Check in at the facility at 94 Middlebridge Road in Narragansett; overflow parking is at 95 Middlebridge Road.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about three hours and moves at a relaxed pace with stops for snorkeling, beachcombing, and a seining demo.

Is the trip suitable for kids?

Yes; children under 9 must ride with an adult in a tandem kayak. The tour is family-friendly and geared toward all ages.

Can I bring my own snorkel or binoculars?

Yes—guests are encouraged to bring snorkeling gear and binoculars if they have them; dry bags are available for purchase.

Wear a swimsuit under quick-drying clothing, bring water shoes, sunscreen, and a towel; bring a dry change of clothes for after the tour.

What happens during the seining demonstration?

Participants help drag a seine net in shallow water to observe small fish and invertebrates while the guide explains species, life stages, and habitat importance.

Paddle Narrow River: Eco Kayak Tour from Narragansett

On the Eco Tour - Narrow River, you’ll paddle the brackish throat of one of Rhode Island’s most intimate estuaries, launching from the shop at 94 Middlebridge Road in Narragansett. This three-hour guided kayak trip explores Wickford Harbor and the winding Narrow River with a naturalist-led focus that makes the place feel less like a postcard and more like a living classroom. Naturalist Emily points out eelgrass meadows, shellfish beds, salt-marsh cordgrass, and the telltale feeding wakes of osprey and heron. Birdwatching, snorkeling, beachcombing, and a hands-on seining demonstration—the tour’s signature moment—give every participant a chance to observe how the estuary functions.

Tandem kayaks keep the outing accessible to families and mixed-ability groups; children under nine ride with an adult. Expect shallow channels that thread through mudflats and grassy flats, rimmed by glacially smoothed cobble and sandy spits where you can step ashore. The seining demo, an ancient fishing method, is both a cultural touchpoint and a practical lesson in nearshore ecology—Emily explains species, size classes, and why protecting nursery habitat matters.

The route changes with tides and seasons. In summer you’ll snorkel over eelgrass and tiny crustaceans; spring brings migratory songbirds and courting shorebirds; fall colors the salt marsh cordgrass and concentrates feeding flocks; winter tours run on clearer air and spare light when waterfowl numbers peak. Bring a swimsuit, water shoes, sunscreen, binoculars, and a waterproof bag; dry bags are available for purchase at the shop. Check in at the parking lot at 94 Middlebridge Road—overflow parking is at 95 Middlebridge Road—and arrive fifteen minutes early to get fitted and briefed.

What makes this operation stand out is the pairing of hands-on interpretation with simple, low-impact adventure. The Narrow River—also historically known as the Pettaquamscutt—supports eelgrass beds and salt marsh that buffer the shore from storms and sustain local fisheries. A small local outfitter running family-sized groups keeps the experience personal and gives ample time for questions, photographs, and quiet observation.

Whether you’re a first-time paddler or a parent looking for a nature-first outing, this is a calm, instructive way to connect to Narragansett’s coastal ecology. Guides emphasize safety, low impact practices, and leave-no-trace principles; students of all ages can touch small fish, examine juvenile crabs, and learn how tides shape life in the estuary. The tour folds science into play, making it suitable for families, school groups, and curious adults alike. Pack a towel, a dry change of clothes, and patience; the best discoveries often require slow paddling and a careful eye.

For directions, check in at 94 Middlebridge Road, Narragansett, where parking and gear staging are handled efficiently. Book through the referral link to reserve a spot for small group departures and seasonal availability.

About Kayak Centre of Rhode Island

Kayak Centre of Rhode Island is a family-owned water sports outfitter based in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The business operates guided tours, rentals, and specialty experiences from Wickford Harbor and nearby launch points. Offerings include guided kayak tours of Wickford Harbor, Narragansett Bay, Jamestown coastal paddles, fall foliage trips, and ecological tours led by an on-site naturalist. For rental options, the outfitter provides timed kayak and paddleboard rentals, 15-foot Hobie Fiesta inflatable rentals for up to four adults, Hobie Eclipse pedalboards for hands-free sunset tours, and longer specialty sessions such as a full-day long boat surfing clinic.

Safety and local knowledge are emphasized through small group sizes (for select slots), required accompaniment for minors on family rentals, and clear equipment guidance. Tours range from two-hour introductory paddles and paddleboard yoga sessions to three-hour coastal and eco excursions and a seven-hour advanced long-boat surfing course. The business supplies life jackets and basic safety briefings, and advanced reservations are recommended for Hobie rentals and specialty events.

Kayak Centre of Rhode Island builds credibility through consistent local operation, partnerships with Wickford on the Water for post-tour dining events like the Taco Tuesday pedalboard dinner, and a focus on accessible, educational experiences. Guests benefit from scenic views of Newport Harbor, Fort Adams, Fox Island, and southern Rhode Island shorelines, making each tour both recreational and informative.

Experienced staff provide route recommendations, weather guidance, and local history commentary to enhance each outing. Advanced bookings and group rates are available for private events and corporate outings.

Paddle Narrow River: Eco Kayak Tour from Narragansett

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