Water sports and river adventures
Water is the soul of the Catskills. It moves through valleys and small towns, shaping life, leisure and local pride. From lazy summer floats to adrenaline-filled rapids, every ripple on the Delaware tells a story worth joining.
Family river fun since 1955
Lander’s River Trips has been family-owned for generations, helping visitors discover the beauty of the Upper Delaware by raft, canoe or kayak. With multiple private launches and take-outs from Narrowsburg to Callicoon, Lander’s makes it easy to find your rhythm on the river—whether that means whitewater splashes or a gentle tube float with friends.
Downriver dreams
In Barryville, Reber River Trips invites you to slow down. Offering guided kayak tours, multi-mile floats and their signature pastel-painted Peace Bus shuttle, Reber proves that adventure and relaxation can share the same current.
Woods & waters
For birdwatchers and nature lovers, the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area delivers serenity on a grand scale. Spread across 1,920 acres of wetlands, it’s home to bald eagles, osprey and migratory warblers. Rent a kayak from the Mamakating Environmental Education Center and paddle through a living symphony of water and wings.
Water sports in the Catskills
From winding river routes to still, glassy lakes, the Catskills invite you to experience water in all its forms. Whether you’re paddling through quiet wetlands or floating beneath sunlit cliffs, every waterway tells a story worth joining.
- Canoeing and kayaking (Upper Delaware River, Mongaup River, Bashakill Marsh): Peaceful paddling through scenic waterways surrounded by forested hills and abundant wildlife.
- Rafting and tubing (Barryville, Narrowsburg, Callicoon): Family-friendly river runs that range from gentle floats to lively whitewater stretches.
- Paddleboarding (Lake Superior State Park, Swinging Bridge Reservoir): Calm, glassy waters perfect for balance, reflection and sunrise adventure.
- Fishing (Delaware River, Neversink Reservoir, Mongaup Pond): Cast for trout, bass and walleye in some of New York’s most storied fishing spots.
- Swimming (Mongaup Pond, Lake Superior, Morningside Park): Clear mountain waters and sandy shores ideal for cooling off on a summer afternoon.
- Wildlife paddling and eco-tours (Bashakill WMA, Neversink River): Serene routes through wetlands alive with eagles, herons and migrating songbirds.
In Sullivan County, water has a way of slowing you down and pulling you in.
