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Rafting, Kayaking & Canoeing
Paddlers seeking fun, adventure and amazing natural beauty will find what they’re looking for on Maine’s abundant inland and coastal waters. With thousands of miles of ocean coastline, thousands of miles of rivers and streams and thousands of lakes and ponds, there’s a lifetime of paddling opportunities here, whether you choose to go by canoe, kayak or raft.
Canoeing is a Maine tradition and a great way to experience our scenic rivers and lakes. The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is a canoeing classic, as is the St. John River. The Penobscot, Kennebec and Dead Rivers offer a range of canoe tripping, from challenging whitewater to calm float trips. And the lakes and ponds from the south coast to Aroostook County provide an abundance of canoeing possibilities.
Kayak among the coastal islands, past sea cliffs and along our sandy beaches and experience Maine’s rich ocean heritage, incredible scenery, and shorebirds and sea mammals. Our inland lakes and ponds amid the fragrant balsam woods and forested mountain peaks offer equally rewarding kayaking adventures.
Test your paddling and playboating skills on the challenging Class III-V rapids, waves and holes of the Kennebec, Dead and Penobscot Rivers, or take to the easier Class I-II sections of these and many other Maine rivers and streams for an unforgettable river kayaking trip.
Let an expert Maine river guide lead you down the whitewater of Maine’s big river gorges in a big inflatable raft, paddling through impossible-looking waves and rapids with hollers and cheers. When you finally reach the calmer water, enjoy a delicious riverside cookout, take a refreshing swim, and revel in the fun and laughter with a raft full of family and friends.
Maine has a host of outfitters that will provide you with complete equipment rentals, from sea kayaks to river kayaks to canoes, expert instruction in paddling techniques and safety, and shuttle services. Registered Maine Guides can lead you on half-day and full-day trips, as well as overnight and multi-day trips, and ensure that your paddling adventure is all the more special. Lodging options range from camping to cabins to lodges, many with hearty home-style meals.
