Portland Paddle

I posted two pictures of my experience here but I have about 65 more! My friends and I went on a guided trip around Portland and had a great time. They were very well organized, safety oriented, and friendly. Our guide brought us to an island to explore an old fort and fed us snacks midway — I totally didn’t expect snacks (except for the ones I brought). And while we were exploring, he paddled back out to make sure that some SUP renters were okay! (The SUP renters were not with a guide and shouldn’t have been where they were). It was a sunny beautiful day and super relaxing.

Portland Paddle is a small business located in the Portland waterfront offering services from kayak, paddleboard rentals to organized kayaking trips. The staff is very knowledgeable and gave us tips on where to go and what to avoid. I’ve rented both kayaks and paddleboards from Portland Paddle. They also lend you a waterproof bag for your phones and such. For those who live in Portland, they have a stampcard for rentals. It’s a great deal and they don’t advertise it.

A group of 6 friends and I thoroughly enjoyed our half-​day kayak tour with Portland Paddle. Our guide taught everything we needed to know (for the day) for our safety and enjoyment, and he let us really have fun out on the water. The high quality equipment was in good shape and easy to use. I’d heartily recommend this tour company for anyone from beginner to experienced paddler who wants to get a taste of Portland from the water.

On point! Safe, fun, and our guide had the patience of a saint with my poor paddling skills :)

Great establishment, worked with me to get refund when they didn’t have to. Very well run.

Not for children under 7 and says nothing about that on rack card or website. For insurance purposes. I am sure folks enjoyed the trip as it’s gorgeous here, but we were sad to be denied kayaking even though there were two parents and we had a life jacket for our four year old who is experienced at kayaking with us! Also, no other options for kayak rentals in the area.

Fantastic operation. Dad and two kids (10 & 14) did the 3 hour guided trip to the fort. Everyone had a great time. Guide was terrific. Every employee was friendly and very helpful. Equipment was first rate. Kids said they want to go again, so that speaks volumes. A+.

My 10-​year-​old son and I just came home from a 3-​hour kayak tour to Fort Gorges and around the harbor, tired but so very happy. The folks at Portland Paddle are top notch, and I felt comfortable right from the very start when I stopped by to ask about rentals a week ago. Our guide, Joe, gave a quick safety and how-​to before we headed out, and he did a great job keeping the group together across the water. I was impressed with Joe’s knowledge of the harbor and the fort and appreciated the way he paid special attention to my son, showing him all the coolest spots a 10yo boy would like. He had a great sense of humor, easygoing manner, and unflappable patience with our inexperience. (All the guides knew it was my son’s birthday and made a big deal out of him, which I just loved… nice touch!)
On our paddle around the harbor, we saw harbor seals, osprey and their babies, countless sailboats and a giant tanker. The fort itself is pretty cool, especially for kids. I’m not sure I’d recommend a 3-​hour tour for your first time on open water (as it was for us) because my son ran out of steam long before we finished… which meant I was paddling solo against the wind and choppy water for about the last hour. Regardless, we really enjoyed the experience. Thanks, Portland Paddle! We’ll be back.

Into to paddleboarding with Zack and Chris today far exceeded our expectations. Professional, knowledge and patient! Would recommend a class, rental, or tour with this conpany and guides.

Great opportunity to learn to paddle and kayak. We went on the sunset tour and had a wonderful time. Staff is excellent. Location is perfect.

Could not be happier with my experience at Portland Paddle. My wife and I took Intro to Sea Kayaking, and were very pleased with the instruction and overall experience. The instructors were very knowledgeable and friendly. As an added bonus, our instructor, Zack, was also very knowledgeable of the birds and other points of interest we found during our trip. The equipment is great too. I highly recommend this place. I left there knowing a lot of valuable skills that I didn’t know beforehand.

Excellent service and kayak selection! We had a blast kayaking through the bay. Make sure you go to the halfway rock to possibly see the seals (we didn’t unfortunately) and def do not miss the large island that was the inspiration for Stephen King’s pet cemetery. There is actually a pet cemetery on the island if you get off and look for it. Overall one of the best kayaking experiences I’ve ever had.

Highly recommend the guided paddle. Great opportunity to land at Fort Gorges. The park at the fort is immaculate and you can climb to the top. Zack and Erin are excellent guides.

Had a great day paddling off the East End over Memorial Day this past weekend. Though Portland Paddle doesn’t officially open its van doors till June Zack was willing to come out and totally outfit us for the day. Some quick safety training before heading in to the water and we were off in all brand new, quality gear most still with the tags on! While the day was a bit windy we managed to spend a great afternoon paddling around the Portland Harbor.
Zack has great local knowledge and it sounds like they will really be expanding this summer. This is a great addition to the east end and Portland!
Credit card payment on site if needed.
Super flexible with times and dates.
Totally recommend Portland Paddle! Thanks for the experience… we’ll be looking into the ten punch card!