Pinelands Adventures — Local services in Shamong Township

What a lovely day canoeing on the Batsto river yesterday. We couldn't have asked for better weather, the water was plenty high, and the company grand. We only had one of our party tip a canoe - but that's half the fun, right? Pro tip: Don't play boat Frisbee when the aft oarsman is trying to navigate obstacles :-( Oh ... this is suppose to be a review of Pinelands Adventures. Well ... OK.

In short, we've been canoeing many times, and have had varying experiences with rental places. These guys got it all right.

We took three canoes out yesterday with eight people on a 4 hour trip (that we made last to 5+ hrs). Their website was up to date, so we knew right away which trips were out due to lack of water. I called and spoke to [sorry ... I forget his name] who help me select a trip. He took our reservation - no credit card needed till we got there. Online Waivers made check-in a breeze. The staff were all pleasant and thorough. We arrived early and our bus departed on time.

You don't generally think about the trip to/from the river as part of the experience, but it was. Our driver, Barnes, was great. Not only was he thorough and no-nonsense when it came to safety, he's a "piney" from way back and on the way to the river gave us a narrative of the Pinelands that could rival a Philly Bus Tour Driver. I remember as a kid when my Dad, Brothers and I would help load and unload canoes from the trailer so I tried to help, but Barnes would have none of it. We didn't have to touch a canoe or equipment till a boat was in the water. He was focused on us having a safe and enjoyable paddle down the river, and that didn't include carting canoes from the trailer to the water.

Paddle ... good times ... paddle ... good times ... paddle ... good times ... paddle ...

We understood that when we got to the end that it might be a while till someone was there to pick us up, but Barnes was waiting when we made land. I tried to help grab some equipment, but again he kindly said "Thank You" as he gracefully scooped it all out of my hands and made for the bus - no need to do any work if the canoes were not in the water.

These guys have it down....

Really knowledgeable and super friendly staff. Gave us a great history lesson of the pine barrens on the drive to the dropoff. This was our first time canoeing and we capsized almost immediately, but the staff quickly responded and rescued us and we finished the journey safely and wiser. Cannot overemphasize how helpful the staff was, they really saved the day for us. In the end we had a great time and are planning another outing soon. The pine barrens are gorgeous and the river was just challenging enough to keep it interesting the whole time, but not overwhelming. Thank you so much Pineland Adventures, you guys are the best!

UPDATED REVIEW FOR 2020:

This was me and my wife's second time down the river. Last year we opted for the canoe instead of two kayaks, and i must say, it was a much better experience this time around. Kayaks are perfectly suited for navigating the tight river and offer way more control. So if you're a couple and are looking into a canoe for your first trip, consider two single kayaks instead, you will have a much better and relaxing experience. The staff at Pinelands were as professional and friendly as always, and I would recommend this experience and company to anybody who asked. Thanks for another...

One of my favorite places to kayak. I love that when you rent the kayak, you have it for the day so if you do a 4 or 5 hour row starting at 9 you could have a picnic at one of the beaches along the river and have plenty of time to finish by the last pick up at 430.

It is a challenging place to row because the river has many twists and turns. Personally I think that makes it extra fun. I do not recommend people try to use a canoe to row down the river. I have seen people flip and get stuck. When I first started going I would rent a tandem. On a day when the current was particularly fast we flipped. It was an exhilarating experience, but now I only rent a single person kayak.

I have done the 8 hour row. It is a beautiful row, but exhausting.

If you are a return customer there are various starting points and the river conditions vary alot so it is like rowing on a different river each time.

On top of all this, the bus drivers are extremely knowledgeable. They give a fascinating history of the forest and the surrounding towns. It is a bumpy ride to get to the drop off point, but the warton state forest is super isolated and the roads are made of sand so it is to be expected and part of the...