The lower one-third of the Mashpee River is tidal and encompasses three distinct habitats; freshwater, brackish, and saltwater. Because of the unique water quality, it allows the blueback herring travel upstream to spawn in freshwater and return to saltwater later on, traveling in schools of thousands. The river is surrounded by the Mashpee Woodlands Conservation Area which hosts a great variety of plant and animal life and offers beautiful scenery for this trip. Watch for signs of going over the “wedge” where fresh water and salt water meet. You will notice that cattails and bulrushes begin to appear as the saltmarsh grasses disappear.

This is a great place to paddle for beginners as the shallow Waquoit Bay offers miles of protected paddling. For nature-lovers, the trip visits three significant natural areas including Washburn Island, South Cape Beach State Park, and the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. There is an official portage trail at the south end of Washburn Island that connects Tims Pond with Eel Pond for those who wish to avoid the strong currents of Nantucket Sound at the entrances. For more experienced paddlers or those looking for a challenge, circling the south end of Washburn Island is an option.

This is a spectacular spot for paddling with very little shoreline development, lots of wildlife, a 10-horsepower limit, and more than 15 miles of shoreline to explore. The pond’s south edge back up against a barrier beach that separates it from the Atlantic Ocean and you can hear the waves crashing just across the low dunes. Paddling the full perimeter of Edgartown Great Pond could easily take a full day, especially if you spend time studying its carried plants and wildlife. Except for the public landing on Mashacket Neck, the entire shoreline is privately owned. Wind and tide can create hazardous conditions and novice paddlers should avoid this area on windy days.

Kayaking on the Charles River allows for beautiful views of Boston in its urban state with the bustling of boats, trains, and automobiles. As you leave from Magazine Beach, you will paddle under the graffiti-ridden Boston University Bridge into the Charles River Basin, then under the Harvard Bridge, and finally under a footbridge to the tributary of the Charles that flows along the Esplanade. The gatherings of roller-bladers, cyclists, joggers, dog-walkers, and strollers on the expansive lawn and footpaths are always an interesting site. To reach the Inner Harbor you must pass through the locks of the new Charles River Dam. Going through the locks is quite fun but be sure as you leave the lock paddle carefully and powerfully as a tricky current may pull boats to one side or another. Take a tour of Boston’s Inner Harbor before returning. Enjoy the hustle of Boston as you paddle but also be cautious of large boat traffic.

Parker River is a beautiful and quiet river that runs through an expansive marshland with few trees and little development. On this river you will find solitude and have excellent bird-watching opportunities. As you reach the mouth of the river that opens into Plum Island Sound, you may visit Parker River National Wildlife Refuge across the sound on Plum Island. Extensive mud and sand flats arise here at low tide.

On this trip you will enjoy a great challenge as you leave the quaint Rockport Harbor and journey across Sandy Bay to visit three rocky and windy, yet scenic islands. Since this paddle is entirely in open water, monitor wind, weather, and sea conditions carefully before departure. As you paddle you will pass Straitsmouth Island with its prominent white Lighthouse, Whale Cove, and Loblolly Cove on your way to Thatcher Island. Although rarely seen by kayakers, whales cruise the waters off Cape Ann from April to November. Thatcher Island is a unique historic site and Milk Island is a rocky, low-lying island. Both are great to visit and explore. Caution when passing Straitsmouth Channel as there are dangerous waves.

Duxbury Bay is a lovely place to paddle along with the rivers of the Great Salt Marsh, offering exceptional natural beauty and serenity. Duxbury’s seven mile long barrier beach is a natural breakwater that protects the bay and marsh and creates a paddling haven. For terrific birding, explore the marshes and islands early in the morning. Two hours on either side of high tide there is ample water to explore the tidal rivers of the Great Marsh. Enjoy the vast Duxbury Beach and Saquish Beach as well as visiting Clark’s Island and Eagle’s Nest Bay before ending your trip.

Kayaking Boston Harbor’s fifty square miles includes touring more than thirty islands which host historic forts, lighthouses, and view-filled trails. It will also test your skills as there are a variety of currents, refracting waves, and challenging wakes, especially as you venture to the outer islands. The first challenge occurs at the put-in where there is a strong current passing through Hull’s Gut. On this route you will have the opportunity to visit or view a number of islands, ledges, and rocks where there are guided tours, historic sites, and hiking trail options. This is a heavy boat traffic area and caution should be taken to make yourself visible and avoid shipping lanes.

This is a spectacular spot for paddling with lots of wildlife, a 10-horsepower limit, and five long, finger-like coves that extend northward that are great to explore. There is a barrier beach along the pond’s south edge that separates it from the Atlantic Ocean and you can hear the waves crashing just across the low dunes. Tisbury Great Pond is very similar to Edgartown Great Pond just a couple miles east but Tisbury Great Pond suffers from more development. Wind and tide can create hazardous conditions and novice paddlers should avoid this area on windy days.

Kayaking Boston Harbor’s fifty square miles includes touring more than thirty islands which host historic forts, lighthouses, and view-filled trails. It will also test your skills as there are a variety of currents, refracting waves, and challenging wakes and is also an urban adventure as you tour the inner islands. On this route you will have the opportunity to visit or view a number of islands, ledges, and rocks where there are guided tours, historic sites, and hiking trail options. This is a heavy boat traffic area and caution should be taken to make yourself visible and avoid shipping lanes.