For centuries, ancient civilizations traveled from village to village by canoe before discovering that walking across the land was far easier than paddling across it. Restore watercraft to its rightful roost with today's Groupon: for $25, you get $50 toward canoe or kayak rentals at Charles River Canoe & Kayak. This Groupon can be redeemed at Charles River Canoe & Kayak's locations in Allston/Brighton, Natick, Newton, or the new location in Cambridge at Kendall Square. Boat availability may vary by location.

As paddling season returns to the roaring rapids of Boston, Charles River Canoe & Kayak's numerous kayak and canoe rental options will bait boaters biting at the bit to boat. Set out for solo self-propulsion in a single adult kayak ($15 per hour, $60 per day), gather the other three members of your Monkees tribute band for cheeky hi-jinks in a quad kayak ($22 per hour, $88 per day), or instill a seafaring spirit in your offspring by renting a kids' kayak ($7 per hour, $28 per day). Opt for open-top aquatic adventuring in a standard canoe ($16 per hour, $64 per day) seating two to three adults, or add more paddle power with the four- to five-person Tripper XL canoe ($24 per hour, $96 per day). All rates include paddles and life jackets; guests are responsible for bringing their own drum-beating Viking timekeeper.

With vessel selected, paddlers are free to take to the water and experience the beautiful sights and sounds of the boating area afforded by their respective rental location. Guests at the Allston/Brighton location are in for a current-free nine-mile stretch of the Charles River, rolling past Harvard, MIT, the Esplanade, and the city's skyline, and Natick nautical navigators can soak up the beauty of Lake Cochituate State Park with their eye sponges. Newton Nemos will cover six miles of boating from Newton Lower Falls to the Moody Street Dam in Waltham. Along the way, feel free to call out to treetop-dwelling birds from the cloak of your canoe, or doff your straw boater to parasol-twirling damsels enjoying picnic lunches on the verdant verandas of the riverfront. Or canoe from Boston to Cambridge or from Cambridge to Boston, then take the "T" to shuttle back. Enjoy time on the water in the shine of the summertime sun with today's Groupon to Charles River Canoe & Kayak.

Reviews

10Best calls Charles River Canoe & Kayak one of the top ten attractions/activities in the Boston area. Yelpers give the Allston location five stars and the Newton branch 4.5.

• Kayaking on the Charles is such a perfect way to spend a summer day. CRCK makes it easy to get out on the water with an extra-friendly staff, all the equipment you may need, and little extras like water and sunscreen for the unprepared among you. – Shaina S., Yelp
• Cheap rentals, decent boats, never a wait to get out on the water. Great place to bring a group of friends for an afternoon of paddling around on the Charles. – Ellen C., Yelp