Traditional kayaks have covered decks and one or more cockpits. The cockpit is sometimes covered by a spray deck to prevent water from waves or spray from entering. The spray deck allows skilled kayakers to roll their kayaks without flooding or ejecting the paddler.

Some modern kayaks eliminate the cockpit by seating the paddler on top of the boat (“sit-on-top” kayaks), have inflated air chambers surrounding the boat, replace the single hull with twin hulls, and replace paddles with foot-powered propellers and “flippers.” Kayaks are sailed and propelled by electric motors and outboard gas engines.

As you venture into this wonderful water activity, Port Aransas offers divers and huge areas of discovery. If you are visiting Port Aransas for the first time, get a visitor’s guide to optimizing your tour and experience. For kayaking, Mustang Island is particularly popular. Get close to nature as you explore the uniqueness of this county’s offers. Kayaking at Fish Pass or Redfish Bay is a surefire whether you opt to catch a redfish, count bird species, or bask in picturesque sunset tours, name it and you’ll have it.

Here are some of the best destinations that offer kayaking experiences that you can choose from:

1. Nauticool Adventures – Boat, Jet Ski & Kayak Rentals

The best thing to do on the water on the island is Nauticool Adventures. With the best Jet Ski rentals, boat rentals, kayak rentals, the largest riding area, easy online booking, and professional staff, they guarantee that you, your friends, and your family will have the best time on the water, or they will give you your money back. North Padre is a great little island that is 15 minutes south of Port Aransas and 15 minutes west of Corpus Christi.

They give you all the training you need right there on the water to make sure you stay safe and have a good time. If you were born after September 1, 1993, and you want to drive a jet ski alone, the law says you must take the Texas Online Boater Education Safety Course. If you are over 13 and were born before September 1, 1993 or are 25 or older and have a certificate from a boaters education course, you can drive with an adult. During the summer, they are usually full, so make a reservation before you go on vacation. The online booking system is always up to date with the latest information about availability, so book your water activity today.

2. Island Surf Shop and Kayaks

Island Surf Rentals in Port Aransas, Texas, is the best place in South Texas to rent both surfboards and golf carts. They have the most “fun in the sun” rentals of any place in Port Aransas. Whether you want a golf cart to drive around the beach, a surfboard to ride the waves, a bike to get around town, or a kayaking trip, they have everything you need to have a good time on your vacation, or weekend trip, or at the beach. There’s something for everyone there. There are many different sizes and colors of Malibu single and tandem kayaks to choose from. These are a great choice for fishing or just having a fun day on the water.

Island Surf Rentals is ideal for couples because it is one of the only outfitters on the island that offers full-day tandem kayak reservations. And because the main office is so close to the beach, people can easily pick up and drop off. If you forget something at home, don’t forget to look through their beach gear and sunglasses. Island Surf is a great place to start if you want to go kayaking near Corpus Christi, though Mustang Island State Park is kayakers’ often destination, the island life in the bay of Port Aransas offers a plethora of choices that suit everyone’s preferences.

3. Lighthouse Lakes

The Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail is a series of four loops ranging in length from 1.25 miles all the way up to 6.8 miles. It was the very first Texas Paddling Trail to ever be established. Near the historic Lydia Ann Lighthouse, which was built in 1857 on North Harbor Island, the trails wind their way through an extensive black mangrove estuary, into sloughs, and back lakes. In the labyrinth of tidal channels and flats, paddlers can glide through mangroves and seagrass flats, which offer excellent opportunities for bird watching as well as fishing for red drum, spotted seatrout, and flounder.

4. Slowride Guide Services

It only takes about half an hour to get to Slowride Guide Services from Corpus Christi, as it is situated on Highway 361 between Port Aransas and Rockport. The charming downtown area of Aransas Pass is where you’ll find it. Right outside our back door is where you’ll find some of the most beautiful flats fishing in all of Texas.

They have over 20 years of experience guiding and outfitting fishing trips in kayaks and skiffs right here in Redfish Bay, hence you will surely be able to make the most of that experience when they meticulously plan your exciting, fun-filled individualized excursion. To ensure that you have the best time possible during your time spent on the water, the place has assembled an incredible team of guides and instructors.

5. Kayak Portland

Only the highest quality Viking Kayaks are used by our company. Both New Zealand and Australia are responsible for the production of Viking Kayaks. There are kayaks with one seat and others with two seats called tandems. All kayaks are sit-on-top.

6. KAZ’s Island Rentals

Kaz’s Port Aransas kayak rentals are the most affordable in town, costing only $45 for 24 hours. Brett “Kaz” Kazmierski and his team are extremely approachable. They’re frequently seen giving recommendations on local eateries, shops, and, of course, hidden gems along the shoreline. He also provides several safety tips on their website, which are well worth reading before you go. Your safety is their utmost concern and that can easily be perceived while reading through some notes on their website.

7. Port A H2O Water Sports and Rentals for Port Aransas

Currently, Port A H2O requires a reservation to book a kayak. A cancellation deposit is also required in this facility. Due to the size of these fishing kayaks, you will need a truck or trailer to transport them. They do not provide a drop-off and pick-up service, and they do not have a location on the water; instead, you are responsible for picking up the equipment and transporting it to the water. They will be able to point you in the right direction for locations where you can get in and out of the water to have a fantastic paddling experience. Paddles, life jackets, anchors, and dry bags are all provided for you.