INDIAN RIVER SELF-GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Solo, Self-Loaded: Haul-It-Yourself Kayaks on Indian River
A self-guided rental program of solo sit-in kayaks from Big Bear Adventures that supplies paddles and lifejackets so you can explore nearby lakes, beaches and the Sturgeon River on your own schedule.
Solo, Self-Loaded: Haul-It-Yourself Kayaks on Indian River.
Laid out from Big Bear Adventures in Indian River, the Haul it Yourself Solo Kayak rental puts the region’s lakes, beaches and river corridors at your control: you pick a destination, load a sit-in kayak into your vehicle, and set the pace. Rentals include paddles and lifejackets and can be booked from a single day up to a week, offering a modular way to sample calm water and more demanding stretches such as the Sturgeon River.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Everything you need to get on the water
Each solo sit-in kayak rental includes paddles and lifejackets, so you can load up and launch without a long gear checklist. Big Bear Adventures supplies the basic safety gear with every craft.
Choose your own route and schedule
The haul-it-yourself model lets you transport the kayak to any nearby lake, beach, or river and plan outings on your own timeline within the rental windows.
Sturgeon River: not a lazy float
If you decide to take rental equipment on the Sturgeon River, expect a noticeably more challenging experience rather than a mellow, lazy stretch of water.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to do this
The program channels self-reliance: collect a solo sit-in kayak from Big Bear Adventures within the designated pickup hours, load it on your vehicle, and head to lakes, beaches or river put-ins to paddle at your own pace. For calm water days you’ll shuttle between quiet coves and sandy beaches; for tougher runs, the Sturgeon River delivers a step up in technical demand.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this rental suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Options span 1–7 day rentals; pick up and return equipment between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
Each solo sit-in kayak rental includes paddles and lifejackets. Other 24-hour rental items and prices are listed by the operator (e.g., Regular Tubes: $20; Lifejackets: $10; Paddles: $10; Kayak Paddles: $13).
A signed, open-ended credit card slip is required as the equipment deposit.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What craft types are offered?
The program offers solo “sit-in” kayaks only; the operator does not offer Old Town canoes, sit-on-top kayaks, deluxe tubes, cooler carrier tubes, or rafts.
Are paddles and lifejackets provided?
Yes. Each rental includes paddles and lifejackets.
When can I pick up and return equipment?
Pick up and return of equipment is allowed between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
How long can I rent a kayak?
Rental options are available from 1 to 7 days.
Is the Sturgeon River appropriate for casual paddling?
No—operators note that the Sturgeon River is not a lazy river and presents a more challenging experience if you choose to take rental equipment there.
What deposit is required?
A signed, open-ended credit card slip is required as the equipment deposit.