Enjoy a 2.5-hour family-friendly kayak tour through Cape May’s tidal marshes, discovering wildlife and gentle waterways ideal for beginners.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels including children and beginners; basic paddling stamina recommended
Wildlife
History
Cape May’s tidal marshes have supported indigenous communities and fishermen for centuries, integral to local culture and economy.
Conservation
Tours follow Leave No Trace principles, minimizing disturbance to fragile marsh habitats and educating visitors on coastal preservation.
Aqua Trails
Enjoy a 2.5-hour family-friendly kayak tour through Cape May’s tidal marshes, discovering wildlife and gentle waterways ideal for beginners.
Aqua Trails operates in Cape May, New Jersey, offering guided sea kayaking, sit‑on‑top kayaking, and stand‑up paddleboard (SUP) experiences. The company runs a three‑hour Aqua Trails Kayak Clinic for adults that covers kayak equipment, water conditions, and essential rescue techniques for beginners. A youth Aqua Trails Kayak and Paddle Board Camp serves ages 12 to 16 with instruction in sea kayaking, sit‑on‑top kayaking, and stand‑up paddleboarding led by expert instructors. Stone Harbor Kayak Tours run on Thursdays and Fridays and provide 2.25‑hour family kayak outings with single and tandem options. Daily Tidal Marsh Kayak Tours depart at 9:30 AM and offer 2.5‑hour family paddles. Morning Standup Paddleboard Tours are naturalist‑guided, last 70–90 minutes, and start at 8:45 AM. Full Moon Kayak Tours offer 2.5‑hour evening paddles with solo or tandem choices. Belleplain Pine Barrens Ecology Kayak Tours are 5.5‑hour expeditions through interior waterways. Across programs, participants use appropriately sized kayaks and boards, learn safety practices, and benefit from guided interpretation of local habitats. Activities suit beginners through experienced paddlers, and family‑friendly scheduling appears across multiple trips. Booking information, exact meeting locations, and age or fitness requirements are available through Aqua Trails' official reservation channels. Photos, specific routes, and real‑time availability can also be confirmed at booking.
Local conservation topics are discussed on naturalist tours, and participants regularly receive pre‑trip safety briefings and rescue practice during instructional sessions.
Location
Cape May, NJ
Harbor and wetlands access
Tours Offered
7 Trips
Kayak and SUP options
Duration Range
70–330 min
From short to multi-hour trips
Family Friendly
Yes
Multiple family and youth programs
Reserve spots for clinics, family tours, full-moon paddles, and ecology expeditions — check availability and book through Aqua Trails' reservation channels.
Arrive early for check-in
Arriving 15 minutes before the 9:30 AM tour start ensures a smooth launch and equipment fitting.
Wear quick-drying clothes
Light, moisture-wicking fabrics keep you comfortable in damp conditions on the water.
Apply reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin and the delicate marsh ecosystem with environmentally friendly sunscreen.
Bring a waterproof bag
Keep your belongings dry and safe while paddling through the tidal waterways.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Safety is paramount; PFDs keep paddlers secure on the water.
Wide-brimmed hat
Shields your face and neck from sun exposure during the tour.
summer
Water shoes
Provides traction and protects feet when launching or exiting kayaks.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated during your kayak adventure in the salty marsh air.