April 8, 2025
Thinking about renting a kayak in New Jersey? You're in for a great time on the water!
Kayaking is a perfect way to explore the coast, paddle down a river, or just enjoy some peaceful time on the water. But before you get started, you’re probably wondering about the cost.
In this post, we’ll break down how much it costs to rent a kayak in New Jersey, and the factors that affect the final cost.
Plus, we’ll also give you a quick rundown of our kayak rental prices in Pine Barrens!
Kayak rental prices in New Jersey can vary quite a bit, but on average, you’ll be looking at anywhere from $15 to $25 per hour.
Here’s a rough breakdown of the average price to rent a kayak:
Companies that offer an hourly rental kayak service traditionally allow for walk-ins or call-ins. At Jersey Devil Adventures, we give our guests the ability to rent single, tandem, and fishing kayaks on an hourly basis at the Hammonton Lake. This experience is much different than our traditional Kayak River Trips on the Mullica River which we will break down below. A lot of rental places will offer discounts for longer rentals or group deals, so it's worth asking if you have a specific plan in mind. For example, here at Jersey Devil Adventurers, we provide group rates for parties of 12 or more. Perfect for team building, corporate events, or family reunions.
Full kayak trips cost around $50 - $200 in New Jersey. These trips can be guided or unguided and are offered at set times throughout the day. So pre-booking is often necessary unlike rental facilities that provide hourly.
These prices usually cover the kayak, paddle, life jacket, river maps for guidance, transportation (put-in & take-out), and a guide’s expertise if it is a guided tour. Most trips include basic instruction before heading out—and at Jersey Devil Adventures, our dedicated Adventure Coordinator makes sure every new paddler receives the proper kayaking education before hitting the water!
Here’s a rough breakdown of the prices:
Private tours or specialty trips, like wildlife excursions, will typically cost more.
We offer three kayak trips designed for all skill levels. Each trip includes a kayak, paddle, life jacket, transportation and everything you need for a safe and enjoyable experience. Our river trip experiences are offered on a time block schedule and require pre-booking versus our lake rentals that provide you with more flexibility. Booking your trip is easy with our user-friendly online booking system. It’s fast, intuitive, and designed to get you out on the water with minimal hassle—so you can spend less time planning and more time paddling.
Here’s a breakdown of our kayak trip prices:
There are a few things that affect how much it costs to rent a kayak in New Jersey. It’s not just the kayak itself that costs you, but a bunch of other little details that can add up.
Let us go over the most important factors:
Some kayak rental companies provide hourly kayak rentals that do not require transportation since the rental is located on a body of water.
However, many kayak rental companies in New Jersey provide organized trips that require group transportation. Shuttle busses are used to transport guests, kayaks, life jackets, and additional gear from the rental location to the launch-point location on the river.
This transportation service is also provided when your trip ends at the take-out location. This is considered a premium add-on that will change the price of your kayak rental depending on the kayak rentals service. Transportation is traditionally only provided at locations that offer river trips and is not something that would be included with a kayak rental service provider that is located on a lake or near the beach, where transportation is not typically needed.
Where you rent your kayak is probably the biggest factor that affects how much you’ll pay.
Renting at a busy beach, like one near Asbury Park or Cape May, is usually more expensive than renting at quieter spots, like the Pine Barrens or around some of the smaller rivers.
Popular tourist destinations tend to jack up their prices since they know visitors are willing to pay a little extra for the experience. On the other hand, if you're near a more local or less visited scenic area, you're likely to find cheaper options.
So, the location could either save you a few bucks or add to the cost.
This is pretty obvious - the longer you rent, the more you’ll spend.
If you're only going for an hour or two, you can expect to pay less. But if you plan to spend the whole day out on the water, expect to pay a premium for a full-day rental or a set trip.
Keep in mind that some rental shops offer discounted rates if you rent for longer periods (say, half-day or full-day) compared to renting by the hour.
There are different types of kayaks out there and some of them are more specialized and, naturally, cost more to rent.
For example, a rental grade kayak will usually be cheaper than a fishing kayak or a kayak with a framed seat and storage. If you’re renting a high-end or specialty kayak, you’ll likely pay more.
It's important to decide what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Hollidays and weekend trips can some times play a part in kayak rental costs too.
In the summer months (especially June through August) prices can sometimes go up due to higher demand. On a warm, sunny Saturday, everyone wants to hit the water, so rental shops can charge a little extra.
In the U.S., major holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day often see price surges at well-known kayak rental companies due to high demand and limited availability.
But, if you’re cool with going in the early spring and fall, you might find some good deals.
This is because fewer people on the water means rental shops might be willing to offer lower prices or discounts. Our business is open April 1 to October 31st.
Many kayak rental places offer extra gear for an additional fee, and those can add up quickly.
For example, you might need a life jacket, a paddle, or a dry bag. Some places also offer GoPro rentals if you want to capture your adventure.
If you're renting with a group or plan to stay on the water for a while, consider these additional items in your overall budget. Even small extras like waterproof cases or safety gear can bump up the price by a few bucks.
Not all kayak trips are created equal. Some are simply about paddling from point A to B, while others offer a full-on experience.
For example, some tours are guided and include educational elements about local wildlife, ecosystems, or history. Which can add to the price. Others may include a fun or unique twist that turns your average paddle into something memorable.
At Jersey Devil Adventures, our Sweetwater River Trips go beyond just paddling.
Each trip ends at the Sweetwater Marina and Riverdeck — one of the most popular spots in South Jersey for food, drinks, and live music. It's the perfect way to unwind after your river adventure, and a favorite among families, friend groups, corporate retreats, bachelor & bachlorette parties looking for a full-day escape. The extra value makes the cost well worth it.
So when you're comparing prices, make sure to look at the full experience—not just the kayak rental.
Renting a kayak can add up, but here are some easy ways to save a bit of cash:
It costs around $20 - $35 per hour to rent a kayak in New Jersey.
On average, you can expect to spend between $40 and $85 for a few hours on the water. Prices vary based on your location, how long you’re renting, and the type of kayak or canoe you choose.
Be sure to keep an eye out for seasonal deals, and think about what kind of gear you actually need. With a little planning, you’re all set for a fun and stress-free day out on the water!
