Seal Paddles - 2024 SCHEDULE
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| Date | Paddle Time | Low Tide |
| May 4 (Saturday) May 12 (Sunday) |
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm 8:30 am - 11:30 am |
3:25 pm 9:53 am |
| May 18 (Saturday) | 1:30 pm - 430 pm | 3:08 pm |
| May 19 (Sunday) | 2:30 pm -5:30 pm | 3:55 pm |
| June 2 (Sunday) | 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm | 2:57 pm |
Seal Paddles - 2024 Fall Schedule
| Date | Paddle Time | Low Tide |
| * September 18 (Wednesday) | 5:15 pm - 8:15 pm | 6:45 pm |
| September 14 (Saturday) | 1:45 pm - 4:45 pm | 3:13 pm |
| October 12 (Saturday) | 12:15 pm - 3:15 pm | 1:49 pm |
* This year's September 18th paddle is a very special paddle that occurs once a year ... we start out at sunset, paddle out to see the seals, enjoying the Full Moon rise over the ocean and paddle back under the moon light!
For more summer time seal sightings, check out our Isles of Shoals expeditions (click here)
For more summer time seal sightings, check out our Isles of Shoals expeditions (click here)
Private Tours can be arranged on the same dates as above or on other dates. Please call to discuss.
The Tour : We'll start our adventure from downtown Newburyport and paddle downriver on the outgoing tide to Badger's Rocks, where dozens of seals typically gather to rest. At Badger's Rocks we may encounter Harbor seals and Grey seals sunning themselves or bobbing in the water. On the way, we may see seals and various birds such as cormorants, terns, sandpipers, turkey vultures, ospreys, and maybe even a bald eagle!
As with the attempted viewing of all wildlife, sightings can never be guaranteed. Although numerous seals are frequently encountered, we can not guarantee that we will see seals of any amount or of any specific type.
After a brief stop for a stretch and a light snack, the river will "turn" and we'll ride the incoming tide back to Newburyport.
How to prepare: We recommend sunglasses, a hat with a visor, sunscreen, paddle gloves, a windbreaker and (incase you get wet) a change of clothes. Your feet will probably get wet ... water shoes or water boots are most comfortable. Please do not wear flip-flops. Dry bags, zip-lock bags or plastic trash bags are great to keep your "extras" dry. Snacks and a thermos of something warm to drink are also recommended. Don't worry, more is better - all boats are touring kayaks with plenty of space for storage. Don't forget your camera!
In the spring, the water is still very cold, so cold water gear is recommended but not mandatory. Light layered synthetic clothing is the next best thing. Tandem kayaks are recommended for beginners because they offer more stability for viewing the seals and are a much better choice (over a single kayak) on a windy day.
Please note: Because of cold water, only tandem kayaks (double kayaks) are allowed on paddles before May 15th.
As with all tours, please arrive at least 1/2 hour before the scheduled departure time, i.e., enough time to sign in, get suited, and fitted for your boat.
Single Kayak: $65
Double Kayak: $120
Tips are not included but are always greatly appreciated !
These trips are timed specifically to work with the tides, so please be punctual .... we cannot wait for latecomers !
Double Kayak: $120
Tips are not included but are always greatly appreciated !