Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but don’t let that fool you. The coastline stretches for miles, rivers wind through forests and villages, protected salt ponds offer calm water sanctuaries, and the Atlantic provides as much adventure as you’re willing to take on.
Whether you want a peaceful morning paddle watching the sun rise over calm water, or you’re ready for something more adventurous along the coast, here’s your guide to the best kayaking and paddleboarding spots near our New England bed and breakfast.
The Pawcatuck River: Right Outside Our Door
The Pawcatuck River flows right past our property, and it’s one of the most accessible and rewarding paddling spots in the area. Sit out back with your morning coffee, and there’s a good chance you’ll see a few kayakers drifting by, moving quietly with the current.
The river is tidal in its lower stretches, which creates calm water and ever-changing scenery depending on when you launch. At high tide, you’ll paddle through what feels like a wide, peaceful waterway. At low tide, mudflats and sandbars emerge, revealing a completely different landscape.
For a longer adventure, the stretch from Potter Hill Mill to the Westerly Municipal Boat Ramp covers about seven miles through a beautiful mix of wooded shoreline that eventually opens up to the downtown Westerly and Pawcatuck waterfronts. This section is best suited for intermediate paddlers due to a short stretch of rapids and tidal currents near Westerly, but if you time your trip with the current, you’ll have an easier go of it. The municipal boat ramp in downtown provides easy access if you’re looking for a shorter trip or just need a convenient launch point.
The Pawcatuck and its tributaries were designated as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. When you’re paddling through stretches of undeveloped shoreline, watching herons fish along the banks, and experiencing Westerly from a perspective most visitors never see, you’ll understand exactly why it earned that designation.
Napatree Point: Where Rhode Island Meets the Atlantic
Napatree Point extends 1.5 miles into the Atlantic from Watch Hill, creating a protected harbor on one side and open ocean on the other. The waters around Napatree offer some of the most stunning paddling in all of Rhode Island.
The harbor side provides calmer, more protected conditions that work well for beginners or anyone who wants a relaxed paddle with spectacular coastal views. It’s semi-protected water, which makes this an ideal spot for paddlers who want to try ocean kayaking without committing to fully open water conditions just yet.
From your kayak or paddleboard, you’ll see the entire barrier beach, the natural dunes, and the Watch Hill Lighthouse perched on its bluff. Napatree is a wildlife preserve, so keep your eyes open for shorebirds, osprey diving for fish, and occasionally seals hauled out on the beach, watching you paddle by with mild curiosity.
This is the southernmost and westernmost point on mainland Rhode Island, and the views stretch in every direction with Block Island to the south, Connecticut to the west, and the Rhode Island coastline curving north and east.
For the best experience, visit in the off-season or launch early morning during summer. The water is clearer, the beaches are emptier, and once the morning fog lifts, the coastline feels almost endless.
Winnapaug Pond: Perfect for Peaceful Paddling
Winnapaug Pond is a 470-acre salt pond tucked behind Misquamicut Beach, and it’s hands-down one of the best spots in the area for calm, easy paddling. One of the most accessible public launch points is through Misquamicut State Beach, where a path from the parking lot leads directly to a sandy launch area on the pond.
The pond stretches roughly a mile and a half across at its widest point, with plenty of quiet coves to explore. It’s shallow enough that larger boats tend to stay away, and the protected water means you won’t be dealing with ocean waves, just peaceful paddling with beautiful views. You’ll see birds wading in the shallows, fish jumping, and locals clamming the flats at low tide.
If you paddle to the far end of the pond, you’ll reach the breachway where the pond connects to the ocean. Currents there can be strong and unpredictable, so it’s best left to experienced paddlers. Fortunately, though, there’s more than enough to explore within the pond itself.
One thing to know: the southwest wind typically fills in across this area by late morning and blows steadily through the afternoon. If you want the calmest conditions, plan your paddle for early morning before the wind picks up.
Watch Hill Beach: Classic Coastal Paddling
Watch Hill Beach offers paddling with all the classic New England coastal scenery you’d expect. This Rhode Island beach is known for its soft sand and gentle waves, and while the water stays calm near shore on the right days, conditions can change quickly, so it’s better suited for experienced paddlers.
You’ll be paddling with views of the historic village, the lighthouse standing watch in the distance, and all the charming seaside atmosphere that makes Watch Hill such a special place. It’s beautiful, it’s quintessentially New England, and on a calm summer morning, it’s about as perfect as paddling gets.
Barn Island Wildlife Management Area & Little Narragansett Bay: Connecticut’s Hidden Gem
Just over the Rhode Island border in Pawcatuck, Barn Island Wildlife Management Area offers calm water with a true “off the beaten path” feel.
The main launch point is the public boat ramp at the end of Palmer Neck Road. There’s a large parking area and a clearly marked launch, with a separate space that kayakers and paddleboarders typically use.
From here, you’re paddling directly into Little Narragansett Bay, a sheltered coastal estuary where the Pawcatuck River meets the Atlantic. The water is generally protected by surrounding marshes and barrier beaches, making it one of the most beginner-friendly saltwater paddling areas around.
There are several great routes to explore from this launch:
Sandy Point
Paddle south across the bay to this narrow barrier island and wildlife refuge. It’s a favorite spot for birdwatching, with gulls, terns, and seasonal shorebirds constantly in motion. Beach landings are typically allowed, but respect posted guidelines and nesting areas, especially during breeding season.Toward Napatree Point
More experienced paddlers can continue east toward Napatree Point. This stretch offers incredible views, but conditions can become rougher as you round the point into more exposed water. Save this route for calm days when the forecast is clear.Marsh Channels & Backwaters
Stay closer to Barn Island to explore winding tidal creeks and salt marshes. These quieter routes are perfect for paddleboarding and wildlife spotting, with osprey, great blue herons, and egrets commonly seen fishing the shallows. One important note: this is a tidal environment. Currents are usually manageable, but they can pick up significantly near channels and the river mouth. Plan your paddle around slack tide or a favorable current for the easiest, most enjoyable experience.Where to Rent Kayaks and Paddleboards
If you didn’t bring your own gear, several convenient rental options are nearby.
Watch Hill Outfitters on Main Street in Westerly rents single and tandem kayaks with paddles and life jackets included. They have a kayak launching area right behind the shop, so you can get on the water within minutes of picking up your rental. They also offer delivery and pickup for an additional fee if you want gear brought to a specific location.
Paddle Surf RI operates a waterfront facility in Misquamicut where you can rent stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. Their location gives you options: paddle in the ocean, explore the salt pond, or take a board off-site for an adventure elsewhere. Off-site rentals include the board, paddle, leash, and life jacket, with car tie-downs provided for transport.
Purple Ape at 17 Winnapaug Road in Misquamicut rents kayaks for exploring Winnapaug Bay. Single kayaks are available for up to 2 hours, and they also rent hydro bikes, paddle boats, and paddle boards.
Tips for Paddling in the Westerly Area
Check tide and wind conditions before heading out, especially if you’re planning river or ocean paddling. Tidal currents on the Pawcatuck can either work beautifully with you or make for a much harder paddle, depending entirely on timing.
Morning paddles tend to offer the calmest conditions and fewer boats, particularly during summer weekends. If you’re paddling near Napatree or Watch Hill, early morning also means fewer people on the beaches, clearer water, and better wildlife viewing.
Bring sun protection and water. Even on overcast days, the reflection off the water intensifies UV exposure. Rhode Island’s beaches and waterways are stunning, but they offer virtually no shade once you’re out on the water.
If you’re new to paddling, start with the protected waters of Winnapaug Pond or the calm sections of the Pawcatuck River before attempting ocean paddling around Napatree Point.
Experience Rhode Island Beaches from a Different Perspective
Whether you’re an experienced paddler looking for new territory to explore or trying kayaking for the first time, there’s a spot here that will work perfectly for you.
Book your stay at Margin Street Inn and add a day on the water to your Rhode Island itinerary. With the Pawcatuck River literally steps from our door and the coast just minutes away, it’s incredibly easy to spend a morning paddling and an afternoon exploring everything else Westerly has to offer.