South County is a paddler’s dream! With salt ponds, coves, and rivers, visitors can experience life on the water. The Wood-Pawcatuck watershed provides miles of paddling, while the Narrow River connects freshwater ponds, brackish water, salt marsh, and the Atlantic. With rentals, guided tours, lessons, and public launches available it’s easy to get on the water in South County.
Rhode Island Paddle Sports
Looking for something new to try? Experience South County's coastal waters on a Hobie Bravo. This compact 12-foot sailboat is designed for easy sailing. Stable enough for beginners yet responsive enough for experienced sailors, the Bravo features a simple cat-rigged sail and lightweight hull for easy launching and maneuvering. Explore the waters of South County's salt ponds and bays, where steady breezes and calm conditions are perfect for learning the basics of sailing and spending an afternoon on the water. If sailing is not your thing, Rhode Island Paddle sports also offers single and tandem kayaks and SUP for your South County adventure.
The Kayak Center
The Kayak Centre offers the Hobie Fiesta, a four-person inflatable pedal kayak designed for group fun. At 15 feet long, the Fiesta provides plenty of room to cruise with friends, bring snacks or cooler. With a stable platform that is easy to board, it’s ideal for those who want to swim. Hobie’s hands-free pedal system is perfect for a new experience. Rentals launch from The Kayak Centre’s Wickford location for a scenic adventure. Other rental options include single kayaks, double kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
LL Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs
L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs operate from Scalloptown Park in East Greenwich. The program offers paddling experiences from May through October. The Discovery Kayaking and Discovery Stand Up Paddleboarding courses introduce basic paddling techniques, safety skills, and on-water confidence 90-minute sessions. The East Greenwich programs give beginners and casual paddlers a guided way to try kayaking or SUP while exploring calm cove waters and watching for local waterfowl.
Queen’s River Kayaks
Queen’s River Kayaks is a full-service kayak rental company in West Kingston. Trip choices include three of South County’s freshwater rivers: the Queen’s River, Wood River, and Pawcatuck River. It's Queen’s River route is a calm, roughly two-mile out-and-back paddle well suited to beginners and families looking for a relaxed ride. The Wood and Pawcatuck options offer different challenge levels depending on river conditions. Trips typically include the kayak, parking, and riverside pick-up or delivery. Exploring South County’s rivers is easy adventure for visitors.
Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Association
The Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association in Hope Valley offers paddling experiences on Rhode Island’s nationally designated Wild and Scenic river. From its campus on the Wood River, WPWA provides kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard lessons with American Canoe Association certified instructors. Custom guided river paddles for groups are also available. The WPWA maintains paddling route maps and river-condition resources, for visitors exploring the watershed. The flat-water routes, forested river corridors, wetlands, and wildlife (including bald eagles) ar perfect for a relaxing day on the water.
Rhody Adventure Rentals
It’s easy to get on the water with Rhody Adventure Rentals. With a full lineup of kayaks and stand up paddle boards they offer options for beginners through experienced paddlers. Visitors can choose single or tandem kayaks for self‑guided paddling, along with stable SUPs suited for calm‑water cruising. Get out on the water for a day of adventure in South County.
Early Morning Kayak Tour
The Early Morning Kayak Tour with L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Programs gives paddlers a calm start to the day in East Greenwich. Guided tours are ideal for beginners and those unfamiliar with the waters. Experience South County’s coastal scenery at sunrise, it’s worth getting up early for!
Full Moon Kayak Tour
The next best thing to a sunrise paddle is a full moon paddle. Join LL Bean in East Greenwich for a guided nighttime adventure in South County.
Wine Tasting Kayak Tour
Indulge in the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation with a Wine Tasting Kayak Tour. Delight in a kayaking experience that explores the serene waters of Wickford Harbor followed by a specially arranged 1-hour wine tasting experience featuring a various selection of wines from local Rhode Island Vineyards, each thoughtfully paired with cheeses sourced from the Wickford Cheese Shop, and fresh bread to round out your tasting.
Take home some South County merch as a reminder of your day on the water.
