Experience the stunning natural beauty of the Crane Wildlife Refuge from a whole new perspective—by kayak! This guided paddling adventure takes you through quiet salt marshes, tidal rivers, and serene estuaries, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Crane Estate. It’s the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and coastal tranquility.
🛶 Guided Kayaking Excursion – Paddle through the calm waters of Essex Bay and the Crane Wildlife Refuge alongside expert guides who’ll share the ecology, wildlife, and history of this extraordinary landscape.
🌿 Scenic Salt Marshes & Estuaries – Glide past golden marsh grasses, winding creeks, and hidden channels teeming with birdlife and coastal creatures.
🏖️ Free Time at Crane Beach – After your paddle, enjoy time to relax, sunbathe, grab a snack at the Crane Beach Snack Shack or stroll along the pristine sands of Crane Beach—one of the most beautiful beaches in Massachusetts.
** This is a beginner friendly kayaking tour***
Please note: Per the Trustee’s guidelines Participants must be competent swimmers and age 15 or older.
Arrive to North Station to catch the 11:30pm Newburyport line train to Ipswich
*Note: You may be directed to a different arrival station based on the departure time you select. Please refer to your booking details for more information.
Your train to Ipswich departs
Arrival at Ipswich Station, when you exit the station our private van will be waiting for you
Arrival by van to Crane Beach, the starting point of your tour and where your guide will meet you.
Enjoy your Kayak with an ACA Certified Kayak Instructor
Time on your own to explore enjoy Crane Beach and grab a snack at the snack shack
Board the bus back to the station
Your train back to boston departs
Arrival back to Boston
We will also send these details along via email with more information on how to get to/from North Station upon booking. Your train ticket will be emailed to you 48 hours in advance of the trip.
Yes! Full instructions are provided at the start of the tour and the guides can match any pace
Yes! if there’s a tour you’re interested in both Saturday and Sunday you can book 1 tour at full price, the other you can book the ” commuter rail passholder” Option. This provides you with a $10 discount since you already have a valid Commuter Rail Ticket for that weekend.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food or snacks. Please be mindful that our bus can accommodate 1 personal item per person (e.g. backpack, tote bag). Please no large coolers. In many of the destinations there will be food/ drink to purchase. Please refer to your specific
itinerary for more information.
massAdventures and our partners watch the weather closely in the days leading up to your tour. If there is inclement weather which impacts your tour and safety, we will notify you via email as soon as possible. If your tour gets canceled due to the weather, you will have the option to receive a full refund or reschedule it to a later date. (Pending tour availability.)
The start and end time of a trip is the time the train leaves the station. For example, if while booking your tour start time is listed as 8:07 am, this is the time your train departs North or South Station.
To ensure your tour proceeds as planned and to maintain a high-quality experience, we will arrange a rideshare service (via Uber or Lyft) to pick you up from the station and return you there after the tour, instead of chartering a full 14-passenger bus. This approach allows us to provide a personalized experience while being both environmentally friendly and financially sustainable. If this is the case, we will notify you 48 hours ahead of your tour.
If you miss your train, please reach out to us at: contact@keolismassadventures.com and notify us as soon as possible so we can assist you. It’s possible you can catch a later train; however, you will need to take a rideshare service from the station to the start of the activity. Unfortunately, no refunds will be provided in the event you miss your train and cannot make the tour.
Yes, please review our cancellation policy here.
No, unfortunately this tour is not accessible
Yes, you may choose to stay on location longer than scheduled, however, please be mindful that you must find your own transportation back to the Commuter Rail station. We do not guarantee that rideshare services will be available.
Although we LOVE dogs, and I mean love!! they are sadly not allowed on our tours regardless of if you’re taking the train or driving. Service animals are allowed
Yes! Refer A friend and they’ll get $5 off their first tour—plus, you’ll get $5 when they book!
Click here to refer a friend
Crane Estate is part of The Trustees of Reservations, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting Massachusetts’ most treasured landscapes and historic sites. Founded in 1891, The Trustees manage over 100 special places across the state, from grand estates to scenic trails, ensuring these cultural and natural landmarks remain accessible for future generations.
Everything about this tour was wonderful for me. People were very nice. Small group with lots of hands for a beginner kayaker like me. Early morning without crowds The sand dune was amazingly beautiful with low tide. It’s so different from other beaches, I love Crane beach! I will go back.
