Fall kayak tours and rentals on Long Island
Enjoy Long Island's autumn bliss with paddleboard tours and rentals. Credit: Corey Sipkin
"Peepers" — that's what New Englanders call people from Long Island, New York City and points south who flock by the tens of thousands each October to greet fall’s changing colors. While the views do seem to grow increasingly intense as one heads north, there are some places to catch this show right here at home — and it can be spectacular.
For those who already have a watercraft, heading out to experience fall’s colors in all their glory is as easy as finding a launch site and pushing off the shore. Those who don’t own a kayak or paddleboard can easily rent one or book a tour.
Paumanok Tours
Setauket
Tour types: Offering foliage, nature and bird-watching kayak tours along the Setauket Harbor or Mount Sinai Harbor through October.
Fees: Rentals: Single kayaks $40 for 1 hour, $10 each additional; double kayaks $50 for 1 hour, $10 each additional. Tours: $60 1-hour trip, $75 2-hour trip, $90 3-hour trip. Prices include on-land lesson.
More info: 631-404-6447; paumanoktours.com
Kayak Shelter Island
80 Burns Rd., Shelter Island
Kayak Shelter Island on Shelter Island. Credit: Randee Daddona
Tour types: Guided and self-guided tours off Shelter Island, with a focus on the Coecles Harbor marine water trail, which moves through wetlands and along the Mashomack Nature Preserve.
Fees: Single kayaks: 2 hours for $35, 4 hours for $50, full day for $65. Double kayaks: 2 hours for $55, 4 hours for $75, full day for $100. SUPs: $35 for 1 hour. Guided tour: $60 per person, $30 for ages younger than 12, for groups of 5 people or more; $300 per person for groups of four people or less.
More info: Closed Tuesdays and Thursdays after Labor Day; season ends at the end of October; 631-749-1990; kayaksi.com
Peconic Paddler
89 Peconic Ave., Riverhead
Tour types: Self-guided Peconic River tours on weekends. Groups larger than 10 require a reservation.
Fees: Single kayaks: 1 hour for $35, 2 hours for $55, half day for $65, full day for $75. Double kayaks: 1 hour for $40, 2 hours for $55, half day for $75, full day for $85. Canoes and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) also available.
More info: 631-727-9895; peconicpaddlerli.info
Main Beach Surf and Sport
Wainscott
Tour types: Self-guided tour around Georgica Pond and Sagg Pond.
Fees: $85 single kayak, $95 double kayak.
More info: 631-537-2716; mainbeach.com
Long Island SUP
90 Colonial Dr., East Patchogue
Tour types: Foliage and bird-watching paddleboard and kayak tours in September and October on weekends. Stand-up paddleboard yoga sessions held through Columbus Day.
Fees: Single kayak: 1 hour for $55, 2 hours for $75. Double kayaks: 1 hour for $75, 2 hours for $95.
More info: 631-326-7926; longisland-sup.com
Belmont Lake State Park
Southern State Parkway, Exit 38, North Babylon
A popular attraction at Belmont Lake State Park are the paddle boat rentals. Credit: Joseph Sperber
Tour types: Self-guided on Belmont Lake. Kayak rentals available at the boathouse weekends and holidays through Columbus Day.
Fees: $20 for 2 hours, plus $8 parking fee. (Personal kayaks can be launched from shore year-round, must be off the water 30 minutes before dark.) Pedal boats and rowboats also available.
More info: 631-667-5055; parks.ny.gov
Nissequogue River Canoe and Kayak Rentals
Paul T. Given County Park, Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown. Also at Nissequogue River State Park, Kings Park.
A family navigates their canoe along the Nissequogue River in Kings Park. Credit: Joseph Sperber
Tour types: Self-guided daily along 5½-mile Nissequogue River (tidal). Canoe and kayak rentals through Oct. 31.
Fees: $70 canoe, $50 single kayak, $70 double kayak; includes transportation back to your vehicle.
More info: 631-979-8244; text 631-219-4887 the day before for tidal information and times; canoerentals.com
Bob's Canoe Rentals
Nissequogue River State Park, Kings Park
Tour types: Self-guided daily along 5½-mile Nissequogue River (tidal). Canoe and kayak rentals through Oct. 31. Tours by appointment.
Fees: $50 single kayak, $70 double kayak, $70 canoe.
More info: 631-269-9761; canoerentalslongisland.com
Stony Brook Harbor Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals
51 Shore Rd., Stony Brook
People rent kayaks at Stony Brook Harbor Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
Tour types: Self-guided tour of Stony Brook Harbor; paddleboard yoga classes.
Fees: Single kayaks and paddleboards $45, double kayaks $70 (adult and child), $80 (2 adults), paddleboard yoga classes $40.
More info: 631-834-3130; sbharborrentals.com
