Ekal Activity Center

I'm shocked these guys aren't on Yelp yet!! We had a Sunday fun-day planned, except the only thing we had really planned was that we'd like to try paddle boarding. We had seen people doing it while we were at the beach, and were determined to find something on Lake Winnipesaukee that we could hit before we headed back home to Boston. My boyfriend found a few places, but these guys were the only ones that had availability for that afternoon. We were a bunch of amateurs and had NO idea what we were doing, but the people here were really nice and gave us instructions and helped us get situated on our boards. It was pretty reasonable too - we got the paddleboards for four hours $40 a piece. They've got all sorts of supplies and gear if you need it - sunblock, towels, clothing... and honestly, this area is a bit of a hidden gem. There's a cute tiki bar restaurant that I definitely want to go back to and I just can't get over how nice these people are. After having all our fun, my boyfriend actually drove off while his shoes were still on top of the car... ha! After making a few calls, the guy at EKAL actually went out into the public lot, grabbed the shoes, and held on to them until we could pick them up. If that isn't superior service, I don't know what is!

Not so pleasant experience today.

Scheduled an antique boat charter through their online reservation page. Committed to a 1 hour tour, paid $400+, received email confirmation.

Headed over there for my paid for charter at the agreed time and I was told they could not fulfill the charter I had paid for since they only had 1 captain and he/she was taking out a different charter.

They did mention they would take me out 3 hours later but I had no plans to be somewhere else in 3 hours.

They did refund my money. You should not trust their online reservation system which sells and confirms charters they cannot fulfill.

My husband I had an awesome experience renting kayaks with EKal this week. We book online and it was very simple. Our kayaks were ready right on time. We had a ball touring around the Meredith end of the lake. We went on a Wednesday morning so there wasn't much boat traffic to speak of. I think one hour was perfect for us, lots to see and enjoy in a 60min trip.
My husband realized after we left that his seat strap was broken which meant he had no lower back support, I gave him my towel to roll up behind him which helped. Just double check the equipment before go out.
I would highly recommend this spot to anyone new to the lake and the Meredith area, great spot for families. Book ahead if you are coming in the peak of summer.

For my sisters bachelorette party we booked a one hour pontoon charter and it was amazing!! Roger was the perfect captain and we had the best time! Highly recommend

My family and I went to EKAL twice during our vacation--once to charter a pontoon boat and a second time to rent kayaks for a 1/2 day. Both experiences were awesome and well worth it. Our charter with Sharon was special for our family, since she took us to the cove in Meredith where we used to spend our summers. Anchored in the cove to take my family swimming where I did the same as a kid. Meant a lot to our family and Sharon couldn't have been nicer or more accommodating. She was part of the day and everyone was thankful for her generosity and flexibility.

Kayaking was equally awesome. We just paddled around Meredith Harbor but in a relatively short amount of time, saw two Bald Eagles, a family of Osprey, and a Loon! Each one came within 20-30 yards of our boats (they came to us, not the opposite). Perfect conditions, perfect day.

Thank you everyone at EKAL! Hope you enjoy the summer and we'll see you next year!

My husband and I were looking for a sunset cruise to celebrate our 52nd anniversary! This was absolutely one of the best!! The cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee was pefect; our guide was excellent and the cruise was the perfect length. We highly recommend this suns cruise!!!

Disorganized, charter boat never showed up even though I confirmed it 3 days in advance. Backstory: The website says you can charter a boat and be picked up on the lake. I called and spoke with Jose, one of their captains, who confirmed that and was even familiar with where my family wanted to be picked up (at a lodge in Meredith - we're 15 people from ages 4-85, so the plan was to be picked up where we were staying and have a couple short rides before Jose headed back to the Activity Center). When I requested the boat, I entered our pick-up address and lodge name and noted that I had spoken with Jose. They ended up calling me and asking if I really did want to be picked up at the lodge. 3 days before our charter, I called and spoke to someone, confirming that my request was correct - as discussed with Jose, we wanted to be picked up at the lodge. On the day of the charter, the center called about 15 minutes after our reservation time and asked why we hadn't arrived. I said that we had requested to be picked up, I even confirmed this with Jose upon booking and again 3 days earlier. He responded that no one had told him we wanted to be picked up. Jose was off that day, and the captain we had been assigned didn't know where our lodge was, he'd have to research it. They had another reservation after ours, so it was now too late to honor ours.

So all 15 people never got our boat rides. I asked for the manager to call me to discuss this, which she never did. I did get an automatic email thanking me for my charter, though.

We chartered a pontoon boat for a two hour cruise of the lake. Jose was a excellent Captain and the trip was great. One of the highlights of our vacation.

They don't answer their phones - try one of the other outfits in the area to save yourself the hassle and actually get good customer service.

Absolutely amazing place of business. The staff is extremely friendly, Erik and Nick were not only accommodating but they even kept our group super motivated by using the phrase " Rock n Roll BABY " at every appropriate time possible. We loved the energy so much, we decided to book a half day Pontoon ride with paddle boarding for dessert! Erik actually got to be our captain and showed us Braun Bay which was a beautiful spot. The absolute cherry on top of our day, was Nick instructing us on how to use a paddle board. This was something I always wanted to try. If I could describe this day in one phrase, it'd be " Rock and Roll BABY ". Absolutely a 10/10 experience. Reasonably priced too!!

We rented the aqua cycle which gave us stunning scenery and exercise. We appreciate the integrity of Eric when we changed our reservation time. Excellent customer service.