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Martha’s Vineyard Kayak Tours: 6 of the best for 2025
From sunrise adventures on the ocean to private wildlife tours on the pond, I’ve got you covered with 6 of the best Martha’s Vineyard Kayak tours for 2025
Stunning coastlines and scenic ponds offer the perfect setting for kayaking on Martha’s Vineyard, but navigating the waters can be challenging without local knowledge.
I’ve been visiting the Vineyard since 1999, and I’ve kayaked at several sites on the island. I’ve gone on solo adventures as well as guided tours, which introduced me to marine life and hidden waterways that I wouldn’t have discovered on my own.
It’s easy to look up the best kayaking spots on the island, but renting and transporting equipment, finding launch sites and keeping up with the weather forecast is hassle you don’t need on your vacation.
That’s why joining a kayak tour is a fantastic option. Local guides keep you safe, provide instruction and enlighten you with facts about the island’s eco-system.
So, let’s check out the best Martha’s Vineyard kayak tours so you can relax and enjoy your experience on the water.
*** Note: Most tours are only available seasonally (May to October) so if you are reading this post outside of that time, the links may not lead you to a booking page.***
My Top 3 Picks: Martha’s Vineyard Kayak Tours
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ Experience a Martha’s Vineyard sunrise from the ocean
✅ 2.5 Hours
✅ Breakfast Included
✅ 2 Hours or a full day
✅ Lunch & snacks provided (full day tour)
✅ 2-hour tour ideal for young kids
✅ Bike plus Kayak in Oak Bluffs
✅ See iconic landmarks and incredible views
✅ 4 Hours
6 Best Martha’s Vineyard Kayak Tours
1. Oak Bluffs: Sunrise on the Ocean
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 | ⏳ DURATION: 1.5 – 2 hrs | 📍 LOCATION: Little Bridge | ✅ Book it!
If you’re an early riser who loves to connect with nature in the peaceful morning hours, this Island Spirit Kayak tour is perfect for you. Departure times vary, depending on the time of sunrise but can be as early as 4.30am. You’ll spend up to 2 hours on the water, witnessing the stunning sunrise over the ocean while kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
Starting at dawn, watch as the sun’s first rays paint the sky in brilliant colors. This experience is one of the most peaceful and beautiful ways to enjoy the island. Definitely one for the bucket list.
This is the waterproof phone case I use when kayaking on Martha’s Vineyard. It’s so great to be able to capture those sunrise and sunset views and not have to worry about my phone getting wet. Works great for beach days too when you want to keep sunscreen and sand off your device.
You can choose between a single kayak, tandem kayak, or paddle board tour. Your experienced guide will provide life jackets and paddles. This Martha’s Vineyard kayaking tour costs $80 per person and takes place on Tuesdays only.
One of the unique aspects of this tour is the breakfast and coffee provided as part of the experience.
The early start time may not be suitable for everyone and since the tour only runs on Tuesdays, it won’t work for weekend visitors or day-trippers who can’t arrive on the island early enough.
Insider Tip: Day-trippers should take an Island Bus Tour instead.
I think this is the best tour for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking to share a memorable sunrise while kayaking Martha’s Vineyard.
“The sunrise kayak tour with Chick was the highlight of our trip! The morning was very peaceful and we saw lots of birds, including osprey. Chick was a incredible guide and we learned a lot about biology and the island. The beach was spectacular and held a treasure of shells. The food was perfect — coffee to start, pastries/fruit/mimosas on the beach, and delicious homemade power cookies at the end. A very special experience!” – Elizabeth (Read more reviews)
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2. Oak Bluffs Kayak Adventure (2 hours or Full Day)
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 | ⏳ DURATION: 2 hrs – 1 day | 📍 LOCATION: Little Bridge | ✅ Book it!
If you’re looking for a full-day sea kayaking experience, this Oak Bluffs Kayak Adventure is a perfect choice. This is some of the best kayaking in Martha’s Vineyard because it offers an exciting mix of drift paddles, open ocean exploration, and visits to remote locations.
The tour itinerary is adapted for the weather so the location is selected the day before.
You could find yourself doing the Aquinnah coast loop around the cliffs, kayaking from Edgartown to the Cape Poge ‘Gut’, taking a one-way Tashmoo to Menemsha drift, or experiencing an East & West Chop day in the rip.
The full day trips include a picnic lunch and snacks and all gear is provided. They run daily at 9am and cost $140 per person.
When I did this tour, my kids were 3 and 6 so we chose the two hour tour of the pond in tandem kayaks, instead of a full day of ocean kayaking. 2-hour tours depart daily at 10 AM and 1 PM and costs $75 per adult and $55 per child in a tandem kayak.
The pond is just four feet deep (on average) and is a sheltered calm location for beginners. These shorter tours are ideal for families. We loved the wildlife sightings and hearing local stories from our guide. My favorite part was seeing how and where mussels grow in the pond. Not what I expected!
Insider Tip: Check the water for sunken treasure. Farm Neck Golf Course overlooks Sengekontacket Pond and my kids loved hopping out of the kayak to locate stray golf balls in the water.
The full day tour is ideal for families with older children, nature enthusiasts, and adventurous travelers looking to explore the less accessible parts of Martha’s Vineyard.
However, it’s not suitable for families with very young children who might find a full day on the water too demanding. Book the 2 hour tour for a shorter, more predictable outing at an affordable price.
“Truly one of the highlights of our family trip to Martha’s Vineyard was the two hour guided kayak tour. Yazeed is simply THE BEST guide! He was professional, knowledgeable, very personable and just a wonderful ambassador for the company and the island. Highly recommend!” – BW (Read more reviews)
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3. Oak Bluffs Pedal and Paddle Adventure
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 | ⏳ DURATION: 4 hrs | 📍 LOCATION: Oak Bluffs | ✅ Book it!
This 4-hour tour allows you to experience Martha’s Vineyard both by land and sea. You’ll start off with a bike tour that takes you through some of the island’s most iconic landmarks like the charming Gingerbread Cottages, East Chop lighthouse, Jaws Bridge and the scenic Beach Road bike path.
With the ocean on one side and pond on the other, the waterfront bike path has some of the best views on the island. Midway through the tour, you’ll take a break on State Beach for a snack and a chance to rest before the kayaking portion begins.
The kayaking location is Sengekontacket Pond, a protected wildlife preserve teeming with shellfish and diverse Martha’s Vineyard wildlife. There’ll be a brief lesson on technique and safety at the beginning.
You can choose a Single or tandem kayak. The tour costs $125 per person and runs on Mondays and Fridays, starting at 9 AM
The combination of biking and kayaking, makes this tour ideal for youth groups or friends who enjoy variety and outdoor fitness activities together. Plus, if you’ve never played Ultimate Frisbee in a kayak, now’s your chance!
One downside to this tour is the requirement for a minimum of three participants which means solo travelers or couples cannot make a booking. The tour is designed for beginner and first-time paddlers but you must already know how to ride a bike to participate.
“We visited Edgartown for summer vacation with our kids ages 10, 12, and 15. The bike and kayak tour was a fun adventure for even jaded adolescents…The bike tour involves a lighthouse and biking through “the Gingerbread Houses” and along the water. The kayaking was pleasant and the kids even got a chance to jump off of the bridge” – sullenbergerl (Read more reviews)
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4. Oak Bluffs Sunset Kayak Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 | ⏳ DURATION: 2+ hrs | 📍 LOCATION: Little Bridge | ✅ Book it!
Imagine paddling through calm waters at dusk, the sky painted in hues of orange and pink as the day transitions into night.
This is exactly what you can expect from the Oak Bluffs Sunset Kayak Tour, a 2+ hour evening adventure provided by Island Spirit Kayak.
Starting from Little Bridge on Sengekontacket Pond, this tour departs one hour before sunset. One of the tour highlights is the included beach picnic.
As the sun sets and the moon rises, you’ll pause your paddling to enjoy a meal on the beach, taking in the beauty of the transition from day to night.
This is a perfect tour for couples seeking a romantic evening or families looking for a unique and memorable outing. After the picnic, the tour continues under the soft glow of the moon or with glow sticks, adding a magical touch to the entire experience.
Pro tip: Try and schedule your tour to coincide with a full moon for an extra-memorable trip
This tour costs $85 per adult, $55 per child over 5 and kids under 5 go free. The tour runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays during the summer. Tandem and triple kayaks are available and there’s no age restriction on participants. Departure times vary with the sunset.
The inclusion of a beach picnic is a bonus of this tour and because equipment and basic instruction are provided, it’s really accessible for beginners.
However, the late timing may not be suitable for families with very young children who have early bedtimes. This is also not a suitable tour for day-trippers who need to catch a ferry back to the mainland in the evening.
“We booked a sunset kayaking tour as a company outing and it was awesome! A fun adventure for a group that takes you all to a new place that we had never shared before. I booked this trip a few weeks in advance and the weather was perfect for our trip. The guides are so personable and committed to everyone having a nice paddle. This adventure is perfect if you live on the island or are visiting for the week or summer” – Kathryn S. (Read more reviews)
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5. Private Kayak or Paddleboard Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 | ⏳ DURATION: 2 hrs | 📍 LOCATION: Little Bridge | ✅ Book it!
This exclusive tour for small groups of up to seven participants, allows you to kayak Martha’s Vineyard with the undivided, personalized attention of an experienced guide.
This is a 2-hour tour and single, tandem and triple kayaks, or paddle boards are available. Whether you paddle around the tranquil pond or venture out into the open ocean, your guide will share insights into the local ecosystems, so the tour is both educational and enjoyable.
One of the standout features of this tour is its adaptability. Private tours are available daily at any time, making it ideal for those with tight schedules or who prefer a more customized experience. This flexibility allows you to fit the tour into your itinerary without the constraints of scheduled public tours.
This private kayaking tour costs $300 for 1 to 3 people and an additional $100 per person up to a max of $700 for 7 people.
This is a great family kayak tour because the minimal price difference (for adults) compared to public tours makes it a worthwhile investment. I’d also recommend this for anyone who wants to try out paddleboarding on Martha’s Vineyard.
However, the small group limit means it’s best suited for close-knit groups rather than larger parties.
“We did a private kayak tour and it was great. Tucker was an awesome guide and super knowledgeable about Martha’s vineyard. Would recommend to anyone” – Fatima T. (Read more reviews)
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6. Felix Neck Kayak Tours
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 | ⏳ DURATION: 2+ hrs | 📍 LOCATION: Felix Neck Sanctuary | ✅ Book it!
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary on Sengekontacket Pond offers various kayak tours blending outdoor adventure with educational experiences. They’re ideal for people who want to spot wildlife and learn more about Martha’s Vineyard wildlife and ecology
Self-Guided Kayak and Paddleboard Quests (2.5 Hours)
$50-$60 per boat or SUP, available Monday-Friday, May 6-October 25
For those who enjoy exploring at their own pace, the self-guided kayak and SUP quests are perfect. This option allows you to uncover the stories of Sengekontacket Pond through rhyming quest clues, making it a fun treasure hunt on the water.
This option is ideal for families, small groups, and individuals who love to explore nature at their own pace and enjoy a bit of a challenge. However, it might not suit those who prefer guided experiences or need more direction.
Naturalist Guided Private Kayak Tours (2 Hours)
$500 for 2-7 explorers, $700 for 8-15 explorers, available daily throughout the summer
These tours, led by a Felix Neck naturalist, offer a more in-depth exploration and educational experience. You’ll visit Sarson’s Island to see nesting shorebirds and explore the salt marsh, learning about the pond’s diverse wildlife and natural history.
This option is excellent for those who like bird watching on Martha’s Vineyard. However, the cost may be prohibitive for couples or individuals. Guests need to be able to walk on uneven terrain and load boats into the water.
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Don’t need a guided tour?
👉 Check Kayak Rentals on Martha’s Vineyard 👈
Final thoughts: Martha’s Vineyard Kayaking Tours
Martha’s Vineyard is a great place to go kayaking. The unique connection between the ponds and the ocean allows you to experience both tranquil pond kayaking and the thrill of ocean kayaking in a single trip, something you won’t find in many other destinations.
My top tour pick is the Sunrise on the Ocean tour. The serene early morning paddle combined with the breathtaking sunrise over the ocean makes it the best kayak tour on Martha’s Vineyard.
My final tip for you before you go kayaking in Martha’s Vineyard is to bring a waterproof phone bag or cover attached to a lanyard with a floating keyring. This will allow you to capture stunning pictures without worrying about your phone disappearing into the ocean.
Remember, the tours typically only run during the summer months. If you are here off season, there are a number of Martha’s Vineyard kayak rental companies who can deliver equipment to you to use during your stay.
Save this post to Pinterest and share it with your travel companions so you can choose the perfect tour together. Happy kayaking!
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