Pinelands Adventures
Pinelands Adventures
5
Eco ToursHiking & Camping ToursNature & Wildlife ToursSelf-Guided Tours & RentalsKayaking & Canoeing
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Pinelands Adventures is the premier canoe and kayak livery service in New Jersey's Pine Barrens. Adventures staff makes it easy for you to get deep into the woods and paddle some of the most beautiful streams you’ll ever see, with 2, 4, 5 & 8-hour self-guided paddling trips daily from April through October. Naturalist-guided paddling trips, hikes and small group bus tours featuring Pine Barrens ecology, culture and history are scheduled throughout the year for families, individuals, schools and community service organizations. Pinelands Adventures is a not-for-profit initiative of Pinelands Preservation Alliance, so you are supporting conservation whenever you use Adventures services.
Shamong, New Jersey
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,275 reviews
Excellent
1,193
Very good
69
Average
10
Poor
1
Terrible
2
ericbar2020
Beverly, NJ1 contribution
Sep 2020 • Family
We had a great kayak trip through Pinelands Adventures. They handled social distancing well and the staff were courteous and gave tips when dropping off new paddlers, and even gave some history of the Pine Barrens on the ride over. They had a store with supplies that many people would forget to bring and I can't imagine they make much money at all with the prices they charge--no price gouging! A good company doing good work.
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are here to help give people a greater appreciation of the Pine Barrens and are so glad you had a good experience!
Written September 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lisa L
Eastampton, NJ17 contributions
Jul 2020
My husband and I did a 4 hour tandem kayak trip on July 4, 2020 and had a wonderful time! The staff did a great job ensuring their customers were safe during the current pandemic with proper guidelines. They also were extremely knowledgeable about the surrounding area and very helpful in person and answering questions prior to our trip on their website. We have done kayaking and canoeing at several places around the country and Pinelands Adventures was a very unique experience. The river offered many twists and turns making the trip fun but still challenging which added to the enjoyment of the day. We are fortunate to live close by and hope to do another trip in the near future. We highly recommend Pinelands Adventures and are so happy we booked a trip with them.
Written July 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, we do our best to keep everyone safe during their time with us.
So glad you had a good time on the water and we'll look forward to seeing you again soon!
Written July 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MardiNJ
57 contributions
May 2021
My friend and I rented kayaks from Pinelands Adventures as part of a group trip with friends who were camping and had their own kayaks.. The Pinelands staff were top notch, efficient, on time, and knowledgeable about the Pine Barrens and the rivers we were kayaking. Our knowledgeable driver gave us a wonderful narrative of local history and nature. I'm sorry I do not rember her name. The rental boats were sturdy but not nimble. Ok since we don't have our own kayaks.
Written May 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annalee
1 contribution
Sep 2020
We did the Self Guided Quaker Bridge to Batsto Lake -- this is the four hour self guided option. We had a great time! Got a beautiful day in September - the weather was a bit on the cooler side in the 60's, but it turns out that's wonderful weather for this trip. We saw a few turtles, pretty flowers, dragonflys, and lots of beautiful pine forrest. The river is deep into the woods with no roaddragonflysnoise and paddlers were nicely spaced out so we had the rive to ourselves for most of the trip. We set out in the bus at 12:00 and were riding back to our car in the bus by 4:30. The people who run this buisness are great at what they do, were perfectly on time to pick us up, and were very helpful with paddling tips and interesting facts about the area on the ride to the river. Couldn't recommend this trip more! Covid protocols were also followed and seemed like a very low risk activity. I want to do the 5 hour trip next!
Written September 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're so happy you had such a good experience and look forward to taking you out for that 5-hour trip soon!
Written September 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gina M
7 contributions
Oct 2020
My husband and I kayaked the Batsto River on a tandem kayak. We rented the kayak on a week day to avoid the weekend crowds. We enjoyed our transfer ride because our driver spoke about the area with a great deal of historical knowledge. Once on the river we felt the freedom and beauty only the natural world can create. The air was cool and brisk. It was a great way to spend the day.
Written October 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SonofBen
Philadelphia, PA89 contributions
Jun 2021
Booked a trip for 16 people. Most took kayaks but 2 went in a canoe. Allison was great in helping out with setting up a weblink everyone could use to pay for their own boat and how to split up the groups and getting everyone to sign the waivers. She should have told us to bring some money to tip the drivers: they were great talking about the vegetation and what to expect. We went on the 4hr trip to Basto Village. Think it took us a bit longer since we spend a long time at the beach and had to wait often for the canoe which was a lot slower than the kayaks. We saw beautiful vegetation, flowers, water lilies, turtles and so much more. Was an epic day everyone of us enjoyed.
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin B
Manasquan, NJ5 contributions
Oct 2020
We found Pinelands Adventures this past March after the Pandemic took hold. Needing to get away, we booked a trial trip down the Batsto.
Within 24 hours after the first trip, we scheduled the same trip again later the next month.
After graduating from the Batsto, we took our kayaks to the Mullica for a long more challenging trip.
Advice, stick with the Batsto if you are green/new. After getting your feet wet, (pun intended) move to the 5-hour trip.
Overall, the experience with P.A. is great. Easy to get to, great staff, and most importantly the rivers are well maintained.
Don't rush down the river as the day can go quick, leaving you wanting more.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________f
Some of the required survey questions are misleading.
Yes, you can do this with a large group; however, you will be paddling by yourself.
We went as a group of 6 and had a great time.
Kids... They have kids' activities. I wouldn't send a small child on the 5-hour trip. Check with them to see what they recommend.
Romantic... Kind of. If you are looking for team-building yes. If you are married, don't rent the double or the canoe, as those boats are hard to navigate, especially if you are new to the activity. Some say tandem kayaks and canoes will seal the divorce papers. I agree.
Yes, I have recommended this to friends.
Within 24 hours after the first trip, we scheduled the same trip again later the next month.
After graduating from the Batsto, we took our kayaks to the Mullica for a long more challenging trip.
Advice, stick with the Batsto if you are green/new. After getting your feet wet, (pun intended) move to the 5-hour trip.
Overall, the experience with P.A. is great. Easy to get to, great staff, and most importantly the rivers are well maintained.
Don't rush down the river as the day can go quick, leaving you wanting more.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________f
Some of the required survey questions are misleading.
Yes, you can do this with a large group; however, you will be paddling by yourself.
We went as a group of 6 and had a great time.
Kids... They have kids' activities. I wouldn't send a small child on the 5-hour trip. Check with them to see what they recommend.
Romantic... Kind of. If you are looking for team-building yes. If you are married, don't rent the double or the canoe, as those boats are hard to navigate, especially if you are new to the activity. Some say tandem kayaks and canoes will seal the divorce papers. I agree.
Yes, I have recommended this to friends.
Written November 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole M
3 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
We took the shorty trip in four single kayaks. Call ahead to know what the river conditions will be like for your visit. We originally booked 2 canoes, but with low water from lack of rain, I called a day ahead and switched our reservation. We were able to scoot and paddle over the submerged logs, some took more effort than others. Saw over 30 turtles and a snake. Beautiful pinelands scenery. 2 adults, 15yo, 12yo.
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your flexibility with the boats; sometimes we all have to accommodate the whims of Mother Nature! We're so glad you enjoyed your Shorty trip and saw lots of wildlife.
Written October 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
saradicampli
1 contribution
Sep 2020
Batsto River is barely a brook much less a river it’s full of debri and many fallen trees that are obstructing the path -so unless you’re ok carrying your kayak thru the trip I highly recommend you go to the lake instead. My kayaks seat literally broke I had to yak with no back support. It was grueling-After explaining to the owner my experience he invited us back as guests to go to the lake.
Written October 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It took six years of hard work and 994 TripAdvisor reviews to achieve, but we finally did it. We got our first and, so far only, "terrible" review.
Our entire staff strives to provide the best possible experience. We know we can't please everyone but that doesn't stop us from trying. It was disappointing that you weren't happy.
We set you up for success by telling you what to expect and providing you with a (literally) brand-new, high-quality kayak. When you returned and told us you weren't happy with your experience we immediately invited you back as our guest. You seemed pleased with your second paddling adventure and told us you had a good time. But then you went home and immediately wrote this negative review.
It seems the biggest complaint was that you didn't like the Batsto River. It is different than other rivers, narrow and winding with lots of obstacles. It's the most pristine river in New Jersey's Pine Barrens.
In the week you were here, hundreds of other guests paddled the Batsto. All of them had a blast. Except you.
The Batsto River is a metaphor for life. The more you fight the natural course of things, the harder it becomes.
Written October 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ysvetlana
Philadelphia, PA11 contributions
Jul 2020
Did the Atsion Lake to Lock’s Bridge (2+ hours) paddle this weekend and it was fantastic as ever! Staff was following all health & safety protocols (masks, physical distancing, disinfecting/cleaning of bus seats, etc.). The journey itself is super relaxing and in a beautiful setting with enough tree cover to hide from the heat and enough curvy turns to keep it fun! The water levels were high enough and the current was on the stronger side, so the turns came up pretty fast, which was pretty awesome. Looking forward to coming back and doing a longer stretch with an overnight!
Written July 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks, so glad you had a pleasant day on the water! Hope to see you again soon!
Written July 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is it ok to jump in the water to cool off while kayaking? And when would you say is the best months and times to go? I don’t want it to be busy, would like that serine experience with comfortable temperatures.
Written May 5, 2020
PinelandsAdventures
Shamong, New Jersey
Hi Jasmin,
Technically, you are not supposed to swim anywhere in the state forest without a lifeguard present but people o all of the time. Usually, we are open for paddling every day between April 1 and October 31 and each month brings a different experience. The fall can be lovely, with warmer water temperatures even if it's a little cooler outside. It can get more crowded on weekends in June, July and August but our rivers are narrow and winding and even when there are other people out there you can often feel like you are by yourself. Hope to see you when we re-open!
Written May 6, 2020
PinelandsAdventures
Shamong, New Jersey
Hi Patty,
As Judith said it certainly can get hot. However, the water is cool and trees shade most of the river which reduces the temperature a bit. The weather certainly varies dramatically from day to day and week to week. You can follow the forecast for our area using the zip code 08088 to plan a temperate time to visit. Please let us know if you have any other question or if we can assist you with your reservation.
Thanks!
Rob from Pinelands Adventures
Written June 12, 2018
my family is planning to paddle the Batsto and Mullica rivers soon. are they clear of debris? We have come before and had to fight storm debris for hours and would like to avoid that. Any advice you can give us would be great.
Written September 16, 2016
PinelandsAdventures
Shamong, New Jersey
The Batsto River from Quaker Bridge to Batsto Lake is currently (9-16-16) the best bet. It's our most dependable stretch of river even when water levels are low elsewhere. The Mullica is low and there are a number of places where you'll have to get out to go over previously submerged trees and shallow spots.
Written September 16, 2016
Can you rent a conoe if you are at atsion lake for the day and would like to paddle the lake
Written July 11, 2016
PinelandsAdventures
Shamong, New Jersey
The canoe rentals during the summer at Atsion Recreation Area are available from another vendor. Pinelands Adventures can offer daily rentals at the lake before Memorial Day and after Labor Day.
For those staying at Atsion Cabins, Atsion Family Campground or Goshen Pond Campground, Pinelands Adventures can deliver a canoe or kayak to your campsite or cabin for the day or week.
Written July 12, 2016
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