Great Marsh Kayak Tours

Take a paddle with us out on Nauset Marsh in Eastham. Located within the Cape Cod National Seashore, this scenic journey is truly a unique Cape Cod experience. Kayak through the extensive channels of this tidal marsh to the outer beach where we will explore the lush ecosystems of the Outer Cape.

Throughout the tour, we will enter the environment where many migratory birds including sandpipers, terns, heron, egrets and osprey gather for the summer. Underneath the clear shallow waters we will experience a variety of creatures such as clams, crabs, fish and seals! As we kayak through these various tidal flow channels we will be able to take a break and walk around the outer beaches which present great sand and a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Nauset Marsh tidal flow

The tide flows in and rushes out through the Nauset Marsh, exposing two totally different ecosystems; sand flats at low tide and deep marsh channels at high tide. Read about our two tours below to find out which is best for your group!

Low tide tour

Low tide provides a nice leisurely tour in both directions as we ride the tide out to our destination. While on the beach, the tide turns and we are able to follow it back to the launch. This tour is great for families with young kids, or just anyone who wants a leisurely day on the water!

High tide tour

High tide tours are scheduled to go out about 1.5 hours before the tide turns. Although we are going against the tide in both directions, it is only slightly harder than a low tide tour, but offers us access to explore more of the hidden maze-like channels the marsh offers that normally are not accessible at a low tide.

Getting here

For this tour, we meet at Hemenway Landing in Eastham. Please arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Free parking is permitted on either side of Hemenway Road. Please DO NOT park in the town parking lot at the end of the road as you will be issued a $50 ticket from the town of Eastham.

Please feel free to call or text (508-470-4971) with any questions about which tide is most suitable for your group!

Photos of the Eastham tour

Launching from Rock Harbor in Orleans, we will paddle through the vast open waters of Cape Cod Bay as a means to enter and explore the hidden marsh channels! The Bay offers clear shallow water that is usually flat and calm, but can pick up with wind and waves.

The Cape Cod Bay is full of rich history with a bunch of significant landmarks. A little over a mile from the launch, we will enter the tucked away access point to the maze-like tidal marsh channels where lots of shorebirds, osprey, egrets and herons hang out. On our way out, we will stop at the fine sanded beaches and hop out of the boats where there is plenty of exploring to do. Here, you can feel free to take a dip in the warm shallow waters of the bay!

This tour presents a great opportunity to explore two different environments of Cape Cod in one day! We ask that you have kayaking and paddling experience before joining this tour as the wind and waves can pick up and create some challenging paddling conditions. Don't have kayaking experience under your belt? No problem! The Eastham Nauset Marsh Tour or Yarmouths Parkers River tour is perfect for you!

Getting here

For this tour, we meet at Rock Harbor in Orleans. Please arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Photos of the Orleans tour

Join us for a leisurely paddle through Parker's River in Yarmouth. This river has an easy tidal flow and drains south into the Nantucket Sound. Here we can experience Cape Cod living while kayaking through the lushous marsh where many shorebirds and osprey gather.

As we paddle down the river, we can get up close and personal with our resident osprey, or “sea hawk”, who make their home here from April through September. As we continue down the river we will be able to make a stop at Seagull Beach and explore on land before making our way back.

This tour caters to all kayakers and especially great for a Cape Cod family adventure that allows everyone to get outside, be on the water, and experience the wonderful nature of the area.

Getting here

For this tour, we meet at 18 Neptune Ln in South Yarmouth. Please arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Photos of the Yarmouth tour