How long is the excursion?

The guided boat trip runs approximately 90 minutes to two hours, depending on current and stops at Smithfield Beach.

What does it cost and are there upgrades?

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.

Is there an age minimum?

Yes. The minimum age for participation is 13 years old.

How many people are in a group?

Trips are limited to eight guests per outing for a guided, small-group experience.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation terms are set by the operator; check the booking page or your confirmation for details or contact via the referral link.

Paddling the Delaware: Guided Shawnee River Excursion to Smithfield Beach

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.

Paddling the Delaware: Guided Shawnee River Excursion to Smithfield Beach

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