Pure Expanse Beyond the Grid
Your Gateway to the Hudson River Sanctuary
Since 1996, we’ve provided public access to this hidden wilderness in the heart of New York. From our boathouse at Pier 84, we provide the gear and patient, professional guidance to ensure every visitor experiences the water with joyfully.
Whether you’re floating in our calm-water cove or exploring the open river, you’ll find a peaceful perspective. Every stroke creates a natural cadence that settles your nervous system and clears your mind.
For those seeking skills, fitness, and adventure, our Basics Classes prepare you to navigate NYC’s 500+ miles of shoreline. These half-day nature escapes require no car–just come to the river and be home before nightfall.
🧭 How Do You Want to Start?
🟢 No experience needed for:
Kayaking by the Intrepid
45-min Supervised Rentals • $12
Wide, wobble-free kayaks and boards.
Kids and dogs join for free.
Float, relax, or play.
Savoring the Midtown skyline
90-min Guided Hudson River Trip • $65
Float by 360° views on stable kayaks.
Steady movement and a fresh perspective.
Slow down to the speed of the river.
Learning skills for longer escapes
3-Class Basics Course • From $95
Go faster on sea kayaks and paddleboards.
Prep for expeditions with our coaches.
Find wellness on the water.
Already trained? Do our screening for visitors or browse all 20+ trips.
Dogs ride free in our Public Rental Program ↑
River Trips and Classes are for humans only ↓
4.9 ★ From Locals & Visitors
600+ Glowing Google Reviews
The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and they want you to have a great experience on the water. Whether you're a total newbie or an expert paddler, they support you at the right level. (More...)
They have something for everyone—practice sessions in the protected cove, short jaunts up and down the river, longer trips across the river to Jersey, and more. And there is nothing like being on the Hudson, open skies above you as the light reflects off the Manhattan skyline. It's an amazing adventure (and a pretty good workout to boot!)
First of all, I don't know how to swim. But I gave it a try. Now I feel confident and having so much fun! It’s truly a life-changing experience! The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable (More...)
and they want you to have a great experience. Whether you're a total newbie or an expert paddler, they support you at the right level. The team is very knowledgeable and patient. They help you to build this skill step by step. Very supportive and atmosphere! You are the best!
I’ve taken Classes 1 and 2 there so far and am really impressed. The teachers absolutely know what they’re doing and make sure that students learn techniques correctly. (More...)
They’re attentive, yet foster independence in students. Going out on open water in a small boat is something that should be taken very seriously and that’s exactly how they approach it. Kayaking is pretty challenging but learning from dedicated educated instructors makes it that much easier.
My wife and I greatly enjoyed our rentals at Manhattan Kayak. Making an online reservation was quick, easy, and super affordable. The staff was knowledgeable, friendly, and very kind to our two dogs. The equipment was top level and the cove was amazing. (More...)
We cannot wait to go back and make this a regular family summer activity. They are very dog friendly which is always a plus!
MKC is an outstanding company and I would give them 10 stars if I could. They went out of their way to accommodate me on short notice and I am so grateful for the experience. Paddle boarding is my favorite hobby, (More...)
so when it turned out that I would have a free afternoon while on a work trip to NYC, I naturally looked at possibility of paddle boarding. Most places are closed for the season or were too far to be reasonable for me to get to via public transit so it didn’t look like it would work out. But I reached out and they made it happen! They set me up with a private guide Robyn who made me feel comfortable and safe. The location is spectacular, right on the Hudson with unbeatable views of Manhattan. Without a doubt, this paddle boarding excursion was the biggest highlight of my trip!
I taught myself stand up paddle boarding by doing it on vacations. But I decided I love stand SUP enough that I wanted to learn good form. Now realize how much I've just been muscling through it. I took the classes and it's been enlightening. (More...)
The instructors are awesome. A special shout out to Judy whose great at breaking down the mechanics and videotaped me to showed me what I needed help with.
Definitely worth it! This was my first time kayaking and I had the time of my life. It was well organized and we had guides that helped us throughout the trip. They explained everything to us and even took pictures of us. (More...)
My experience was amazing and I'm definitely going kayaking with them again.
I’m usually pretty scared of going outside and on the water, but the friendly staff at Manhattan Kayak made me my experience great! (More...)
The cove between the Intrepid and Manhattan Kayak is a great place to get out on the water while feeling safe and secure!
My first beginner class was yesterday and it was a wonderful experience. Instructor Jay was patient, detailed, experienced and absolutely not pushy or hurried. (More...)
Every personnel involved was friendly and relaxed. The boathouse is comfortable and clean. A mini New England feel in the middle of NYC. Would absolutely recommend a try.
I had the most amazing first time kayaking experience! Thanks to our very professional and knowledgeable instructors Jay and Davis. As a first-time kayaker, there's nervousness but Jay assured me (More...)
that everything's gonna be ok and it was! Thank you Jay, you're a very effective instructor! Looking forward to complete my training!
I love this place! It is so well run and inviting that you can focus on the pleasure or adventure of your experience on the water and know that you are in good hands. (More...)
You can be a recreational kayaker / SUPer in protected waters or go for more adventurous tours after classes. I decided to do the classes this past summer after being an on-and-off recreational kayaker here for a few years. After the kayak / SUP class series, I went on guided group paddles in the Hudson with their encouraging and helpful staffers and have recently learned how to cold-water kayak safely and go on longer, more physically challenging group trips. Just an amazing activity with a great group. Highly recommend!
Build Confidence on Water
Go from a beginner or self-taught paddler to confident explorer in our step-by-step class series. You’ll learn outfitting, strokes, maneuvers, safety, and navigation.
Complete all three to graduate with the skills you need to join our Intermediate Trips.
Planning a full season on the water?
Memberships include these classes and everything beyond.
Start Your Journey
Basics 3-Pack: $225 (Save $60)
◆ Advanced Trips
(10–18 Miles)
Hone Your Endurance
Requirement: 4 Intermediate Trips (Min.)
Go fast and far. Cross open water, rocky points, and towering bridges. Cut through the chop at the Statue of Liberty or the GWB. Spend half the day on water. Get home by nightfall.
◆◆ Expert Trips
(18–33 Miles)
Own The Harbor
Requirement: 3 Advanced Trips (Min.)
Spend the day on lively water. Ride the washing machine to Red Hook. Skirt the whorl of Hell’s Gate. Finish the Manhattan Circumnavigation to unlock your own boat storage at Pier 84.
Meet Manhattan Kayak
For 30 years, we’ve made the Hudson River and New York Harbor accessible to people from many walks of life.
Operating from the Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 Boathouse for the last 13 years, our professional staff stays by your side until you’re ready to navigate this water on your own.
We invite you to come to the boathouse, linger, and trade stories of your adventures.
“Paddling Manhattan combines adventure, challenge, and escape—an antidote to urban stress.” – New York Magazine
#1 Kayak Tour in America – USA Today