Downtown Nashville Kayaking
Create unforgettable memories on the water! Experience “Nashville’s Best Water Activity” with River Queen Voyages’ award-winning downtown kayak excursions. Enjoy the most unique views of Music City from the scenic Cumberland River, and get perfect photo opps with the vibrant city skyline.
Our array of activities suit all skill levels, making it a fun outing for everyone. Whether you prefer exploring solo, joining a guided adventure, or booking a private experience for a large group, we have the ideal kayak activity for you.
The Best View in Music City!
Kayak the famous Nashville Skyline on our self-guided kayak adventures! Pick your activity and meet our crew right downtown* at our mobile setup at 2 Victory Ave, next to Nissan Stadium. Stay downtown and paddle around wherever you’d like with our 90min Out & Back kayak rental, or let us shuttle you up (for free!) to Shelby Park to kayak downriver on our popular Skyline Route (1hr/3mi) which ends right back downtown. Or, if you want to add extra time, friendly competition, fun facts, and one of our river guides to the Skyline Route book the River Queen Quest— Nashville's ONLY Kayak Scavenger Hunt (2hrs/3mi).
*Please note: offerings and meeting points may change due to events/closures. While walk-ups are accepted, we highly recommend reserving in advance so we can communicate any changes or day-of info to you.
PRICING
Base price of $44/per person
4+ guests: $43/pp | 7+ guests: $41/pp | 10+ guests: $40/pp | 14+ guests: $37/pp
Includes: kayak; life jacket; paddle; "kayaking 101" tutorial; RQV sticker; van shuttle upriver (for Skyline & Scavenger Hunt) | Scavenger Hunt ($55/pp) includes the above + scavenger hunt crossword puzzle game, phone drybag, tour guide, and prize!
Pricing varies depending on route/activity, and group size. Tandem kayaks accommodate 2 people and are priced as such. See our booking calendar to get the exact price for your desired activity and group size, and be sure to follow us on socials and sign up for our mailing list to take advantage of any deals!
The Skyline
3mi / 1hr | Shelby Park to Downtown
The Skyline is our most popular option for kayak rentals in Nashville. This one-way, 3-mile kayak trip ends in downtown Nashville at 2 Victory Ave Nashville TN 37213 on the EAST side of the river (the Nissan Stadium side.) This is also where you will first meet our crew who will shuttle you to the route’s start point at the Shelby Park Boat Ramp.
Allow about 2.5 hrs total: up to 1.5 hrs kayaking + 1hr for shuttling and put in / take out (depending on wind & river current). Please note, we reserve the right to charge guests who exceed their maximum rental time. This is a self-guided route.
The Scavenger Hunt
3mi / 2hr | Shelby Park to Downtown
Come try the only kayaking Scavenger Hunt in Nashville! This 2hr activity includes everything from The Skyline Route, but adds 1hr of time, river trivia, a crew member on the river with you, and some friendly competition! Solve a crossword puzzle of clues as you paddle from Shelby Park into the stunning downtown skyline. Be the first to finish the route and correctly complete the puzzle to win a prize!
Allow about 3 hrs total: up to 2 hrs kayaking + 1 hr for shuttling and put in / take out (depending on wind & river current). Please note, we reserve the right to charge guests who exceed their maximum rental time.
The Out & Back
90min Rental | Downtown
Do your own thing! Meet us Downtown at 2 Victory Ave for a 90min kayak rental. We launch you right downtown where you can paddle as much or as little as you want! You can stay in the immediate area, or paddle upriver for 30-45mins, then turn around and float back. It’s up to you and all fair game, so long as you return your kayak to the same location before your 90mins is up!
Allow about 2 hrs total: up to 90 mins kayaking + 30 mins for orientation and put in / take out. Please note, we reserve the right to charge guests who exceed their maximum rental time. This is a self-guided route.
Good to know…
Same-day reservations welcome
Tipping the crew is highly encouraged
Guided kayak rentals and group accommodations available - reach out here
These are active kayaking excursions, not "floats"- be prepared to paddle
Children under 7 not recommended
Children 7-10 must be with an adult in a tandem kayak; one adult per 4 children required
All our drivers are CPR/First Aid certified