Adventure Mystic Rentals in Mystic, Connecticut

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If you’re looking for a new way to explore Mystic, I’ve got you covered. Adventure Mystic in Connecticut offers kayak and paddleboard rentals on the Mystic River. This is a unique way to explore Mystic from the water at your own pace.

Person wearing a straw hat paddles a red kayak on calm water near a marina with boats and buildings in the background.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Getting There

Adventure Mystic is located just outside of downtown Mystic on Holmes Street. Since this isn’t in the heart of downtown Mystic, it not only has a parking lot, but you can also get there without needing to go over the historic drawbridge that causes serious traffic.

The best way to get here is to take I-95. You’ll take Exit 90 on to Route 27. While this road definitely won’t be empty of traffic, it will not be dead stop traffic like if you need to cross the Mystic River through downtown. The parking lot is located behind the building. If there’s no parking available in the lot, you can always find street parking nearby.

About Adventure Mystic

Adventure Mystic is a business that offers rentals for kayaks (single and double), paddleboards, and bicycles in the summer and snowboard rentals in the winter months. One of their goals in making outdoor adventures accessible to everyone. They also offer paddleboard and kayak lessons to help you dip your toes in kayaking and paddleboarding!

Bicycles and colorful kayaks are displayed outside under a sign reading "Adventure Mystic," with an American flag in the background.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

In addition to rentals and kayak lessons, they also offer private parties and events as well as an adventure club specifically for kids. There are endless opportunities with Adventure Mystic!

Be sure to also stop into their store. It’s a super cute shop that sells fun Mystic apparel as well as other Mystic themed items such as stickers, some which are really humorous. And of course, they have outdoor gear available such as paddleboards and accessories.

A clothing store displays shirts, hats, and a standing surfboard; beside it, stickers of seagulls and a blue can labeled "Mystic" are shown on a wooden surface.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

My Experience Kayaking On The River

When I went, I kayaked for an hour on the river. An Adventure Mystic member will help you with launching into the river. I had a wet bag and a separate waterproof pouch for my phone provided by Adventure Mystic, which I thought was a great option to have. You’ll be provided with a life vest as well to wear out on the water.

The direction you go will depend on the tides. They try to plan it so you’re going against the tide as you go out so you’re coming back with the tide. This helps your return be easier so you’re not paddling against the tide. Trust me, nobody wants to go against the tide when they’re already a bit tired from kayaking for a while.

As we started, we went towards the historic swing bridge to head towards downtown Mystic. This gave us great views of the draw bridge. We were actually lucky enough to watch the draw bridge go up while we were out on the water!

A drawbridge is raised to allow boats to pass underneath on a sunny day, with buildings and trees visible on either side of the water.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

We paddled our way under the draw bridge and past Mystic River Park. Once we got past the park, we saw lots of boats on both sides of the river because of the marinas.

A marina with several docked boats in front of a building labeled "Mystic Downtown Marina" on a sunny day.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

We continued onward past the Mystic River Railroad Bridge. While we were out on the water, we actually got to watch this swing bridge open, which was cool.

A steel truss drawbridge with a central control house spans a river under a blue sky; a small boat passes underneath.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

We went out past the train bridge and paddled for a little bit before turning back. This was really because I wanted to have time to check out the Mystic Seaport Museum from the water. I love their little lighthouse.

White lighthouse with a black lantern sits on a dock next to a wooden building under a blue sky with scattered clouds, viewed from the water.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

We even cruised by the Mystic Seaport Museum’s Sabino while we were out on the water. The Sabino is a historic wooden steamboat that serves as a working exhibit. It operates daily trips during the warmer months on the Mystic River for the enjoyment and education of visitors.

A white paddleboat named Sabino with two flags sails on a river near docks, trees, and a house under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Is Adventure Mystic Worth It?

Absolutely! It’s a great way to explore Mystic from the water at your own pace. There’s a lot of flexibility because you could do a half day (four hours) or a full day (eight hours). If I were to do it again, I’d likely do at least a half day because I’d love to explore further out to see places like Noank or Enders Island from the water.

A person wearing a straw hat paddles a red kayak on a calm body of water near sailboats, buildings, and people paddleboarding under a clear blue sky.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

If you’re looking to book a rental, you can book online.

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6 Comments

  1. This sounds like such a fun and relaxing way to experience Mystic! I haven’t been there yet, but kayaking along the river and watching the drawbridge go up from the water sounds unforgettable. I love that Adventure Mystic also offers gear and lessons—it’s perfect for beginners like me. Definitely adding this to my must-do list for a future New England trip!

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