Maine has more than 3,000 miles of tidal shoreline and thousands of lakes and ponds, which makes it one of the best states in the country to get a paddle in your hands. After three decades running Maine’s resource guide, these are the places and outfitters we send people to, from protected harbors you can try on a first outing to open-water routes around the islands.
The best kayaking in Maine is sea kayaking around Acadia, Penobscot Bay and the islands off Deer Isle, with sheltered river and harbor paddles near Portland, Kennebunk and Ogunquit that suit beginners. For lakes and wilderness canoeing, head north to Moosehead Lake and the Allagash. Each region is covered below, with outfitters from our listings.
Quick Answers
- Best for scenery: Acadia and the Porcupine Islands, with a guide
- Best for beginners: the Ogunquit and Kennebunk rivers and Portland’s East End Beach
- Best island paddling: Merchant Row off Stonington
- Best for a harbor day trip: Camden and Penobscot Bay
- Best multi-day canoe trip: the Allagash Wilderness Waterway
- Best whitewater: the Dead River and the Penobscot
1. Acadia and Mount Desert Island
Acadia is the best place in Maine to see the coast from a kayak. National Park Sea Kayak Tours in Bar Harbor runs guided sea kayaking tours around Mount Desert Island and the Porcupine Islands, with naturalist guides and both half-day and full-day options. The open water here is cold and tidal, so a guided first trip is the safest way to do it.
2. Camden and Penobscot Bay
Camden is the best harbor town for a kayak day. Ducktrap Kayak offers kayak rentals and tours right next to the Whitehall Inn, with Camden Harbor and the Penobscot Bay coastline on your doorstep. For a full-service outfitter, Maine Sport Outfitters in Rockport offers kayak and bike rentals, guided tours, Penobscot Bay sea kayaking and canoe trips. See our things to do in Camden for the rest of the town.
3. Deer Isle and Stonington (Merchant Row)
Merchant Row is the best island paddling in Maine. The small islands off Stonington are a classic sea kayaking area, and Merchant Row Kayaking operates out of Stonington. Expect open water between islands, so this is a better fit for paddlers with some experience or on a guided trip.
4. Castine
Castine is the best quiet-harbor paddle on the upper Penobscot Bay. Castine Kayak Adventures offers kayaking from this historic town, which sits on the Penobscot Bay shore away from the busier Camden and Acadia crowds.
5. Portland and Casco Bay
Portland is the easiest place to start. Portland Paddle rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at East End Beach, at the base of the Eastern Promenade, which makes a convenient launch point for Casco Bay’s islands and coastline. It is an easy add to a Portland trip, and our day trips from Portland cover what else is nearby.
6. Kennebunk and Ogunquit Rivers
The Kennebunk and Ogunquit rivers are the best beginner paddles in Maine. Kayak Excursions in Lower Village runs guided kayak and stand-up paddleboard tours of the Kennebunk River and coast, with free delivery and pickup available. Ogunquit River Kayaking offers paddling on the Ogunquit River. Both are tidal, so check the tide before you go.
7. Moosehead Lake and the North Woods
Moosehead Lake is the best lake for canoeing and kayaking. Northwoods Outfitters in Greenville rents equipment for outdoor adventures on and around Maine’s largest lake. Paddling a quiet pond at dawn is also one of the best ways to see a moose, which we cover in our guide to where to see moose in Maine and in things to do at Moosehead Lake.
Best Canoe Trips and Whitewater
Allagash Wilderness Waterway
Maine’s most famous canoe trip is a roughly 92-mile wilderness route through the north woods. It is a multi-day expedition that needs planning and some experience. Loon Lodge, according to its listing, is in the Allagash.
Moose River Bow Trip
A classic loop canoe route near Jackman. See our Moose River Bow Trip guide.
Whitewater on the Dead River and the Penobscot
For whitewater, see our guide to Dead River rafting, and Penobscot River Whitewater Rafting near Millinocket.
Kayak Safety in Maine
Ocean water in Maine is cold even in summer, so dress for the water temperature and not the air, and always wear a life jacket. Tides and currents change fast, especially around islands and river mouths, and fog can roll in with little warning. Check the marine forecast before you launch, tell someone your route, and book a guide for a first open-water paddle.
Best Kayaking in Maine: FAQ
Where is the best place to kayak in Maine?
Acadia and the Porcupine Islands are the best for scenery, Merchant Row off Stonington is the best for island paddling, and Camden and Penobscot Bay are the best for a harbor-town day. For lakes, paddle Moosehead.
Where is the best kayaking in Maine for beginners?
The Kennebunk and Ogunquit rivers and Portland’s East End Beach are the best places to start, with sheltered water and easy rentals. Check the tide and stay in protected water.
Do I need a guide to sea kayak in Maine?
Not for protected harbors and rivers, but a guide is strongly recommended for a first paddle on open water or around islands, where cold water, tides and fog make conditions harder.
When is the best time to kayak in Maine?
Summer and early fall. Most outfitters run from late spring through September, and lake paddling in late September and October can come with fall foliage. The water stays cold all year, so always dress for it.
More Maine guides: Best Lakes · Best Hikes · Best Waterfalls · Best Lighthouses · Best Islands · Best Beaches · Best Coastal Towns · Best Wildlife Watching · Best Time to Visit · Best Things to Do