Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions

OCMULGEE RIVER KAYAKING, CANOEING, & SHUTTLES

BROWSE PADDLE TOURS

DISCOVER THE OCMULGEE RIVER WITH US!


Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions is the Macon area’s original and locally owned canoe and kayak rental service for the Ocmulgee River. Focusing on the 40 miles from just below Lloyd Shoals Dam at Jackson Lake down to Macon, OOE offers several trips with different moods. Some have easy shoals to navigate while others are on flat water. Our trips are chosen with beginners in mind, but all of them are fun for experienced and novice paddlers alike. 

We offer a variety of trips for novice to experienced paddlers and provide shuttle service for those who own a boat. While we focus on our backyard, near Juliette, Ga, custom trips are available for both small and large groups. From team building trips for 50+ to intimate multi-day options for the most avid of adventurers, we are your path to bliss on the Ocmulgee.

Canoes, Kayaks, and Inner Peace. That is the motto of Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions, and with every canoe or kayak launched on the Ocmulgee, our customers discover the beauty of the river and feel the peace that comes with paddling.

  • The most unique way to experience the Ocmulgee

One of our most popular trips! Experience the Ocmulgee under a full moon and be amazed.

  • 2 Hours

Leave the transportation up to us! We will haul you up the river on our bus for your river floats booked online with Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions.

  • Our premium guided tour

Winding through a wooded corridor, the Upper Ocmulgee is home to bald eagles, blue herons, and slider turtles. Very little signs remain of the many mills that harnessed the river’s

  • Best Tour for Beginners

A beautiful four and a half mile stretch of lazy river that winds through the Oconee Forest, with some private homes dotting the banks. The perfect trip for beginners!

This 10.5 mile paddle takes you through OOE’s own back yard, near Dames Ferry. With several small Class I shoals, plus one Class II just below the historic ferry site, this is a perfect all day trip for adventurous paddlers.

  • Full Day of Fun

One of our longest single day options, this 10 mile tour features numerous Class I shoals to add excitement. Finishing at Amerson River Park, you’re within striking distance of the many restaurants and breweries that call downtown Macon home.

PADDLE WITH US AND EXPLORE THE OCMULGEE


Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions was founded by Kathleen O’Neal, who grew up in Macon. She canoed the Ocmulgee with her parents as a teenager and kayaked it while in law school at Mercer.

She worked on the Ocoee, Chattooga, and Nantahala rivers as a raft guide while in college, and a few years ago she decided to take her love of the outdoors and passion for paddling and open a business. It’s much more than a business though; it’s a chance to introduce others to the beauty of the Ocmulgee River and make sure that they have a wonderful and safe time, too.

In early 2023, after nearly a decade of building OOE into an outfit worthy of being named the Macon Telegraph’s 2022 Best Family Attraction, Kathleen passed the reins to two of her good friends, David Green and Adam Heagy, who are excited to continue her legacy of providing exceptional experiences on and around one of the gems of central GA, the Ocmulgee River.

Come explore the Ocmulgee with Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions. You may just find that it’s your path to inner peace, too.


#1 RATED BOAT TOURS & WATER SPORTS IN MACON★★★★★

MOST AMAZING TIME

We had the most amazing time kayaking with Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions. It was a group of 7, including my 75-year old parents. Kathleen and her staff were wonderful and very accommodating. Highly recommend!

KAYAKING DOWN THE RIVER

Today was awesome! Kayaking down the river with my husband and doggie. Kathleen picked us up, helped us get in the water, checked on us when it rained a little, and was a huge help at the end getting us out of the water.

WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE

My boyfriend and I had a wonderful experience with Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions this weekend. Kathleen was very through and helpful getting us into and out of the water. She was also very concerned for our safety, as there was a chance of lightening and rain later in the afternoon.

RELAXING EXPERIENCE

I used OOE for my first kayaking trip. Kathleen answered all my questions and the 2-hour trip was perfect. Such a fun, relaxing experience. We are already planning another trip.

BEST TIME KAYAKING

My son and I had the best time kayaking with OOE. Kathleen was excellent. She took care of everything we would need to paddle. And the river is so nice to paddle too. Great day. Great company.

FRIENDLY AND KNOWLEDGEABLE

We hopped a ride on a bus to Popes Ferry with Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions and met Kathleen at Amerson. She was friendly and knowledgeable. Through emails and phone calls this trip was organized with Kathleen and we would strongly recommend her to anyone looking to get out on the river!