Kayak the Bay

Kayak the Bay and experience Put-in-Bay from a whole new view. Take a slower approach to your time on the island by paddling along the banks of this beautiful region, soaking in the views, and even taking a dip in the cool waters. As far as things to do in Put-in-Bay, this is one of the most scenic!

Kayak the Bay Details

Kayak the Bay rents a variety of kayaks at an affordable price. They offer special group packages, tours, and instructions on how to use their equipment. They even have inner tubes if you’d rather just float lazily along the water.

Make sure to check their website to see which tours are available. Sometimes water levels determine where kayaks can go. They can also put together special group tours as long as you call ahead with details.

Kayak the Bay is located right next to Oak State Park, the smallest state park in Ohio. There is a bathroom in the park in case you need to use it before hopping in the kayak. They are at the end of the harbor which has a lot less boat traffic. Storage boxes are provided for your belongings.

Kayaks are available in both Sit Inside and Sit On Top models. Dogs are always welcomed to come along as long as they can fit! You will probably get a little wet while paddling but things kept inside the boat keep dry. Bring a lunch along and picnic on one of the beaches at East Point or hit up a Put-in-Bay restaurant before you head out.

Guided Tours

Groups tours can always be personalized. Kayak the Bay also offers tours like their popular Gibraltar Island Tour. This educational tour includes a walking tour on Gibraltar Island. This small island close to Put-in-Bay is home to Cooke Castle, Perry’s Lookout and the glacial grooves.

The second half of the island tour covers an overview of Lake Erie topics, current research, and the Lake Erie ecosystem. This tour is a wonderful option for beginners and intermediate paddlers as well as those interesting in learning more about the surrounding environment.

Your tour guide will also take you on a paddle around the harbor and Gibraltar Island, explaining the history of the area. $10 of the tour cost goes to the summer scholarship program at Stone Laboratory. Gibraltar isn’t always open to the public so this is a great way to visit this special spot.

Another good choice is their romantic Sunset Tour. A one hour guided tour, you paddle past the limestone cliffs of the West Shore of South Bass Island to the ‘ship on the cliff.’ Take in the spectacular sunset between Rattlesnake and Green Islands. The return trip takes you through an amazing kaleidoscope of colors as the sun sets.

Location and Nearby Attractions

They are located only ½ mile from the boardwalk so it is close to other Put-in-Bay attractions. With Squaw Harbor on the one side, Kayak the Bay is an easy walk from downtown. It also has parking for golf carts, bikes, and cars. The Aquatic Visitors Center is close by as well as Stone Laboratory. Put-in-Bay bars and restaurants in the downtown area are all very close so you can refuel up after a rigorous paddle.