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
August 18 at 12:05, August 29 at 9:35, September 15 at 10:55, and October 13 at 9:30.
A dream for the avid kayaker with a city life, the museum’s 6 mile excursions are designed for those who are either intermediate or experienced kayakers. Roughly a 3.5 hour paddle, you will leave from the museum’s boat basin, head north towards Petty’s Island and the Lightship Barnegat, before starting your return trip.
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.
Please note that our paddle boats are not ADA accessible. If you have any accessibility questions, please email zranson@phillyseaport.org.
July 14 at 2:50, July 25 at 12:10, July 28 at 2:40, September 22 at 12:05, and October 20 at 10:50.
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 Depending on the tides that day, the paddles will include some historical content covering either the Ben Franklin Bridge (if we can head north) or Washington Street Pier/Immigration History (if we can head south).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.
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 from one of the following three options (all are from 11 AM – 12:30 PM):
- Intro to Kayaking: Thursday, August 8 and Thursday, August 15
- Olympia Up Close: Sunday, August 11
- Ecotour of the Basin: Thursday, October 17
These excursions, from safety talk to returning to the dock, take about an hour.
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.
Sunday, August 18 and August 25 – 8 AM to 10 AM
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! Sunday, September, 1 – 6 AM to 7:30 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.
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.
