Experience Tradition
Experience Tradition
~ Gerrod Smith, Tuktu Paddle Tours founder
Tuktu Paddle Tours is based on a tradition thousands of years old. For Shinnecock, paddling is more than a means of recreation. Its about culture, self-preservation and survival.
Join our indigenous guide for an intimate 2-hour paddle tour of Shinnecock’s aboriginal waterways. Learn about Shinnecock culture, indigenous plants, historical landmarks and more. Add an hour break for an exclusive ocean retreat or a meal of fresh-shucked oysters, handpicked from Shinnecock Bay. All tours are open to ages 12 and up.
Tours are led by an indigenous guide who will share the traditional knowledge and wisdom of Long Island’s First People.
General Admission
$125 per adult
Discounted Rate
$100 for youth ages 12-17, seniors age 65 and over, and Veterans
Daily tours are limited to groups of five per time slot.
Larger group tours, i.e. company retreats or youth organizations, may be scheduled
by call or email only.
Bring Your Own
Paddle along in your own kayak, canoe or SUP
No additional fee
Rent Ours
Add a single-person kayak, two-person kayak, or three-person canoe rental.
$50 per watercraft (Life jackets will be provided.)
Oysters with a View
Feast on a dozen fresh-shucked Shinnecock oysters w/ crusty french bread and lemon mignonette while enjoying one-hour view of Shinnecock Bay or the Atlantic Ocean.
$50 per person ($25 per additional dozen)
Ocean Retreat
Paddle across Shinnecock Bay for an extended retreat to an exclusive strip of the famed Coopers Beach, currently ranked the #3 in the U.S.
$25 per hour (2-hours max; only 1-hour max if combined with Oysters with a View)
Like what you taste? Order Shinnecock Oysters To-Go. Harvested on Shinnecock shores and handpicked for you to take home and eat however you like!
Starting at $25 per dozen (while harvest lasts)
Culture. Self-Preservation. Survival.
The East End is a coastal community whose economy is closely linked with climate-sensitive resources. Among the most dramatic and economically significant effects of Climate Change are heat waves, droughts, and floods experienced by many communities across the globe. However, the most critical effects for us East Enders have been the changing ocean conditions that affect the sea life on which our community depends.
All that we need to survive is supplied by nature. Much food comes from the land but we Shinnecock were once whalers. Our knowledge of how to survive off Long Island’s land and waters dates back more than 10,000 years. As a result we are acutely aware of the effects of Climate Change and its constant reminder to return to the old way.
Known as People of the Stony Shore, we Shinnecock are sentinels and leaders in societal adaption and mitigation in response to climate change. Which is why Tuktu Paddle Tours’ mission is to educate all communities about how to survive in the face of, and without contributing to, the devastating effects of climate change. However, survival goes beyond the basic need of sustenance. Survival is also about self-preservation and the human ability to adapt to life’s traumas by relying on our connectedness with nature to intuitively reveal our personal power and strength.
In conjunction with our mission, Tuktu partners with its parent company Blossom Sustainable Development, a mental health and substance abuse counseling service, to offer Eco Therapy. Eco Therapy serves as a source of healing from trauma, anxiety, and depression by reconnecting individuals with their True Self. Likewise, to prevent substance abuse and promote mental wellness in the Shinnecock community, Tuktu offers free canoe, horticulture, and other traditional lessons to youth at Wuneechanunk Shinnecock Preschool, the Shinnecock Boy’s & Girls Club, and Blossom’s Project Venture summer camp.
Thanks to its patrons, the proceeds from Tuktu Paddle Tours allow us to continue sharing free and discounted Eco Therapy services to Shinnecock youth and others in need.
“One of the other free summer days. This time kayaking with an Indian on the water… Awesome kayaking with a lot of interesting information and educational tour.”
~ Jakub Mrva”“Having this experience of being in Shinnecock waterways with an experienced Shinnecock Elder is beyond amazing …An unforgettable experience that is filled with both knowledge and joy, an unspeakable beauty in this part of Long Island teeming with wildlife and First Nation history ..not to be missed!!!”
~ Gina Michael
Annual Clambake & Paddle Tour Fundraiser, 2019
“This was such a great experience for anyone who wants to enjoy a pristine environment, and the best lobster/clambake! Great for young and old, learn more about the ancient art of canoeing and the history of the Hamptons!”
~ Barbara Howard
Annual Firelight Paddle Tour, 2019“I’ve never seen fireworks this close before!”
~ Jolene Chee