Manhattan Circumnavigation

Kayak & Paddle Around Manhattan: The Athlete’s Way to Spend the Day

30 miles | 21 bridges | 5 boroughs

This is the classic urban-to-nature adventure and the most unforgettable way to experience the City — a lap around Manhattan by kayak or paddleboard. Along this 30-mile route, we glide past every major skyline, landmark, and bridge along the lower Hudson River, the Battery, the East River, the Harlem River, and Spuyten Duyvil Creek. From epic skyscrapers to hidden waterfalls and secluded natural corridors, we experience the entire shoreline close-up. No cars or crowds here.

This tour was featured in BBC Travel in an article by Elliot Stein, who trained at our school and kayaked the full loop. “Maybe this is something the island’s original residents might recognize,” Stein wrote.

After completing this trip, you qualify to store your own kayak or board at the Pier 84 Boathouse.
 

Important

This is an expert-level guided trip for sea kayakers and paddleboarders.
To qualify, start with our class series or pass our screening; then, once you’ve completed 4 intermediate trips and 3 advanced trips this season, you’re ready for this trip. A Membership offers deep discounts on every step of that journey.
 

What To Bring

• At least 4 liters of water
• Shoes to wear on land during the break
• Spray jacket and headlamp for after sunset
• Dry bag with a packed meal and supplements
• Quick dry clothes suitable for the day and extras for after

We Provide

• Sea kayak or paddleboard, life jacket, paddle, and guide
• Restroom, lockers, outdoor shower, and changing room