STONINGTON PADDLE
“There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”
Paddle in Paradise
Stonington Paddle provides all you need for memorable and relaxing sea kayaking in and around Stonington, Maine, no matter the itinerary.
Whether you are a large group, a family with young children, are with elderly paddlers or dogs; we have rented and may rent to you. See below for details on the services we provide.
Most paddlers visit Green Island to swim in an old quarry pond conserved by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust and/or go to near by Little Camp island to lounge on the pocket shell beaches and watch the lobster boats go by.
Full-day renters and over-nighters often explore out to Merchant’s Row and beyond as several islands provide free back-country camping.
Season 2025 is June 10 - September 1. September 2-30 is guided/rentals on week days (9-2). Same day registered guides might not be possible so best to book days in advance or call. Out of season kayaking may be possible but would likely involve pre-planning through e-mail and flexibility.
Tandem Kayak Rentals
Whether you are looking for a more cost effective option, have young kids or small dogs, or someone that doesn’t feel confident in a kayak; tandem kayaks are a good option. With two seats, lots of storage space and 18 feet in length, these boats are nearly impossible to tip. Only one person needs to paddle and steer with its built-in rudder system, but two paddling helps.
Half-day: $67 Full Day: $90 Overnight: $110.
Single Kayak Rentals
Need your independence or want to polish your outdoor skills? You are probably a single kayak type of person. Our boats are mostly 14.5 to 16 feet in length. All of our boats come with retractable rudder systems and seat backs. Longer boats are preferred for longer distance voyages. We have two boats which are better suited for those over 6’2”, and we have one small kayak for tweens or smaller adults. E-mail if you have specific request.
Half-day: $52 Full-Day: $75 Overnight: $90
Guided Trips
Guided trips are an excellent choice if you are uncertain of where you would like to explore, prefer the extra security of having a guide who knows the area and how to perform kayak rescues, or are interested in hearing about the various islands, their geology and wildlife. Our Maine Registered Sea Kayak Guide will take you on a roughly 4 hour trip, stopping at two islands. One island includes a swim in an island quarry pond followed by a nature hike through a maritime boreal fog forest. The second island provides pocket shell beaches, wild foraging and panoramic views of the Stonington Archipelago. All trips will be tailored to your time schedule, abilities, and interests. Guide: extra $20 per person
*Please contact eric@stoningtonpaddle.com or 207-200-6547 if reservation is within 24 hours of departure.
Overnight Camping
Want a real wilderness back-country experience? Spend multiple nights on the islands. Primitive camp sites exist on many of the islands free of charge. You can purchase the Maine Island Trail Association book and/or app from MITA.org to help you plan your trip and support this wonderful organization. We can also assist with planning your trip when you arrive. If you are lucky enough to get a clear, dark night, the Milky Way will shine bright and bioluminescence may sparkle in the lapping waves. You bring your camping gear and sense of adventure, we supply the boats and dry bags.
Single: $95 for ~24 hours, Tandem: $115 for ~24 hours
Special Events
We may be a small company with a short season, but we love to help with special events like reunions, corporate retreats, or weddings. We can provide food for half-day or full day paddles for larger groups. Meals or camping gear can motored out to you. Planning for such events should be at least a couple weeks out.
Delivery
For week long rentals (5 days+) we can deliver for $20.
Storage
Do you have a kayak but do not live next to a good put in location? Store your boat on our rack right next to the Stonington Town boat ramp. $5 a day, discounts for longer periods.