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Float the historic Delaware River on a guided, small-group cruise to Smithfield Beach. Perfect for photographers, bird-watchers, and travelers who want an easy, scenic taste of the Delaware Water Gap.
Float the historic Delaware River on a guided, small-group cruise to Smithfield Beach. Perfect for photographers, bird-watchers, and travelers who want an easy, scenic taste of the Delaware Water Gap.
Book with Shawnee Inn
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Shawnee Inn · Shawnee on Delaware, PA
At the edge of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the Guided Shawnee River Excursion puts the river’s wide slow current and the exposed ribs of a river-carved gap within easy reach. Departing from the operator’s River Base, a short shuttle slips past oak-lined banks toward Smithfield Beach, where the boat will tie up and let you step out onto a flat, pebbled stretch of sand framed by low bluffs. This 90-minute to two-hour trip follows a quiet, historic corridor of the Delaware River—an artery that shaped regional travel and industry for centuries and now channels wildlife, geology, and calm for paddlers and sightseers alike.
The scene is simple and elemental: green hemlock and mixed hardwoods give way to riparian grasses, while the river alternates between reflective pools and gentle riffles carved through a long, ancient ridgeline. Keep an eye overhead for osprey and bald eagles riding thermals; beavers and kingfishers are regulars along the shoals. Smithfield Beach isn’t a surf-side resort—it’s a natural landing where you can stretch your legs, explore cobble shelves, and watch current lines meet the shore.
The excursion is run as a small-group, guided outing with a maximum of eight guests, a light-touch way to experience a national recreation area established in 1965 and long used by the Lenape and later by river communities. The guide handles navigation and local storytelling; guests can choose to upgrade to a single kayak for a more active angle on the same route (upgrade cost applies). The outing is priced to be accessible—$25 per person for the boat trip, with kayak upgrades available—for visitors 13 and older.
What makes this trip stand out is its blend of accessibility and quiet specificity: you’re not fighting traffic to reach a remote put-in, but you’re also removed from roadside bustle once the boat swings into the current. The operator’s River Base serves as a clear meeting point and launch; the small group size and experienced guide create room for questions about flora, river dynamics, and best photo spots.
Bring sun protection, a dry bag, and a camera; the light that strikes the river and the low bluffs in late afternoon is especially photogenic. Whether you want a gentle introduction to river travel or a shortcut to a paddleable stretch of the Delaware, this guided cruise to Smithfield Beach is a compact, well-curated way to know this iconic waterway. Check in at River Base at least 20 minutes before launch; minimum age is 13, group size capped at eight, and standard fare is $25 per person with a $40 kayak upgrade. Guides carry safety gear and life jackets; seasonal water temps vary so bring layers and a waterproof jacket for cooler months.
easy.
90 minutes–2 hours.
Suitable for casual fitness; participants should be able to sit and move in a small boat for up to two hours.
The guided boat trip runs approximately 90 minutes to two hours, depending on current and stops at Smithfield Beach.
Standard boat fare is $25 per person; upgrades to a single kayak are offered for an additional $40 per person.
The meeting point is the River Base—check in there at least 20 minutes before your scheduled launch time.
Yes. The minimum age for participation is 13 years old.
Trips are limited to eight guests per outing for a guided, small-group experience.
Cancellation terms are set by the operator; check the booking page or your confirmation for details or contact via the referral link.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area was established by Congress in 1965; the valley has long been home to Lenape communities and later river towns.
Practice Leave No Trace at the beach and on the river; avoid introducing invasive plants and pack out all trash to protect aquatic habitat.
Shawnee Inn is a historic resort and activity provider located in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, sitting on the banks of the Delaware River within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The property offers a broad mix of outdoor, educational, and family-friendly experiences that launch from the inn and nearby access points. Activities available at Shawnee Inn include guided hikes on sections of the Appalachian Trail, guided canoe trips and open canoeing options (including 3-mile and 13-mile paddles), all-electric historic tram tours with on-site interpretation, archery in the Bamboo Garden, golf cart tours of the championship course, craft hour sessions, candle making workshops, seasonal Fall Harvest Tram Tours, stargazing tram tours, and special holiday programs such as Breakfast with Santa. Programs are led by trained staff who provide safety briefings, interpretive information about local history and river formation, and practical guidance like Leave No Trace hiking ethics and river safety. Seasonal offerings run on set dates, for example the Fall Harvest Tram Tour operates from late September through mid-November. Shawnee Inn’s combination of riverside location, structured programming, and interpretive guides makes it a convenient base for families, couples, and groups seeking curated outdoor experiences in the Poconos.
Book with Shawnee Inn