Portland, Maine Kayaking Destinations
Kayak the picturesque coastal city of Portland, Maine. Perched on the Gulf of Maine and the Atlantic Ocean and dotted with hundreds of gorgeous islands, beaches, lakes, streams, ponds and coast to explore, it’s a kayaker’s paradise.
Where to Kayak in Portland, Maine
From beautiful marshes and big lakes to secluded ponds and winding rivers to charming streams and a scenic coast, Portland, Maine offers a lot of options for kayakers looking for a great paddle.
Casco Bay
Portland, ME
Enjoy panoramic views of the coast, watch ospreys dive, seals splash around and tour the islands on the Maine Island Trail. Casco Bay offers numerous inlets, beaches, islands, and coves to explore. You’ll find quiet water channels along the inner Portland-facing side of the bay, rough ocean-like waves on the outer ocean-facing side, and spectacular sights all around.
Peaks Island
Portland, ME
Head into open waters to Peaks Island at the southern entrance of Casco Bay for some excellent sea kayaking. The island is about 5 miles all the way around. You’ll see gorgeous sandy beaches, quaint houses, pine trees, iconic lighthouses, sea roses, towering cliffs, harbor seals, and seabirds.
Presumpscot River
Portland, ME
The Presumpscot River offers a calm river paddle with excellent views along its shores. It runs for 25-miles from Sebago Lake to Casco Bay, providing lots of routes to explore, wonderful vistas, woodlands and a quiet flow. A popular launch site is Westbrook. North offers an easy and particularly scenic paddle with lots of opportunities to spot wildlife. South or downstream from Westbrook turns wild and turbulent as you approach the Saccarappa Falls.
Scarboro Marsh
Scarborough, ME
Covering more than 3,000 acres, Scarborough Marsh is the largest contiguous salt marsh system in Maine. The estuary is home to a variety of freshwater and tidal marshes, salt streams and uplands. It is particularly important for wildlife as a resting, breeding, and feeding ground. You can spot waterfowl, egrets, herons, glossy ibis and many species of shorebirds, as well as muskrat, mink, otter, and deer. The waters are normally calm, but can be effected by tides and supply, making paddling in a particular direction challenging at times.
Jewell Island
Portland, ME
On the boundary between Casco Bay and the ocean, Jewell Island is a true gem. The paddle there takes less than a full day but offers excellent island-hopping. You’ll be exposed to the open sea, passing lobster boats and diving seabirds, so it is a challenging paddle. The island itself features a stunning, rocky coastline with breathtaking vistas, meandering trails and World War II submarine towers.
Kayak Storage Racks for Portland, ME
An amazing kayaking adventure awaits you in Portland, Maine. Make sure your kayak is ready with an exquisitely crafted rack from Log Kayak Rack. Our kayak, canoe and SUP storage racks are made from durable, naturally weather-resistant 100% norther cedar logs. As beautiful as they are practical, they’ll keep your shoreline, resort, rental facility, recreational park or home neat and orderly and your kayaks at the ready. Shop our kayak racks online now and enjoy free shipping to Portland, ME, or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution.