Local Shuttle Services
Shuttle Services
- Weekly Merrimack River Shuttle
- Custom Group Shuttles: Merrimack, Concord and Nashua Rivers
Weekly Merrimack River Shuttle
Every Sunday at 1 p.m., we will meet you at our Boathouse and drop you and your kayak 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 turn around to come downstream (4+ hours).
| Rental Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single Kayak or SUP rental with shuttle | $45 |
| Tandem Kayak or Canoe rental with shuttle | $65 |
| Bring your own solo boat with shuttle | $15 |
| Bring your own tandem boat with shuttle | $20 |
Cost with rental includes: full day rental for a kayak, canoe or SUP, life jacket, paddle, 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).
| Shuttle Service Dates and Time | Registration |
|---|---|
| Sunday June 11, 2023 at 1 p.m. | June 11 Online Registration |
| Sunday June 18, 2023 at 1 p.m. | June 18 Online Registration |
| Sunday June 25, 2023 | Kayak Center Closed due to Regatta, no shuttle available |
| Sunday July 2, 2023 at 1 p.m. | July 2 Online Registration |
| Sunday July 9, 2023 at 1 p.m. | July 9 Online Registration |
| Sunday July 16, 2023 at 1 p.m. | July 16 Online Registration |
| Sunday July 23, 2022 at 1 p.m. | July 23 Online Registration |
| Sunday July 30, 2023 at 1 p.m. | July 30 Online Registration |
| Sunday August 6, 2023 at 1 p.m. | August 6 Online Registration |
| Sunday August 13, 2023 at 1 p.m. | August 13 Online Registration |
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: $50 Single Kayak or SUP / $70 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.