Narragansett Bay is the largest estuary in New England, offering a diverse paddling environment from sheltered coves to open ocean waters. The bay's character varies significantly, with upper sections featuring shallow muddy flats and backwaters, while areas near its mouth transition to deep rock ledges and ocean swell as it opens into Rhode Island Sound. For paddlers, the bay presents several key challenges. Tidal currents can be strong enough in many places to be hard or impossible to paddle against, requiring careful planning of routes with the tide stages. Weather has a pronounced impact, as winds that create minor chop on lakes can quickly generate large, capsize-inducing waves on the bay's wide waters. Fog presents a serious navigational hazard, as disorientation can lead a paddler away from land; carrying a compass and nautical chart is essential. Summer surf can be encountered at exposed points like Point Judith. The bay is also a busy waterway, with significant boat traffic noted as a hazard, particularly when paddling west from Newport into the open water zones.

Numerous public access points exist for launching kayaks and canoes throughout the bay and its watershed. Specific put-in points are documented for areas like the Narrow River, with launches at Gilbert Stuart, Lacey Bridge, and the Pollack Avenue Boat Ramp leading to Pettaquamscutt Cove and the Narrows. In Wickford Harbor, a designated launch exists at 10 Phillips Street. Launch areas elsewhere include beachfronts and boat ramps. The bay provides a range of paddling experiences. The Narrow River offers a peaceful paddle through marshlands with wildlife such as ospreys, herons, seals, and dolphins. More adventurous tours explore North Kingstown's coves and beaches like Bissell Cove, Rome Point, and Fox Island, or venture into the open waters of Block Island Sound. Point Judith Pond allows exploration of coves, inlets, and the fishing village of Galilee. Paddlers should always wear a life jacket and inform someone of their planned route and return time. Checking the general and marine weather forecasts before departure is critical for safety.