You want to do something special in Ghent. Something on the water, in the city, with a touch of adventure. But what do you choose: a kayak or a packraft? It seems like a simple question, but the answer determines how you experience the day. In this article, we compare both options fairly, so you can make the right choice for your group, your pace, and your experience.
What is the difference between a kayak and a packraft?
A kayak is a narrow, elongated boat that you move forward with a double paddle. You sit low in the boat with your legs stretched out. Kayaks are fast, stable, and suitable for calm waters like canals. You can find them at almost any boat rental in Ghent.
A packraft is a compact inflatable boat. Shorter and wider than a kayak, lighter, and easy to carry in a backpack. You sit higher on the water in an open cockpit. Packrafts are now also being used for city tours — and that is exactly what Urban Packraft focuses on.
You only notice the biggest difference when you see them side by side: a kayak is a sporty craft, while a packraft feels like a playful adventure boat. Both are suitable for beginners on calm water.
Kayaking in Ghent: what can you expect?
You can rent a kayak in Ghent at several locations. You pay an average of 13 to 20 euros per person for a half to full day. You paddle independently over the Leie or the Ghent canals, choose your own route, and stop wherever you want. That gives you freedom.
However, what a kayak doesn’t offer is context. You sail past the Graslei or the Gravensteen, but you don’t know what you’re looking at unless you do research beforehand. There is no route, no app, no story. Fine if you just want to paddle — but if you really want to discover Ghent, something is missing.
Moreover: after your kayak trip, you’re back at the starting point. You’ve seen the city from the water, but you haven’t truly experienced it.
Packraft in Ghent: the city tour with a story
The Urban Packraft tour combines paddling with walking. You start on the water and discover Ghent from a perspective most tourists never see: from the canal, at eye level with the quay walls. Then you step ashore and explore the city on foot, with an app that guides you through the most beautiful spots.
In total, you paddle 5.5 kilometers and walk 8.5 kilometers. That’s a half-day full of variety for 49 euros per person. Including packraft, paddle, life jacket, and backpack.
- You combine water and city in one tour
- You get an app-guided route with explanations about what you see
- You sail in a unique type of boat that most people have never tried before
- No experience needed — instructions are clear and quick
When do you choose a kayak, and when a packraft?
Choose a kayak if you just want to paddle without a set program. If you’ve sailed before and just want to spend a few hours on the water.
Choose a packraft if you really want to discover Ghent. If you’re looking for something special with a group of friends or your partner that you can’t do anywhere else. If you want to laugh, be surprised, and have truly experienced something afterwards instead of just having done it.
The packraft tour is also ideal if no one in the group has ever sailed before. The boat is stable, the instructions are clear, and the app guides you the whole way.
Practical comparison at a glance
| Feature | Kayak | Packraft tour |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €13-20 p.p. | €49 p.p. |
| Duration | 2-8 hours free paddling | 4.5 hours incl. walk |
| Route | Choose your own | App-guided city tour |
| Experience needed | No | No |
| Experience | Paddling only | Water + city + story |
| Included | Boat and paddle | Boat, paddle, vest, backpack, app |
Prefer to head out on your own with a packraft?
Are you already somewhat experienced and want to determine your own route? Via rentapackraft.com you can rent a packraft including paddle and life jacket, with home delivery in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a packraft harder to steer than a kayak?
No. A packraft is wider and more stable, making it easier to steer for beginners. Most people are comfortable on the water within five minutes.
Can I also rent a kayak for the Urban Packraft route?
The tour is specifically developed for packrafts. The route, the transition to walking, and the app are tailored to the packraft experience.
Is the tour suitable for people who cannot swim?
Yes. You always wear a life jacket, the canals are calm and shallow, and you are never far from the side.
What is the minimum age?
18 years or older for solo participation. From 12 years old with adult supervision.
Want to rent a packraft for your own route? It can be delivered to your home in the Netherlands and Belgium via rentapackraft.com.
Looking for a multi-day packraft expedition in nature? Check out packrafttravel.com.
