Bay Creek Paddling Center

My husband and I did the Back to Nature kayak tour and we loved it! The view was absolutely breathtaking and the tour guide was very knowlegable about the area, the history of the land, and water channels that we explored during the tour. Basic instructions on proper paddling technique, safe entrance and exit of the boat were also very helpful to us a new paddlers. We will definitely be back!

I’m giving it two stars because once you’re in the water, this is a BEAUTIFUL place to paddle and I would definitely go there again.
But it took me a while to write this review because the experience (s) I had there just left a nasty taste in my mouth. A few months later, I’m still quite bitter so here are the bullet points:
First of all, I might be more of a suburbanite but I’m used to people being super friendly and helpful. When I launch at Fuzzy Guppies, for example, there is ALWAYS somebody right there offering to help get my kayak from my rooftop to the water. Call me spoiled but I kind of expected the same warm treatment here– especially because I was still a paying customer ($ 5 for parking/​use of the launch.)
Nope. There were about 10 employees just standing around and chatting… I had to go seek somebody out to ask for help.
The employee who did help me only helped set the kayak on the dock then turned away before I could say anything else. This was my first time launching off a dock (and not pushing off a boat launch) so… I didn’t know the right way to do it. Rather than seeking somebody out to ask, I made the mistake of trying to figure it out myself and attempted to just push off the dock the same way I do at a boat launch. I quickly learned that this is the wrong way, after everything flipped over and I went accidentally swimming in ice cold water. (This happened in May 2015.)
Yes, that may have been my own stupidity but I can’t help and feel frustrated about those 10 employees who were just standing around, chit chatting… you’d think someone could have seen what I was attempting to do and stopped me?
Long story short, if you aren’t renting one of their boats then don’t expect any of the employees to pay any attention to you. Beautiful place to paddle but the lousy customer service is worthy of –5 stars.

Purchased a ‘Back to Nature Tour’ for 2. I had never kayaked before and neither had my friend that came with me. The instructor was very thorough and kind. She provided great instructions and a great tour of the area. It was a great way to spend time on the water. I would go here again to try kayaking again and maybe SUP.

It’s good for the price. And the scenery around is green and pretty.

Ken and his staff are always incredibly friendly, helpful, and very accommodating! Prices are very reasonable and the equipment is top of the line. The meandering irondequoit creek behind the shop is absolutely beautiful with much wildlife to see. I highly recommend making Bay Creek your paddling center!

Once every summer we rent kayaks from Bay Creek but this time we took a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) lesson via a Groupon special (which made this a really good deal). Our instructor Nathan was excellent. He is a very good, friendly teacher with clear instructions and a patient approach. The SUP’ing itself was fun and we will be back to give this a try on our own. Of course it helped that it was a beautiful summer afternoon perfect for being out on the water.

Having great fun doing SUPyoga! Recommend it for anyone who loves nature.
Lynn and Sherry make you comfortable and make sure you have a great time too!
Always come out of the creek feeling inspired, alive, happy etc. you would see what I mean if you gave it a try.

Went paddleboarding for the first time here! It was a gorgeous afternoon to soak up some sun and paddle in the creek and bay. Very beginner friendly and even if you do fall, the water isn’t deep.
SUP rentals are $ 19/​hr and the people there were very helpful.

Incredibly friendly employees and on an gorgeous day, the marsh behind their location is an amazing place to paddle around. Easy access to the bay or the marsh make this a primo location to launch, too!

Great service and amazing area for kayaking in Rochester!
The scenery is great and the creek is very navigable even without prior experience. For that reason, I would recommend just renting the kayak/​canoe for however many hours you want it, rather than paying for the shuttle to go to the beginning of the creek. It’s nice, but unnecessary. On a hot day, 2 hours is more than plenty :)
The bay is gorgeous too!

Friendly and quick service. They are happy to help with any aquatic service, and their watercraft are always availible! Would recommend this place to anyone considering going to their competitors.

I didn’t even realize such a place was just down the road from me.
Bay Creek is a great place to get away and immerse yourself in nature. Whether kayaking, canoeing etc. you will have to keep reminding yourself that you’re still in Rochester!
Scenery is great and very tranquil, although close to a busy road, the waterways are quiet with only sounds of the surrounding ambiance of mother nature and you can witness anything from ducks, swans and more.
The prices are more than reasonable with it being about $ 17/​hr for rental of kayak or canoe and it’s extremely easy to learn. I was there just a week ago for the first time kayaking and it was a breeze, so don’t be shy! Drop in and escape the busy life for a little, you won’t regret it.

Took a free one hour SUP class and really enjoyed it. No one was rushed, which shortened the class a bit, but the leader/​instructor, Ken Altfather was very laid back, and imparted his knowledge in a friendly, helpful manner. After a short lesson on paddling and board sizing, we were all out stand up cruising up tranquil Irondequoit Creek with only one guy who nearly went over, but caught himself for a wet save. Really great and highly recommended. It was not hard to stand up or paddle, just takes some good balance and fearless attitude. You may get wet, embrace it. Irondequoit Creek is a great spot to learn as it is very calm.

This was the BEST place I have ever gone for this. Absolutely beautiful. The staff was so nice and friendly. The scenery was breath taking and the instructors were very informative of the area. Lots of laughs and memories here.

It’s pretty cool that a place like this is here in Rochester just outside the city limits. The staff is friendly and helpful. You can rent kayaks or stand up paddle boards. They have two-​person kayaks which might be idea for a parent and child. I have taken the shuttle service to Ellison park and paddled back to the facility. It takes a couple hours, give or take depending if you paddle or drift a lot.
I was also able to try paddle boarding through this location and it was really cool. I thought kayaking was nice but paddle boarding was more liberating feeling to me.
I think they sell kayaks and paddle boards, too, but I have only rented.

Hands down my favorite summer activity — renting kayaks from Bay Creek and getting lost in the winding waterways by Irondequoit Bay.
Peaceful, tranquil, soaking in the rays… oh wait look out for that swan! Really though, they’re fierce.
Honestly, I feel so good getting outside and spending some time on the water. You can get pretty far into the reed trails. I feel like I’m on vacation in the Adirondacks. Then when it’s totally quiet away from the roads, you’ll see a blue heron perched up on a fallen tree branch. Pure bliss. An added bonus: your arms and abs get a workout, especially if there’s a little breeze.
They offer lessons and shuttles to Ellison Park, but I have only done the kayak hour rental, which is plenty! $ 17 a pop, I’m in. They have all the gear (paddles, kayak and lifejackets). I recommend wearing workout clothes or your bathing suit — you get wet. Also, bring a water bottle and sunscreen.
This year I think I’m going to splurge for a trip to Ellison Park and maybe try out paddleboarding.

Wow, this is a great place. I have gone to other places to rent before and the service isn’t as as good as it is here. The guy that they hired new to pull boats in and out of the water (I think his name is Chris?) was really nice. I especially liked how friendly and knowledgeable everyone was. I am very happy with this place and will come back.
Their store also has a great range of gear one can buy for many kayaking expeditions. I just wish they sold something to eat that I could take on my kayaking journey if I decided to pull over my kayak while on the water and take a snack break. other than that, this place rocks, but doesn’t rock your boat. Come here and enjoy a wonderful day kayaking!!!

This is an excellent spot. Great staff, great rental fleet, and great paddling in a kayak, canoe, or on a stand up paddle board. I just paddled for my second time here. Last year they outfitted my son for a canal camping tour. Today, they made my friend, a first time kayaker, feel really welcome and comfortable. I really recommend a tour back into the «creek» where the views of the city and wildlife are really unexpected. Paddling out into the bay gives you some wide open water. Kayaking is great sport and recreation and this is a great place to do it, whether beginner or expert.