Guided Tours

BayCreek Paddling Center

1099 Empire Blvd

Rochester, New York 14609

(585) 288-2830

"Hap Paddler",

BayCreek's Web (footed) Master

BayCreek is located in a truly unique setting. From our creek south is a beautiful wet land rich in both natural and human history. And from our dock north is the scenic Irondequoit Bay with it's sand cliffs, convoluted shoreline and secluded coves. Our guides are experienced naturalists and certified instructors.

Back to Nature Kayak Tour,
If you are new to kayaking, there is no better way to check it out than our inexpensive, 2-hour, "Back to Nature Kayak Tour". You'll get basic instruction in paddling, use of a solo (or tandem) kayak and you'll experience a the beauty of a mini-wilderness, right here in our backyard. Click the link above for more information.

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photo by Tom Barker

Dolphin Watch Bay Tour
If you are a bit more adventureous, you'll like our 2-hour "Dolphin Watch Tour" of Irondequoit Bay. We'll cover more distance paddling along the edge of the bay and you'll get a feel kayaking in open water. Click the link above for more information.

Back to Nature Kayak Tour (Canoes too)

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No experience is required to join this naturalist guided tour of the Irondequoit Creek wetlands in your choice of craft (single kayak, double kayak or canoe). Float through time and history, from the period of the glaciers to modern day and from the days of the Senecas to the days of ship building on the creek. Observe the natural beauty and the homes to many birds, mammals and fish. Chance to gander a gaggle of geese and muskrat, mink, beaver, deer, trout, turtles, red winged blackbirds, kingfishers, great blue herons and who knows what you might see.

The tour begins with a clinic on basic strokes and safety, then launches off into the valley of the once mighty Dansville River. The effects of the glacial period on the valley's formation and evolution will be explained and a unique 300 million year old plant will be studied. See the "scourge of the marsh" and learn the stories of proud Indians and fearless explorers. Witness the effects of man's development and see the recent attempts to mitigate the damage. Return via Muskrat Run (open only in periods of high water) through the "jungle ride" and imagine alligators and hippo's around every turn.

Duration: 2 hours
Reservations: required
Schedule: Thursdays 6 - 8pm, Sat 9:30-11:30am, Sun 6-8am (sunrise tour)
Group schedule - special times can be arranged with a minimum of 2 boats.
Fee:

Kayak single $35 ($60 for party of two)

Kayak double $60 (for two)

Canoe $60 (for two)

Children half price when in boat with adult.

Dolphin Watch (Half-Bay Kayak Tour)

No experience necessary for this tour of Irondequoit Bay, but you must be able to paddle for 2 hours at a moderate pace and sit comfortably for that period of time. We find the best times for "Dolphin watching" on the bay is early morning and evening. OK, so we're not sure they are dolphin, maybe they're carp, but that doesn't detract from the scenery and joy of gliding across the bay in a sleek kayak. After a brief clinic on safety and paddling, the group will launch and follow the convoluted shoreline of the east side. Along this route, paddlers will typically see cliff swallows, great blue heron, ducks, geese, swan, cormorants and raptors. Hey, was that a dolphin's fin?

Our mid-point destination is Held's cove and after exploring its interesting nooks and crannies, we'll return to BayCreek. This is a perfect time to enjoy the easy cruising of a sleek sea kayak.

Duration: 3 hours
Reservations: required
Schedule: Please call for dates
Fee: Kayak single $45

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1099 Empire Blvd. Rochester, NY 14609 (585) 288-2830 Fax: (585) 288-5721