Manhattan Kayak Company Reviews

MKC is a great place to join outdoor enthusiasts to get out on the water. Highly recommend all tours, which are offered from beginner to advanced. Each guide makes the trip a safe and fun experience.

Best place to SUP and kayak in the New York area. Very well situated close to all must see attractions in Manhattan. Very friendly and dedicated staff.

If you get serious about your paddling, you could even store your board in the boat house

Staffs was awesome, knowledgeable, fun, and friendly. Great education provided as well as a great kayaking experience. Would totally do this tour again.

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....

"Came for a New York After Dark and didn't 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 they're passion about and making you love it too- and aren't 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 I'm very excited. "

The staff here could not be any friendlier...when we left our phones back in the lockers, one went out of her way to take photos of my group from the best angle and then sent them to us after. We had such a wonderful experience and can't wait to come back

I called multiple times; call went to the voicemail, was asked to leave a message but voicemail box was full. They don't have time to clear their voice messages. Should I expect a better customer service when I am there? No way!

Fantastic place to Learn to Kayak or Paddleboard. They have a great list of trips from beginner to advanced. Great community of folks

While there are other places along the Hudson that you can paddle for free, Manhattan Kayak + SUP is probably my favorite free paddle spot. I've 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. I've not yet gone on one of their guided excursions but am looking forward to doing so soon!

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!

Great place, Highly recommend it! They have different options for Paddleboarding and Kayak. Go to their website for reservations.

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!

Great fun at a ridiculously low price. Nice way to get out on the water in NYC.

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.

Partner and I had a great time on the Statue of Liberty tour with MKC. great tour guides, helpful, attentive and safe. Would do this again for sure!

One of my favorite places in the city. The best view, awesome boathouse. The staff is the friendliest in the world and very knowledgeable.

Check it out! It's a lot of fun

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 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.

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 didn't know about. They also do kayak classes/tours and have a wide variety of high-end boards/kayaks.

Once you're here, you don't feel like you're in a loud and busy city. Getting on the water is an experience like no other! Love it.

These guys are the best! Super fun adventure that offers a legit outdoorsy experience in the heart of NYC.

Wow, we took a kayak tour and the views of NYC are amazing. The boathouse is really nice inside and outside too. We layed in the hammock with our dog. I will come back soon!

Manhattan Kayak is the chillest hangout in the city -- a touch of Hawai'i in Manhattan. Learn stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) with the masters. Stay for the aloha spirit...

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!

Hello, one and all. Here is my take. This place has made great efforts taking that first step forward they have relaunch with everyone's 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. It's 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 it's practically the safest gym-based workout in town. Actually, it's so much fun it can't 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.

@biscuitrules and I loved SUP. Everyone was really kind and patient. It was a lot of fun!

Great spot! The views of the city from the water are a must see and the staff was awesome

Good service, nice and funny staff. My gf and I enjoyed the Skyline Kayak tour.

Amazing you can't stop doing it ... the unique experience

There are a few more enjoyable things to do in New York City then 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.

Feeling blessed got to learn from some of the best. Thanks Lou Anne and Eric for showing me the way. Looking forward to honing my skills and new adventures. Shout-out to the staff for your hospitality. You guys rock! Mahalo

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.

MKC is a treasure. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and they want you to have a great experience on the water. Whether you're 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. It's an amazing adventure (and a pretty good workout to boot!)

The boss purchases alcoholic beverages and lets the employees drink while working. This is extremely unprofessional and dangerous.

The best place to get your paddle in around NYC! Friendly staff that helps you improve your paddling skills and knowledge of the local waters with a focus on safety.

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!

Great place nice people my kids had a blast great price too

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!

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 haven't been yet: just go! It's awesome!

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.

I've been a member of MKC for a couple years now. If you're 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? That'll be a couple hours of hard paddling in waves, chop, and traffic - NOT for beginners. It's 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!

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 don't: 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 won't be disappointed.

We had to change our reservation date and one of the employees, Magda, was extremely polite and helpful in allowing us to do so. Great customer service with a personality to match! For sure will come again!

I wanted to rent kayaks, and paddle around on the Hudson River. I've rented Kayaks all over the country.

+1, they answered the phone when I called. -1, they told me I'd 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 that's not what I wanted -- I'd get bored paddling around in that circle for more than 5 minutes, let alone 2 hours.

She cancelled my reservation, but said I'd 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 you're 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 didn't refund the whole thing.

Don't go here, don't try it! You'll 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.

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!

MKC taught me how to paddle 20 years ago. I continue to book trips with MKC because they are the best in NYC.

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.

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!

Great location with easy access to the Hudson river.

First of all, I don't 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've been paddling with Manhattan Kayak + SUP for 8 years. They have really knowledgeable and patient instructors, and the trips are really fun. Met many friendly and interesting people also!

The instructors are patient and very informative. I loved kayaking when I knew nothing but I'm developing a greater appreciation the more I learn.

Jay and the rest of the staff at Manhattan Kayak work hard to ensure all have the best experience. This is the perfect experience to escape the city without leaving it.

An oasis on the West Side of Manhattan. It's been our home base for paddling (sea kayaks and SUPs) for years. A super-talented and friendly crew runs the operation; they also run a wide variety of classes and expeditions for all levels.

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.

MKC is best place to check out NYC from a kayak or SUP, so professional and safety comes first. Eric Stiller and team make sure you have a really fun time, learn some new skills and stay safe.

Amazing location, very friendly managers and staff, a gem for practicing kayak/ stand-up paddle in NYC with great professional advice, great for physical and mental well-being! Nice socialising as a plus!

Best place on the west side to do kayaks, sups and sup yoga and tons of other water activities. For some kayaks you don't need prior experience. You can just sit on it and paddle. Great thing to do is the NYC skyline and NYC after dark tours.

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!

Wonderful place offering lessons for sup and kayak, short (1hr) scenic tours up to long (all day), yoga sup classes, super friendly and passionate staff. A neighborhood icon!

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

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. I'm also a bit of chatterbox when nervous and Stephanie is such a good listener. If new, seek her out, she'll show you the ropes and lend an ear!

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 :)

My partner and I had a great time on the Statue of Liberty tour with MKC. great tour guides, helpful, attentive and safe. Would do this again for sure!

This place is awesome. Staff is super nice, friendly, and accommodating. I'm excited to go again when things get a little better. I feel like with social distancing being super important this year, doing activities like SUP would be ideal this summer!

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 you're there for that purpose, and wonderful fun if you're just keen on having a relaxing paddle on one of the easier tours. Very professional place.

Instructors are great. SUP and Kayak instructors did a great job. The customer service at the front desk is horrendous, though. She talks down to the customers. Also does not respond to calls or questions after you have paid for the sessions.

Brought a couple of inexperienced kayakers and Stephanie really hooked us up, she recognized who needed the most attention and kept the experience fun for them. Jay was also very cool and friendly. Would definitely recommend for groups!

What an amazing place!!! The kayaking and paddle boarding are so much fun, and such a great relief from the stress of the city. There is a lovely patio to hang out on before or after your class. I love this place, what a refuge in the city!

Did an amazing SUP tour here and loved the views of NYC! Great place to go with friends or family!! Nice staff!!

A top class operation, run by a first class gentleman leading a best in class team. A kayak or SUP tour with MKC is a wonderful way to spend a sunny summers day.

The best instruction, the best tours and the most fabulous location in NYC! And run by a living legend, Eric Stiller!! A must if you want to do something wonderful and memorable while in New York.

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, I've 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 don't 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.

An amazing place with people in love with all things water paddle sports! They have seasoned and experienced staff that will take you from novice to an expert in SUP and kayak!

Being an inexperienced kayaker I was nervous about being out on the water. The staff eased my nerves and never once made me feel unsafe. Extremely well trained and dedicated employees. I would definitely return to give them my business again!

MKC is a great company to learn paddling on the Hudson. Highly recommended.

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

Good instruction and handling of newbies such as I. Had a great time.

Did both the Skyline and night tour in a single day. Dale was my guide both times and he consistently professional, safety minded and engaging even six hours later. Great place to learn or just enjoy kayaking.

Great place to get out and explore the waterways of NYC, or to just try kayaking or paddle boarding.

This is one of my favorite places in the entire city. It's 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, it's wonderful to hang out on the patio.

I've 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 they've created at pier 84 where old salt paddlers mingle with first timers and the vibe just sums up summer. It's 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!

Last year I took kayak lessons and went on an excursion. This year I'm adding SUP to the mix. Staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and professional.

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!

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.