Do I need prior paddling experience?

No experience is required. The tour includes basic instruction and guides provide support throughout.

What is the minimum age to participate?

The recommended minimum age is 16, but younger paddlers who are capable and enthusiastic may be considered.

Can I choose between kayak and paddleboard?

Yes, participants select either a single kayak, tandem kayak, or stand-up paddleboard when booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours may be canceled or shortened for safety, with options to reschedule or receive refunds.

Where is the launch location and is parking available?

Tours depart from Coast to Coast Paddle's Salem Willows Kiosk on Fort Ave, with several metered and free parking options nearby.

Can I bring my camera or phone on the tour?

Yes, but only with waterproof protection. Devices are brought at the user's own risk.

Paddle Salem’s Coast with Coast to Coast Paddle

Salem, Massachusetts, long known for its pivotal maritime past and infamous witch trial legacy, reveals a different side from the water’s edge. Coast to Coast Paddle invites visitors and locals alike to experience this storied coastline aboard the Salem Discovery Paddle Tours based at Fort Ave, Salem, MA 01970. This two-hour guided paddle offers a unique vantage point to absorb Salem’s natural and historical identity, cruising through calm, sheltered coves and open harbor waters framed by maritime landmarks.

Paddlers of all skill levels—whether first-timers or seasoned enthusiasts—will find the route approachable and engaging. The tour winds along Salem Willows, Winter Island, and Juniper Cove, areas steeped in history and defined by rugged rocky shores and quiet inlets. Significant sights include Fort Pickering, Winter Island Light, Derby Wharf, and the Custom House, reminders of Salem’s heyday as one of America’s richest ports during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Wildlife is abundant: great and snowy egrets, blue herons, and dark-feathered cormorants often line the rocky perimeters, while the occasional eagle soars overhead. Guides share rich maritime tales, blending local lore with ecological insights.

What sets Coast to Coast Paddle apart is the combination of expert guidance and a fleet that offers kayaks or stand-up paddleboards. A Coast Guard-approved PFD, lightweight paddle, and thorough safety briefing ensure comfort and confidence on the water. The launch site at Salem Willows is easily accessible and surrounded by charming coastal scenery.

Because weather in this New England harbor can shift, tours prioritize safety and flexibility, with rescheduling options. Part adventure, part history lesson, Salem Discovery Paddle Tours offer an immersive way to connect with this coastal city’s evolving story while gliding peacefully above its historic harbor floor.

Whether escaping city bustle from nearby Boston or seeking a refreshing way to engage with Salem’s shoreline, this paddle tour offers memorable views and a fresh perspective on one of Massachusetts’ iconic coastal towns.

About Coast to Coast Paddle

Coast to Coast Paddle is a Salem, Massachusetts outfitter offering stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and kayak tours, rentals, and guided experiences across the North Shore.

The business operates SUP and kayak tours in Beverly and Salem, family paddle tours, sunset paddles at Salem Willows, Discovery Paddle Tours of Salem's historic coastline, and rentals at Horn Pond and Salem Willows. Participants can choose single or tandem sit-on-top kayaks or SUP rentals to explore at their own pace.

Coast to Coast Paddle offers winter paddling options that invite paddlers to gear up in a wetsuit or drysuit for guided cold‑water outings. Guided tours emphasize scenic routes — including sheltered coves, Fort Pickering views, and the Danvers River — and include wildlife spotting and local history commentary. Rentals at Independence Park in Beverly and Horn Pond Recreation Area provide flexible options for beginners and families, with staff support to ensure a smooth launch and return.

Tours are described as beginner-friendly and family-oriented, with 90-minute Family Paddle Tours that combine gentle exploration, simple games, and wildlife observation. Sunset Paddle Tours at Salem Willows focus on tranquil evening paddling and coastal views. Discovery Paddle Tours highlight Salem’s maritime history while navigating calm waterways.

All public materials describe clear rental choices, guided experiences, and seasonal gear recommendations. Coast to Coast Paddle’s offerings make it straightforward for visitors and residents in Salem and nearby communities to plan paddling outings tailored to skill level, schedule, and desired scenery. Booking and rental details are available through the business directly online.