal location at the East End Beach boat launch parking lot.

Parking lot East End Beach

Boat launch with alternate hand carry launch in background

Boat ramp

View from parking parking lot with Fort Gorges in distance

Views from boat ramp

LAUNCH & PARKING – For East End Beach boat launch policies including parking and launch fees, Click Here.

RESTROOMS – Yes, public restrooms are located in the parking lot.

WHEN TO VISIT – Plan your visit with weather and tides in mind. Portland is a very busy tourist area and on beautiful days the parking lot fills up fast.

US HARBORS TIDE CHART – Click Here –

US HARBORS LINK – Click Here.

DIRECTIONS – Click Here.

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Kayaking Webhannet River/Wells Harbor – Wells, ME

August 26, 2015 Laury Leave a comment

WHY PADDLE HERE? – For scenic beauty, coastal nature, tidal river experience, marsh area, harbor views or a sunset paddle.

Kayaking-Webhannet-River-Wells-Harbor-Wells-Maine

Looking upriver

Looking upriver from hand carry launch

Kayakers in river

Paddling around

Watching the sunset

Wells Harbor

Moon rising

THE PADDLING ROUTE – Once launching from the boat ramp, or the hand carry launch, you have a choice of either paddling up river (turn right) or down river (turn left) into Wells Harbor. We usually start our paddle by first heading up river enjoying the marsh views and the sounds of the seagulls flying nearby then turning back and leisurely traveling into Wells Harbor before returning to the launch area. Sunset is my favorite time to paddle here, perfect after a long day of work.

CAUTIONS! – Tidal river and motor boat traffic. If you are unfamiliar with paddling a tidal river, plan to launch two hours before high tide and return to the launch no later than two hours after high tide. Paddling this close to either side of the high tide ensures you will not be stuck in the mud. Do not launch at or near low tide. Please note, there is no swimming allowed in the river.

Parking lot at hand carry launch

Launch area

Hand carry path

LAUNCH & PARKING – The Town of Wells provides three separate and distinct boat launch locations all of which provide direct access the Webhannet River/Wells Harbor. The launch we normally use is located at the end of Harbor Rd. off of Rte 1. Experience has taught us that this launch is more conveniently located and easier to reach. You have to two choices at this location, you can either use the designated boat ramp at the end of Harbor Rd. or hand carry from the Wells Community Park parking lot. This trip we chose to use the hand carry launch as the parking lot was near empty. If you are trailering your kayaks you should use the designated boat launch. Starting in 2017 there will be a $12- fee to park at the designated boat launch parking lot. A pay and display meter (cards only) will be located at the lot. There is no parking fee to park in the hand carry parking lot for vehicles without trailers. The Harbor Master has an office located near the boat ramp.

RESTROOMS – YES! Restrooms are located at the entrance to the Wells community parking lot.

WHEN TO VISIT – Avoid busy summer weekends and holidays if you can. Time your visit with the tides in mind paddling at or near high tide for safety. Avoid low tide. Because this paddle is on the shorter side, a sunset paddle is particularly appealing to experienced paddlers with proper lighting.

US HARBORS TIDE CHART – Click Here.

US HARBORS LINK – Click Here.

DIRECTIONS – Click Here.

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Kayaking Merrimack River – Seal Trip – Newburyport, MA

October 21, 2012 Laury Leave a comment

WHY PADDLE HERE? – For viewing harbor and gray seals and a tidal river experience.

Getting ready to launch

Paddling downriver

Watching for seals

Watching the seals

Watching for seals

Seal popping its head up

View from Salisbury State Reservation shore with zoom lens

Finally returning after a hard paddle upriver

THE PADDLING ROUTE – Once launching we paddled down river stopping short of Black Rocks near the mouth of the river where harbor and gray seals gather.

As our large kayak group neared the area of the rocks, the seals immediately fled retreating underwater for safety. The seals then popped their heads up out of the water a safe distance from the group and kept a watchful eye on us before disappearing once again underwater.

After viewing the seals for a bit, the group then landed on the north side of the river at the Salisbury, MA State Reservation where we breaked for lunch before paddling upriver back to the launch.

CAUTIONS! – Strong currents and cross directional waves, especially near the mouth of the river. Keep watch for frequent and large boat traffic.

Strong NW winds can be challenging to paddle against even when paddling with the tide and our paddling group experienced these winds first hand. Halfway through our trip the winds picked up substantially making for a difficult and exhausting journey back to the launch.

If a kayaker stopped paddling even for a brief second, he or she immediately started going backward even though we were paddling with the tide in our favor. Several kayakers were so fatigued by paddling against these winds they had to be towed by the guides.

Unfortunately for two inexperienced paddlers, today’s conditions proved too much for them and each man capsized. The experienced guides assisted each paddler re-enter their kayaks and finish the trip albeit wet and cold.

If you are an inexperienced kayaker, I recommend that you engage the services of professional guides when paddling here, it just may save your life.

PARKING & LAUNCH – We rented tandem kayaks for this guided late October tour from Plum Island Kayak in Newburyport, MA. Their rental office is located at 92 Merrimack St. and there is parking behind their building. The office is located a short walk from the boat ramp located adjacent to the waterfront Black Cow and Grill restaurant. There is an additional public parking lot with meters at the boat ramp.

RESTROOMS – The group accessed the Salisbury MA State Reservation campground facilities during our break.

WHEN TO VISIT – Harbor and gray seals gather here in the spring and fall during low tide only so plan accordingly. Locally, seal watching is popular and kayak trips fill up fast, so book early.

US HARBORS TIDE CHART – Click Here.

US HARBORS LINK – Click Here.

DIRECTIONS – Click Here.

Wilderness Girls Kayaking

Tag Archives: Tidal

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