Kayak and Canoe Rentals

Posted by Lauren Barker

Kayaks and canoes are among the most fun ways to get out on the water with your dog. Whether you’re exercising, fishing or enjoying a leisurely adventure, the easy-to-use watercraft comfortably accommodate furry first mates. Bring Fido with you on these pet-friendly, paddle-powered excursions around the country.

Lazy Dog Kayak

Key West, FL
“Use your eyes, Karen. This is a dead end!” Photo by Facebook.com/lazydogkeywest

Lazy Dog Kayak welcomes dogs and their humans to explore the backcountry on a two-hour tour through mangrove trees. You'll be provided with a map of exciting places to explore within paddling distance, and you might even run into their furry mascots. Before you head out on your adventure, purchase some of Jax’s all-natural, grain-free dog treats in the Lazy Dog Paddle Shack. Your pup will thank you! Once on the water, Fido can get close to marine life like jellyfish, sponges, sea stars and crabs. You won’t have to travel far to relax after your day on the water. Aqua Lodges at Hurricane Hole Marina is located just across the street and welcomes dogs in cabins, cottages and bungalows.

Catch A Canoe & Bicycles Too

Mendocino, CA
“It’s nice to let the humans do all the work.” Photo by Facebook.com/Catch-A-Canoe-Bicycles-Too

Paddle through the Big River Estuary State Marine Conservation Area with Fido and Catch A Canoe & Bicycles Too. Dogs are welcome to float with you in a redwood outrigger, kayak or canoe. The Canine Cruiser series of outriggers was designed with pets in mind and features a raised, padded floor so your pup can relax comfortably while you paddle. You can also book one of their Big River guided tours, where you’ll likely spot wildlife like river otters, blue herons and harbor seals.

Paddling pups will be welcomed with treats, pet towels and bowls when they check in at Stanford Inn & Resort on the Mendocino Coast, located just down the street from the put-in.

Charles River Canoe and Kayak

Boston, MA
“I can sit here, right?” Photo by @paddleboston

Charles River Canoe and Kayak has seven locations throughout Boston and the surrounding area where you and Fido can rent a canoe or kayak. Start at Kendall Square in Cambridge and paddle through the heart of Beantown, or cruise from Allston/Brighton past M.I.T. and Harvard while admiring views of the city skyline. There is no current in the nine-mile stretch between the two locations, so it’s easy to make the round-trip excursion. If you’d prefer a shorter outing, choose the one-way trip. Guided tours of the river and Boston Harbor are also available.

Continue to admire river views from your room at nearby Studio Allston Hotel. During your stay, enjoy some of the more than 117 variations of unique art and public spaces that were expertly curated by talented artists.

Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe

Bend, OR
“The only thing you’ve caught all day is a cold, Dad!” Photo by Facebook.com/TumaloCreek

Paddle the Deschutes River through the Old Mill District with Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at their Industrial Way location, where you can conveniently take in and out. Rentals are available for two-hour paddles, but if you’d prefer to take your boat to a different location, 24-hour rentals are available, too. Bring Fido along as you navigate the river on a self-guided tour or try a guided tour through Deschutes National Forest. There is a $15 fee for each pup.

Back on dry land, head to nearby Monkless Belgian Ales for a refreshing pint, then kick back in a pet-friendly room at The Oxford Hotel Bend.

Born to Be Wild Adventures

Prescott, AZ
“That’s a paddlin’!” Photo by @borntobewildadventures

Born to Be Wild Adventures provides kayak, paddleboard and canoe rentals to Watson, Willow or Goldwater Lakes. Paddle with Fido through Prescott’s amazing rock formations that rise out of the water. Shaped and smoothed by weathering over time, the unique landscape might make you and your pooch feel like you’ve kayaked through space to a Mars-like planet. Rentals are delivered straight to your lake of choice.

Take a dip in the lake water to cool off before heading to your room at Best Western Prescottonian. Fido can dry off during zoomies in the hotel’s fenced dog run.

Aqua Dawg Kayak Company (Tybee Jet Ski & Watersports)

Tybee Island, GA
“Three in a boat and the little one said, roll over!” Photo by Facebook.com/Tybee-Jet-Ski-and-Watersports

The ocean is a daunting prospect for first-time floaters, but the dog lovers at Aqua Dawg Kayak Company (Tybee Jet Ski & Watersports) are happy to help Fido find his paws on the water. Kayak through the creeks and rivers around the island or head to Cockspur Lighthouse. On the way, Fido can befriend indigenous wildlife in the water and birds in the sky, just some of the species that call Dolphin Bay their home.

Spend more time enjoying the water around Tybee Island when you book a stay at Good Vibrations, which features ocean views from the top-floor balcony.

“I wish I could sightsee, but I have to make sure you’re paddling!” Photo by Facebook.com/parkandocean

Fort Lauderdale is the Venice of America, with beautiful beaches and luxury yachts lining the coast. Park and Ocean gives you a chance to get a taste of these high-end waters, albeit on a somewhat more humble craft than a multi-million-dollar sailboat. Join a kayak or canoe tour or take a self-guided escapade on the waters of Hugh Taylor Birch Park, sandwiched between the Atlantic and Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway. After exploring the water, relax with a cold beer and a bite to eat on Park and Ocean’s pet-friendly patio.

When your bellies are full and you’re tuckered out from paddling, rest up around the corner at Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach, where Fido will receive a Pets Are Welcome at Sonesta package (PAWS), including beds, bowls, waterproof mats and treats.

Front Royal Outdoors

Front Royal, VA
“I understand the life jacket, but what’s on my head?” Photo by BringFido/Sandra

Front Royal Outdoors guarantees an “otterly” lovely trip on the South Fork of the legendary Shenandoah River between Front Royal and Luray. Hop in a canoe, kayak, fishing kayak, or raft with your pup and enjoy a river excursion that includes small riffles and fun rapids along the way, all with the backdrop of gorgeous mountains, rolling hills, and Virginia’s unique selection of native plants. Don’t forget to say hello to the egrets and otters who call this area home.

Cuddle up with your pup for a good night’s rest at a River Retreat in Front Royal. Admire the river views from the large picture windows and let Fido dip his paws in the water to cool off.

Edge of the Woods Outfitters

Delaware Water Gap, PA
"Row, row, row your boat ..." Photo by BringFido/Theresa

Paddle down the crystal-clear waters of the Delaware River with Fido and Edge of the Woods Outfitters. Single kayaks and canoes are available to rent, and pups are permitted to accompany you on your journey downstream. Choose from the four-, six- or ten-mile self-guided trip and enjoy scenic views of the Poconos and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Doggie paddlers will be ready to relax when you arrive at Echo Valley Cottages for a good night’s rest.

Hocking Hills Canoe Livery

Logan, OH
"Just taking a quick dip." Photo by BringFido/Joe

Explore the natural beauty of the Hocking River with Hocking Hills Canoe Livery and your canine companion. Rent a canoe or kayak for your adventure on the water and paddle a five- or seven-mile route. The livery will provide transportation to the put-in site. No matter which trip you choose, you’ll be able to marvel at Natural Rockbridge and other scenic highlights. Tubing is also available if your pup would prefer to float rather than paddle.

The fun, tropical theme at Worthington of Logan will make you and your pup forget you’re in Ohio and think you’re in an ocean paradise. Be sure to walk Fido a couple of blocks over to Hocking Hills Frozen Yogurt Company for a sweet treat during your stay.