The 8 Best Kayak & Paddleboard Tours in Nashville

1.Kayak Rental in Downtown Nashville with Shuttle

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 151 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59Our pick

Meet River Queen Voyages beside the Bridge Building, ride a shuttle to Shelby Park, then paddle a calm three-mile stretch back toward downtown. Your kayak, paddle, life jacket, and safety briefing are included. This self-guided trip suits beginners and takes about two hours.

“The weather was beautiful for this experience. First time I’d ever been kayaking. I was nervous but the staff assured me I would be safe & enjoy it! They were right. Me & my wife both had a blast doing this. We plan to definitely do this again sometime in the future. We did this for our 7 year wedding anniversary & I’m glad we did it!!!”

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2.Nashville Guided Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 149 reviews · from $49

Meet at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, take the complimentary shuttle to the launch point, and paddle about three miles with guides such as Josh, Sarah, Dan, or Melissa. Expect calm water, skyline views, basic instruction, small groups, and a return to the meeting point.

“Our guide was very patient with our group. Most were inexperienced kayaker. It was a lovely time. Would do it again”

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3.Nashville Guided Paddleboard Tour along Cumberland River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · from $49Top rated

Start at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center for a two-hour guided paddle on the Cumberland River. Josh, Dan, or another Big Willies guide provides safety instruction, gear, water, and sunscreen. Beginners are welcome, and windy weather may mean switching to a kayak.

“Our guide was super helpful! We fell a couple times (our balance isnt the best) But we had soo many laughs! We love that they take picture so that the memories are there to look back at later! Highly Recommend”

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4.Downtown Kayak Rental with Shuttle

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 23 reviews · 1 hour · from $45Best value

Meet River Queen Voyages at 2 Victory Ave, ride the shuttle to Shelby Park, and paddle three miles back downtown in about an hour. You’ll get a kayak, paddle, life jacket, short lesson, and help at the water. The route is calm, scenic, and ideal for first-time kayakers.

“Brilliant activity, if you're lucky you'll catch some wildlife include beautiful little turtles. The scenery of the Nashville skyline is second to none. Just remember sun screen on your legs when it's sunny cause I burned pretty bad not thinking 😂”

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5.Small Group Clear Kayak Tour of Old Hickory Lake

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Launch from Bledsoe Creek State Park near Gallatin for a 2 to 2.5-hour clear-kayak paddle on Old Hickory Lake. Carolina may guide your group, point out turtles, geese, egrets, fish, and more, and help you settle into a comfortable pace.

“Beautiful lake setting, very enjoyable activity. Carolina was a delightful and competent guide. Highly recommended.”

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6.Kayak Tour with Skyline Views

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · 2 hours · from $55

Meet the Cumberland Kayak & Adventure Company team at Shelby Park Boat Ramp for a safety briefing, then paddle your own kayak about three miles down the Cumberland River. You’ll pass under bridges, watch for herons and turtles, finish near Nissan Stadium, and ride a shuttle back.

“whole experience was amazing the two guides were very helpful highly highly recommend it”

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7.Downtown Kayak Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 4 reviews · from $50

Meet River Queen Voyages by Nissan Stadium for a 90-minute self-guided Cumberland River paddle. Staff provide your kayak, paddle, life jacket, safety briefing, and launch help. Paddle upriver, then drift back toward Nashville’s skyline before returning to the same East Bank meeting point.

“Great non-guided paddle out a d float back. Not to taxing of a paddle and river was calm and pretty quiet. Would totally do it again!”

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8.Kayak Scavenger Hunt in Downtown Nashville

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $70

Paddle from the Shelby Park area toward Nashville’s downtown skyline while solving crossword clues, trivia, and riddles with a River Queen Voyages guide. The two-hour outing includes a kayak, paddle, life jacket, phone dry bag, and several departure times.

“Amazing, relaxing unique experience for Nashville! Our tour guide was amazing, and the hunt was fun and challenging.”

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