With its huge stretches of white sand and sweeping views of the St. Joseph lighthouse, Jean Klock Beach has been one of Southwest Michigan’s favorite summer destinations for over a century. Join us all season long for Jean Klock beach rentals to explore the Lake Michigan shoreline on a rental kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
Weather may affect hours. Click “Book Now” for real-time calendar.
Designed for all experience levels, these trips offer calm water, straightforward routes, and plenty of time to relax and take in the scenery.
Your safety is our top priority. We adhere to strict safety standards so you can focus on your paddling adventure with confidence.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available mid-May through mid-October for river locations and late May through Labor Day for beach locations. Please check availability as hours are subject to change due to weather.
Jean Klock Beach kayak rental or paddleboarding is one of the best ways to experience the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor shoreline — a beloved community beach with over 100 years of history. Launch right from the wide sandy shore and paddle along the Lake Michigan coast with scenic views of the dunes and nearby Harbor Shores. On calm mornings, a Jean Klock kayak rental or paddleboard rental offers a peaceful, refreshing escape that’s perfect for paddlers of all skill levels.
Families have been gathering here for generations, drawn to its soft sand, open space, and classic day-at-the-beach atmosphere. From swimming and picnicking to kids playing near the shoreline, it’s easy to spend the whole day enjoying both time on the water and relaxing on shore.
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Jean Klock Beach kayak rentals and paddleboard rentals are located on the beach in front of the concession area at Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Parking: Non-residents must pay at the kiosk (rates start at $5 for 3 hours or $35 for an annual pass). Fees are set by the City of Benton Harbor and are subject to change.
We constantly monitor the weather at our rental sites to make sure conditions are safe for our customers. If our reservation calendar shows that we are open today, you can be confident that you can safely enjoy the water.
In the event that conditions are unsafe, our reservation calendar will show that we are closed. If you have already made a rental reservation, you will be notified via text (if you consent to be contacted) and email as soon as possible, and you’ll receive a full credit to reschedule at your convenience.
The loungeboard is a wider inflatable paddleboard specially designed to help paddlers maintain their balance. It has a weight capacity of 400 lbs., perfect for families and couples to paddle together or just lounge. They are available at Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Jean Klock Beach in Benton Harbor, or Warren Dunes State Park.
At all of our rental sites, you can paddle as long as you like and just turn around when you’re ready to return to the launch site. (No need for a shuttle, which we do not offer.) Our most popular reservation length is two hours.
If you need to reschedule your reservation, use the link in your booking confirmation email to choose a new day and time. You must reschedule BEFORE your original reservation time. We’re happy to reschedule rentals, but there are no refunds on these services.
You do not need to worry about tipping our kayaks over. They are a beginner-friendly sit-on-top style that is very stable and designed not to tip easily. While our kayaks are designed for stability, it’s important to note that any kayak can tip if a paddler stands up or behaves unsafely.
Yes, each guest is required to sign a waiver, which includes agreeing to wear your life jacket the entire time.
We encourage you to book ahead of time online to make sure you get the equipment you want when you want. Visit thirdcoastpaddling.com, click “book now,” and choose your rental location. You’re also welcome to drop by to rent, but your selection may be limited – or not available at all – depending on demand.
