Boston Harbor Kayak Rentals from
our Cambridge Location

Paddlers should be prepared to paddle in an ocean environment, which includes the potential for high winds; steep, short-period waves; fast-moving and potentially heavy boat traffic; large boat wakes; fog or reduced visibility; and lightning. The potential for more challenging conditions increases dramatically beyond Fort Independence (Castle Island), and paddlers should be prepared for large waves and currents in excess of 2 knots.

The options for a capsized paddler looking to go ashore in the Inner Harbor (inland from Fort Independence) are few and far between, so paddlers must rely on their ability to perform a rescue (which means a self-rescue for solo paddlers). We cannot over-emphasize the need for reliable rescues!

Perhaps the biggest concern of paddling in Boston Harbor is boat traffic. You will encounter all types of craft in the harbor, from small powerboats to supertankers of unfathomable size. Many are fast, and some, like the Provincetown Ferry, travel at highway speeds! Moreover, the larger the vessel, the longer it takes to slow down — for instance, a tanker can take a half-mile or more to stop. You need to pay attention to the traffic around you (including behind you), paddle close to shore when possible, and yield to bigger boats. Learn more by reading Big Ships, Little Boats.