Guided kayak and canoe day trips

Tourists, families, friend groups, birthday and team outings, and locals looking for something to do on weekends.

A per-person price for each trip, with extra income from private group bookings, sunset or wildlife themed tours and add-ons like photos or snacks.

• Confident paddling and water safety
• Friendly, clear communication with groups
• Route planning and reading weather and water conditions
• Basic first aid and rescue skills

• Many parks, wildlife refuges and waterways require a commercial use permit or special use permit to run tours, so check with the managing agency
• Check whether your state or local area requires guide, outfitter or boating operator licensing, which varies a lot
• Insurance for guided water activities can be costly and some insurers exclude it, so shop around and read exclusions
• Use liability waivers and life jacket rules, and ask a local attorney to review them
• Weather, water levels and tides can cancel trips, and income is often seasonal
• If you carry paying passengers on boats you do not paddle, check Coast Guard rules and your state boating laws

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many boats, paddles and life jackets you buy, plus your insurance. These are estimates, so get real quotes before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how many trips you run and your group sizes. These are estimates. Weather, water levels and tides can cancel trips, and income is often seasonal.

Check whether parks, refuges or waterways require a commercial or special use permit, and whether your state or area requires guide or outfitter licensing. Shop around for insurance, read exclusions, and have an attorney review waivers.