kayak excursions
Get a new perspective on the Delaware River!
Throughout the summer, our on-water team will offer a variety of kayak excursions, each based on skill levels of the paddlers. With excursion lengths varying between 2 to 6 miles, and some that stay in our boat basin, there are so many opportunities to get out and experience the Delaware River at the Independence Seaport Museum!
Kayak Excursions
October 19: 6 Miles – 11:45 PM
Experienced kayakers, this one has your names all over it! These 6 mile excursions are recommended only for those intermediate to experienced kayakers who can paddle with or against the current for longer durations.
Throughout the summer, our on-water team will offer some select kayak excursions at this higher experience level that gets you out into the river. These excursions, from safety talk to returning to the dock, take about 3.5 hours.
Admission for this program only includes access to the ISM Basin and the boat rental.
This program is 10% off for Members – please email Membership@phillyseaport.org if you have any questions.
Pick and choose based on your availability! These excursions will go out of the ISM basin, head north towards Petty’s Island and the Lightship Barnegat, and back.
Please note that our paddle boats are not ADA accessible. If you have any accessibility questions, please email zranson@phillyseaport.org.
October 12: 2-3 Mile – 12:45 PM
An ideal excursion for those who are adventurous but not that adventurous, these 2 to 3 mile excursions are ideal for beginner to intermediate kayakers. Depending on the tides that day, the paddles will include some historical content covering either the Ben Franklin Bridge (if we can head north) or Washington Street Pier/Immigration History (if we can head south).
These excursions, from safety talk to returning to the dock, take about 2 hours.
Admission for this program only includes access to the ISM Basin and the boat rental.
This program is 10% off for Members – please email Membership@phillyseaport.org if you have any questions.
Please note that our kayaks are not ADA accessible. If you have any accessibility questions, please email zranson@phillyseaport.org.
No tours available at this time.
New to kayaking? Looking to get out on the water in a low-stress environment? ISM’s Kayak in the Basin programs are great for you!
Throughout the summer, our on-water team will offer some select kayak programs at the beginner level that stay in the ISM Basin. The Intro to Kayaking events are focused on teaching beginner paddlers the basics of kayaking and getting comfortable on the water, and the Coffee and Calm events give guests a chance to have a calm, quiet, and peaceful summer morning paddle, potentially even watching the sun rise.
Admission for this program only includes access to the ISM Basin and the boat rental.
This program is 10% off for Members – please email Membership@phillyseaport.org if you have any questions.
Please note that our kayaks are not ADA accessible. If you have any accessibility questions, please email zranson@phillyseaport.org.
Learn a little, kayak a little, and have a lot of fun with these beginner level excursions! Pick and choose based on your availability or interest!
No tours available at this time.
Kick-start your day with calm waters, cool breezes, and caffeination during ISM’s Coffee and Calm program. This morning paddle lets you sip your coffee and ease into the day.
Sunrise Edition! July 13 at 6:00 AM, and August 16 at 6:00 AM.
This special addition of Coffee and Calm is for the early, early birds. Come paddle and watch the sunrise with the Independence Seaport Museum!
Admission for this program only includes access to the ISM Basin and the boat rental.
This program is 10% off for Members – please email Membership@phillyseaport.org if you have any questions.
Please note that our paddle boats are not ADA accessible. If you have any accessibility questions, please email zranson@phillyseaport.org.
October 11: EcoTour – 12:00 PM & October 18: Ecotour – 12:00 PM
Looking to get out on the water? Interested in learning about Philadelphia’s waterfront history? Want to help better the environment in your community? Join the Independent Seaport Museum on our new EcoTours! These beginner friendly kayaking excursions are great for those who want to learn about river ecosystems and the way they shape the culture and history of our city, all while enjoying a scenic trip out on the Delaware River.
As a proud member of the Alliance for Watershed Education, we want these excursions to reach a large and inclusive audience of community members. ISM EcoTours are suitable for kayakers of all levels, and are pay what you can. Check out our upcoming excursions and register today!
Interested in Group Rentals?
Questions?
Paddling times depend on weather conditions, tides, experience, and guided stops. Return times are estimates. Please arrive 30 minutes early. We will be leaving promptly at departure time. Paddles may be canceled for inclement weather events, such as wind, excessive heat or excessive rain, and registered attendees will be notified ideally 12-24 hours beforehand.
Kayaking excursions at Independence Seaport Museum were financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation administered through the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s Pennsylvania Water Trails Partnership Mini Grant Program.
visit the seaport museum
Immerse yourself in award-winning exhibitions and climb aboard the Olympia, a nineteenth-century cruiser, and the Becuna, a World War II-era submarine.