Pinelands Adventures - Shamong, New Jersey

k V.

I had a very fun time kayaking, it lasted about 5 hours and we were driven on the bus to the launch site and then picked up by the bus at the other end of the river and driven back to the main building. The workers are very friendly and actually enjoy doing their jobs, on both bus rides they were telling us about the history of the area and interesting facts and we played trivia. The river itself is very easy to navigate, as you’re going with the stream, so there’s no need to paddle forward, just to steer. There are some obstacles and a couple shallow spots where we had to wiggle our way out of it but nothing an average person can’t handle. The views were amazing during full foliage season and the weather was perfect but it is probably not as pleasant in January or July. Overall, this was a very high quality and a memorable experience, and I hope to come back and try one of their other rivers in the future.

soo L.

What a wonderful day trip with friends and family at the Pinelands Adventures!! We each rented our own kayaks and booked the 4 hour trip down the Batsto River. It is an enchanting forest as you maneuver your way through the twists and turns along the trickling waters into an open backdrop of the Pine Barrens. You get a bit of challenge and enjoy the outdoors at its best. Very friendly staff and informative about the history of the area. They drive you in a mini bus to your location and pick you up when you are done. A very memorable experience and we will definitely be coming back.

Sochy E.

We did the 6 mile on the Batsto River and it was AMAZING! The staff at Pinelands Adventures were so nice and pleasant, we heard some history and interesting info on the ride to and from the river. We arrived at 11 and were in the water by 11:30, they prepared us well for kayaking and what to expect out on the river. This river "hike" was a little challenging with needing to navigate around tree branches (that were maintained and trimmed so it was possible to boat through!) and handle the twists and turns of the river, but so satisfying as an experienced kayaker. We saw some turtles which was so exciting. I love the fact that this trip has a starting and ending point, not just kayaking in an open lake as is more common. We did have to wait for a while after we finished the river for all the others in the group to reach the end for the trip back to base.

Joe S.

The go to rental company if you're planning a New Jersey Pine Barrens canoe or kayaking trip. Very knowledgeable and professional. We just had an amazing kayaking trip on the Batsto River through them. They will educate you on the way to the put in on the surrounding Pine Barrens and make sure you have an enjoyable trip there whole way through. Can't wait for our next outting with them!

Jean R.

Took my kids on the Quaker Bridge to Batsto trip and had an absolutely wonderful time, and Pinelands Adventures made everything easy. It was simple to figure out the right trip for us, book it, prepare, get checked-in, be dropped off, and get picked up. Everything worked out perfectly and the staff is terrific!

Jamie B.

This is an absolute must-do if you are in the area. I grew up a few towns over and nothing makes me more proud of coming from New Jersey than going on a kayake or canoe excursion in the Pine Barrens. They make the whole experience easy and are a fantastic company to support. This was my second time and I will most definitely be back.

chas

10000000/10 experience! From arriving at parking to kayaking itself, every step was absolutely seamless.

Once you arrive, you go straight to Check In. There are bathrooms upon arrival, a dressing room and a hand washing sink outside. The workers (who were all awesome, cheerful and beautifully spirited) will announce your group and will transport you on a small bus from the parking lot to the launch site.

You are also given a laminated card with check in instructions and a resting point as well as a number you can call if you need help once you’re officially well into kayaking. They gave us a mini history lesson about the area as well!

Once we arrived at the launch site, we were seated on our kayak and we enjoyed a 6 mile long, 4 hour experience! Turtles, dragonflies and Hobbit looking spiderwebs were amongst some of the things we encountered!

Once we finished, the workers greeted us with smiles and drove us back on the bus to parking, giving us some more history about the area! We will 100% be returning !

Shelly L.

We had such an amazing time kayaking. Property is very tranquil and beautiful . Joe, the Pinelands Adventure driver\worker was very helpful and informative. On the drive to the water, he shared the history of the land and was very helpful with instructing us when getting in the water.
I selected 4 stars due to us having to cram so many people in a one tiny bus with no air-conditioning or fans after a hot day to be brought back. My son and son-in-law, along with some other men who were kayaking, helped the driver (different driver, not Joe) load all the kayaks because he was the only that came to get us. It was only the one guy and there were about 10-12 kayaks to load.
Overall it was a great day! I highly recommend.