Your Gateway to the Hudson
We’ve guided New Yorkers on the Hudson for 30 years, providing world-class coaching, gear, and facilities. Now based at the Pier 84 Boathouse–an official stop on the Hudson River Water Trail–we welcome you to explore NYC’s 520 miles of coastline. Think of these as our nearby hiking trails, only on the water.
Start in our protected cove with $12 rentals, or join a Skyline Trip for wide-angle views on your first day out. To go further, build your skills through Basics Classes and progress to circumnavigating Manhattan in a single 3,000-calorie day.
Unplug and move with the rhythm of the river and a community of adventurers.
🧭 How Do You Want to Start?
Try a low-cost rental
45 minutes for $12 per person.
Kayaks and paddleboards.
Kids and dogs join for free.
Have fun in big scenery
Great views in stable sit-on-top kayaks only.
No experience needed.
Does not unlock longer trips.
Unlock the whole river
Take a 3-class course.
Get ready for longer trips.
Build skills in sea kayaks or paddleboards.
Already trained? Do our Screening for visitors or Browse All 20+ Trips.
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. So the whole experience being on the water in a small kayak was terrifying for me. 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 on the water. 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. They’re attentive, yet foster independence in students. (More...)
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, so when it turned out that I would have a free afternoon (More...)
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! The cove between the Intrepid and Manhattan Kayak is a great place to get out on the water while feeling safe and secure!
– Gus M.
My first beginner class was yesterday and it was a wonderful experience. Instructor Jay was patient, detailed, experienced and absolutely not pushy or hurried. Every personnel involved was friendly and relaxed. The boathouse is comfortable and clean. (More...)
A mini New England feel in the middle of NYC. Would absolutely recommend a try.
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. You can be a recreational kayaker / SUPer in protected waters or go for more adventurous tours after classes. (More...)
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!
The MKC Tiered Progression
Start at 1 mile. Finish at 33.
While beginners can join a guided 1.5-mile Skyline Trip, longer river expeditions require specific skills. The Starting Line is Basics 1-2-3 (The Foundation). Graduate from our Basics Classes to unlock 2–10 mile Intermediate trips, then scale your stamina toward Advanced and Expert milestones.
Start with the Basics 3-Class Pack. If you’re serious, the Membership makes everything simpler.
🟦 Intermediate Trips
(2–10 Miles)
Build Your Instinct
Requirement: Basics 1-2-3 (or Screening)
The Vibe: Stabilize your technique in active water. Even on routes like Little Island or Secret Beach, the Hudson tests your new skills. Many veterans stick to these social workouts for years.
◆ Advanced Trips
(10–18 Miles)
Hone Your Endurance
Requirement: 4 Intermediate Trips (Min.)
The Vibe: Cross open water, round islands, and paddle under NYC bridges. Maintain a 4mph cruise for 5 hours and prove you can handle the choppy crossings at the Statue of Liberty or the GWB.
◆◆ Expert Trips
(18–33 Miles)
Take on the Challenge
Requirement: 3 Advanced Trips (Min.)
The Vibe: Master the washing machine chop to Red Hook and the 33-mile Manhattan Circumnavigation. Graduation unlocks Personal Boat Storage with 80+ independent paddlers.
What's on the Water
Choose a date to see what’s running.
New here? Start with 🟢 Beginner.
🟢 Beginner
🟦 Intermediate
◆ Advanced
◆◆ Expert
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Meet Manhattan Kayak
For 30 years, we’ve made the Hudson River and New York Harbor accessible to the public from all walks of life.
All of our programming is fully open to the public, including guided trips, classes, and rentals from Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 Boathouse. Over time, the water, the park, and the people become like home.
Our professional staff teach in open water. We train people with the intention of being by their side until they grow the wings to navigate this water on their own. 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
Named #1 Kayak Tour in America by USA Today.