I am accustomed to wonderfully friendly and accommodating kayak companies and this one did not hit that standard. Booking was easy enough, and we checked in at the main dock, then walked down to the launch. The employee who was assisting with the kayaks seemed very tired and uninterested. We had some questions about kayaking parameters, and he responded with short, off-putting, counters. Upon entering my kayak, I saw that the interior was wet and I asked for a dryer option. He said it was not available, and the water quickly soaked into my clothes. It was one of those moments, where I looked at the stacks of kayaks and wondered why a different one was not available. Once on the water, the sights are cool! But be aware, you cannot access the tidal basin. It was a fun way to explore DC even with wet clothes. read more

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My partner and I rented two hydra-bikes and we had a great time. The folks helping us were laid back and helpful. I think that type of easy-going approach is odd for some people, but we really enjoyed not feeling rushed, judged, or overwhelmed with lots of info and overzealous customer service. We got a quick explanation of how to ride and where to ride and were off. They let us leave 10min early and still honored our entire 1hr reservation. We saw other kayakers and folks on the hydra-bikes and everyone was all smiles. The views from the river are so nice! I want to find a place like this back home- simple, no frills, and fun! read more

I came here twice last summer on a Groupon and really enjoyed myself. Both times I used a two-person kayak for an hour. I came on a Saturday so there was a bit of a wait, but it was okay since we just used that time to fill out the waivers. The staff were friendly and explained the techniques since we were new to kayaking. While it was easily accessible by Metro (Navy Yard on the Green line), I was glad we drove and parked since we were a bit wet after our time on the water. There was a decent amount of metered parking but you might want to be mindful if you go during a game day (it's right next to the Nationals Stadium). Also, make sure you wear sunscreen, clothes you don't mind getting wet, and closed toe shoes (I almost lost my flip-flops lol) The kayaks themselves seemed in good shape. The area you can kayak is in the Anacostia River and it was really cool because you could go under a bridge or just take breaks like we did in the middle of the river :). The water was a little funky but other than that it was fun and a great workout. Next time I have the urge to go kayaking I'll definitely be back! read more

Boating in DC at Ballpark Boathouse - Boating Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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So I don't know if I missed a note on the website but this "boathouse" is barest of bones! I've gotten the summer pass to the boathouse the past two years but up until this month had only visited the Key Bridge location. The site did say this one had only kayaks and canoes (Key Bridge has paddle boards) so I thought it would be smaller but wasn't expecting to show up and find a place with no changing area, hard to locate and far away port-a-potties, zero bike parking (locked my bike to a rail on a nearby bridge path) and no locks or doors on the storage "cubbies". The actual water and boating experience was fine, I was the only person out that day and had a good enough time. I was surprised that the attendant working did not tell me the boundaries for kayaking, something that the other location says every time I go out, even though I said it was my first time at this location. It's possible I'll be back if I'm in the area but definitely sticking to the Key Bridge location. read more

I've only been kayaking a couple times in my life but when I go I like to visit this location. Aside from it being very conveniently close to my home, the location in general is great. You can kayak then enjoy the beautiful-ness of The Yards Park. The staff here are always pleasant and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this location. It's never crowded like at the National Harbor. read more

This location is very low key. A lot different than Key Bridge. The staff is super laid back and really helpful. The huge battleship is a little scary but really cool at the same time! read more

Boating in DC at Ballpark Boathouse - Such a beautiful time! - Boating Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Ballpark Boathouse is a fun affordable way to spend an hour or two and a nice asset for the neighborhood. You can get a one or two person kayak or a canoe. It's not a big operation - basically a tent with a laptop and basic equipment. I don't really mind the setup and not really sure what more you need for a few hours out on the water. read more

Too all my fellow New Yorkers and DC tourists, visit this place at your own risk. As a New Yorker we expect exceptional to moderate customer service, but being in a new area I decided to keep and open mind. And so far the people of DC have been so warm and welcoming. But I must say that this was one of the most degrading, rude and embarassing encounters I have ever had. My first expectation was too take a fun kayaking ride with my cousins, one of which was a local in DC. But upon our arrival I felt attacked and unwelcome by the "shift manager", as one of the coworkers said. He said at first we could maybe go if we had cash, whatever that means, but then we were completely shut down and told to leave. Excuse me? He then began to attack my family, saying we should "sit our asses down and fill out the fucking waiver and we can be out on the water right away". I was completey done with his utter bullshit. We all left and I told him that in New York we know how to deal with shitheads like you. I'm sorry but he was one of the most rude, despicable and disgusting excuse for a human being I have ever met in my life. For godsake, if you value your own self-respect don't go to ballpark boathouse ever. read more

Great time, lots of fun. Great service and staff. Well worth the trip! There isn't much parking but the boat quality and the things you see out on the water are great! You can see the USS Barry and many other bridges and rowers on the water! Very fun for families! read more

Boating in DC at Ballpark Boathouse - Boating Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The staff was very nice, a fun place to kayak and a great workout.

Had a great first experience there. Used a Groupon with two others to do a one-hour single kayak rental. It was pretty busy, but their staff handled it easily and kept a fun, upbeat attitude, even with the long line of customers. The kayaks were in good shape and it was an easy process all the way through. They even had baggies to put your stuff in so it doesn't get wet and sunscreen for customers. I'll definitely be going back! read more

The staff are chill like beach dudes but still helpful. They keep plastic bags behind the front desk and also show you how to stow your stuff in a watertight bin on your kayak. The equipment is in fine shape. Just be forewarned that the water is amuck dirtier than the Potomac. No paddle boarding here. Just kayaking - as it should be. read more

This boathouse could be SO much better than it is, the service is great, but the bare bones isn't. They only have a very limited number of kayaks, and they're all open tops and most are doubles. No lockers (but cubby holes), no changing tent (but there's a couple of port-a-potties), and no place to fill out the forms. Please, Boating in DC, as a loyal customer--and season pass holder--I love the stuff you guys do at Keybridge. Please make it happen at your other locations too! read more

Brought the family here for Father's Day. Had a great first time kayaking experience. The suggested one hour route was just enough for us to get a good feel for it. Lindsey helped us out and was very thoughtful , knowledgeable, and kind! Parking during Nats games is a bit of a struggle. read more

The website does not post about weather conditions. Tried going here to rent a canoe, but they said it was too windy. The wind was blowing 8mph and gusting to 14mph. So, just be cautious about going on a near perfect day and call even though it seems like a perfect day to go. read more

We had purchased a Groupon Coupon for this place. It is a fairly short walk from the Navy Yard Metro station, which is great. Also great is that the area around the boathouse location looks nice, right after our Kayak trip we had a nice lunch at a Potbelly that was about a quarter-mile away. The kayak experience turned out great, the people who were working there on both of the days we went were great, very attentive, very thorough. The Kayaks appear to be in good shape. Highly recommended! read more