Manhattan Kayak Co in New York
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New York, New York County, New York, US
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12 of us were on a Skyline private trip and we enjoyed every minute of it! Every staff, Suzy, Jay, Pauline and Jennifer, they are just absolutely fantastic, responsive and thoughtful! If only there could be more other routes for first timers to try out. Anyways, it is totally worth it!
There are few more enjoyable things to do in New York City than to take a Kayak out to view the city from the water. These guys do an amazing job organizing trips for people, even if you’ve never kayaked before. The owner, Eric Stiller, is a legend and one of the nicest and most knowledgeable guys around the river. This is one if those must do things in New York City, in my opinion.
Me and my family had a great time.My children had a blast,I was so happy my son was in the kayak with me .It was the first time for us.The instructor was easy going.My daughter went by herself and she is only 12 yrs and made it look easy.thank you for this memorable experience I will never forget and the weather was beautiful.
It’s my second home and family. I’m a lifelong paddler, waterman, scuba diver, spear fisherman, Eagle Scout and native Floridian who is trapped in New York by life. The time spent learning new skills (I tried to teach myself to paddle board, ohhh how little I knew), working out, and paddling to destinations N and S on Hudson keep me sane and human. Not to mention I’ve made a bunch of new and now close and like-minded friends.
Best place to do kayaking in New York city thank you Manhattan kayak for such a great experience staff is friendly and professional it’s their safety measures for COVID-19 is so good it’s completely safe to go for kayaking or paddle boarding i wanna say thanks to my coach Jay cartagena because it was my first time in kayak but he explained everything soo good
Manhattan Kayak Company provides kayak rentals, novice kayak trips on the Hudson River, and also comprehensive “learn to kayak” classes so you can take longer trips with them. The guides and instructors are friendly, fun, knowledgeable, and very good looking. I highly recommend Manhattan Kayak Company.
Great experience learning and practicing SUP skills! Ive taken several classes and done a few rentals here, and its always been a smoothly run and educational experience. The instructors are great, class sizes are small, and the bay gets just enough waves to keep things interesting. And its wonderful having a few of the Intrepid and the skyline.
Judy has been very encouraging and patient. She helped me to overcome all the fear and worries, and allowed me grow at my own pace. It is both physically and emotionally healing to take SUP classes with Judy. I have been paddling for about two months now, and is planning to challenge the winter weather continuing my paddling exercises. If you are new to paddling board, this is a great place to start with.
I taught myself stand up paddle boarding by doing it on vacations.But I decided I love stand SUP enough that I wanted to learn good form. Now realize how much Ive just been muscling through it.I took the four pack lesson and its been enlightening. The instructors are awesome. A special shout out to Judy whose great at breaking down the mechanics and videotaped me to showed me what I needed help with.
I’ve been taking the SUP basics classes here and the classes are in small groups so each person gets a lot of instructions and feedback.I took 3 classes so far with different instructors. They were all very professional, patient and explained the techniques thoroughly.Plus it’s a lot of fun and a great workout!
My wife had me book a day of kayaking on a whim and I’m so glad she did. Neither of us have any boating experience but the staff made us feel comfortable. While our excursion was limited to the pier inlet, it was fun to try something new. Manhattan Kayak also has larger group classes as well. All in all it was a nice thing to do on an afternoon.
Ive been a member of MKC for a couple years now. If youre looking for a way to get a great workout and have exciting outdoor adventures without leaving NYC, this place is great.MKC takes safety very seriously and offers a range of conservative, easy tours for all skill and athleticism levels, which are a fun and unique way to see part of the city most people never get to see.For people with formal training at kayaking or SUP, MKC does group trips of progressive difficultly and adventurousness. Want to take a SUP to the Statue of Liberty? Thatll be a couple hours of hard paddling in waves, chop, and traffic - NOT for beginners. Its definitely worth going through the training courses MKC offers to get to go on these cooler trips. Being a member and doing these kinds of trips every weekend has become my favorite part of summers in the city!
I had a fantastic time with them! I was so new to Kayaking and that was the first time in my life that I did kayaking. Both the instructor and other staff members who were with us on the water were super patient, supportive, and friendly. The weather was rainy and windy, which was actually kinda fun because I could feel the waves around me and it made kayaking more challenging.
My first experience with them was a guided Kayaking tour on the Hudson river after work with my team. I was so delighted to find that they had a kids summer program and signed up immediately. 2.5 hours on water sounds exhausting but this program included other fun activities in the boathouse and both my kids looked forward to this class every week!Very friendly staff and clean facility. The kids were able to learn the basics of kayaking and SUP with a few cool tricks and now theyre so comfortable on them both.
My first beginner class was yesterday and it was a wonderful experience. Instructor Jay was patient, detailed, experienced and absolutely not pushy or hurried. It was a safe environment inside a defined area to practice as part of the class. Every personnel involved was friendly and relaxed. The small but clean facility is comfortable. A mini New England feel in the middle of NYC. Would absolutely recommend a try.
I recently completed the Kayak Basics course and took my first guided tour. My experience with MKC has been fantastic--the instructors are very knowledgeable, friendly, and patient. I always feel like my safety, and the safety of all of the paddlers, is their priority. Looking forward to my next trip!
So far have been here twice. Once for a beginner SUP rental and once a SUP lesson. Staff is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. There’s a lot to learn, and the instruction is excellent , with a shoutout to Shannon and Carey. The place itself is a cool hang; more like Maine than Manhattan. Prices are less than you’d expect for midtown Manhattan. I’m surprised it isn’t more mobbed. Plus there’s something sort of thrilling about paddling next to an aircraft carrier.
Came here for a kayak rental with a few friends a couple of days ago and didnt know what to expect as we had all never done something like this before! The staff here is so sweet and so patient with every person that comes through. I think it was a girl named Pauline who helped us out on the water, and she was super sweet and helped us feel safe and ready. Couldnt have asked for a better experience! Its a small area to paddle but definitely worth it. Will be coming back!
I had an AWESOME time! I usually dont kayak in the big city, and usually avoid these places in general, but Bailey gave great advice on where to go. After a conversation with her I felt ready to take on the mighty Hudson. And boy oh boy what a trip it was! 11/10 would recommend!
Fantastic experience with the instructors at Manhattan Kayak. Super knowledgeable, engaging, friendly and professional. Took the SUP Classes 1-3 this weekend and feel infinitely more well informed and comfortable in the water now. Highly recommend MKC to anyone interested in getting out in the water!
It is not only great exercise, the staff are great and very informative. They want to ensure you are safe and well equipped. Feels like escaping the city. Water is my happy place, found it the week I moved to NYC almost two years ago and havent stopped getting involved.
What a wonderful way to spend 45 minutes! Great upper body exercise... something needed after this past year. The people are so nice and informative, ready to answer any questions and eager to teach the finer points of paddle movement. Ive booked for the season and am looking forward to intermediate level. Definitely worth the time and cost!
Fantastic set up in the Boathouse on Pier 84. High quality equipment and for my Manhattan Circumnavigation they even a NDK Romany kayak as I said I have one back home in the UK. Suzy went to great lengths to ensure I was capable of doing the 30miles around Manhattan and our guide Jay made the tour truly great. It’s hard work in very choppy waters, lots of boat traffic and just plain hard work. 6hrs 32 mins of hard paddling and a return to the dock at 9.30pm. I have not had such a great Saturday for a long. For you experienced kayakers and paddleboarders I can warmly recommend this trip. Bring your best and be prepared to have a great day with Manhattan Kayak Co. I certainly did. Dan
My wife and I, Brooklynites, took a kayak trip for our 17th wedding anniversary. Fun and a little challenging. We went rowing up the Hudson getting about 15 blocks and then turning around. Liked the instructors and invigorating to see NYC in a different way, perhaps a foot above the river.
MKC is a treasure. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and they want you to have a great experience on the water. Whether youre a total newbie or an expert paddler, they support you at the right level. They have something for everyone -- practice sessions in the protected cove, short jaunts up and down the river, longer trips across the river to Jersey, and more.And there is nothing like being on the Hudson, open skies above you as the light reflects off the Manhattan skyline. Its an amazing adventure (and a pretty good workout to boot!)
I love this place! It is so well run and inviting that you can focus on the pleasure or adventure of your experience on the water and know that you are in good hands (they have also done a fantastic of job making the experience accessible during covid times). You can be a recreational kayaker / SUP-er in protected waters or go for more adventurous tours after lessons. I decided to do the lessons this past summer after being an on-and-off recreational kayaker here for a few years (paddling around the embayment and also doing one of their beautiful sunset tours). After the kayak / SUP basics class series I went on guided group paddles in the Hudson with their encouraging and helpful staffers and have recently learned how to cold-water kayak safely and go on longer, more physically challenging group trips. Just an amazing activity with a great group. Highly recommend!
Manhattan Kayak is the perfect summer social distance-ing bucket list activity!!! The family like atmosphere here makes everyone feel welcome because they are so friendly. Not only that the instructors are extremely experienced and knowledgeable. They gave me and my dad tips on proper form and technique when it was our first time paddling in NYC waters. It’s not easy (my balance isn’t the best!) but I felt comfortable because I had the right guidance. The second time I paddled was even better than the first because I was starting to get the hang of it. Not only is the paddling (and kayaking) an awesome experience, the boathouse itself is beautiful, clean and comfy. Id say this activity is great for those who already love paddle/kayak, those who want to try out a new fun summer activity , and/or those who are missing the gym and need some sort of workout fix 😁(the gyms wont be open for a long while so this is a great alternative in the mean time !) I can’t wait to come back here to enjoy a nice summer paddle with great views & company :)
I had the most amazing first time kayaking experience! Thanks to our very professional and knowledgeable instructors JAY and David. As a first time kayaker (as in first time to ride a kayak and paddle), theres nervousness but Jay assured me that everythings gonna be ok and it did! Thank you Jay, youre a very effective instructor! Looking forward to complete my training!
My wife & I greatly enjoyed our rentals at Manhattan Kayak. Making an online reservation was quick, easy, and super affordable. The staff was knowledgeable, friendly, and very kind to our two small dogs. The equipment was top level, and the cove was amazing. We cannot wait to go back and make this a regular family summer activity. The staff strictly enforced social distancing and sanitation. Everyone wore masks until after launching and the equipment was immediately put into cleaning stations when we were done. They are very dog friendly which is always a plus!
First of all, I dont know how to swim. So the whole experience being on the water in a small kayak was terrifying for me. But I gave it a try.Now I feel confident and having so much fun! It’s truly a life-changing experience!The team is very knowledgeable and patient. They help you to build this skill step by step. Very supportive and atmosphere!You are the best!
I really wish I knew about this place a lot earlier. All the instructors are absolutely amazing. They are all fun, positive, supportive, encouraging and uplifting and are wonderful people. I took all the basic kayak classes and SUP classes. In addition to that, Ive gone on some kayak tours and SUP tours including the secret beach tour. The people who I have taken classes have been absolutely amazing too. They have been very supportive and encouraging. When I went on tours with experienced people, I was lagging behind but some of them would watch out for me to make sure that I was OK. If you want to work out in a supportive environment, or if you have health goals you would like to achieve, I would say, this is the best place to go to. At first blush, kayaking and SUP might sound more like individual sports as opposed to team sports but when you do them with other people, I think they give people the opportunity to watch out for each other and help each other out more than almost any other sport. To give you a general idea of the type of people I met there, they go there because they love SUP and/or kayaking, each person is pretty much autonomous and has an outcome (s)he wants to achieve, when people hang out there for a while they bond because they love the same thing but dont form cliques because water sports itself is the bond and it is absolutely unnecessary to be cliquish. Other things I noticed are, they are quality people, each person has depth at an intellectual level and as a human being as well when you really get to talk to them even if that part might not show at the beginning, and most of the people I met there separate work from personal life.
I’ve taken Basic Kayaking 1 and 2 there so far, and am really impressed. The teachers absolutely know what they’re doing, and make sure that students learn techniques correctly. They’re attentive, yet foster independence in students. Going out on open water in a small boat is something that should be taken very seriously, and that’s exactly how they approach it. Kayaking is pretty challenging, but learning from dedicated, educated instructors makes it that much easier.
As a novice SUP user and visitor to NYC, I was nervous to embark upon a journey onto the Hudson. But what a great experience! Not only were my MKC crew helpful on SUP technique and experts on the area, they stressed safety first, which made my group more comfortable and confident. An awesome guided tour all around.
This place is great. The staff is very helpful, polite and friendly. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because we weren’t allowed to go beyond the deck area (which is pretty small - kayaking back and forth gets several times in the same small area gets super boring). But other than that, the whole experience was GOOD! And prices are super cheap.
Manhattan Kayak + SUP is a wonderful outdoor oasis in the midst of the concrete jungle that is New York City. Eric Stiller, the staff of Manhattan Kayak + SUP, and so many of the other paddlers make every paddle outing feel like a party with your best friends. Absolutely top-notch instruction where safety is their number one priority. Whether youre looking for a casual outing and a chance to see Manhattan from a completely different and unique view, or youre looking to take your kayak or SUP skills to the next hardcore level, Manhattan Kayak + SUP has you covered. Eric Stiller, and Manhattan Kayak + SUP have given me the gift of a lifelong love of kayaking which I am so grateful for.
It was my first time kayaking, and it was wonderful, and my teacher Robyn was terrific in all ways. I will be going back- Robyn also explained all kinds of different trips and activities - Go! It is a Cuomo approved social distancing outdoor activity that is delightful. No face mask needed when you are in your own kayak out on the water. (I did go during the week, so I am not sure how busy it is on the weekends.) Signing up online is easy!
Had such an amazing time here with my coworkers and I. For someone who had not been on the water in a while, this was the place to start again, our instructor was informative & helped us all along the way. If you’re looking for a great workout, a great view of the Hudson & a good time overall, Manhattan Kayak Company is the place to do it!
World Class! Storage options are available for surfskis, outriggers, kayaks, canoes, SUPs, or prone paddleboards. Instruction in kayaking and paddleboarding is excellent with time devoted to land instruction as well as on the water instruction. The tours are a great way to socialize and see iconic New York and New Jersey locations. The Hudson, Harlem, and East Rivers are all unique and worth seeing. Private, tailored options are available. Mr. Stiller was born into the paddling world and continues to share his passion with the world. Go give it a try!
What I love most about MKC is that every single member of their team wants to share their love of paddling with you.The team helps you develop your skill set so that you can have an awesome experience out on the water. MKC offers a variety of exciting adventures that can accommodate the first time paddler and impress a K1 Olympic competitor.The dock is conveniently located next to the Intrepid which is one of my most favorite iconic NYC destinations.Your safety is prioritized throughout the entire experience. Everything is sanitized and the protocols in place are adhered to by the patrons and the staff.This place is the best of the best and it is such a joy to be out on the water. I highly recommend you book your next trip ASAP!
Just came back from the July 4th Skyline Tour. Our guide Jeffrey was great. We had little pre lessons of basic kayaking strategies before heading down to the water. The weather was good today. We took a lot of nice pictures. The facilities of the company was good too. Free lockers, lock and water. I saw the pin map on the wall and there was no pin in my city yet. I dropped the first pin there! Overall, I really like to recommend this place to everyone!
What a secret gem! Rented a stand up paddle board. The staff were extremely friendly! Showed me and friend as beginners what to do. The deck patio is out of sight from public so you enter this outside sanctuary almost. Unbelievable. Decided before leaving out of town night before to do sunset group tour. All I have to say is I will be back. Thank you Jay for taking us out everyone had a great time. Will highly recommend. I think the front desk lady Catherine - thank you for being so patient and nice to my friend and I.I had a blast will definitely be back
I was recommended this place by a friend, and decided to pay a visit with my girlfriend while the weather was nice. The staff was really friendly and knowledgeable and we had a fantastic time.I had been going to the free summer kayaking sessions in NYC (which are nice), but those typically only last for 15 - 20 minutes. You can only get so far before having to turn back. It was a totally different experience here and I felt like I was able to fully immersed in nature and explore. This place is also the only place in NYC that teaches you how to use a sea kayak, which lets you really explore!I will definitely be visiting again, and would recommend this place without a doubt!
Awesome experience last night! A friend and I attended the “After Dark” tour and it was crazy to see the city in such a different way. Lou was our instructor and was great the whole time. Living in the circumstances we are in it’s a great way to be socially distance safely and have an adventure. Thanks so much Lou and MKC we will be back again soon!
My partner and I had a great experience on the high line tour. Our instructor was great and had a great attitude for this kinda thing. I don’t recall her name but she was blonde with a cut on the bottom of her hair. She was great though and fun. We will for sure Be back to take classes.
I love this place! My first experience was this spring in SUP yoga, then I did SUP Basics 1 and 2 and am doing the secret beach tour next. The instructors are all good. It took two lessons to get confident and now it’s easy to rent a board anywhere and spend time on the water. This definitely turned on muscles in my butt that I didnt know about. They also do kayak classes/tours and have a wide variety of high-end boards/kayaks.
I am not very social media savvy and I have never written a review before but Manhattan Kayak is so good I could not help. I reached there late, they were quick, gracious and patient enough to have me sign my forms and give me a locker. Our instructor for beginners kayaking was the sweetest woman ever. While getting off the Kayak I dropped my phone between the wooden logs at the dock. One of the staff members took his time to help me get the phone out, it was a tedious job and not easy. These guys feel like family- by far the sweetest people o have ever met in NYC. Love you lots Manhattan Kayak and thank you for making my first ever kayaking experience so memorable❤️
While there are other places along the Hudson that you can paddle for free, Manhattan Kayak + SUP is probably my favorite free paddle spot. Ive never seen it super crowded, the $7 kayak rental fee is more than worth it, the staff is delightfully friendly, and being able to paddle alongside the Intrepid while looking up at the midtown skyline is a trip. Kayak rentals are for 30 minutes at a time and the staff will call you in when your time is up. Ive not yet gone on one of their guided excursions but am looking forward to doing so soon!
If you want to have fun on local NYC waters and learn from exceptional instructors, MKC is the place to go! I have been paddling with them for years now and my relationship with the company has made my urban life way better, from paddling to Red Hook for a midday meal to cooling off while speeding back with the current on a warm night. These folks care about your safety first and always that you have a great time on the water.
Excellent spot to paddle in Manhattan. THE spot, in fact. Guides are great. The boathouse is phenomenal. And seeing Manhattan from the river on paddle board or kayak is an exceptionally unique thing. Great exercise if youre there for that purpose, and wonderful fun if youre just keen on having a relaxing paddle on one of the easier tours. Very professional place.
We went on 4th of July. We expected a long line and a long wait. But surprisingly, it was fairly quiet when we came (around noon). We checked in and were on the water about 15 min later, after receiving some basic instruction. How nice to be on the water and see the Intrepid up-close from that perspective and the NYC skyline from the water. Very safe, including for children. We were surprised to realize that the facility has free lockers to store your gear and even changing rooms. The staff who helped us -- Stephanie and Adam -- were both very friendly and helpful. A 5* experience. Well done!
MKC is one of the few facilities of its kind in the US where you can truly learn proper paddling techniques for SUP or Kayak.The Owner, guides, and instructors are well trained and experienced professionals. Don’t even think of setting off on a paddling trip in NYC’s Hudson River (or any dynamic body of water) without consulting them first.The boathouse facility also has a great vibe with a friendly crew who have created a really nice community feel.
I had friends and family visiting from Europe who had been to New York multiple times before . Kayak trip on Hudson River became an unforgettable memory for them. To be able to observe Manhattan skyline in such close proximity was amazing . They will be back soon to explore more.Staff at MKC were very friendly and helpful.Thumbs up for the experience.
Hello, one and all. Here is my take. This place has made great efforts taking that first step forward they have relaunch with everyones health in mind. Spraying down the equipment that gets reused by customers and personnel was always part of the process now they have gone further by providing social distancing markers for their regulars to follow.The hand sanitizers are place at entrances and exits. Its required for everyone to wear a facemask when walking in and out of the facility and here is the best part once you are out on the water remove the mask the fresh breeze coming in from the waterfront is amazing.They regulate how many ppl are allowed in the Inclosed(designated) area. No overcrowding so with all that open space mask off its a sigh of relief to be able to get in a low impact work out on the water.Tips from me to you.. Wear sunscreen, bring a lock, most importantly reserve online because its practically the safest gym-based workout in town. Actually, its so much fun it cant be considered a workout. Reservation is needed to get out on the water. Lastly, the coaches crush it when it comes down to tips and guides to not fall in and so far I have done 10 laps in 3 visits and have yet to fall in so I will be back. SUP(stand up paddling) is now a part of my weekly workouts. I am recovering from a motor injury so this makes me workout those balancing issues and I love the challenge. On my way over today after work, I am hyped one of the many things I look forward too during these trying times.Hope this aids and encourages anyone looking to try something new and exciting. they have their prices online. Less than the price of lunch to start a new sport/hobby which it is super ideal.NYC the place to be. Did I mention it is by the intrepid the view is super cool I am in awe everytime.
Ive been part of the MKC family for more years than I can count, storing my sea kayak with them, taking our kids paddling in their protected embayment next to the Intrepid, and enjoying the wonderful, welcoming atmosphere theyve created at pier 84 where old salt paddlers mingle with first timers and the vibe just sums up summer. Its a great place to try paddling in NYC for the first time, joining a more advanced guided trip, taking lessons from great instructors, or meeting up with a community of experienced area paddlers.Check it out for yourself!
Super company! Fabulous, joyful time! Highly recommend!Details: Im a moderately experienced kayaker from the Pacific Northwest, and my friend Dave is a beginner from New Jersey. We BOTH had a fabulous time on an early October FUN IN THE SUN excursion and are still talking it. Our guide (Jules) was professional, super-friendly, safety-conscious, and fun -- a great instructor, as well as very positive & reassuring to those in our group who were new to kayaking. Even for that short trip, Jules so good at promoting camaraderie that the other two group members remain in touch with Dave and I.My compliments to Jay also: he was very helpful and informative in helping me to explore MKC trip options prior to my NYC arrival. I cant wait to paddle with MKC again the next time Im in NYC -- possibly including private instruction and a longer tour, maybe even downriver to the Statue of Liberty!
I love paddling here at Manhattan Kayak + Sup. The staff is amazing and the owner Eric is one of the most professional watersports athletes I know. The place is top, top, top and I have been to plenty shops around the country. It’s a great distraction and activity in NYC. I highly recommend this place.
We have kayaked the Hudson with MKC serveral times (sunset tour, skyline tour... etc) and it is a truly fantastic way of discovering and rediscovering NYC. The professional and friendly staff is second to none. Only top of the line gear is used to support safety and comfort. The space at the foot of the Intrepid museum is a really nice low-key spot to hang out. In a nutshell, if you havent been yet: just go! Its awesome!
I was really anxious about going on to the water as I am not a good swimmer, but shoutout to Stephanie for being really calm and patient with showing me how to paddle and not tip the kayak. Im also a bit of chatterbox when nervous and Stephanie is such a good listener. If new, seek her out, shell show you the ropes and lend an ear!
MKC is where I learned how to sea kayak and SUP three years ago. Experiencing NYC from the water is a transformative experience and I am so grateful to the MKC family for introducing me to it. The staff and members are knowledgeable and skilled paddlers who share their infectious enthusiasm for skill development, exploration, and for our beautiful tidal estuary. Paddling itself, learning about the city’s waterways, and having the unique experience of seeing the skyline from the Hudson are not to be missed whether you have no experience and want to do a relaxing skyline tour, or have expeditions under your belt and want to circumnavigate Manhattan- MKC offers something for everyone. Thanks Eric and team for the enthusiastic coaching and support!
This is one of my favorite places in the entire city. Its a great venue to learn new skills and have incredible new adventures. There are also some amazing communities of generous and interesting people here. After you get off the water, its wonderful to hang out on the patio.
I wish I had become interested in kayaking on the Hudson long before this past summer! What an incredible high this is!OK, I do think it is a little dangerous for those who are not strong swimmers but that is just me. Going out with a group on the Hudson around Manhattan is crazy and so much fun. I felt all of my senses on high alert every second.Thanks for a great experience!
I have lived in NYC 19 years and every Summer I said, I am going to kayak on the rivers. THIS was my summer to finally do it and it has been amazing. I owe it all to MKC. I started with Fun in the Suns and went on to Paddle Basics 1. I am so excited for the longer tours and Basics 2. The guides and instructors (Margaret, Juan, Brandon) gave me confidence, made me feel safe, made it fun, were encouraging, and made me feel calm on the water. I have been to all of the other free boathouses and in the City and am so grateful for the water time to practice and gain more experience, but you truly get what you pay for. None of those experiences can stand up to MKC. Next summer I am throwing all of my money at them to do even more!
MKC is like a second home for me. The guides are all amazing, and make sure that members and visitors have a great (and safe!) time.Getting out on the waters of Manhattan is a rare treat. And while paddling in a little roped-in area is fun, MKC offers an experience that the free paddling places dont: The ability to get far enough out into the water to truly enjoy the amazing views of the Manhattan skyline.If you have the chance, make the trip to MKC. I promise you wont be disappointed.
Dont go here, dont try it! Youll get addicted to it and you will never want to get off the water anymore.Complete beginners or experienced, there are great tours for all levels. Excellent communication and friendly staff. Even when visiting New York for a weekend, this is the best way to see the city.
Spectacular boathouse on the edge of midtown! Located right next to the Intrepid, MKC has an embankment area for novice paddlers to practice and play on kayaks and paddleboards alike. For those who are interested in refining their technique and increasing their stamina on the water, MKC also offers a variety of classes, workshops and tours for those who like to be constantly challenged. With a gorgeous patio overlooking the Hudson, MKC is an amazing oasis to retreat to whether you’re looking to just rent a kayak or if you’re looking to embark on their 28 mile circumnavigation paddle around Manhattan - this is the spot to do it.
I wanted to rent kayaks, and paddle around on the Hudson River. Ive rented Kayaks all over the country.+1, they answered the phone when I called. -1, they told me Id have to rent the kayaks through their website. -10, their website was horribly designed, and super slow.I wanted to make sure I could paddle around the Hudson, so I read through large parts of the slow site. I saw that they also did tours of the Hudson, including circumnavigating Manhattan. Ok, good!It literally took me an hour to book three Kayaks. I booked them for two hours the next day, and paid $150.When I arrived an hour early, I saw that people were paddling around, but only between two piers, and when I asked, I was informed only then that the rentals are confined between two piers -- New York law. Ok, but thats not what I wanted -- Id get bored paddling around in that circle for more than 5 minutes, let alone 2 hours.She cancelled my reservation, but said Id have to talk to the owner about getting my refund. She said it was my fault, because I should have been sure before booking. Ok, the truth hurts, but this is poor customer service. They probably broke a truth in advertising law (contact me if youre a lawyer in NY.) I left my information, and the owner never emailed or called me, but I did get a refund for about 40% of my rental fees. What about the rest? Despite repeated emails, they never told me why they didnt refund the whole thing.
Just been on a tour with MKC to the Statue of Liberty that was well run and pretty challenging. The Hudson does make for interesting conditions when the wind is up.MKC are always very friendly and full of advice and support for all standards of paddlers. If you want to do something different on your holiday in New York then give this a go....
Hello there. You are most likely scouring this Manhattan Kayak + SUP review page in hopes to fully convince yourself of spending your hard-earned moola, energy, and time into an activity that might seem slightly obscure to you, out of the way, or just downright interesting. With your kind blessing, please let me save you your precious time and energy from reading those other subpar reviews that will only serve to confuse you even more in your decision.So here:Just go.Leave your house now.Escape from that steely confused cage that is Manhattan.Experience one of the most exotic and cost-effective activities that currently exists in The City.Go ahead and allow yourself to plunge into this beautiful company with all it has to offer: a compassionate and knowledgeable staff, a dazzling variety of kayak and SUP events catered to beginners and advanced alike, a clean and open-minded environment, substantial and fitting-to-the-environment-music (no retail music guff), and most importantly: nature: water, that thing which gives us life.Thank you Manhattan Kayak.
Came for a New York After Dark and didnt know what to expect. Staff at the front desk, specifically Maggie was very informative and had a great energy to her. You can tell that these people care about sharing with you what theyre passion about and making you love it too- and arent looking to just make money. The tour was amazing and very nice on the eyes despite the small rain.I am working on my skills to do the Sushi Tour next and Im very excited.
Total reviews rating 4.8
194 Reviews for Manhattan Kayak Co 2023:
Review №1
2021-08-01Fantastic way to spend an afternoon. I was in a kayak while my teenage daughter was on a Stand up paddle board. Saw several families with small children e joying themselves too. Fun, active affordable and safe. Between the 45 minute rental, getting set up and out, we spent about 1:30. Very friendly and efficient team on the dock. Great for New Yorkers and visitors!
Review №2
2022-07-0613$ per adult for 45mins!! It was a wonderful experience in nyc. I was shocked that I had a spot. I kayaked in the summer of years ago and I cant believe this is right here in the city. My gf who has never kayak before tried it. She was a bit nervous but this location makes it easy for anyone who has never done it. Im glad she liked it and I like being on the water so I obviously liked it.
Review №3
2022-07-09Jay and Tommy were fantastic! Informative and had a great vibe. They made this tour 5 stars for me.The space itself was inviting and clean. There’s a lounge area with direct views of the Intrepid and midtown. Well done
Review №4
2022-01-02Davis and Jay at Manhattan Kayak Co. made the finale to my cross-country journey in NY Harbor extra-special. They were professional, kind, and went above and beyond. A real pleasure to meet, hang out and paddle together to (and around) Lady Liberty. Cheers to Suzy and Eric for opening your doors and hosting the shindig. Ill forever be thankful for your gracious hospitality.
Review №5
2021-08-02Definitely worth it! This was my first time kayaking and I had the time of my life. It was organized and we had guides that helped us throughout the trip. They explained everything to us and even took pictures of us. My experience was amazing and Im definitely going kayaking with them again.
Review №6
2021-10-23Manhattan Kayak Co is an outstanding company and I would give them 10 stars if I could. They went out of their way to accommodate me on very short notice during a time when they generally do not have availability and I am so grateful for the experience. Paddleboarding is my favorite hobby and I love to explore new places on the water, so when it turned out that I would have a free afternoon while on a work trip to New York City, I naturally looked at possibility of paddleboarding. Most places are closed for the season or were too far out to be reasonable for me to get to via public transit so it didn’t look like it would work out for me.But I reached out to Manhattan Kayak and thankfully they made it happen for me! They set me up with a private guide (Robyn is awesome!) who was knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable and safe in this unfamiliar urban paddling environment with a strong river current. The location is also spectacular, right on the Hudson with unbeatable views of Manhattan.Without a doubt, this paddleboarding excursion was one of the biggest highlights of my trip and I can’t thank Robyn, Jay, and the rest of the Manhattan Kayak team for providing me with this amazing experience.
Review №7
2022-04-01Love this place! Weekly speed training classes led by Judy are always a highlight! Awesome SUP and kayak crew with lots of dedicated paddlers--some of the coolest sessions have been in the dead of winter, in the dark, with ice on our boards! Owner Eric is always happy to share his knowledge about paddling with everybody in the boathouse.
Review №8
2022-04-19One of NYCs best hidden gems. There is no more unique way to experience the city than close-up from the water. I have been a member at the Manhattan Kayak Co boathouse for years. They provide storage for my canoes right in mid-town, which is incredible to find! The staff are great, the boathouse is impeccably kept, my friends love the tours
Review №9
2022-06-21Had the most EPIC paddle ever! As a fairly experienced paddler it’s sometimes difficult to find an enjoyable pace when travelling abroad but MKC cater for all levels of experience. Had a brilliant guide Ronald who let me experience the best NYC has to offer while still making sure I was safe. I got to see sights that I wasn’t expecting and even got ina bit of a downwind. Good quality equipment, good safety measures, great facilities and friendly efficient service all round.
Review №10
2021-09-15Rented a double kayak for my daughter and I. We had a great experience. The staff was friendly and informative. They were very responsive and attentive. The boats were clean and well maintained. We will definitely be visiting again!!!