Unique Vacation: Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking
Paddle Boarding and Kayaking on the MidCoast
Paddle boarding newbies can hone their skills during a stay at the luxurious Grand Harbor Inn, located in the beautiful town of Camden. Nestled right along the edge of the stunning Camden Harbor, this AAA 4-Diamond boutique hotel offers SUP classes as well as kayaking for those who want to try their hand at the sport.
Secondly, if you choose to plan a stand-up paddle boarding trip for this summer, you should consider visiting the Highland Lake in Falmouth. Spend an entire day cruising along quiet waters looking for frogs, loons, eagles, and other fascinating animals native to the region.
The sleek and sophisticated Brunswick Hotel and Tavern located in the town of Brunswick is a great lodging option for those who want to visit the lake, and it also provides easy access to some of Maine’s most beautiful coastal beaches. Choose from one of its stylish 52 guest rooms and suites for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Megunticook Lake located in the town of Camden, is another excellent spot for paddle boarders and kayakers alike. With beautiful views of the Camden hills and with plenty of islets and coves to explore, this spot is undoubtedly one for the books.
For a comfortable stay nearby, check out the Camden Maine Stay Bed & Breakfast Inn, which provides a welcoming and cozy atmosphere for visitors to relax in after a long day paddle boarding or kayaking.
Rockport Harbor, located in the charming village of its namesake Rockport, is another great option for paddle boarders and kayakers. Paddle the harbor at night and take in the scenic views of Rockport along with a stunning sunset over the city.
If you’re looking for a place to rest your head, the Hawthorn Inn in Camden is a short, ten-minute drive from the glistening harbor. This Queen Anne style Victorian mansion stands on 1.2 acres of lawn and garden, and is the cozy getaway for you and your family.
If you are looking for more modern accommodations in Camden, head over to the Whitehall hotel located on High St., which was newly renovated in 2015 and features 36 stylish rooms and suites that still nod to the town’s historic past. Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding classes can also be arranged at the hotel, so be sure to inquire within.
Paddle Boarding and Kayaking On the Southern Coast
Wildlife lovers and birding enthusiasts are in for a treat if they head to these next two places which are home to a diverse range of marsh wildlife. First off, the Scarborough Marsh in Scarborough is ideal for spotting various waterbirds and shorebirds such as the glossy ibis, herons, egrets, and many others. Though, while there you may want to avoid the open waterway at the mouth of the marsh where tidal currents may test your mettle.
The Captain Fairfield Inn is a relatively short drive away from the marsh and makes an excellent lodging option for those who wish to visit the 3,100-acre estuary. This modern and stylish hotel is located in the town of Kennebunkport, which is also home to the Kennebunkport River, the Mousam River, as well as many harbors and waterways. Many local tour companies offer guided tours through Kennebunkport’s beautiful waterways and can be adapted to every level of experience.
For beginner paddle boarders, the Ogunquit Tidal River is an excellent option, as Ogunquit’s Dunes on The Waterfront specifically offers beginner stand up paddle board (SUP) lessons in partnership with Liquid Dreams Surf Shop from the months of June to August. During these lessons novice paddle boarders will work with instructors and are taught the fundamentals of SUP, how to stand, ocean safety, and more.
If you’re trying your hand at kayaking for the first time it’s best to go for the calmer waterways where you will only have to paddle against the current one way. On the return trip, the current will carry you to your destination.
The charming town of York is another great destination for paddle boarders and kayakers. The York River and the York Harbor are excellent waterways for the sports, and the Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse located on York Beach is a great stopping point for families who want to cruise the coastal waters.
For a comfortable stay, book the York Harbor Inn, a historic oceanfront hotel that was featured on the Travel Channel’s “Great Country Inns of America,” that features gorgeous ocean view dining, rooms with fireplaces and Jacuzzis. Be sure to inquire about more opportunities to paddle board and kayak at the reservation center.
Whether it’s the midcoast or the southern coast, Maine’s many waterways offer plenty of opportunities for you to test your skills. Go ahead and plan a unique summer Maine SUP vacation this year!
