Shuttle Services

Shuttle Services

• Weekly Merrimack River Shuttle
• Custom Group Shuttles: Merrimack, Concord and Nashua Rivers

Weekly Merrimack River Shuttle

Every Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m., we drop boats off about five miles upstream to River Front Park in Tyngsboro, Mass. Paddlers can enjoy a scenic and leisurely paddle downstream. Highlights include paddling under the Tyngsboro and Rourke Bridges, the narrows around Tyngs Island, and side trips under the railroad bridges and up Stony Brook to explore historic mill buildings. Choose to paddle straight downstream (2-3 hours) or upstream and then back down (4+ hours).

PLEASE NOTE - starting Sunday June 19, we have updated the shuttle time. The shuttle will now be at 1 p.m. and no longer at 11 a.m.

Cost:

• $40 Single Kayak or SUP
• $60 Tandem Kayak or Canoe

Cost includes: full day rental for a kayak canoe or SUP, life jacket, paddle, map, basic safety instruction and van transportation to the boat launch at River Front Park, Tyngsboro, Mass.

For more information on this trip see the Merrimack River Map (pdf).

Custom Group Shuttles: Merrimack, Concord, Nashua & Squannacook Riverscustom

Contact us to book a custom group shuttle! We are at a great central location to a number of scenic waterways. We can provide a shuttle service to these local scenic rivers.

Nashua River

The Nashua River forms the core of the Bolton Flats Wildlife Management Area and the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge. It winds through marshy areas and forms a pond above the Pepperell Dam. Home to wildlife such as egrets, beavers, and large mouth bass, there is something for everyone to see.

Squannacook River

The Squannacook River is a narrower, winding river. River depths are mainly shallow, making it best to paddle in spring and early summer. It provides a surprisingly remote paddle through Groton and Shirley before it empties into the Nashua, about 2 hours paddling from the launch. There is also a pond that comes off the Squannacook to explore. All together, it's a splendid paddle through a whole lot of conservation land - a perfect way to relax and enjoy some nature time.

Concord River

The Sudbury and Assabet Rivers join to become the Concord River. The river is fairly slow moving and easy to paddle in this section, so you can appreciate the rich natural and cultural sites along the way. Pass by the Old Manse, home of Emerson and Hawthorne, and paddle under the famous Old North Bridge, a part of Minute Man National Historical Park. The River enters the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, and you can land your boat to explore the impoundments, home to a diversity of waterfowl. From here, the river continues to slowly meander through rich greenery until you reach Route 225. Take the straightest route for a 2-hour paddle, or explore all the scenic spaces along the way and make it a full day on the water.

Map of Local Launch Locations

We have outlined available launch locations on this custom Kayak Center Shuttle Launches Google Map.

Custom Group Shuttle Terms:

• Minimum Group Size: We need a minimum of six people.
• Cost: $45 Single Kayak or SUP / $65 Tandem Kayak or Canoe
• Cost includes: Full day rental of a kayak, canoe or SUP, life jacket, paddle, map, basic safety instruction and transportation to & from your chosen locations. For any of these locations, after we get you on the water we will meet you at a designated take-out during a pre-established time window.
• Availability: Custom shuttles are available any day of the week in summer from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Custom shuttles are subject to staffing and boat availability. Call our office 978-934-1549 or email: kate_ford@uml.edu for custom shuttle availability.