Where to Find Canoes, Kayaks, Pedal Boats, and Paddle Boards Around Philadelphia
Beat the heat with fun water activities like floating yoga and exploring the area by boat.
Want to get on the water this summer? Here’s where you can rent kayaks, canoes, and more in Philadelphia. / Photograph by Miki Sparks for Schuylkill River Development Corporation.
We’re all about getting on, in, or near the water this summer — whether that’s via a public pool, a natural swimming hole, or another fun activity. Below, our list of where to find pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards in and around Philly.
Aqua Vida
Where: AKA University City (2929 Walnut Street)
On-the-water options: Stand-up paddle boards
What to expect: Book a private or group session with Aqua Vida. The group hosts weekly SUP yoga and Pilates afloat AKA’s indoor pool, which is 400 feet above street level and offers amazing views.
Driftwood Water Adventures
Where: 9050 Mill Creek Road, Levittown; 101 Swamp Road, Newtown
On-the-water options: Kayaks, canoes, paddle boards
What to expect: Take to the water at one Driftwood Water Adventures’s two locations. Explore the beautiful Neshaminy Creek at Tyler State Park or visit Falls Park’s 75-acre lake. In addition to individual and group rentals, both locations offer stand-up paddle board yoga that will build your strength and test your balance.
Glen Foerd
Where: 5001 Grant Avenue
On-the-water options: Kayaks, canoes, and rowboats
What to expect: Throughout the summer, enjoy a kayak tour of the Delaware River from Glen Foerd in Northeast Philly. The excursion is led by a certified guide and covers safety protocols and the fundamentals of kayaking. Plus, it’s a great way to spend some time with your significant other, bestie, or most adventurous family member, as you’ll be exploring via a tandem kayak. They also offer Open Boating Days, where you can paddle through parts of the Poquessing Creek and Delaware River on your own. Find dates of excursions here.
Glisten Fit
Where: 64 Norcross Road, Berlin, New Jersey
On-the-water options: Paddle boards
What to expect: In addition to open-water swim, Berlin-based Glisten Fit hosts stand-up paddle boarding — open sessions and yoga — that currently run on Tuesdays and Fridays during the summer. A single-class pass costs $20, but there are package options, as well.
Hidden River Outfitters
Where: On the Schuylkill Banks under the Walnut Street Bridge
On-the-water options: Kayaks
What to expect: Book a 90-minute kayak tour on the Schuylkill River starting at $40 per person. Hidden River offers both daytime (“Basic”) and evening (“Sunset and Moonlight”) tours. You can also opt for tours at dusk which end with an outdoor movie and snacks on the lawn at the Schuylkill Banks.
Independence Seaport Museum
Where: 211 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard
On-the-water options: Kayaks and pedal boats
What to expect: Head to the Independence Seaport Museum for four different kayak adventures offered through October. The Three Sisters Shipwreck excursion is a three-mile adventure along the Delaware to see what remains of the historical shipwreck, while the Graffiti Pier tour kayaks for six miles. Or, rent a pedal or row boat for $25–$48 per person (30-minute session). The pedal boats are particularly kid-friendly and Instagrammable — they come in fun designs like dragons, ducks, flamingos and swans.
L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery
Where: 690 Milford Road, Downingtown
On-the-water options: Kayaks and paddle boards
What to expect: Hosted at Marsh Creek Lake, L.L.Bean provides a variety of adventures by kayak and paddle board. There are kayaking tours focused on learning the basics, bird-watching, and fall foliage (September and October only), plus tours set under the full moon and Perseid meteor shower. They also offer stand-up paddle boarding during the day or at sunset.
Marsh Creek State Park
Where: 675 Park Road, Downingtown
On-the-water options: Kayaks and paddle boards
What to expect: In addition to L.L.Bean’s tours, Marsh Creek State Park is home to its own paddle rentals, starting at just $25. Take to the water on your own, or opt for a tandem kayak or starship stand-up paddle board to enjoy with friends. All rentals come with basic instruction and operate on a first come, first serve basis, so plan accordingly.
Northbrook Canoe
Where: 1810 Beagle Road, West Chester
On-the-water options: Kayaks and canoes
What to expect: Head to Chester County to enjoy a one- to three-and-a-half- hour adventure of your choosing, kayaking or canoeing down the Brandywine River starting at either Embreeville, Corcoran’s Bridge, Harvey’s Bridge, or Mortonville. On the trips, which range from $60 to $90 per canoe and $50 to $80 per kayak (or BYO and they’ll transfer it for $40), you can enjoy sightings of local wildlife and picturesque farms along the way.
Philadelphia Canoe Club
Where: 4900 Ridge Avenue
On-the-water options: Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards
What to expect: Since 1905, Philadelphia Canoe Club has been enhancing the community of local water lovers with their programming. Join them for a slew of activities, including stand-up paddle boarding lessons, canoe clinics, recreational and whitewater kayaking excursions, and more. View the full calendar here.
Port Providence Paddle
Where: 264 Canal Street, Port Providence
On-the-water options: Canoes and kayaks
What to expect: Book an excursion to kayak or canoe down the Schuylkill River Canal at Phoenixville-area Port Providence Paddle. They offer three excursions (plus a river tubing adventure) that range from two-and-a-half hours to six hours in length. A canoe will cost you $50 for the day, while a one-person kayak runs $44 for the day. There’s also the option for a tandem kayak, which is $55.
Rancocas Pathways
Where: 30 Church Street, Mount Holly, NJ
On-the-water options: Kayaks
What to expect: Excursions along the Rancocas Creek are as educational as they are fun. Offering four self-guided or guided tours that last between two and four hours, you’ll learn about the diverse 1,200-acre tidal ecosystem of Rancocas State Park as you paddle along.
Additional reporting by Caroline Cunningham and Laura Brzyski.
