The Guide to Kayaking & Paddleboarding in the Marshall Islands

By far your best option for experiencing kayaks and stand-up paddleboarding in Majuro is with Kin Iokwe Rentals. They are the Marshall Islands’ most dedicated operator for hiring kayaks, paddleboards and other outdoor equipment.

Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals with Kin Iokwe Rentals

The Swiss-army-knife of watersports rentals, Kin Iokwe gives you the choice between solo kayaks and two-seater kayaks, or swap the paddle for a little more wobble with one of the stand-up paddleboards. Life jackets are available with the equipment.

Hourly rental prices are approximately US$15-US$30, depending on the equipment you choose.

One of the biggest advantages is the delivery service. Kin Iokwe Rentals can bring equipment to your accommodation or directly to popular launching areas, including the lagoon near the airport and Delap Park (we cover these paddling spots in more detail later in this guide).

Alternatively, you can collect your equipment from the operator’s house beside the landfill on the eastern side of Majuro.

Kin Iokwe Rentals also hires snorkelling equipment, bicycles and mopeds, making it a handy contact for exploring both the lagoon and the island’s narrow ribbon of road.

A small number of island stays in Majuro have kayaks or stand-up paddleboards available for guests, although, admittedly, the equipment is limited and should not be treated as guaranteed.

We recommend checking directly with your accommodation before arrival, particularly if paddling is an important part of your plans.

Bikendrik Island Resort

The private island resort of Bikendrik keeps a kayak available for guests. At the time of our interview, the owner was also arranging to purchase a new one.

Guests can use the kayak to reach the neighbouring island where landing is permitted (an important note, as not every island in the atoll is open to the public).

Eneko Island

Eneko Island is available both as an overnight stay and as a day trip booked through Hotel Robert Reimers. Cottage accommodation is available for travellers who would rather enjoy the island after the day-trippers have departed.

There were no kayaks available when we last visited, although the island had one paddleboard with a paddle. Since there is only one and equipment availability can change, this is not something we recommend relying on when planning your trip.

Bokanbotin Island Resort

The private island resort of Bokanbotin Island has a couple of stand-up paddleboards available. However, staff do not generally recommend using them around the island because of the strong tidal currents.

These currents can quickly carry paddlers away from shore, so take the staff’s advice seriously. In other words, the paddleboards may be present, but this is not necessarily the place to test your balancing skills.

But there are many more reasons to enjoy Majuro's resorts, as detailed in the 10 Best Resorts & Hotels in the Marshall Islands.

The lagoon side of Majuro offers some excellent places to launch a kayak or paddleboard, from surprisingly scenic urban shores to stretches of coastline with coral, fish and sandy beaches.

Wear a life jacket, carry drinking water and avoid paddling alone.

Lagoon Side of the Airport Runway

The coastline beside Amata Kabua International Airport is one of the most surprising places to kayak or paddleboard in Majuro. Despite the unlikely backdrop of an airport runway, the lagoon here can be remarkably clear and rewarding to explore.

This is also home to excellent snorkelling. Large fan corals, various fish species and the occasional small shark can be seen beneath the surface, while the area is also popular with local spearfishers.

You can hire snorkelling equipment from Kin Iokwe Rentals, so it is well worth adding a mask and snorkel to your delivery.

There are also several small sandy beaches along this stretch of coast where you can stop, rest or fish if you have your own rod. Fishing equipment can be purchased from 7 Degrees North Marine (K&K Island Pride Supermarket Building, Delap). Just remember that reef conditions, currents and visibility vary, so ask locally before heading too far from shore.

Delap Park

For a more urban paddling experience, head to Delap Park in the heart of Majuro. A small beach behind The Food Truck provides an easy place to launch a kayak or paddleboard.

Paddling here gives you a completely different view of the capital, with surprisingly blue lagoon water contrasting against the busy shoreline. It is a convenient choice for travellers who want a short paddle without travelling far from central Majuro.

Check the latest water-quality announcements from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) before swimming or snorkelling. The water is usually considered suitable, but conditions can occasionally change after heavy rain.

Keep an eye out for boats if you paddle farther from shore, particularly around busier parts of the lagoon. Staying close to the coastline makes this a more relaxed option for beginners.