Best Places to Kayak Near Salem, MA

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Salem, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby13 Rivers7 Bays7 Lakes
← All paddling in Massachusetts

Top Picks Near Salem

a red and white boat floating on top of a body of water1

Manchester Town Hall and Landing

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

BayBeginner8 mi away
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background2

Little Mystic Access Area

Open-water sea kayaking access on Boston Inner Harbor

BayBeginner12 mi away
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background3

Fisherman's Beach

Standout kayak fishing on Nahant Bay

BayBeginner3 mi away
a bridge over a river

McCabe Marina and Recreation Area

Massachusetts · 1.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
boat on calm sea under white clouds during daytime

Winter Island Park (Waikiki Beach)

Massachusetts · 1.8 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
A group of boats floating on top of a large body of water

Sandy Point

Massachusetts · 2.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Riverhead Beach

Massachusetts · 2.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
several boats in the water

Marblehead Lobster Company

Massachusetts · 2.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a small white boat floating on top of a lake

Pope's Landing

Massachusetts · 3.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Fisherman's Beach

Massachusetts · 3.3 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
a small boat in a large body of water

Lynn Shore and Nahant Beach Reservations

Massachusetts · 4.6 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

David C. Penny Memorial Landing

Massachusetts · 6.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
two white and blue jon boat docked on boardwalk

Crystal Beach (Town Wharf)

Massachusetts · 6.6 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Pines River at the Wharf Boat Ramp

Massachusetts · 7.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Chebacco Lake

Massachusetts · 7.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a red and white boat floating on top of a body of water

Manchester Town Hall and Landing

Massachusetts · 7.7 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
brown tree log on lake

Main Street Town Landing

Massachusetts · 10.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A view of a body of water from a boat

Kettle Cove

Massachusetts · 10.3 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
White foam churns in the blue ocean water.

Winthrop

Massachusetts · 10.9 mi

OceanSea KayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Ipswich River

Massachusetts · 11.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Hood Pond

Massachusetts · 11.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Little Mystic Access Area

Massachusetts · 12.2 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Front Beach

Massachusetts · 12.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a river

Town of Ipswich Wharf

Massachusetts · 12.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
several boats in the water

Dunfudgin Landing

Massachusetts · 13.2 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees around it

Horn Pond

Massachusetts · 13.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Long Wharf Landing

Massachusetts · 13.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a group of colorful kayaks lined up next to each other

Corliss Landing

Massachusetts · 13.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
several boats in the water

Eagle Hill Public Landing

Massachusetts · 13.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
boats on ground with dried leaves

Mystic Lake (Upper)

Massachusetts · 13.9 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm forest river surrounded by pine trees

Town of Rowley Landing

Massachusetts · 14.4 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Boat Ramp Adjacent to Mariner's Park

Massachusetts · 14.4 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a peaceful lake surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset

Silver Lake

Massachusetts · 15.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Salem.

Marblehead, MA2 miSwampscott, MA3 miPeabody, MA3 miBeverly, MA3 miLynn, MA4 miDanvers, MA4 miPrides Crossing, MA5 miWenham, MA6 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Salem, MA?

Top picks near Salem include Manchester Town Hall and Landing, Little Mystic Access Area, Fisherman's Beach. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, bays, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Salem?

Near Salem you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Salem?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Salem are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.