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 ops with the vibrant city skyline.
The Best View in Music City!
See the famous Nashville Skyline on a self-guided kayaking adventure. Book your activity and meet our crew at our mobile setup next to Nissan Stadium in downtown Nashville— we’ll take care of the rest!
What is “The Skyline” Route?
Our award-winning route, The Skyline, is a self-guided, one-way paddle on The Cumberland River from East Nashville to downtown. The route is 3 miles long and takes about 1 hour to complete on average, but we allow you up to 1.5 hours and encourage you to take your time and explore if you’d like!
How it works: Check in at our downtown meeting spot about 15 mins before your reservation. Once everyone is checked in, we’ll shuttle you 10 mins up the road (for free!) to the start point in Shelby Park. There, you’ll be outfitted with your equipment, and given a quick tutorial and safety speech before we put you on the water. Once on the water, you’ll kayak downriver, back into downtown where you first met us. Our crew will be there to help you off the water and snap your pic with the gorgeous skyline backdrop (if you want!)
*Please note: offerings and meeting points may change due to events/closures. In low-season, routes may need to meet a guest minimum to be confirmed. While walk-ups are accepted, we highly recommend reserving in advance so we can communicate any changes or day-of info to you. Check out our FAQs for more helpful info.
PRICING
Base price: $46/per person
4+ guests: $45/pp | 7+ guests: $44/pp | 10+ guests: $41/pp | 13+ guests: $39/pp | 16+ guests: $37
Includes: kayak; life jacket; paddle; "kayaking 101" tutorial; RQV sticker; van shuttle upriver (for Skyline & Scavenger Hunt) | Scavenger Hunt Add On (+$10/pp) includes the above + scavenger hunt crossword puzzle game, phone dry bag, and prize for the winner!
Pricing may vary depending on route/activity, group size, seasonality, and day of the week. Groups of 10+ are subject to an 18% gratuity. 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
The award-winning way to kayak in downtown Nashville! This self-guided, one-way paddle is perfect for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. Enjoy a little slice of nature and end with picture-perfect views of the Nashville skyline on this 3 mile paddle along our bustling urban waterway. While the route typically only takes about an hour, you’re welcome to enjoy your rental for up to 1.5 hours. You’ll share the river with working towboats, Great Blue Heron, turtles, catfish, and more— feel free to explore!
How it works: For the Skyline, you will meet our crew at our mobile set up by Nissan Stadium to catch our shuttle to your route’s starting point in East Nashville’s Shelby Park. There, our crew will give you a brief “Kayaking 101” tutorial, get you outfitted for your paddle, and help you onto the water. You’ll paddle one-way, downriver with the current, and end right back in downtown Nashville by Nissan Stadium where you first met us. Easy!
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.
Available for: Single Kayaks, Tandem (2-person) Kayaks, & Paddleboards
3 miles / 1.5 hour rental | Shelby Park to Downtown
The Scavenger Hunt Add On
Upgrade your reservation!
Want to try the only kayaking Scavenger Hunt in Nashville? Book “The Skyline” then select the Scavenger Hunt add on to upgrade your rental! With the add on, you’ll be given a cell phone dry bag and crossword puzzle kit (physical or digital!) with clues you’ll solve as you paddle. It’s a fun— and slightly competitive— way to learn about river history and eco facts... and be reminded to slow down and look around!
The Out & Back
90 min rental | Downtown | Available on a limited basis
This 90min kayak rental starts and ends right in downtown Nashville. We’ll get you outfitted and on the water where you’re free to choose your own adventure! You can stay in the immediate area, or paddle upriver for ~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 are up!
How it works: For the Out & Back, you will meet our crew at our mobile set up by Nissan Stadium Our crew will give you a brief “Kayaking 101” tutorial, get you outfitted for your paddle, and help you onto the water. Float around the immediate downtown area, or paddle upriver against the current before turning around and returning your kayak to the starting spot.
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.
Available for: Single Kayaks, Tandem (2-person) Kayaks, & Paddleboards
Good to know…
Same-day reservations welcome
Our low-season offerings are subject to minimum guest requirements
Tipping the crew is highly encouraged. 18% gratuity is added to groups of 10+.
Guided kayak rentals and group accommodations available on a case-by-case basis - reach out here
While these are beginner-level paddles, they are still 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