The staff were very friendly and helpful. It was such an awesome experience with beautiful views! I didn’t know there was a free program like this in nyc. Definitely donate a little $ at the end to support them.

Definitely worth it waiting in the line. And above all it’s free kayaking. Thanks to the volunteers.. What else do you need.. you get a different view of the skyscrapers around you.

The most amazing FREE experience in Manhattan with great view. The staff is really friendly, making sure you got the skill to enjoy the activity and your safety.

Amazing FREE experience, Kayaking was very calm and relaxing, you don’t need prior experience and life vest is provided. Volunteers were very friendly and helpful. Opens at 5:30pm-7pm and you can do 20min in the water, must know how to swim*

We had a great experience kayaking at Pier 26 today. The staff was very friendly and they were volunteers. If you go early in the morning when they open, they will tell you that you don’t need to kayak for 20 minutes, as it is suggested, but you can stay a little bit longer because they have plenty of kayaks. We did donate $10 each even though they never asked for it but just keep in mind if you have a great time and a good experience these people are working for free. So If you can, either you make a donation or give them a tip or both!

This place is so special! I took my 6 year old niece there today and it was such a joy! You fill out a waiver, get a key to locker, get a safety jacket and a paddle. They help you in and out, there is a place to change. Your butt and feet WILL get wet. Everyone who volunteers is so thoughtful and kind! Such a cool thing to do!

It is great to say that my first time kayaking has been in the Hudson River Park! The Downtown Boathouse offers free kayaking between 5-7pm during the week and longer on weekends. Great friendly staff, who are volunteers, make the whole thing possible. Thank you!

Amazing experience. Great quality service. Usually there are a lot of people when I went there before but now it’s not as crowded. And yes it’s free for those that are doubting. All you have to do is go there and sign the waiver. If you are older than 18 you get your own boat. Other wise you need someone else who is older to be with you.

All the volunteers are nice and helpful. They have lockers and a changing room. All you need to do is sign a waiver, they give you a key and lock and get on kayaking 😅. Beautiful views of Freedom Tower and Edge and jersey city skyline. They have so many kayaks. No need to worry about waiting for one . People are constantly come in and out the water. I will definitely return.

Its a great free kayaking place! The kayak area isnt that big but its nice to see the view of skyscrapper while kayaking.. its completely free, just come a bit earlier if you dont want to wait in a really long line. Line start from 10am till 3pm

Free kayaking in NYC during the summer. Come in, sign the waiver, they offer you a key for the locker, get a life vest, get your paddle (make sure you don't hit people with your paddle), then off you go to the line for safety instructions. All volunteers are very nice and trained. Please follow the rules for your safety and follow directions by the volunteer. There is also a donation box if you want to donate. They also provide sunscreen, the station is next to the paddles station. Shower pole to rinse off too. You can sign up to volunteer too during your free time. There is a volunteer training session. They do this every summer and make sure to check their website for the location. They have several locations for free kayaking. There is public restroom at pier 25. Come out and have fun in the water!!! One more thing, YOU HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM !!!

What a great place! Just sign it, listen to some instructions and get on the river for free!

The free kayaking experience that they offer during summer was so fun! Me and my friends came on a Tuesday, 30 minutes after they opened. It took almost an hour from when we lined up until we started kayaking. However, we didn't feel that the wait was long since the line kept on moving and there are things to do. The first thing would be to sign a waiver. They will also offer a lock and key for a locker so you can put your belongings. There are 2 changing rooms next to the locker. Next, you pick up a paddle and a life jacket. Then you line up to get a kayak. They have plenty of kayak, so the line moved pretty quickly. After they give us quick instruction on how to kayak, we got around 20 minutes to play. You can either do solo or pair up with someone else. The staff, which I believe are volunteers, were helpful and friendly. I had a great experience and would do it again! Just remember to stay within the boundary. No paddling to New Jersey!

Love this place! Always my staple summer activity when friends come into town. The volunteers are always so helpful and kind. Thank you so much for free kayaking!

There are still some activities that are free in Manhattan. If you are looking for some excitement this summer or capture some great pictures for your IG feed, then visit the boathouse. I haven't tried it myself, but it is an excellent activity to add to your list of life experiences.

I had an amazing experience with my son in the kayaking on the Hudson River and the volunteers were so kind and friendly. Thank you guys for making my son feel safe and comfortable.

Super fun and everyone was very friendly <3

Absolutely love this place been their twice usually bring the kids to pier 25 to play. And when I found out about the kayaking I chose to give it a try. And I'm glad I did Marty and Joyce were phenomenal. Watched my youngest while went on the water.

A good place to go out for a walk

The best secret in NYC. Everything is free and there's no catch! Paddle, life preserver, kayak, lock and key. Volunteer and get to go on trips! Volunteers are super friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Excellent experience. Wonderful place to volunteer.

Free kayaking and friendly volunteers. Awesome.

Fun experience. The volunteers are soo friendly and helpful.