Private Kayak Trip in NYC: Day, Sunset & Night

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.

A: 100% of the trip times available are shown right here on this page. These times are based on tidal currents, which control when it’s safe to paddle. We can only run trips about every 6–7 hours, depending on the moon cycle. We can adjust the start time by 30 minutes earlier or later for private trips, but not more.

A: Soloists are welcome! Come alone or bring up to 60 people for a private trip. For 31-60 people, we run two back-to-back trips.

The full experience lasts about 90 minutes, including 60 minutes on the water. The rest of the time covers check-in, outfitting, a short lesson, and getting in and out of the kayaks. If you’d like extra time before or after to gather as a group, we offer an optional hangout add-on to help with planning.

To reserve your spot, full payment is required online. If you’re seriously considering a slot, we recommend booking at least two weeks ahead, especially for weekends and evenings. We don’t put unofficial holds on trips.

Once you book, your date is confirmed for your group. You’ll receive a confirmation email with everything you need: what to bring, where to meet, and a waiver link to share with your participants. It’s important to pass this information along to your day-of contact so they’re fully prepared for check-in and setup.

Four days before your event, you’ll get a reminder. If you’d like to check waiver completion, just reply and we’ll send you the latest list so you can follow up with your group as needed.

Light snacks and water are fine, but we don’t provide setup or cleanup support for meals. If you’re hoping to coordinate a longer pre- or post-paddle gathering, please book the hangout add-on so we can make sure the timing works smoothly with our other activities.

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 guides. Our guided trips are your best option for exploring the skyline, getting out on the river and seeing NYC in a way that’s safe and unforgettable.

Location: Pier 84 Boathouse in Hudson River Park, 555 12th Ave @ W44th St

You won’t see the boathouse from 12th Avenue. We are inside of the Hudson River Park between the Circle Line and the Intrepid. Walk west through the trees toward the river. The boathouse is a single-story gray building about 500 feet out on Pier 84, with blue double doors and a yellow kayak above the entrance.

Check out our location on Google: https://g.page/manhattankayak/

Please plan to arrive right at your scheduled start time. Our team is getting everything ready before your booking begins, so we may not be able to welcome early arrivals.
If you’d like extra time beforehand to gather, relax, or enjoy a snack as a group, we offer an optional 1.5 hour hangout add-on. This ensures we’re ready from the moment you arrive.

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, credits for changes in group size, or deposit refunds—regardless of whether it’s a public or private booking. Latecomers will not not admitted.

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.

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. Experienced folks can even choose sea kayaks or stand-up paddle boards.

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.

You’ll use easy, stable sit-on-top kayaks—either singles or doubles. They’re ideal for beginners of all ages, sizes, and strength levels. Private groups cannot choose during checkout, but can let us know at least 72 hours ahead. Otherwise, we’ll give a balanced mix and help people pair up on the day.

Experienced folks can even choose sea kayaks or stand-up paddle boards.

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.

Yes—every adult (18+) must sign a waiver. You’ll get a link after booking–please share it with your group. Signing ahead of time prevents phone fumbling at the boathouse and lets everyone stay present with the group. About 2–3 days before your trip, reach out to us and we’ll send a list of who has signed. That way, you can nudge any stragglers.