Frequently Asked Questions
-
We are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including all holidays. Hours vary by season and holiday, so be sure to check our Google listing for most accurate info:
https://g.page/jupiteroutdoorcenter
We sometimes offer specialty tours, like our sunset tours, that may run later into the evenings on select dates.
-
Prices vary by activity. Go through the motions of booking of any adventure you’re interested in to see the current price.
-
Both! We have single kayaks that hold one person as well as two-person, or tandem, kayaks. Tandem kayaks may also be able to fit a small child in the middle. In addition, we have canoes that can fit up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.
-
There aren’t any! One of the best things about kayaking and paddleboarding is that it is fun for the whole family, from infants to seniors. We have all the appropriate equipment you’ll need to make sure everyone is safe and having a blast. It is sometimes better to have younger kids in a 2-seater kayak with an adult, just because kids can get tired of paddling on their own and it is a great way to have fun together.
-
If you don’t want to, we can and will give you the best advice on how to not end up in the water, but if you should fall out of your kayak or off your board, then it is truly very simple to get back in, and you will have a life jacket to keep you afloat. Very few people “accidentally” fall into the water, but if you do, first try standing up! If you can’;t stand, swim the kayak over to the nearest river bank and get back in!
-
Truly, it isn’t that hard to learn, which is why it is a sport growing in popularity so quickly. Just like anything in life, the more you practice the better you get, and everybody has a different aptitude for learning something new. We have seen great-grandmothers who have never paddle boarded before, rent a paddleboard and be paddling around Jupiter with no problem in less than 15 minutes, and have had athletic young men get out there and not do as well as the senior citizens. You can either give it a try on your own, with a brief orientation on technique by our staff (which everyone receives), or we offer a great 1-hour private lesson that can get you up and paddle like a pro with some training from an instructor!
-
Anytime! Paddling the Loxahatchee from Riverbend Park is amazing rain or shine, windy or calm, and is not tide dependent.
The best time in and around the Jupiter Inlet is just before high tide when the water is crystal clear. Other than the tides, wind is another factor, and paddling becomes difficult as the wind speed gets to about 15 mph. You can always call us at 561-747-0063 or check the Jupiter Inlet tide calendar to see what the tide and weather conditions are looking like. Our staff prides themselves in creating an effective and safe trip plan for each one of our guests.
-
Advanced reservations are recommended for rentals, and required for tours. Sometimes, especially on weekends, we have several large groups show up, and we can run out of equipment. An advanced reservation will assure you have your equipment set aside and available for the time you, or your group, choose. You can book your rental, tour, or lesson right from our website!
-
Jupiter Outdoor Center’s Cancellation Policy:
Thank you for understanding that Jupiter Outdoor Center (JOC) has honored your paid reservation by removing availability of selected equipment or event space, thereby making it unavailable for others.
Equipment rentals, guides, instructors, camp, and tour space is only guaranteed when a reservation is made and has been paid in full. In special circumstances, JOC may choose to secure your reservation with credit/debit card information to be charged upon arrival; however, if you do not attend, your card will be charged and the same refund policy stated below applies.
JOC’s cancellation policy is included in your confirmation email and posted on our website at www.jupiteroutdoorcenter.com
If JOC cancels a tour or event due to dangerous weather conditions or other conditions beyond its control, you will receive either a full credit or 100% refund. Please note that only JOC has the right to cancel for weather-related or other necessary conditions. If you or anyone in your party are unable to attend your reserved rental, event, or tour for any reason, you must email info@jupiteroutdoorcenter.com at least 48 hours in advance to receive a 100% credit for future use. Credits are fully transferable to friends or family and never expire. Any written cancellations received within 48 hours of the scheduled reservation shall not be refunded or credited. JOC appreciates your understanding in enforcing this refund policy since we have removed availability from our inventory for you, thus making it ineligible for others to reserve and use.
-
You should dress appropriately for the weather in clothing and shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Paddling is a water sport and you WILL get wet to some degree. Long sleeved shirts, or a rashgaurd, along with a brimmed hat and sunglasses is ideal for sun protection, and be sure to apply sunscreen on exposed areas of skin. You can wear flip-flops, or go barefoot, but ideally you should wear sandals with a strap (like Teva’s) or water shoes. You should bring water or a sports drink to stay hydrated, any small snacks or a packed lunch you might like to have with you, and a camera or cell phone. A drybag or drybox is recommended, unless your phone or camera are waterproof.
-
No. Alligators are actually quite timid around paddlers and humans and prefer to hide from us, not bother us. You also don’t need to worry about sharks, and although they may be living in the area if you’re paddling the inlet, they too tend to swim away from paddlers and humans as we scare them more than they scare us.
-
You must return boats/bikes by the end of your rental period or incur a late fee of $ 20 per hour.
If you’re having trouble deciding between a longer or shorter rental period, save some money by renting for the longer duration since it’s only $10-$15 more for the additional 2 hours. Worth it, even if you only us a portion of that extra 2 hours.
In addition to any late fees, there is a $50 charge for each piece of equipment returned after closing. Our staff works hard and is ready to go home at the end of the day. Not to mention the hazards to both customers and staff when returning in diminished light.
One last thing to note: there is a $100 fee for any piece of equipment not returned to starting point.