Webhannet River Kayak and Canoe Rentals
in Wells Harbor, Maine

Spring Hours: Open 8:00, Close at 4:00 Monday - Friday
Open with varied hours Saturday and Sunday, please call ahead!

Kayaking is open, please keep in mind the water is chilly!

There is an experience awaiting you here in Wells Harbor. There is a calling to start your adventure. A perspective, a view you can’t get from the shore. It is quiet, calm and tranquil. It seeps into your soul as you slowly paddle through the marsh and into the estuary. Each plunk and drip of water from your paddle becomes a rhythm you can only experience in a kayak. Breath deep, relax, enjoy this beautiful place, there are few like it in the world.

I sometimes go out after work, to gather my thoughts out there. I feel centered and whole when I am in a kayak on the water. I feel proud that I have taken time for myself, to lose myself, to get lost in nature for an hour or two. It is settling out there, away from the bustle of life.

My son is laughing, hardly able to control his excitement as we kayak into the marsh. He is the captain of his own boat. I am near him in mine and brimming with pride. What confidence he has, as he paddles, steering me down another path, “follow me mom” oops it’s a dead end, we paddle back laughing. The sun is shining, the weather is warm, and we stop on the beach to go for a swim. We paddle up to the bridge and shout out as we pass under it, “We made it!!” We drift in the river eating a snack, take a short break while we point out the birds, sneak up on a duck, watch a fish jump out of the water in front of us. “I’ll race you to the speed sign mom!!” What a great day! What a great memory!

Kayaking Questions & Answers:

Q. What is provided with the rental price?
A. We provide a life vest, the paddle and the boat with the rental.

• We have life vests to accommodate a wide range of sizes. Children’s vests are sized by weight from toddler (20-50 lbs) to youth (50-90lbs). Adult vests are all rated over 90 lbs and are sized small, medium, large, extra, 2x and 3x large. All vests zip and have a pocket for money, or cell phone (not waterproof).

Q. What should I bring?
A. The following items are suggested but not required

• A drink- We have a Pepsi machine with 24 hours access. Soda $1.50 and Water $1.00; the machine accepts both dollar bills and change.
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray- available for sale in our tackle shop
• Sunglasses or a hat with brim
• Sweatshirt or windbreaker
• Waterproof shoes

Q. Where do we go?
A. There are two main directions.

• You can go into the main river to the right of our launch area. This will take you toward the Mile Road Bridge, and Billy’s Chowder House. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the bridge and beyond that is an estuary you can explore.
• You can go around the town dock to the left of our launch area and into the Wells Harbor. As you continue in that direction there are two main estuary “brooks”. The first wrap around Lord’s Lobster Restaurant and carries you into the estuary along the Harbor Road. The second entrance is located toward Drakes Island and carries you through a winding path through the estuary.

Q. Is there anywhere we can’t go?
A. Yes. You are not permitted to go through the breakwater or jetties and into the ocean. Our kayaks are not designed for ocean surf kayaking. Additionally, this is a navigational channel and the path needs to be kept free for traffic.

Q. Do I need to have previous experience in a kayak?
A. Although it is not necessary it is helpful if you have been in a canoe or kayak previously. Most important is how you feel about water. If you are comfortable so are we.

Q. Is there an age requirement?
A. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. The parent may choose whether they think their child is capable of taking their own boat or being in a tandem. We are happy to offer advice on the subject when you arrive.

Q. Is it hard?
A. It takes a moderate level of physical strength to move the boats through the water. Your upper arms and back do most of the work, and you need to have a good sense of balance.

Q. Will I get wet?
A. Yes. You will most likely get wet from the elbow to your hands, when water drips from the paddles, and from your knees to your feet when getting into and out of the boat. Otherwise you will remain relatively dry.

Q. Will I get stuck in them and are they tipsy?
A. Our kayaks are Heritage brand Featherlite sit inside Kayaks.

• They have a wide open seat inside the kayak. You are not attached in any way to the boat. Most likely if it did tip over you would fall out and the boat would still be upright.
• I have found that the tipsiness depends on the comfort level of the person in the boat. If you are secure with water and swimming, you will find the boat to be stable. If you are not, you will feel the boat is tipsy.