When you think of New York, you’re probably thinking of The Big Apple, with its Times Square, Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. Sun and watersports aren't really what come to mind when you think of the city. Kayaking in New York might be its lesser-known attraction, but it is something you should not miss. There’s quite a lot of waterfront in the state, and it’s perfect for kayaking and other recreational activities. It’s also a unique way of seeing the city, seeing the impressive skyscrapers on a kayak! If you want a head start on where to go, here are a few places to get the best kayaking experience in New York.

1. Kayak Staten Island

Kayak Staten Island is an all-volunteer organization that provides free kayaking to the public. They are on the shoreline on Staten Island. The organization is a perfect place to go if you’re a beginner looking to take a dip into the kayaking hobby or a traveler on a budget. They offer 15-minute rides each, and there are members ready to assist novices on the water.

2. Salt Marsh Nature Center

The Salt Marsh Nature Center is the largest and most famous park in Brooklyn. It has basketball courts and golf courses, but most of the park is its salt marsh. The park is home to about 325 birds and 50 species of butterflies! If you want to kayak here, you’ll need to secure a permit and bring a kayak. The views and experience that you’ll see on the salt marsh in your kayak is something you should try!

3. North Brooklyn Community Boathouse

The North Brooklyn Community Boathouse is a boat club at Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Their goal is to promote human-powered boating to preserve the ecology and waterways. Their public paddle events are great ways to learn more about kayaking and are open to anyone who drops by. Check their website to see the dates for their events. You can also sign up in advance for group paddles like easy sunset paddles!

4. Esopus Creek

Esopus Creek is an exciting location of the Hudson Valley in Kingston. The scenery alone is worth the trip, but there’s another reason to visit. Esopus Creek is for kayakers who want to experience kayaking through challenging rapids. With Class II, III, and IV rapids, there’s a challenge for any kayaker. There are even rentals for those who don’t have their own kayaks. Beginners should take care, though!

5. Cold Spring

Cold Spring is an hour away from the Grand Central Station. Going on a kayaking tour is a fulfilling way of exploring the nature and scenery of Hudson Highlands. Kayak tours can take up to four hours. As you paddle, you’ll be able to go birdwatching and visit landmarks such as the Bannerman Castle and Foundry Cove. A kayaking tour of Cold Spring is perfect for a family outing!

Get close to the island to see the magnificent Bannerman Castle!

6. The Downtown Boathouse

Downtown Boathouse is one of New York City’s largest and oldest kayaking programs. They are situated at Pier 26 and Governor’s Island, providing free kayaking to the public. It’s also an excellent way to learn more about their efforts at cleaning the Hudson River. The Downtown Boathouse also relies on volunteers and donations, showing the passion for kayaking in The Big Apple!

7. Manhattan Community Boathouse

The Manhattan Community Boathouse is a free kayaking service on the Hudson River. It’s wholly run by volunteers and funded by donations, showing their passion and community for kayaking. They supply everything you need for your free 20-minute kayaking ride. You can also volunteer for them if you want a better experience with the kayaking community! Fill up the reservation form on their website if you plan on traveling there.

The water in the city can be quite a sight!

8. Flushing Bay

Flushing Bay is a part of the World’s Fair Marina. There are numerous stadiums like the Citi Field, Arthur Ashe Stadium, and Louis Armstrong Stadium. There are also a lot of different recreational activities to enjoy in the area like biking and boating. Kayaking is one more way to enjoy the park! If you plan on bringing your kayak, you’ll need a permit, but there are places to rent kayaks in the area.

Visit the Citi Field and plan your kayaking outing at the same time!

9. Letchworth State Park

Letchworth State Park is a haven for paddlers in the south of Rochester. It’s also known as the Grand Canyon of the East. The scenery there is enough to impress even the most traveled tourist. Gorgeous waterfalls and lush forests await its visitors. There are around five miles of Class I and II whitewater kayaking to experience on the Genesee River!

Mountains, waterfalls, and rivers are a kayaker’s paradise.

10. The Gowanus Dredgers

The Gowanus Dredgers is a canoe club in Brooklyn dedicated to providing public access to education about the waterways in New York City. They have continued their restoration efforts along the Gowanus Canal with volunteers whose jobs range from health monitoring of oysters and seagrass and kayak tours! If you want to uniquely see New York City, this tour is perfect for you.

If you are visiting New York, you shouldn’t miss the many places to go kayaking. It might be strange to go to The Big Apple to go kayaking, but once you try it, you’ll know it’s an experience you won’t regret! If you live in the city and haven’t tried it yet, here’s the chance to get a new and exciting hobby! It might even get you to invest in a good kayak sail! Make sure to pack a swimsuit, sunscreen, and sunglasses the next time you visit and get ready to see a different side of The Big Apple.