Free kayaking in NYC for outdoor adventure and gorgeous city views

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.

Heads up: The organization typically hosts walk-up kayaking on Governors Island. It's currently closed for dock repairs but expected to reopen at some point this summer.

Head out to the Hudson for a chance to enjoy some time on the water, no reservations required, courtesy of Manhattan Community Boathouse at Pier 96 along Hudson River Park in Hell's Kitchen.

After you sign a waiver and strap on a life vest, climb into your kayak from the water-level floating dock and float away for 20 minutes. You will get wet, so wear the right clothing (and try not to drink anything)! Kayaks are available on Saturday and Sunday, 1-6pm; and on Monday-Tuesday, 5:30-7:30pm.

You can also volunteer to help out at the boathouse as well as become a member by making a donation of $20 or more.

Now is the time to take a kayak out in the majestic shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge. Free kayaking is offered on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. There's a free kids-and-family paddle on Sunday, which allows kids aged 7 and older to paddle solo (as long as a guardian is present) with help from additional on-water safety boaters. 

Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse's program takes place in a protected embayment between Piers 1 and 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park with stunning views of the NYC skyline. They'll provide the boats, paddles, and life vests; you do the paddling.

Though kayaking is free, you've got to register in advance. Some walk-ups may be accommodated if there's space, but making a reservation here is key.

The North Brooklyn Community Boathouse offers public kayaking from Queens Landing Boathouse and Environmental Center (57-28 2nd St in Long Island City). 

Here's the schedule for 2024:

— June 8, 11am-3pm (June 9 rain out day)
— July 13, 11am-3pm (City of Water Day Edition)
— Aug. 17, 11am-3pm (Aug. 18 rain out day)
— Sept. 14, 11am-3pm (Sept. 15 rain out day)

If you're interested in canoeing, head to Manhattan Avenue Street End Park in Greenpoint, Brooklyn to try that. This year's canoeing dates are on:

— June 22, 12-4pm (Juneteenth Paddle)
— July 13, 12-4pm (City of Water Day Edition)

Here are all the details.

RHB’s upstanding coordinators have a double purpose: Get urbanites out on the water and help breathe life back into Brooklyn’s aquatic ecosystem. Like many other organizations, RHB has a free walk-up kayaking program—but there are no idle hands here.

Head to Louis J. Valentino Jr. Park and Pier for free, public kayaking offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Programming's open on Thursday evenings and Sunday afteroons (find the full schedule here). After you explore the cove on a short paddle, you can join the group in its beach cleanup. Knowing that you’re helping keep the area thriving will make your 15-to-20-minute paddle even sweeter.

Kayak Staten Island is an all volunteer-run urban kayaking program, which provides free and low-cost public paddling to the Staten Island and beyond. The organization focuses on environmental stewardship, waterfront advocacy and providing access to a watersport. On select days, Kayak Staten Island offers free public walk-up kayaking at 850 Page Ave.

Here's the schedule for the summer. 

— Sunday June 9, 9am-12pm
— Saturday June 29, 1-4pm
— Sunday July 28, 12:30-3:30pm
— Saturday August 17, 4:30-7:30pm
— Sunday August 25, 11am-2pm
— Saturday August 31, fundraiser-more details to come 
— Saturday Sept 14, 3:30-6:30pm
— Sunday Sept 29, 4:30-7:30pm
— Saturday Oct 12, 1:30-4:30pm
— Sunday Oct 27, 3-6pm

All ages and skill levels are welcome at Long Island City Community Boathouse's free paddling sessions hosted on select weekend afternoons at Hallets Cove. This free, walk-up paddling program offers a chance to explore the sheltered waters of Hallets Cove, from the beach at Vernon Blvd. at 31st Ave. Sit-on-top kayaks are available, and canoes are often an option (depending on wind velocity). 

A few tips: You must be able to swim. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Be sure to wear clothing and footwear that can get wet. 

Here's the full schedule.