Quick Details
Single Kayak
👤 Ride solo. No experience needed.
$ 65
Tandem Kayak Seat
👥 Ride together. Select total people.
$ 65
Private Trip, 1–60 People
See "Private Trips" in the main menu to book.
Guided Skyline Kayak Trips on the Wide-Open Hudson River
Looking for outdoor fun solo or with friends? This is one of the most unique things to do in NYC. This 90-minute guided loop includes gear, lesson, and photos. Get on the wide-open water without crowds. See the Empire State Building, Times Square, Hudson Yards, and more. Whether you’re celebrating something—or just escaping your screen—it’s more fun than a boat ride and way cooler than an escape room.
No kayaking or swimming experience required.
Leave the cove and head into big open water for panoramic city views.
Choose Your Ambiance
☀️ Day – Crisp clear views for miles.
🌅 Sunset – Invigorating hues.
🌃 Night – City lights after dark.
Great For
- First dates or spontaneous hangouts
- Friend groups doing something different
- Visitors or soloists who want a local take on skyline views
What’s Included
- Kayak guides, sit-on-top kayak, paddle, life jacket
- Quick intro + 60 minutes of guided kayaking on the main Hudson River
- Changing area, restrooms, lockers
- Your skyline photo—free!
What to Bring
- Gym clothes + full change for after
- Water shoes or old sneakers
- Water bottle and lock, or rent one)
What to Know
- No experience or swimming required
- Age 10+. Ages 10–14 ride a tandem kayak with an adult
- Up to 225 lb per person
Catch the breeze when the City’s too hot.
During night kayaking trips, get glowing and paddle out on the river with guides.
Your Questions, Answered
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Everything you need is covered: kayak, paddle, life jacket, a short on-land lesson, and a 60-minute guided river trip. The full experience lasts 90 minutes from check-in to finish. Guides stay with you the whole time and take group photos during the trip.
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A: You can come alone or bring up to 12 people, if there is space. You can see and book all available seats on the live calendar below.
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Yes—we offer rentals too–but rentals stay within a sheltered cove near shore. They’re great for kids, beginners, and anyone looking for a budget-friendly float.
Going out on the Hudson River is different. There’s boat traffic, tidal currents, and changing conditions, so it’s not something we allow without a guide from start to finish. Our guided trips are your best option for exploring the skyline, getting out on the river, and sharing the experience with others. -
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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Arrive at the time shown on your booking. Come to Pier 84 Boathouse in Hudson River Park. It’s on the water near 12th Avenue & W44th Street.
No need to arrive early — just show up at the time listed. But if anyone wants to change clothes, decompress, or eat a snack before the trip, you’re welcome to arrive up to 10 minutes early. Plan for at least 90 minutes total.
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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 trips include trained guides who stay with you from start to finish. They’ll help with outfitting, launching, and even teach a short lesson to get everyone comfortable before heading out.
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You’re welcome to make changes to your booking using the link in your confirmation email up to 72 hours before the trip starts. After that point, we don’t offer refunds or credit. Latecomers will not not admitted.
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We’ll never ask you to go out in showers or unsafe weather — period. We always make thoughtful, up-to-date weather decisions and communicate closely when the forecast looks bad. Otherwise, our 72-hour cancellation policy applies.