Ten kayaking and paddle sports facilities made our list for 2026, located in Annapolis, Cambridge, North East, Indian Head, Baltimore, Joppatowne, Middle River, and Ellicott City. These venues range from rental outfitters and tour operators to specialized SUP clubs. Ratings for these locations are high, spanning from 4.3 to 5.0 stars. The facilities provide a variety of services, including guided history tours, family-oriented crabbing trips, and instructional lessons for beginners.
Our rankings are based on a calculation of the average rating multiplied by the logarithm of the review count, with no paid placements.
1. Capital SUP – Downtown Annapolis ~ Spa Creek
Located in Annapolis, this facility holds a 4.9 rating from 565 reviews. Customers appreciate the patient teaching style for those nervous about their first time on a SUP. One reviewer noted that the team makes guests feel comfortable and that staff members like Kevin even lead short yoga classes on the water.
2. Blackwater Adventures Chesapeake Bay
This Cambridge venue has a 4.9 rating based on 558 reviews. It is a destination for families to learn about the Chesapeake Bay and go crabbing. Reviews highlight that staff members like Susan are effective at managing large groups and making the experience fun for all ages.
3. Bay Venture Outfitters – North East, MD
Based in North East, this outfitter maintains a 4.8 rating from 153 reviews. Visitors have praised the staff for being accommodating, with one guest mentioning that Kelly provided a map of the channel and took his time to ensure a great experience despite the lack of a reservation.
4. Atlantic Kayak Co
Atlantic Kayak Co in Indian Head has a 4.7 rating from 137 reviews. They offer tours of the Mallows Bay Ghost Fleet. Reviewers describe the tours led by Joe and Shellie as enlightening and informative, noting that the pace and historical descriptions bring the ships back to life.
5. B’More SUP x Capital SUP – Sparrows Point Country Club
This Baltimore location earns a 4.8 rating from 80 reviews. The facility is known for its Pup SUP sessions, where guides are described as patient and understanding. Guests also appreciate that the team takes photos of them on the water.
6. Ultimate Watersports
Located in Joppatowne, this facility has a 4.7 rating from 70 reviews. It provides kayaking in the Inner Harbor. Customers have found the lessons to be easy and fun, specifically mentioning Julie as a great instructor.
7. Akwatribe Riversports
Akwatribe Riversports in Baltimore holds a perfect 5.0 rating from 37 reviews. The owner and staff are described as professional, timely, and friendly. One reviewer noted that their prices are better than other locations and recommended their Go Boating activity for families.
8. Eastern Watersports Dundee Creek Rentals
This Middle River rental spot has a 4.5 rating from 35 reviews. While the facility offers a wide selection of kayaks for users to choose from, one reviewer mentioned that the pricing is steep.
9. Eastern Watersports Hammerman Beach Rentals
Also located in Middle River, this venue has a 4.3 rating from 24 reviews. Beyond rentals, they offer sailing lessons. One guest described a three-hour lesson with John as awesome and expressed interest in returning to rent a catamaran.
10. Adventure Shack & Rentals at Centennial Park
Located in Ellicott City, this facility has a 4.5 rating from 19 reviews. Guests report that the staff is friendly and provides helpful instructions. One visitor noted that the business is open even when Google Maps indicates otherwise.
How we ranked these
Our list is generated using a formula that balances average user ratings with the volume of feedback to ensure statistical relevance. You can read more about our methodology here.