Discover the thrill of paddling in a saltwater urban setting at Chatham Maritime Trust. Perfect for families and beginners, this kayak activity offers a safe, fun way to enjoy the water in Kent's lively waterfront.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, especially beginners and families
Wildlife
History
The Chatham waterfront has a long history as a key naval base, now transforming into a hub for recreational water activities.
Conservation
The activity supports local marine conservation efforts by encouraging low-impact enjoyment of the saltwater environment, emphasizing sustainability and safety.
Chatham Maritime Trust
Discover the thrill of paddling in a saltwater urban setting at Chatham Maritime Trust. Perfect for families and beginners, this kayak activity offers a safe, fun way to enjoy the water in Kent's lively waterfront.
Chatham Maritime Trust operates watersports and coastal leisure experiences on Saint Mary's Island, England. The Trust offers a diverse programme of self-launch and pay & play activities including paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing/wingsupping, pedalos and an inflatable Aquapark.
Sessions range from short family rides to certified introductory courses such as the two-day Adult Level 1 Start Sailing course and two-hour Start Kayaking beginners’ course. Many pay & play options supply buoyancy aids and require appropriate supervision for under-18s; the Aquapark sessions specify lifeguard cover and buoyancy aid provision. Self-launch options allow experienced participants to bring their own paddleboards, kayaks or windsurfing equipment while following safety guidance and self-rescue expectations.
Family-oriented experiences include Paddleboard Pay & Play, Kayak Pay & Play and Pedalo hire, with age guidance and adult supervision encouraged for younger paddlers. The Trust also runs improvers’ sailing sessions for young sailors, open water swim opportunities and themed Adventure Day events. Chatham Maritime Trust focuses on accessible coastal recreation within an urban saltwater environment at Saint Mary's Island, making watersports approachable for local residents and visitors.
The Trust’s programmes emphasise skill development, environmental awareness and on-water safety through clear session descriptions and supervised courses where stated. Visitors can choose from casual hourly activities, skill-building courses or self-directed sessions to suit ability levels and family groups. All activities and course details are published in session summaries to help visitors select suitable experiences. Booking information and specific session times are provided on the Trust's listings to assist planning and ensure availability.
Location
Saint Mary's Island
Located on Saint Mary's Island, England
Tours Offered
13
Range of paddling, sailing and Aquapark experiences
Session Lengths
30 min–2 days
From short rides to multi-day sailing courses
Family Friendly
Yes
Many sessions include buoyancy aids
Reserve paddleboard, kayak, sailing or Aquapark sessions today — choose family-friendly pay & play or skill-building courses and secure a spot.
Wear Layers for Comfort
Dressing in layers helps you stay comfortable, especially on cooler days or if the weather changes unexpectedly.
Check Weather Conditions
Always review the local weather forecast before heading out to avoid strong winds or rain that can make paddling challenging.
Stay Close to Shore
For beginners and families, staying within the designated areas ensures safety and easy access back to land.
Keep Hydrated
Bring water to stay hydrated during your paddling session, especially on warm and sunny days.
Sun Protection
Applying sunscreen is key to protect against UV rays during sunny days on the water.
summer
Waterproof Jacket
A waterproof layer helps stay dry during unexpected rain or splashes.
spring|fall|winter
Hat and Sunglasses
Keeps the sun out of your eyes and protects your face.
summer
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during your paddling session with an easily accessible water source.