A Beginner’s Guide to Coastal Kayaking

Couple smiling at camera while in kayak

Trips to a seaside city typically involve exploring shops along the boardwalk and indulging in local seafood. However, if you want to truly experience the area, you should take to the water. If you love adventure, you will enjoy activities like coastal kayaking. Ocean Club Hotel provides luxury accommodations in Cape May, New Jersey. Here, our team will help you understand this exhilarating activity and why it’s one of the best things to do during your stay.

What Is Coastal Kayaking?

Kayaking is an activity that most people are familiar with. It involves heading out onto the water, often a river, in a small watercraft called a kayak and using paddles to move around. Kayaking is an activity that people of all ages can enjoy.

Coastal kayaking is slightly different. It involves paddling specialized kayaks on open waters like oceans, seas, and coastlines. It varies from recreational river kayaking because kayakers use longer, more stable kayaks that can handle wavier waters better. During a coastal kayaking venture, kayakers can follow the shoreline, discover inlets and coves, and witness wildlife in its natural habitat, on the nearby land, in the water, and in the air above. Although coastal kayaking can be suited for both beginner and advanced kayakers, it’s best to stick to milder waters if you’re new to the sport. This is because wavy waters and tides can make paddling more difficult.

What Options Does the Area Have to Offer?

Cape May is a traditional coastal city, which means you’ll find plenty of ways to explore the water. Those looking at kayaking trips should check out the following:

Miss Chris Kayaks, Paddleboards, and Pontoons

This company allows you to rent single and double kayaks, allowing you to travel on your own or with someone else. Their rentals include paddles, life jackets, maps, and instructions, making it easy for even beginners to feel confident as they get started. They provide two-hour guided coastal kayaking tours daily, allowing visitors to paddle through the wetlands around Cape Island Creek and take in Cape May Harbor. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, they also provide sunset tours in the evenings.

Cape Kayaks

This family-owned business helps locals and travelers alike appreciate the nature that surrounds Cape May. They offer daily nature tours, allowing participants to navigate the estuaries of the Cape May Salt Marsh. During these tours, you’ll get detailed information about the flora and fauna of the area from biologists and naturalists, helping you learn as you take in the scenery. These tours are ideal for both beginners and veteran kayakers.

Cape May Beaches

There are several beaches along the city’s coastal areas, and some allow you to rent kayaks and head out on the water. This is a great idea for those looking to spend a day in the sun, allowing them to relax on the beach after their trip. Many of the beaches are located within walking distance of Ocean Club Hotel, which makes them extremely easy to access.

Stay with Us and Experience More of Cape May

If you are ready for the coastal kayaking trip of a lifetime, head to Cape May, New Jersey. Ocean Club Hotel is happy to offer beautiful accommodations and fine dining without the fuss at our SeaSalt Restaurant, helping to make your stay everything you imagined and more. Contact us today to book a room or if you have any questions about coastal kayaking in the area.