September 4th, 2012 
Are you ready to end summer with a bang? Nantasket Kayaks in Hull, MA is located on Steamboat Wharf Marina, right across the street from Hull’s famous Paragon Carousel (see my earlier article for more details) and next to the always delicious Jake’s Seafood Restaurant.
Nantasket Kayaks is the perfect place to bring your family for a full day ($60.00 for six hours) or half day ($40.00 for three hours) of exploration through the Weir River Estuary. One of my favorite things about this kayak stand is the reasonable rental prices and genuinely nice cast of characters who work there, ask for Paddy. With long auburn dreadlocks he will be hard to miss! These guys make kayaking fun, easy, and accessible for people of all ages and experience levels. For an older crowd or romantic excursion I suggest signing up for a sunset tour through the estuary where, if you’re lucky, you can pop some bubbly as you watch the beautiful Hull sunset. They even supply dry bags so that your spare clothes and wallet don’t get wet, whether it’s with bubbly or the ocean.
Paddy From Nantasket Kayaks Photo: Chrissy Kent
Kids aged six and up are usually capable of paddling their own kayaks but tandem kayaks and other sizes are available to suit each person. Each guided tour begins with an introductory lesson to kayaking before taking a leisurely paddle through the Weir River Estuary. Keep your eyes peeled along the way because you might get to spot some of the local wildlife like the heron or even jumping striped bass, which a fellow kayaker was actually able to spot. Also available is this summer’s newest sensation, paddle boards.
Nantasket Kayaks Photo: Chrissy Kent
Hull’s quaint charm makes for a relaxing, feel good escape where locals and tourists embody the, “come as you are” mentality, whether it’s on the beach or out at one of the local bars or restaurants (though there are some upscale establishments as well). If you or the kids grow tired of the sun and sand or paddling then simply take a walk along the main drag where an array of ice cream shops, restaurants, an arcade, and even art and historic museums decorate the strip.
WHERE:
Nantasket Kayaks
Steamboat Wharf Marina
48 George Washington Blvd.
Hull, MA 02045
Ph.781-962-4899
HOURS:
Open: Mon-Sun 10:00 am to 5:00 pm in the summer.
TICKETS:
- 2 ½ hour Guided Eco Tour of Weir River Estuary: $50.00 per person, two person minimum
- 1½ hour Sunset Tour: $20.00 per person, Wednesday Nights In July and August departs at 7:00pm
