Princeton Canoe & Kayak Rental

Had a lot of fun at Princeton Canoe & Kayak yesterday! Definitely recommend it for a nice outdoor activity in Jersey. We paid the extra $ 3 for the «more comfortable» canoes. I think it was money well spent Lol

Such a great experience! I’ve told my fiancé for years that I wanted to do canoeing since I haven’t been in over 10 years and he took me last night and we loved it! The man was nice, helped us out, and the price wasn’t bad either! The canal was fun to go canoeing in and felt relaxing :)

It’s not the best water but it’s still really beautiful scenery. Makes you feel like you’re one with nature, paddling your canoe down the stream. It’s a nice little getaway without going upstate.

This spot has been renting out canoes and kayaks for many years. I was introduced to kayaking here, and after a few years of renting finally bought my own. It is a great place for beginners of every age. The staff was always friendly, fair, and helpful. Prices were reasonable too. From their dock you pass under a bridge and are on the Delaware/​Raritan canal. It is calm water with a lot of shade, and a decent amount of wildlife. This is a good choice for visitors from out of town, before or after strolling around Princeton.

Cute, cheap place for people who have nothing else to do. During my canoe trip, the most exciting thing we saw were turtles and geese. I wish there was more scenery, but overall, the trip was great. The location is also very convenient, with Princeton University close by and tons of restaurants in the downtown area.

Located near the Princeton Univ. You can rent canoes and kayaks at reasonable prices. One two or three person kayaks and family canoes.
The owner is very friendly and believes in the honor system regarding guests.
Getting started is easy, pick a life jacket, oar and your boat! The rivet has lots of waterfowl and turtles… relax and have fun on the river.

*Fun warm weather activity with the kids
*Prompt young guys working there and reasonable, we paid 8 bucks for a short paddle
*Not too much to see or explore in the canal but there really isn’t too much to see or explore in Princeton anyways so…

Great activity for family or friend group. The canal is lovely and extends quite far, and there aren’t many obstacles or low-​hanging branches. The guys there are friendly and will pro-​rate the rental fee, so you you can kayak for 1.5 hours and pay for exactly that. Pro-​tip: wear sunscreen!

This is a great family activity, exercising activity, date, or sight seeing peaceful little adventure. We rented a kayak and had a very fun time looking at turtles and chatting. It’s very affordable and they take Visa cards. Life vest are provided and I’d suggest wearing comfortable clothing and bringing sunscreen.
You can bring your phone because they provide a small plastic case to store them in. There is a mini snack station behind the cashier, but you could always bring a water proof lunch bag. If you like taking photos bring a camera and plastic storage bag.
My clothes only had a few splashes of water on them from pattling miscommunications but that’s all. So if you are looking for something fun to do vs going to the mall, staring at a screen, eating. I’d suggest going here and enjoying nature and its beauty. If you are scared of the water there are nice nature and bike trails too. Be careful on the cross walk when crossing the street from the unpaved parking lot.
Overall this is a pretty fun little place. The crew that works here are pretty nice fellas.

We actually came to the one in Princeton and they had a group of 100 (!!!) kids in front of us. They suggested we head to the Griggstown one instead (about 15 minutes) so we headed to that one — and were in the water in seconds! If you’re looking for a less busy place — choose the Griggstown one (owned by the same people) and just as nice!

Kayaking may be the true test of any relationship. Who is in control? Who is the strongest paddler?! WHO IS STEERING US INTO A BANK? You may never know.
My boyfriend and I had an hour and a half to kill before catching a movie at the Princeton Garden Theatre and decided to rent a kayak for an hour. I’m not sure about the parking around the rental site, since we walked from the university fountain (a leisurely mile walk). We parked in a meter spot, and meter enforcement ends at 7:00pm. I think renting a canoe/​kayak should be a part of a nice Princeton day out anyway, so I’d suggest parking somewhere else and walking around.
I forget what we paid, but it was super affordable (I think $ 18) and a lot of fun. I wish the area were a little bit more scenic, which is no fault of Princeton Canoe, but you can hear cars whizzing by and you’re paddling back and forth under small bridges. Again, a small wish but just something to note.
It’s hysterical watching people with the same skill level as yourself (none) because there is no pressure. Just mind your time and mark you watch at your halfway mark so you know to turn around.

This is a home run. Went here twice already with my wife, 15year old and 12 year old. The first time we all took separate kayaks and my 12 yo was struggling toward the end of the hour– he can whine a little sometimes though so if your 12 yo is more athletic they might not complain. The next time I took a double with him and it was perfect.
One thing to watch though is the timing. They start the clock running from the time you sign the release until the time you get back up to their little table… so you need to factor in the «get in and out of the boat» time because they pro rate the time if you’re past the hour. Not a big deal, really, given how affordable it is.
Calm canal water… the guys that work there are super pleasant… inexpensive…you simply can’t go wrong with this place.

Had a great day here in our own backyard. Staff is helpful. Prices are reasonable. They have waterproof boxes for your cell and cushions to sit on. We rented two twin kayaks for two hours. We enjoyed the water, saw a bunch of turtles and a snake that did not make my kids happy;) We really enjoyed our day.

I came here with 18 other people (both old and new friends) on Sunday August 31^st. They definitely deserved all five stars.
This is my first time kayaking in the tristate area. My last time kayaking was in Cayman Islands. It was a different experience but a great experience. Living in New York City you don’t always see trees surrounding you. So to be able to kayak down the canal with trees on both sides and wooden bridges it was a beautiful sight.
I think the business is family owned and runned, not quite sure. But I have to say they are great people with patience and great attitude. You sign a release form first and fill another small form for the whole group. They asked what kind and how many of each so they can get everything ready. They helped put the kayak in the water and demonstrated and helped you get in the kayak. Then they pushed you into the water.
They also have water, soda, Gatorade, and snacks on the side for purchase. They don’t charge much, similar to a deli.
When we finished they were able to calculate our kayaking time and charge us proficiently, no confusion at all. Life jacket and seat cushions are included. Even though their cushions are not the greatest and most comfortable they are better than nothing.
Overall, loved it and a great experience and the transaction was quick and simple.

Great place to go kayaking! My bf and I went for the first time last weekend. The place is really close to the Alexander Road exit and easy to miss. You need to look out for a sign that says «Canoe and Kayak Parking» and follow it into the park. The park has limited parking too so make sure you get there early.
We went at 11 am, which was perfect timing since the sun wasn’t fully out yet and the weather was pretty cool. The guys who were running the stand were very cool. We told them we’ve never been kayaking before and they walked us through the basics. The rates were really good there and the canal is very serene. Great place to go if you want to be alone. Highly recommend coming here!

central jersey is beautiful. rent a kayak or canoe and take a trip along the delaware-​raritan canal in princeton and you’ll see i’m right.
princeton canoe & kayak has been around for, like, ever. tucked right off of alexander road, it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. park in the lot across the street and walk over– leave anything you don’t want to get wet-​ish in the car.
fill out a paper or two and get in a kayak or canoe. they have canoes that can hold 3 adults, or ones that will hold 2 adults and 2 kids. they have individual and 2-​person kayaks.
and life jackets. and paddles. and butt pads. and staff to help you in and out of the vessels.
they sell some cold drinks, small snacks, sunscreen, waterproof pouches, etc. in case you need something last-​minute.
they have laminated maps you can take with you to explore (with estimated loop times, etc)
they take cash or credit.
they’ll let you bring a puppy with you.
the rates are reasonable, and they have all-​day max rates. check them out here:
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seriously, i’ve frequented this spot since i was a kid and it’s barely changed. it’s still awesome… go alone for some zen time. take the kids for a little family fun. take a date and race single kayaks (or share a double… wink, wink). just do it.

Really enjoyable activity while down in Princeton on a nice warm day.
Love that it is a very friendly family owned business.
Tips:
1. Ask to bring one of their waterproof hand drawn maps with you on your trip.
2. If you can get there mid morning/​early afternoon, pack sandwiches. We ate ours while floating along in our kayaks.
3. Pack plenty of water/​gatorade (don’t panic if you forget to bring drinks before getting there, they sell them at a great price).
4. Round trip took us about 2 hours (I think the total distance was 2 or 3 miles?). We started by heading north along the canal. We found a way to cross over just a few feet after the pedestrian foot bridge along the left bank where there looked like less grass and people had traveled over. Watch your footing because it’s steep. You have to get out of your kayak and carry the kayak over the tow path to the other side where Carnegie Lake is and get back in. Head back toward ‘home’ along Carnegie Lake. We counted three bridges. After the third bridge, you’ll find a little wooden dock along the left bank. Again, you’ll have to get out of the kayak and carry it over the bank to the other side where you get back into the kayak and finish where you started.
5. Sunglasses and sunscreen.
6. Your camera
We saw a turtle, a family of ducks and some kind of ibis or egret and beautiful irises planted along the way.
It’s a great workout (my upper arms were a sore, but in a good way), a great way to be closer to nature and a great time to spend with friends.
Would definitely do it again.

This place is great! It was open on the Sunday before Memorial Day and we got there in the afternoon. parking is right across the street. They let us take Sophie, our miniature Dachshund which was awesome. She loved it! The only thing that I would recommend is that they replace all the old life-​savers that they require people to wear. The older red ones have mildew growing on them!

I love this place, one of the many gems of Princeton.
I always come there to kayak, it is a great deal. It cost any where from $ 11 to $ 16 an hour for a single kayak and $ 19 an hour for a double kayak. After an hour it is only a $ 1 per every 10 minutes, and there is also the option of renting for the day. Also, the staff is very friendly and helpful which is always a plus.
Overall a great way to spend an afternoon, and I love that it only a few minutes from the town of Princeton which means I always stop at hoagie haven for some cheese fries when I come here.

This is the sister organization to Griggstown Canoe & Kayak Rental which shares the website
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Princeton Canoe & Kayak Rental’s address is 483 Alexander (head south on Nassau, take a left on Mercer, another left on Alexander, and head down about 1 mile; there will be a sign to park at the lot for Turning Basin Park (watch out for dog poop – there remain bad owners).
We went this morning and it was crowded (Memorial Day); a bunch of people waiting for other people were taking up space. Someone yelled to get that group into the water, and poof! They stopped taking up space and everyone else was able to get to the boats (we waited no more than 5 – 10 minutes to be perfectly honest). Check-​in is efficient – they know what they’re doing.
The canal is pretty, but we haven’t been in kayaks since last year, so we didn’t last long. It’s flat water with lots of geese, turtles, bridges to cross under, etc. We’d like to find the crossing to get onto Lake Carnegie next time, and glad that they’re open until 8PM every night just in case we want to go after work during the week.
The boats are maintained well enough, but I wouldn’t wear anything nice. Most of the other people had picnics packed, and there are snacks and beverages at the check out spot.
Dogs are allowed in the kayaks and canoes too. :)
Hours: M-​F 11AM-​8PM; Sat, Sun, Holidays: 10AM-​8PM; rentals until 1 hour before closing.
Rates below (we went just over an hour; 2 kayaks $ 22; cash or check).
Canoes — Maximum 565 pounds, 4 people (2 seats, 2 on bottom)
1^st hour $ 13.00
Additional hours 6.00
All day 35.00

Kayaks
Otter — Maximum 225 pounds, 1 person
1^st hour $ 10.00
Additional hours $ 5.00
All Day $ 25.00

Loon — Maximum 2910 pounds, 1 person (Cockpit is large enough to fit a small child as long as weight limit is not exceeded.
1^st hour $ 13.00
Additional hours $ 6.00
All Day $ 30.00

Twin Otter — Maximum 450 pounds, 2 people (Small child on cushion if weight limit is not exceeded.)
1^st hour $ 16.00
Additional hours $ 6.00
All day $ 40.00