Kayaking in Ramshorn Wildlife Sanctuary: Bald Eagles & Creek

A local who has spent years studying this place paddles alongside you.

Kayak into Ramshorn Livingston Wildlife Sanctuary in the Catskills, paddling the twists and turns of Ramshorn Creek to observe bald eagles and other native wildlife in their habitat. Your guide is a native to the area with years of intimate knowledge of the ecosystem. The experience runs four hours and includes kayak rental, equipment and instruction. Minimum age is 18 and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

The experience

You paddle into the winding waterways of Ramshorn Creek, where the guide, a native to the area, points out the flora and fauna most visitors miss. The creek's twists and turns put you at water level with the wildlife, a vantage point that changes what you can actually see. Bald eagles and other native species move through their habitat while you stay quiet and still, watching from the kayak instead of from a shore or a boardwalk.

The four-hour paddle covers the sanctuary's main waterways. Your guide brings the landscape to life with knowledge built over years of studying this specific ecosystem, not generic facts about the region. Kayak rental and all equipment are included. You show up ready to paddle, and the guide handles the rest of the setup.

The sanctuary is in the Catskills, accessible as a day trip from the surrounding area. Moderate fitness matters here. Four hours of paddling is steady work, and the guide will assess your comfort level before you launch.

What’s included

• Kayak rental and all paddling equipment.
• four-hour guided paddle with a local expert.
• instruction and wildlife observation throughout the creek.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by RipVanWinkle Adventure Guides

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guide who knows the ecosystem intimately rather than someone reading from a script. The local expertise transforms a paddle into a lesson about what actually lives here and why. Minimum age is 18, and you'll need moderate fitness for four hours of paddling.

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife can I expect to see on this kayaking trip?

Bald eagles are the main draw, and they thrive in the sanctuary's habitat. You'll also encounter other native wildlife that lives along Ramshorn Creek. The guide will point out species and behavior as you paddle.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No prior experience is required. The guide provides instruction and handles setup. You do need at least a moderate level of physical fitness, since four hours of paddling is sustained work on the water.

What's included in the kayaking price?

Kayak rental, all paddling equipment and the guide are included. Bring water and sun protection. The guide will advise on what else to prepare.

How long is the paddle, and what's the pace like?

The full experience runs four hours on the water. The pace is steady but not rushed. You're paddling to observe wildlife, so the guide stops to watch and explain what you're seeing rather than racing through the creek.

Is this trip suitable for someone visiting the Catskills for the first time?

Yes. The guide is a native to the area and uses that knowledge to show you the sanctuary's ecosystem in detail. You don't need to know the region beforehand. The guide brings it to life as you paddle.