Free Kayaking
2025 Schedule
May 24th — October 5th
Weekend Hours: 10:00am to 4:30pm
Last Boat goes out at 4:30pm, be sure to come earlier!
Closed Sunday 8/10
Weekday Evening Hours
June 17th — August 14th Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30pm — 7:30pm
August 19th — August 28th Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30pm — 7:15pm
Holiday Hours
Memorial Day 5/26 10am — 4:30pm
Juneteenth 6/19 1:30pm — 7:30pm
Labor Day 9/1 10am — 4:30pm
BE SURE TO CHECK THE CALENDAR FOR EXACT DATES AND SCHEDULED CLOSINGS.
We often have to close our signup line early due to the great demand. Please come early if you want to go kayaking.
First Come - First Served
You must know how to swim. if under 18 years old, parent or legal guardian must be present. We offer free sit-on-top kayaks for public use in protected Hudson River embayments at each of our locations throughout our season (May-October). We give brief instruction and provide life vests, as well as lockers and locks, sun block, changing rooms and first aid equipment. This is by far our most popular program for adults and children alike. It provides an opportunity to create a personal connection with our waterfront, regardless of age, income or location, and it also serves to educate our communities about how far we have come in cleaning up the Hudson River.
Before You Go Out
· Sign a waiver (we now require a new waiver each visit)
· You must know how to swim
· Put on a lifejacket that we provide
On the Water
· Stay within the bay (between piers)
· Keep away from sides and wall
· Come back in 20 minutes
· Come back in if called
· No swimming
Under Eighteen
· One child per boat
· Guardian must be present
· Under 13, must go in boat with an adult
Groups
· Groups must be 10 or less so as not to overwhelm the public program
· If you represent a youth, special needs or underserved community group or nonprofit contact groups@downtownboathouse.org for options
We're sorry, but we don't accommodate animals in our boats for safety reasons!
Pier 26
Free Kayaking
2025 Schedule
May 24th — October 5th
Weekend Hours: 10:00am to 4:30pm
Last Boat goes out at 4:30pm,
be sure to come earlier!
Closed Sunday 8/10
Weekday Evening Hours
June 17th — August 14th
Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30pm — 7:30pm
August 19th — August 28th
Tuesdays & Thursdays 5:30pm — 7:15pm
Holiday Hours
Memorial Day 5/26 10am — 4:30pm
Juneteenth 6/19 1:30pm — 7:30pm
Labor Day 9/1 10am — 4:30pm
BE SURE TO CHECK THE CALENDAR FOR EXACT DATES AND SCHEDULED CLOSINGS.
WE OFTEN HAVE TO CLOSE OUR SIGNUP LINE EARLY DUE TO THE GREAT DEMAND. PLEASE COME EARLY IF YOU WANT TO GO KAYAKING.
FIRST COME - FIRST SERVED
WALKING: The Pier 26 Boathouse is located on the southern end of Hudson River Park on the Westside Highway just north of N Moore St. The nearest subway stops are the #1 at Franklin St. and the A/C/E station at Canal Street.
KAYAKING: The Pier 26 Boathouse and dock is the first pier south of the Holland Tunnel Ventilation Towers and is the second pier north of Battery Park City.
DRIVING: Driving, Drop-Off, and Parking are not permitted anywhere on Pier 26, but there is usually free street parking available in the neighborhood on Sundays and evenings.
Governors Island
Our Governors Island location is currently closed. We plan to reopen for when dock repairs are completed.
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