Paddle Your Way Through Salem Harbor

SPONSORED CONTENT | Written by Destination Salem. Photographed by Jess Shada and Bridie O’Connell.

When most people think about Salem, they picture historic streets, centuries-old architecture, museums, and famous landmarks. But some of the city’s most memorable views aren’t found on land at all… they’re found on the water.

A paddle through Salem Harbor reveals a Salem that many visitors never experience. From the gentle rhythm of the harbor to the sweeping views of the coastline, being on the water offers a fresh perspective on a city whose story has always been tied to the sea.

Founded in 2014 by Aaron Mearns and Ashley Skomurski, Coast to Coast Paddle grew from a shared love of paddling into one of the North Shore’s premier paddling outfitters. Today, the family-owned business introduces thousands of locals and visitors to the waterways connecting Salem, Beverly, and the surrounding coastline, helping folks of all experience levels discover the beauty of Salem from the water.

For first-timers, the thought of kayaking or paddleboarding on the ocean might feel intimidating. One of the most surprising things about a Coast to Coast Paddle experience is just how quickly those fears disappear.

Our recent paddling experience began on shore, where Aaron talked us through the route using a chart of Salem Harbor. Coast to Coast Paddle provides everything needed for the adventure, including your kayak or paddleboard, paddles, and life jackets, making it easy to focus on the experience rather than the logistics. We advise putting on sunscreen, plus bringing a hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle.

We found our kayaks laid out on the beach, and all we had to do was sit in and a helpful staff member pulled us right into the water. Our small group of four found a gentle, relaxed pace. Some moments were slow, drifting with the current as we took photos of the shoreline and birds perched on rocky outcroppings throughout the harbor. Other moments gave our arms a workout as we dipped in and out of Juniper Cove and around the curve of Winter Island Light. As the tour unfolded, Aaron shared stories that brought the harbor to life, teaching us more about the people and events that shaped Salem’s relationship with the sea.

Throughout the paddle, Aaron pointed out marine life that landlubbers likely won’t see during a trip to Salem. Seagulls and cormorants are plentiful along the shoreline, and we even spotted some jellyfish. Aaron also shared insights about the harbor’s ecosystem, from seaweed to the birds and crabs that call these waters home. He told us he even spotted a bald eagle soaring above the harbor on a past paddle.

Before the tour came to an end, Aaron guided us around Salem’s fishing weir and into Beverly Harbor. There, surrounded by the same waters that have connected these communities for centuries, he shared the story of the 1775 encounter between Beverly’s schooner Hannah, one of the first vessels in George Washington’s fledgling navy, and the British schooner Nautilus. Looking out across the harbor, it was easy to imagine the chaos and uncertainty of the American Revolution unfolding on the very water beneath our kayaks.

While guided paddles are a wonderful introduction, they’re only one part of what Coast to Coast Paddle offers. Visitors can rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore at their own pace, while those looking to build confidence on the water can take advantage of private lessons, beginner paddleboard classes, and multi-week foundations courses designed to develop skills over time. For North Shore residents and frequent visitors, Coast to Coast Paddle also offers memberships and season passes that make it easy to turn an occasional paddle into a regular summer tradition.

Whether you’re searching for outdoor activities in Salem, planning a family-friendly adventure, looking for a unique date idea, or simply hoping to experience Salem from a different perspective, Coast to Coast Paddle offers something truly memorable.