Abukayak

Confirm that paddling has resumed

Four kilometres towards the lake

The family route follows roughly 4 km of the southern section of the mountainous Jordan. Its finish is about a kilometre south of Arik Bridge, before the river enters Lake Kinneret. Dense riverside plants line the course. The operator describes both livelier stretches and quieter sections, so conditions are not uniform throughout. Allow approximately 75–90 minutes for the paddling itself. Different official pages give different estimates within that range; the day’s conditions and your group’s pace also matter.

Choose your boat

The separate lagoon outing

The programme called the “Israeli Savannah” explores lagoons between the Jordan and Kinneret, towards the Zaki stream area. The operator advertises a certified guide, a duration of about two and a half hours and a minimum age of eight. Advance registration is required. Its meeting point is described as south of Arik Bridge. Obtain the exact location when booking: the lagoon outing and the regular family route do not share the same starting instructions.

Children and river safety

For the regular family route, the stated minimum age is three and a half, accompanied by a parent or adult. The safety rules say that this threshold can change with the strength of the flow on the day. Keep a life jacket fastened throughout the trip and remain in the boat. Follow staff directions and stop at the marked finish. Pets are not permitted on the river outing. Discuss any health-related participation concerns with the operator before planning the activity.

Programmes beyond paddling

How the river programme began

In the operator’s account, Pini Almog developed the idea in 1986 while arranging summer activities for kibbutz children. Early outings used inflatable inner tubes. The tourism programme began in July 1987. The name combines the Hebrew word for an inner tube, “avuv”, with kayak, while also playing on the idea of a “father of kayaks”. This is the business’s own history; it should not be read as independent evidence for a claim to be the first operator.

Back at Park HaYarden

The base lists toilets, changing rooms, lawns, picnic tables and a snack kiosk. Bring dry clothes so you can change after the transfer back. The operator also points visitors towards walking paths along the park’s waterways and an old watermill. Staying overnight in Park HaYarden is a separate matter handled by park management. Check the park’s arrangements if you intend to extend the outing beyond a daytime walk after your activity.

What to organise before arrival

• Sun protection and drinking water Bring a hat, sunscreen and your own drinking water. River water must not be used for drinking.
• Footwear and dry clothes The operator recommends sandals and a change of clothes. Decide where to leave dry belongings before boarding.
• Valuables The safety page advises against taking phones, wallets and expensive watches onto the water. Ask the desk about the storage arrangements.
• Access needs The published accessibility statement concerns the website. Discuss the path to the river, boarding assistance and accessible toilet facilities directly with the base.

Location, regular hours and contact

Address

Park HaYarden, Road 888, near Had Nes

In Waze search for “אבוקיאק בפארק הירדן”. Confirm the separate meeting point for the lagoon programme.

Regular operating-period hours

Sunday–Friday 09:00–15:00; Saturday closed

The desk closes about 15 minutes before the site. Holidays are non-operating days. One FAQ gives a later weekday finish; the contact page provides the hours shown here. Recheck before travelling.

Usual season

March through October

The site currently carries an end-of-season notice. Confirm that river trips have restarted before relying on the usual season or hours.

Contact

04-692-1078

[email protected]; official website https://abukayak.co.il/

Questions before you go

• Can I turn up for a river trip now? The website carries an end-of-season notice and a paddling pause. Call 04-692-1078 to confirm that your chosen route has resumed.
• How old must children be? The regular route is advertised from age three and a half with an adult, subject to river conditions. The lagoon programme is advertised from age eight.
• How long is the family trip? The approximately 4 km route takes around 75–90 minutes. Allow extra time for the return transfer and possible waiting.
• How do we get back to the start? The operator provides transport from the finish beyond Arik Bridge to its Park HaYarden base.
• Do we need to register ahead? The guided lagoon programme requires advance registration. The website says the regular route accepts walk-in arrivals during operation, but confirm the season and actual launch arrangements first.
• Is the activity open on Saturdays? Abukayak states that it closes on Saturdays and holidays. Park HaYarden has its own arrangements, separate from the activity base.
• Can a dog come in the boat? No. The operator’s FAQ does not permit animals on the river trip.
• Are changing rooms available? The base lists changing rooms and toilets for guests. Ask directly about any specific accessibility requirements.