Beginner Kayak trips are suited for a paddler of any skill level. At the start of these trips, we cover paddling basics. On the water, our guides will move around and give help as needed. We plan to cover between six and ten miles, at a steady pace. Conditions of the day will determine the degree of difficulty.
Prerequisite: None, except as noted.
All beginner programs meet at 9:30 AM and finish between 3:30 and 4:00, unless noted.
2013 Price: Unless noted, $100.00 which includes equipment or $60.00 if you have your own.
Please see the cancellation policy on the registration form.
Read "The Hudson: History and Habitat" A Primer for Kayakers
Price: $80 includes equipment
Distance: 3-6 miles
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York
Venue: Annsville Creek, Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
This guided 3 hour tour is a great way to acquaint yourself with kayaking and the Hudson Valley. We depart from the Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center after introductions and a brief paddle lesson and depending on conditions, paddle north on the river towards the Bear Mountain Bridge. There is some opportunity for a bit of instruction along the way. This program has you on the water longer than our novice short tour and will hope to move at a pace friendly to new paddlers, but with the possibility of moving faster for some, and working on a few skills.
Price: $60 includes equipment
Distance: 2-4 miles
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York
Venue: Annsville Creek, Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
A two hour guided tour on the Hudson. We depart from the Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center after a brief paddle lesson and introductions. This program is a great first step into paddling. The pace is comfortable and a very good way to become introduced to kayaking.
Distance: 6-10 miles
Location: Catskill, New York
Venue: Catskill Creek, Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
The magnificent northern Catskill Mountains offer vistas of scenic beauty for visitors to the legendary land of Rip Van Winkle. We launch from Dutchmans Landing in the town of Catskill for both the North and the South trips. On the North route we paddle past Rogers Island to Hudson-Athens Lighthouse. Lunch is at a beach which offers a great spot to swim or to get wet from the boats on warm days. Before heading back to the launch, we paddle up Catskill Creek, from there we can explore Ramshorn Creek, also know as Little Amazon.
On the Southern route, we paddle to Germantown Landing for lunch. Along the way, there are a few of the prettiest creeks on the river to poke around. We’ve frequently seen bald eagles here as well.
Artists and writers have long been inspired by the majesty of this area. After a day on the peaceful Hudson River, the source of their inspiration becomes apparent.
.... the Hudson and the opposite shores, so wonderful toward sunset ... the noiseless splash of sunrise....Walt Whitman
Distance: 6-8 Miles
Location: Cold Spring, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
A chain across the Hudson River from Constitution Island to West Point served to keep the British Navy from moving north on the river during the Revolutionary War. The Island was fortified and guarded with cannon to further dissuade any British military movements. Upon landing on the island we will be given a tour of historic sites mostly unavailable to the public. This is an opportunity to land on the Island (normally strictly forbidden) and see a property that played a key military role in the formation of this America.
Birdwatching and Kayaking - 
1.5 
Price: $75 includes equipment
Distance: 2-6 miles
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York
Venue: Annsville Creek
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Join us to explore the riparian ecosystem of the Hudson and its tributaries, by searching for birds and bird habitat while we paddle our kayaks. We will see beautiful avian species including warblers, herons, hawks, ducks and more. We will supply all the kayak gear, please bring your binoculars.
Distance: 6-10 miles
Location: Catskill, New York
Venue: Catskill Creek, Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
The magnificent northern Catskill Mountains offer vistas of scenic beauty for visitors to the legendary land of Rip Van Winkle. We launch from Dutchmans Landing in the town of Catskill for both the North and the South trips. On the North route we paddle past Rogers Island to Hudson-Athens Lighthouse. Lunch is at a beach which offers a great spot to swim or to get wet from the boats on warm days. Before heading back to the launch, we paddle up Catskill Creek, from there we can explore Ramshorn Creek, also know as Little Amazon.
On the Southern route, we paddle to Germantown Landing for lunch. Along the way, there are a few of the prettiest creeks on the river to poke around. We’ve frequently seen bald eagles here as well.
Artists and writers have long been inspired by the majesty of this area. After a day on the peaceful Hudson River, the source of their inspiration becomes apparent.
.... the Hudson and the opposite shores, so wonderful toward sunset ... the noiseless splash of sunrise....Walt Whitman
Distance: 6-8 Miles
Location: Cold Spring, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
A chain across the Hudson River from Constitution Island to West Point served to keep the British Navy from moving north on the river during the Revolutionary War. The Island was fortified and guarded with cannon to further dissuade any British military movements. Upon landing on the island we will be given a tour of historic sites mostly unavailable to the public. This is an opportunity to land on the Island (normally strictly forbidden) and see a property that played a key military role in the formation of this America.
Distance: 8-10 miles
Location: Hudson, New York
Venue: Hudson River
lat/lon: N42.2560/W73.7978
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Launching from the boat ramp in Hudson, this will be our most northern beginner tour on the Hudson River. The boat ramp is walking distance from the Amtrak train station. Depending on the conditions of the day, almost any day paddle from there could include a marsh, creek, or sandy beach, and always a beautiful view. In town, there are many fine restaurants to enjoy a good meal and extend your day.
Distance: 6-8 Miles
Location: Cold Spring, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Launching from the boat ramp in Cold Spring, this trip offers unique views of Storm King and Breakneck Ridge. After lunch at Little Stony Point Beach we will paddle towards Bannerman’s Castle. After lunch at Little Stony Point Beach we will paddle towards Bannerman’s Castle. For those who have viewed the facade of the castle from a distance, this will be a wonderful opportunity to get an up close view of the structure. As time allows, we will enter Constitution Marsh. A peaceful way to end our day.
Kayaking and Yoga at Annsville- 1.5
Price: See Price Page
Distance: 3-8 miles
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York
Venue: Annsville Creek, Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
We have three yoga and kayak programs. Kayaking and Yoga on the Hudson is a half day program. Kayak Yoga Popolopen is a full day program for more experienced paddlers looking to cover more miles. Kayak Yoga Sunset is a great way to end your day with some yoga and a nice paddle.
Lauri Nemetz will combine yoga before and after our time on the water. The Kayaking and Yoga program will begin with an orientation to our kayak equipment and the paddling that we will be covering on the Hudson River. The Kayak Yoga Popolopen will get on the water after a yoga session and head north to Popolopen Creek above the Bear Mountain Bridge. Kayak Yoga Sunset is a late day program heading out on the Hudson to enjoy the late day sun.
The word "yoga" derives from the Indian Sanskrit yuj meaning to "yoke" or "join together" and both disciplines connect us to the greater environment and help enhance each other. Bring your own yoga mat (instructor will be a limited supply of extras, and a full supply of waterproof yoga straps) and we will begin each program with a short but thorough all-level yoga session, focusing on balancing the muscles needed for kayaking. We will end our day with a restorative yoga session that integrates the kayak experience.
Distance: 6-9 Miles
Location: Norrie Point Paddlesport Center, Staatsburg, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Norrie State Park has been called the Jewel of the Hudson. Spend the weekend at the Norrie State Park campground (cabins also available) and paddle both days or hike on the many beautiful trails. You have the opportunity to spot: osprey, great blue heron, green heron, snowy egret, wild turkey, snow geese, red-tailed hawks, kingfishers, deer, and bald eagle. We picked Norrie State Park for this program because of the natural beauty of the area. We have two different Norrie Day Tour; one heading north (N) and the other going south (S). The Norrie North trip paddles past the Esopus Lighthouse, one of the many lighthouses under restoration along the Hudson and has lunch at Mills Mansion. The Norrie south trip paddles down past the Vanderbilt Mansion and comes back north to have lunch the Vanderbilt Mansion. After lunch both trips paddle to Esopus Island, which offers us a beautiful view of this island our trip back to Norrie State Park. Rhinebeck is located a few miles north of Norrie State Park, and offers many fine restaurants for dinning after the trip.
Price: $50 includes equipment
Distance: 3-6 Miles
Location: Norrie Point Paddlesport Center, Staatsburg, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Program Time: On most days the program starts at Noon
Dates: Most Saturdays and Sundays in June until September
Note: This is an adult program, but we will allow kids 12 and older.
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
For those wanting to experience kayaking without a full day commitment we offer shorter tours from the Norrie Point Paddlesport Center. This program is designed for people with limited or no paddling experience. Depending on the conditions of the day, exploring Black Creek, Esopus Island, and Mills Mansion are all possibilities, as well as sighting the occasional Bald Eagle. Pre-registration is necessary by e-mail Info@AtlanticKayakTours.com, phone (845) 889-8461 or in person at Norrie Paddlesport Center. The area is beautiful and there are many things you can do with the rest of your afternoon within the Park or take a tour of one of the historic mansions along the River. Rhinebeck and Hyde Park both have nice restaurants for lunch or dinner.
Price: $35 includes equipment
Distance: 2-4 Miles
Duration:: 1.5 to 2 hours of paddling time.
Location: Norrie Point Paddlesport Center, Staatsburg, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Start Time: Arrive about 9:00AM so we are on the water by 9:30 (arrival after 9:15 will not be allowed to participate).
Teens are welcome: Minimum age is 14. Parental consent and parental signing of a liability form will be required.
Note: These programs are designed for people with previous paddling experience. We don't do any training before the program starts. We need to get out quickly and all paddle as a group. The Norrie Short Tour is designed for first time paddlers.
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Enjoy a quiet Sunday morning on the Hudson River. We will explore the shorelines near Norrie Point, watching for wildlife like Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle. This paddle will provide some morning exercise while enjoying the river at a time when few boats are active.
This program is designed for people with some paddling experience. It's not about where we go but about getting out for a morning paddle. The area is beautiful and there are many things you can do with the rest of your day within the Park or take a tour of one of the historic mansions along the River. Rhinebeck and Hyde Park both have nice restaurants for lunch.
Price: $65 includes equipment
Distance: 2-4 Miles
Location: Norrie Point Paddlesport Center, Staatsburg, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Start Time: Arrive about 5:30PM so we are on the water by 6:00
Note: Some previous kayaking experience recommended.
Stretch and paddle on a beautiful sunset kayak excursion with Sondra Loring. A simple yoga practice will balance the body before paddling, and center the mind for increased enjoyment of being one with the boat and the water.
We'll paddle to a spot on the river's eastern shore, where we'll loosen up tight muscles in order to relax and drink in the emerging night sky. We'll then head back with the tide under darkness of the New Moon. Some previous kayaking experience recommended.
Sondra Loring is the co-director of Satya Yoga Center in Rhinebeck, and the director of Sadhana Center for Yoga in Hudson. She lives on a small farm and loves the teachings of nature, bringing an awareness and attention to the beauty around us to her students, and also to her work as a choreographer.
Distance: 10-14 Miles
Location: Ossining, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
Ossining, known for its famous prison, "Sing-Sing". This is our southern most program on the Hudson River. There's good access to Croton Point Park, where we will have lunch at the HRWA campsite. The river is wide here, but the shore line is pretty.
Distance: 7-10 miles
Location: New Windsor, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
The northern Hudson Highlands is a gem of a trip. Starting from Plum Point in New Windsor, we will head south past Cornwall to explore a small tidal marsh at the foot of Storm King Mountain. We then cross the Hudson to Little Stony Point Beach for lunch. The beach offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Highlands. After lunch we head past Pollepel Island and majestic Bannerman's Castle. On our return journey we can explore Moodna Creek before returning to Plum Point. Link to the Bannermans Trust.
Distance: 6-8 miles
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
We depart from the Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center and head north with the current toward the Bear Mountain Bridge. Crossing the river, we paddle past Iona Island and Bear Mountain State Park. The historic site of Fort Montgomery is a great spot to have lunch and take a self guided tour of the site. After lunch we paddle to the end of the creek where we get a beautiful view of the cascading waterfalls. The current will then turn back south to help push us back to the Paddlesport Center.
Distance: 6-9 miles
Location: Westport, Connecticut
Venue: Saugatuck River, Long Island Sound
The Saugatuck River in Westport, Connecticut is a very scenic route out to the Long Island Sound and Cockenoe Island. We can circumnavigate the island and take a leisurely trip back along the shoreline with a possible side trip into Bermuda Lagoon. The Norwalk Islands were created during the last ice age and have since been home to dairy farms, mansions, and now large populations of waterfowl. The Nature Conservancy recognized the significance of these islands and purchased Chimons Island to create a National Wildlife Preserve. As we head out from the Norwalk River into the Sound we will paddle past many of the Norwalk Islands, stopping on a few.
Distance: 7-10 miles
Location: Stony Creek, Connecticut
Venue: Long Island Sound
Maptech Chart #14 Watch Hill to New Have:
Note: Non trailed program. Must bring own boat.
We will start in the picturesque town of Stony Creek and paddle through most of the small granite islands that make up the Thimbles. The Thimbles are a contrast to the low sandy beaches along the Connecticut shoreline, resembling the Maine shoreline with its many islands. The morning starts by weaving through the islands, where we get an intimate view of beautiful homes that occupy them. We then make an open water crossing to our lunch break, on a granite outcrop. If the winds are strong, this part can be very exciting. After lunch, we follow the coast on our return journey.
Distance: 8-10 miles
Location: Tivoli, New York
Venue: Hudson River
Maptech Chart #4 Hudson River
Tivoli Bays are located 90 miles north of New York City on the Hudson River. The trip offers all a sea kayaker could want in a single day: beautiful marshland; three great islands; views of the high peaks of the Catskills; quiet and private paddling.
In the spring large groups of osprey feed on the shad which are running up the Hudson to spawn. Year-round it is possible to see deer, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, kingfishers, snow geese, swans and all the waterfowl commonly found in marshlands. The National Park Service granted a 30 mile area on the eastern shore of the Hudson River (including Tivoli) Historic Landmark Status. Recognized by local historians for its importance, this area now has national prestige. North and south dates reflect tidal differences, and determine the direction we take in the morning. Stay late and join us for dinner at Santa Fe, a critically acclaimed Mexican restaurant, and our personal favorite.
