SOMERS KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Paddling Somers Bay: A Two‑Hour Loop Around Juniper Island and a Century‑Old Pier
A 2‑hour guided paddle around sheltered Somers Bay and the chain of Juniper Islands, ideal for families, wildlife viewing and a quick swim in warm months.
Paddling Somers Bay: A Two‑Hour Loop Around Juniper Island and a Century‑Old Pier.
Take a lively paddle through calm, protected waters around Somers Bay and its chain of Juniper Islands, weaving past remnants of the Somers Lumber Company’s early‑1900s pier system and searching the tree‑lined islets for Bald Eagles and Ospreys.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Bald Eagles, Ospreys and Shore Birds
Somers Bay’s islands host mature and immature Bald Eagles, Ospreys and other native birds—bring binoculars for close patient watches from a quiet kayak.
Paddle Through a Century‑Old Pier System
The route takes you in and around the timbers and pilings left from the Somers Lumber Company’s 1900s pier system—an evocative reminder of the bay’s industrial past.
Shallow Sand Flats and Island Stops
Circumnavigate the largest Juniper Island—playfully nicknamed ‘Gilligan’s Island’—with opportunities for a quick swim or beach stop on warm days, making this a flexible family outing.
What the day feels like
What the paddle feels like
This is a lively, sociable two‑hour paddle in generally calm, sheltered water: you’ll skirt small islands, thread around historic pier remnants, circle the largest Juniper Island and often pause for wildlife watching or a brief swim in the sand flats.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The paddle runs for 2 hours and is offered at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily through August 29.
Wear footwear you don’t mind getting wet (water shoes or sandals), a bathing suit or quick‑dry clothing (avoid jeans or cotton), plus sun gear—sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat—and a water bottle.
Plan for a 2‑hour outing that includes paddling, wildlife viewing and the possibility of a short swim or beach stop.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Somers Bay Morning or Afternoon Tour?
The paddle is a 2‑hour tour.
When are tours offered?
Tours are offered at 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily through August 29.
Is this trip suitable for beginners and children?
Yes—Somers Bay is sheltered and generally calm, and the outing is described as great for families and for all ages.
Will we see wildlife?
Expect opportunities to spot mature and immature Bald Eagles, Ospreys and other native birds that inhabit the islands.
What should I bring and wear?
Bring sun gear (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat), a water bottle, and wear footwear you don’t mind getting wet; clothing should be a bathing suit or quick‑dry fabrics—avoid jeans or cotton.
Is there a swim stop?
On warm days the operator may stop for a quick swim in the sand flats or a brief beach stop at the largest Juniper Island.