The granddaddy of NYC’s free-kayaking scene, Downtown Boathouse offers gratis walk-up outings on Pier 26 in Lower Manhattan. Once you’ve signed a waiver and donned a life jacket, you can take your kayak out in designated areas for 20 minutes at a time—or longer if others aren’t waiting.
Of all the city's kayaking options, the schedule is by far the best at Pier 26: Free kayaking is offered on weekends and holidays from 10am-4:30pm, no reservation needed.
Fun fact: It's the world's largest free kayaking program.