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ABOUT US

As Owner/Operators of two separate, award-winning boat tour companies in downtown Providence, Kristin McGinn, Thomas McGinn and Matthew Haynes formed a partnership and established the Providence Kayak Co. in the spring of 2017. With a combined forty-nine years of experience navigating the beautiful waters of the Ocean State, we were confident that we could offer quality watersport rentals in an otherwise untapped urban setting. Our extensive, first-hand knowledge of marine operations, marketing, and customer service has proven to be invaluable in successfully managing and growing the business over the last five seasons.

With three decades of experience as a small business owner, Kristin’s business acumen and exceptional customer service is second to none. As the co-owner of the Providence River Boat Company, the Providence Kayak Company and The Landing Providence, Kristin excels at marketing, organization, and employee management. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and she is continuously striving to improve our customer experience and streamline operations. Kristin has proudly certified Providence Kayak as a Minority/Woman Owned Business with the State of Rhode Island.

Thomas, widely known as “Captain Tom,” offers his extensive experience as a Rhode Island boater and US Coast Guard licensed Master of Vessels. Tom is also the co-owner of The Landing Providence, and the Providence River Boat Company, celebrating its 33rd year in business in 2024. His proficiency in vessel maintenance, USCG regulations and dock operations is immeasurable, and passenger safety while underway is paramount.

Matthew (“Marcello”) rounds out our management team with 23 years of rowing experience, and the current Owner and Head Gondolier at La Gondola Providence, and co-owner of the Providence Kayak Company. The long-standing success of La Gondola is a testament to Matt’s easy-going nature and superior interpersonal skills.