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Kayak & Canoe Rentals in Iowa

16 of the 175 marinas and boating businesses we track in Iowa are kayak and canoe rentals. Full listings for every city are on the Iowa page.

16locations
16cities
175locations statewide

Rental spots differ by whether they offer flatwater paddling or river trips with shuttle service, as well as the types of watercraft available, such as single, tandem, or sit-on-top kayaks. Some locations include paddles, life jackets, and dry bags in the base rate, while others charge extra or require advance reservations for weekend launches. A map pin shows where the launch site is, but it does not tell you if the location caters to self-guided beginners or experienced paddlers tackling moving water.

Burlington 1

  1. River Basin Canoe & Kayak

    13038 US-61, Burlington, IA 52601

    Call Website All Burlington

Cedar Falls 1

  1. Gateway River Park

    Lincoln and, E Main St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

    Call Website All Cedar Falls

Charles City 1

  1. Charles City Whitewater

    106 Chapel Ln, Charles City, IA 50616

    Call Website

Clear Lake 1

  1. Lake Time Boat Rentals

    4859 S Shore Dr, Clear Lake, IA 50428-9159

    Boat ramp
    Call Website All Clear Lake

Decorah 1

  1. Decorah RiverTubes

    609 Winneshiek Ave, Decorah, IA 52101

    Call Website All Decorah

Elkader 1

  1. Turkey River Rentals

    460 High St SE, Elkader, IA 52043

    Call Website

Independence 1

  1. River Dock Canoe Rental

    Independence, IA 50644

    Call All Independence

Indianola 1

  1. Canoesport Outfitters

    203 W Salem Ave, Indianola, IA 50125

    Call Website All Indianola

Johnston 1

  1. Qso - Terra Park

    6300 Pioneer Pkwy, Johnston, IA 50131-1552

    Call Website All Johnston

Linden 1

  1. Linden Canoes & Kayaks Rentals & Shuttle Service

    205 S Main St, Linden, IA 50146

    Call All Linden

Manchester 1

  1. The Watershed LLC

    252 N River St, Manchester, IA 52057

    Call All Manchester

Maquoketa 1

  1. Maquoketa River Rental

    309 W Grove St, Maquoketa, IA 52060

    Call

Monona 1

  1. Bigfoot Canoe Rental

    409 Deer Rd, Monona, IA 52159-8533

    Call Website

Monticello 1

  1. Monticello River Rentals

    21430 River Rd, Monticello, IA 52310-7982

    Call All Monticello

Redfield 1

  1. Raccoon River Retreats

    711 Bridge St, Redfield, IA 50233

    Call Website

Urbandale 1

  1. Iowa Tubing Adventures

    10141 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50325

    Call All Urbandale
Check water levels and shuttle logistics. River conditions can change launch points or trip durations, and not all operators provide transportation back to your vehicle at the end of the run.

Also in Iowa

Good to know

What equipment is typically included with a kayak or canoe rental?

Most operators include the watercraft, paddles, and personal flotation devices (PFDs) for every passenger as part of the standard rental fee. Some businesses also provide dry bags or safety whistles, but you should bring your own sun protection, water, and quick-drying clothing.

Do I need prior paddling experience to rent a kayak?

Flatwater rentals on lakes or quiet bays generally do not require prior experience, and staff usually provide a brief safety orientation before launch. Guided trips or river runs with rapids may recommend or require basic paddling skills, so check age and experience guidelines before booking.

How much does a typical kayak or canoe rental cost?

Hourly rentals on flatwater typically range from $15 to $30 per hour for a single kayak, while double kayaks and canoes cost slightly more. Half-day or full-day river trips with shuttle service often cost between $40 and $80 per person.

How to shrink wrap a boat?

To shrink wrap a boat, cover support structures with protective padding, lay the shrink film across the hull, heat-shrink it with a heat gun, and add ventilation ports. For large vessels or professional weatherproofing in Iowa, check the 16 marine service providers cataloged on MarinaAtlas.

What is a marine survey?

A marine survey is a detailed inspection of a boat's hull, mechanical systems, and overall condition conducted by a certified surveyor. Across Iowa, MarinaAtlas indexes 16 qualified marine operators and survey specialists to assist buyers and insurance companies.