Kayak and Canoe Rentals
Enjoy Kayaking, Canoeing or Paddle Boarding on the Merrimack River!
All rates include paddle, life jacket (PFD) and basic safety instruction.
Rentals by the hour
| Hourly Rental Type | Hourly Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| up to 1 Hour | up to 3 Hours | |
| Adult and Teen | $20 | $30 |
| Youth (12 years old and under) | $10 | $15 |
| Daily Rental Type | Daily Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Day* (Including Offsite) | Weekend (3 Days Offsite) | |
| Single Kayak | $45 | $120 |
| Tandem Kayak or Canoe | $70 | $185 |
*Full Day rentals must be picked up and dropped off during open rentals hours; pick-up may happen up to one day in advance, and drop-off must happen by end of day. Please be prepared with supplies (straps plus cord or rope) to tie a boat to the top of your car; we have some items to borrow.
Request a rental in advance! You may submit the Kayak Center Rental Request form, or call the Kayak Center during open hours to Reserve Rentals: 978-934-5690. NOTE: Rentals are only available during open hours. If you request pre-season or outside of rental hours, we will not be able to help you, sorry.
Watercraft Options
Choose from our fleet of single and tandem kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). Single kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are for one person each. Tandem kayaks and canoes are for two people. Children, depending on their size and weight, may be placed on a seat or the floor of a kayak or canoe, with either one or two adults. (No one is ever strapped in to a kayak or canoe.)
Our fleet includes watercraft suitable for larger-bodied individuals. Boats are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Launching
Our staff helps everyone launch from our dock by holding the kayak or canoe steady while you get in. Additionally, we offer a kayak launch on the dock to make entering and exiting the water easier for everyone. The kayak launch is a stable platform at the water level that you can stand on and situate yourself in your kayak easily without capsizing. Once you are ready, you can easily slide yourself into the water. There is a large step required to get onto the launch (similar to bathtub height). We have received a lot of positive feedback about the kayak launch, especially from those with balance issues or limited knee or hip mobility.
Season and Monthly Passes
We encourage paddlers to come regularly to the UML Boathouse and get out on the water in our kayaks and canoes. Our season and monthly passes are a great bargain for people looking to spend a lot of time on the water! Discounts on guided tours and shuttles, as well!
Find our more at our Season Pass webpage.
Shuttles with Rental
We offer a shuttle to just upstream of the Tyngsboro bridge: you can rent boats, we'll drive you upstream, and you can enjoy a leisurely paddle back down to the Boathouse. This trip generally takes about 2-3 hours of paddling, or longer if you choose to paddle upstream first. Registrations are available for single or tandem boats. Plenty of parking at the Boathouse to leave your car. Please check out our Shuttle Services webpage to register.
Custom shuttle: If you have a group of six or more, you can book with us to rent boats and shuttle your group upriver to the Tyngsboro Bridge on your own schedule. We may have alternate locations for a more gung-ho group! Read more and reserve your space at our Shuttle Services webpage.
Terms
Payment
We accept credit cards or tap to pay. We do not accept cash or check, sorry.
All rentals are subject to sales tax.
Rentals damaged or unreturned will be assessed to the renter for any damage at the cost of repair, or full retail price of equipment. Quotes for repair or replacement may take up to two weeks.
Reservations
Boats and boards may be reserved ahead of time by filling out the Kayak Center Rentals Request form or calling the Kayak Center during open hours at 978-934-5690. NOTE: Rentals are only available during open hours. If you request pre-season or outside of rental hours, we will not be able to help you, sorry.