Third Coast Paddling

06/13/2026

The reviews say it better than we ever could. ❤️ From peaceful paddles through the marsh to family adventures at the beach, we’re grateful for every guest who chooses to explore with us.

We’re open today at the Galien River and 6 other locations across Southwest Michigan, including in New Buffalo, Warren Dunes, St. Joseph, and Saugatuck-Douglas. Get outside, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy this gorgeous weekend with us! Book in advance: https://thirdcoastpaddling.com/

06/13/2026

The reviews say it better than we ever could. ❤️ From peaceful paddles through the marsh to family adventures at the beach, we’re grateful for every guest who chooses to explore with us.

We’re open today at the Galien River and 6 other locations across Southwest Michigan, including in New Buffalo, Warren Dunes, St. Joseph, and Saugatuck-Douglas. Get outside, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy this gorgeous weekend with us!

06/13/2026

Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or sandboards with us at Warren Dunes State Park — you can get into the park FREE this weekend! Details below 👇

Mark your calendars! June 13–14 is "Three Free" Weekend!

*No ORV license or trail permit required for you to ride on 4,000 miles of state-designated routes and trails and in the state’s six scramble areas (other ORV rules and laws still apply).
*No fishing license required for you to fish for all in-season species (other fishing regulations still apply).
*No Recreation Passport required for you to visit any of Michigan’s 100+ state parks, 1,000+ boating access sites, and many other outdoor recreation areas.

So...where are you going to explore?

(Check the comments for more details.)

06/04/2026

Great info for beach season 🌊⛱️

Things you’ll want to know if you’re traveling to a Michigan state park beach this summer.

1. Swimming in buoyed swim areas gives you a safer experience. These areas have added safety measures and visual cues, helping you stay clear of hidden hazards.
2. Always check the beach flags in buoyed swim areas in a state park along the Great Lakes. They show the current conditions: green = low hazard, yellow = medium hazard and red = high hazard. Double-red flags = water access is closed. Entering the water at that time is against the law.
3. Be aware that there are no beach guards in state parks. Swim at your own risk and always prioritize safety.
4. Never swim alone or let children swim alone.
5. Keep a close watch on children and less experienced swimmers. Stay within arm's reach, have them wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, be conscious of their limits and take frequent breaks.
6. Know that water currents near piers, breakwalls and outlets of rivers can be extremely hazardous.
7. Be cautious of cold-water temperatures. Cold water can cause shock or hypothermia, making it hard for you to breathe and increase your risk of drowning.

The Great Lakes are a large, powerful water systems that hold more than 20% of the world's fresh water. Strong currents can catch even the most experienced swimmer off guard. Stay safe out there!

Learn more about beach safety by checking the link.

06/03/2026

Beach weather is back, and there may be no better view than Silver Beach from the water. ☀️🌊

Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore Lake Michigan with the lighthouse as your backdrop. Book in advance at https://thirdcoastpaddling.com/ for Silver Beach, or any of our other locations:

📍Galien River, New Buffalo
📍Paddler Park, St. Joseph
📍Paw Paw River, St. Joseph/Benton Harbor
📍Wade’s Bayou, Douglas/Saugatuck
📍Warren Dunes State Park
📍Jean Klock Beach, Benton Harbor (opening for the season on Saturday!)

05/30/2026

Under the bridge + into the weekend 🌿🛶

River season continues at:
📍 New Buffalo — Galien River
📍 St. Joseph/Benton Harbor — Paw Paw River
📍 Douglas/Saugatuck — Wade’s Bayou (join our friends from ODC Network's Outdoor Discovery Center for a river cleanup on Saturday from 10 am - 1 pm!)

And we’ve got TWO exciting openings in St. Joe:
☀️ Silver Beach is officially open for the season.
🛶 NEW rentals at Paddler Park on the St. Joseph River. Perfect for exploring downtown from the water, spotting bridges, boats, and summer vibes all along the riverfront.

Reserve your kayak or paddleboard rental at any of these locations at https://thirdcoastpaddling.com/

05/28/2026

Great event this Saturday at Wade’s Bayou in Douglas! 🦦🦢

05/22/2026

🌊 Sand dunes, sunshine, and adventure season officially starts NOW.�Opening weekend is here at Warren Dunes State Park 🏖️

✔️ Sandboard & sand sled rentals�✔️ Kayak & paddleboard rentals�✔️ Incredible Lake Michigan views�✔️ A 3-day weekend made for exploring

Grab your crew and make the most of it. ☀️ Reserve at https://thirdcoastpaddling.com/ for Warren Dunes, or for kayaking and paddleboarding at these 3 river locations:

🦦 Galien River, New Buffalo
🐢 Paw Paw River, St. Joseph/Benton Harbor
🐟 Wade’s Bayou, Douglas/Saugatuck

05/21/2026

🚨 FRESH FLEET ALERT 🚨
60 brand new kayaks just arrived 👀
The crew’s putting in work getting everything water-ready for this weekend.

Sunshine, warm temps, and fresh boats waiting for you at 4 locations this weekend — reserve your adventure at https://thirdcoastpaddling.com/

🦦 Galien River, New Buffalo
🐢 Paw Paw River, St. Joseph/Benton Harbor
🐟 Wade’s Bayou, Douglas/Saugatuck
🌲 Warren Dunes State Park

05/17/2026

🌊 Opening day did not disappoint. Sunny skies, temps in the 70s, smooth paddling, and so many smiling faces out on the water. ☀️🛶

Tomorrow looks even better — come spend your Sunday with us and kick off summer the right way at 3 of our river locations:

🦦 Galien River, New Buffalo
🐢 Paw Paw River, St. Joseph / Benton Harbor
🐟 Wade’s Bayou, Douglas / Saugatuck

Reserve your kayak or paddleboard rental in advance at https://thirdcoastpaddling.com/