Quick Details
Choose your light: Join us by daylight, at sunset, or under the city lights at night. Each session offers a different view of NYC from the water.
Guides & Gear Included
Per Person
On Single Kayak
$ 65
Per Person
On Double Kayak
$ 65
Better Than a River Cruise: NYC’s Most Scenic Escape Room
Whether you’re visiting NYC or rediscovering your city with fresh eyes, this guided 1.5-hour kayak tour is one of the most unique things to do in New York. Launching from Midtown Manhattan onto the Hudson River, you’ll paddle past skyline views that rival any boat cruise—except here, you’re not just watching. You’re moving, breathing, part of it. Each session is led by friendly, experienced guides who keep things safe, smooth, and fun. No kayaking experience needed–just show up and paddle. This is New York’s most scenic escape room—and the photos you take home might be the best souvenir of your trip (or team outing).
Choose Your Favorite Light
☀️ Daylight Kayak Tour — Clear views of NYC, perfect for families and photography.
🌅 Sunset Kayak Tour — Watch the Hudson turn gold and the skyline light up.
🌃 Night Kayak Tour — Paddle under the city lights for an after-dark adventure.
What to Know Before You Book
- All tours are guided by certified instructors
- No experience needed – first-timers welcome
- Launches from Pier 84 in Midtown Manhattan
- Ages 12+. Ages 12-14 must ride with an adult in a double kayak
- Max weight: 225 lb per person
What’s Included
- All gear (kayak, paddle, life jacket)
- Professional guides
- Safety briefing and basic instruction
- Changing area and restrooms
- Secure gear check or locker use included
What To Bring
- Quick-dry clothes
- A full change of clothes for after the tour (splash happens)
- Water shoes or old sneakers
- Water bottle + lock for your locker (or rent them at checkout)
📸 Photos Included — Free!
We take group photos on every tour, and we’ll send you the best shots afterward—no extra charge. Whether it’s golden hour glow or nighttime sparkle, you will have memories to share. (Just note: it’s not a professional photo shoot, and low-light pics can be hit or miss!)
Your Questions Answered
Booking & Logistics
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All gear, instruction, and your 60-minute guided tour are included. The total experience is 90-minutes long. No taxes or hidden fees — just a 6% online booking fee. Optional add-ons (locks, dry bags, waterproof phone cases, water bottles) are available to rent. Tips for your guides are optional but appreciated at the time of online booking.
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Each tour can fit 1 to 12 people. For larger groups, check out our private tour option.
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Late arrivals won’t be admitted, and we can’t offer credits or reschedules within 72 hours of your scheduled tour.
If you know you can’t make it, you can reschedule yourself online up to 72 hours before your tour using the “Manage this booking” link in your confirmation email.
We run a tight timeline to keep things safe and fun for everyone, so please plan ahead and arrive early.
Equipment Choices
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Yes—we offer rentals too. But they stay in a calm, sheltered cove. That’s on purpose.
Going out on the Hudson River is different.
There’s boat traffic, strong tidal currents, and fast-changing conditions. It’s not something you should do without a guide—even if you’re experienced. That’s why our tours are guided from start to finish. It’s the only way to explore the river safely and confidently.
Rentals are great for kids under 12, short, low-key paddles, and budget-friendly floating near shore.
Tours are for exploring the skyline, learning real technique, paddling longer distance.
You float in the cove. You journey on the river.
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Only if you’ve taken our SUP 3 (our Level 3 Paddleboard class).
We love paddleboarding—but NYC’s open river conditions are no joke. Even experienced paddlers often underestimate how much more challenging it is to paddle here, especially when keeping pace with kayaks through choppy water.
That’s why we require you to have completed Level 3 with us before joining a river tour on a paddleboard.
If you’ve paddled elsewhere but haven’t taken our classes, we recommend booking a private tour (choose SUP in the book form) so we can guide you one-on-one and assess your skills in this environment.
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You can choose single kayaks or double kayaks at checkout. Double kayaks (aka tandem kayaks) seat two people. They’re great for a strong person in the back and a weak or lazy person in the front. If you get along with your friends, use a double kayak to have more fun. If you or your partner is uncooperative or likes to go at their own speed, choose single kayaks. The price is listed per person, regardless of age or singles vs doubles.
Safety & Conditions
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If the weather looks unsafe or unpleasant, we’ll cancel your tour—but we don’t cancel just because a forecast says “rain.”
Here’s what to expect:
• We make weather decisions on the day of the tour. Forecasts often shift overnight. Rain predicted for your tour time may move later—or clear up entirely—by morning.
• We don’t cancel the day before unless there’s a major storm system.
• We do cancel for sustained or heavy rain. Light sprinkles or brief passing showers usually don’t stop us—we may just wait a few minutes on-site.
• If we cancel, you’ll get an email at least 2 hours before your start time. You can then choose to reschedule or request a refund.
We’ve got the weather covered. You don’t need to track the radar—we’ll do that for you. If we see questionable weather in advance, we’ll sometimes send a heads-up email the day before so you know we’re watching it closely.
Coming from far away? If you’d rather not wait for a same-day decision, check the forecast 72 hours ahead. You can reschedule yourself using the link in your confirmation email.
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No problem, swimming skills aren’t required. Everyone wears a U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket that keeps you floating, even if you’re not moving. We’ve safely guided thousands of non-swimmers of all ages.
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No experience needed. Most people are total beginners, and it always goes smoothly. Our stable kayaks and expert guides make it easy and fun, even if you’ve never been on the water before.
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Yes. All tours include trained guides who stay with your group from start to finish. They’ll help with outfitting, launching, and even teach a short lesson to get everyone comfortable before heading out.