Spending the day on the water slows down time a bit and allows you to fully enjoy the present. Water sports activities in Detroit are great for those looking to try something different and for anyone who sees summer as a time to get in and/or out on the water…and don’t want to get out.
Be on the move this summer. Whether you’re an avid kayaker, a beginner testing the waters, or prefer stand-up paddleboarding, you’re free to move at your own pace.
Soak up the fun and sunshine of this colorful city. Earth Day in Detroit isn’t the only day to appreciate the land and water. Detroitisit has compiled a list of the best water activities in Detroit
PHOTO BRANDON MCDONALD/UNSPLASH
SPORTS ON THE DETROIT RIVER
Explore the motor city on the water! Open May through October, Detroit River Sports offers kayaking and paddleboarding tours of the Detroit River and the islands on the city’s east side. Public tours are available Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and are a very relaxed and interesting way to see Detroit and meet new people. For a more intimate experience with family or friends, private tours are available for booking every day of the week. Visit Wednesday-Sunday – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Click HERE to see their site.
Located at 14601 Riverside Boulevard, Detroit. PHONE: 313-908-0484
TOUR OF BELLE ISLE (SPORTS ON THE DETROIT RIVER)
Water activities in Detroit rely on the natural beauty of the river. Take in the unique views on this tour of Belle Isle. Ready to take the challenge ? This excursion is their toughest paddle ever! It lasts 3.5 to 4 hours, including registration, material distribution, safety discussion and boat loading. It’s $63 per paddler (excluding taxes and fees). Experienced kayakers can look forward to a pleasant 2-mile trip upstream from Belle Isle. Book a visit HERE.
HISTORIC CANALS OF DETROIT (DETROIT RIVER SPORTS)
PHOTO LAURA LEFURGEY-SMITH / UNSPLASH
Looking for an easier paddle? We have you. Try their most popular tour! Enjoy a leisurely paddle through Detroit’s historic canals. From the Fisher Mansion to Harbor Island, there are city sights that shine. Explore the waterfront neighborhoods on Detroit’s east side. It wouldn’t be as rewarding without learning a bit of the cherished history of this cultural city!
DETROIT OUTPOST
Outpost moved to Grayhaven State Harbor. This kayak rental service is open seven days a week from dusk until dawn. Choose between a private excursion or a free paddle. The Detroit skyline is one of the most iconic natural sights and you can soak it up while floating along the Detroit River. Click HERE to see their site.
Located inside Grayhaven Marina at 12550 Avondale St. Detroit, MI 48215
PHOTO WALTER MARTIN / UNSPLASH
HARBOR OF DETROIT
The Port of Detroit is located along the west side of the Detroit River and is the largest seaport in the state of Michigan. The Port of Detroit contains a number of terminals in Detroit, River Rouge, and Ecorse. Click here for more information. You can just admire the water activity or you can join in and rent a paddle board to enjoy the Detroit River. Paddle! You will be surprised how far you have gone.
Located at 130 E. Atwater Street, Detroit, Michigan 48226. PHONE: 313-259-5091
KAYAK CONNECTION BY THE RIVER
Be a tourist for the day. It is useful to know the rivers, lakes and canals of the region. Riverside Kayak Connection offers a wide range of kayaks that you can rent for the day so you can explore the waterways at your leisure. The company also offers spectacular tours. Paddle the Detroit River with your guide or arrange a custom tour where you can request a tour in German or Swedish. Tours are a bit more organized experience, but still an adventure!
PHOTO NICK FEWINGS/UNSPLASH
GAME ON THE PADDLEBOARD
Maybe you are looking for other bodies of water and places to rent paddle boards and kayaks in Michigan. Less than 8 km from 10 inland lakes, Game On is a great place to rent! They know how to provide you with the tools for your perfect Detroit summer water activities. Rentals, lessons and programs are available for all ages and abilities. Click HERE to see their site. They have various locations in Oakland County. Delivery is also available. PHONE: 248-690-6241
MOTOR CITY CANOE RENTAL
Oakwoods Outpost: Oakwoods Metropark, Cedar Knoll Picnic Area
Atwater Paddles: 26425 Atwater Street, Flat Rock
Detroit’s fun summer water activities are affordable. Canoe or kayak along the Huron River at Motor City Canoe Rental. Bring your own gear or rent their gear for the day. They have a free transportation service that picks you up at the pickup point.
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