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    Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse

    4.1 (297 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Jackie V.

    Thursday is the cheapest day to rent! Wish I had known- the website is confusing. We didn't book ahead - just went during the week and booked then. Each day the last boat out changes due to sunset so the last time on the website isn't accurate. Weekdays are cheaper. Everything is kind of do it yourself. No directions on which way to go or how to row. They just push you out. The Potomac current can be tough especially if you've never kayaked before. This probably isn't best for your first time! It was fun - $32 for a double kayak for 1 hour ($17 per person essentially). The water is really busy with boats & crew teams so you have to weave a bit. Plenty of parking nearby under the bridge(you have to pay). If it's really nice out it's probably all taken. The bus stop is very close on M and you just walk down a staircase to the kayak place. They have lockers you can rent for $2. They also have snacks you can purchase & free bathrooms to change (Port-a-Potty).

    First time, not the last time!
    Yousof F.

    Thank you Hunter for the speedy service! It was our, me and my 2 boys first time paddboarding, or SUP. You were speedy, efficient, and very generous! We will happily be back, as you've created as awesome experience for these boys! I highly recommend Boating in DC over the handful of boathouses in the DC area!

    Daniela E.

    We had a blast! The prices here are definitely reasonable (they offer military discount as well). It's super easy to make a reservation as you can book in advance or just show up and scan the QR code when you get there. We were assisted onto our kayaks and then on our way paddling! I would add a caveat, it was great for us as we all had been kayaking before... but if you haven't been I would suggest saying so because we weren't given any type of instruction, rules or guidance so while kayaking isn't really difficult it could be intimidating for those who don't have any experience. Overall, good launch pad, the staff and process was very chill (which could be a pro or con) and we had a great time out on the way just living! You pay by the hour and the prices are friendly. BTW, if you have your own kayak you can also just launch from there for only $5! We look forward to visiting again!

    The exit off the dock after you paddle
    Dana L.

    A very DIY-type of kayaking rental, and I think this is pretty much the only company that exists in DC. If you haven't kayaked or paddle-boarded before, be sure and let the attendant who helps you get into the boat down at the dock know, and they'll give you a couple pointers on how to get into the boat and how to stand up on the paddle board, if you're not familiar. Book online on their website before going. Parking sucks (street or garage parking only), so take an Uber or transit/walk if you can. There's a little tiny inconspicuous fence opening to enter the grounds. Get there early and wait for the rest of your party at the nice picnic tables so you don't eat into your time out on the water. Snacks are available at the little hut and there's a good selection of chips, granola bars, ice cream, drinks and sunscreen/bug spray and hats if you really need one. Check in at the desk, walk down to the far end of the grounds down the steps and get your own life jacket. There are lockers for rent for $2-3, which they don't discuss on their website, but even better is to bring your own dry bag or ziploc for your phone. Dogs are allowed, but your dog might try to drink or jump in the water too much, so wouldn't recommend if your dog isn't experienced around water. After sizing up your life jacket, pick out your own paddle from the giant paddle storage bins - flag down a staff person if you need help deciding on a paddle size for your height - and get safety and water boundary instructions from the person at the little checkout desk. Then you'll head down to the dock where a dockside attendant will get you into your kayak or paddle board. Pay attention to the wind and the current - it will be much more challenging to paddle in one direction than it will be to come back - and bring a watch out with you so you know when to return. Try not to paddle in the straight middle of the river and keep to the sides. Have a wonderful outing! When you get back to the dock, you'll be helped out of the water and you can check out at the desk above the dock. You will definitely get wet. The Potomac isn't clean and getting in the water on purpose to swim isn't allowed, so would highly recommend you NOT try to fall in, especially if the water levels are high. D.C. has a combined sewage system that overflows (the city is working on infrastructure to improve that but it'll take a while). If you do fall in though, you should be just fine, just make sure you take a shower at home soon afterwards especially if you have any open wounds. There are no showers on site. All in all, it's a really great experience and I would recommend getting a season pass if you enjoy being out on the water, which is valid at all the Boating in DC locations in the city.

    Cassie M.

    The prices are very reasonable so that's great. I do NOT recommend renting a kayak here if this is your first time though. You will have very limited interaction with the staff besides them getting you out/in. It's a very large boundary & you're on your own. Boats frequently use the space as well & create a wake. If you are experienced it is definitely a perk having the freedom to go wherever you choose at your own pace. My biggest dislike of this experience was they use Sit-on-Top kayaks which tend to be more "user-friendly" but they have a hole at the bottom to allow water to drain through, but it also allows plenty of water in as well & you will leave drenched. I only have used the Sit-on-Top kayaks in the Caribbean where it is much warmer, & I'd 100% stick to the Sit-Inside model. Upon completion I was so wet & cold I didn't even want to go to the Passport Day in DC as planned. So most definitely bring a change of clothes. Although, I didn't notice any bathrooms or changing areas so you'd have to check on that. One other thing is as some other people mentioned they really need to wash their life jackets.

    Kevin C.

    Checking in and out was very straight forward and easy to do online. I had a reservation but on the day-of, there was a storm so I ended up getting my reservation refunded and the office there gave me a new reservation the next day. The staff are very young, probably no older than college-aged. Their instructions were simple and clear and I had a fun time. The prices are really affordable and the whole experience was worth it.

    Ian G.

    Amazing place to grab a nice kayak and see the Potomac. Took my wife and daughter and we had a blast. Parking sucked a little but we managed to find a nice garage near by. Overall we will be back. If you are in the area and don't want to be bored, this beats the hell out of eating at one of the expensive restaurants in Georgetown.

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    1 month ago

    great experience! they were so accommodating and really friendly. the area was also nice and clean.

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    11 months ago

    Great tour. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Tour guide was knowledgeable in his facts and very patient for the slower rowers.

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    1 year ago

    Great experience, easy to reserve, lots of options for the type of watercraft, and relatively affordable.

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    Nice staff, easy check-in, quality kayaks, and great location to paddle to the Lincoln Memorial.

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    Ask the Community - Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse

    Is boating in D.C open year round? If not when exactly does it close?

    Unfortunately, we do have to close our boathouses in the winter months due to water temperatures. Our boating seasons typically run from the end of March to the end of October. Specific times, dates, and daily status updates can be viewed on our… Read more

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    Review Highlights - Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse

    $22 gets you an hour on a two person kayak and they also offer canoe and stand up paddle boarding sessions as well.

    Mentioned in 24 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Surf Reston LLC - Ami and Glenn display Acro Yoga SUP techniques at Lake Anne in Reston, VA

    Surf Reston LLC

    4.8(23 reviews)
    14.8 mi

    Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) is their expertise! I discovered Surf Reston through a friend of mine…read more She had taken SUP with them and had said great things. My first experience with SUP was at the Georgetown marina. There was no lesson. I had gone with friends who had SUP'd but it was new to me. It was scary and the Potomac is a beast to paddle. When I read and saw the Facebook photos of the classes and events run by Surf Reston, I knew this place would take care of me. Sign up was easy, it's all done online. Before I signed up, I had a few questions. I texted them and received responses right away! Once we arrived we saw the staff working diligently to get all the boards and life jackets together. We got a very detailed land lesson(about 10-15 min) and then the rest of the time was on the water. Steve and Sabrina were awesome. They know their stuff. My main issue is getting from the knee position to the Stand Up position. They had a few helpful tricks and then I was standing! They take lots of photos and sent them to us the very same day. The location is one of the Reston Lakes. We were on Lake Newport. It was very calm and we had the lake to ourselves. Once on there water we were free to paddle on our own. Steve and Sabrina were always there if we needed anything. Everything from questions, to registration to event was perfect. They offer group discounts so ask about it. If you are curious about SUP, then this is the place to try it out!

    I don't think they exist. Their website is awful, no one called me back after 2 messages, the GOS…read moreis very wrong to find them. Was looking forward to trying this place but I don't think they exist anymore.

    Photos
    Surf Reston LLC
    Surf Reston LLC - Steve (in red) great SUP instructor - Teaching a few of us how to SUP

    Steve (in red) great SUP instructor - Teaching a few of us how to SUP

    Surf Reston LLC - SUP lessons by SurfReston at Lake Anne, reston

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    SUP lessons by SurfReston at Lake Anne, reston

    Fletcher's Boat House

    Fletcher's Boat House

    4.3(59 reviews)
    2.0 mi

    I have run many races, from 5k parkruns to half marathons, that start at Fletcher's Boathouse or go…read morepast. The Canal Tow Path is terrific: flat, smooth, straight, soft, and scenic. I am writing for three reasons. I have revised this review, because my description of the parking was only partly accurate. That is due to my stupidity, looking primarily in the summer -- I was able to perceive more clearly when the leaves were off the trees, in the winter. I just came back from the venue moments ago. So I can be much more clear. First, there are two parking lots. There is a tiny one right there. I would not count on it. The one time, I flew on a redeye flight just as the pandemic was ending, to run a half marathon. I am not in the shape needed to do that anymore. I arrived maybe 6am. That meant I could find a space and take a quick nap. But fifty feet down the dirt road is a tunnel. It is so cramped you might not believe your car will fit. But that is what it is for. A sedan will do fine; an oversize SUV, maybe not. It's also two way with room for only one car width. This passage leads across the canal. There is a much bigger parking lot. I have had good luck. I would bet it fills up on busy days later in the morning, but in the 7am range it's half empty. Usually, I Uber to this destination or I park in the neighborhood, and walk the remaining half mile. Second, the turn into the parking lot is tight. I cannot describe it. It'd be easier to draw a diagram. It's more than two roads meeting; the angles also are oblique. People don't understand how the intersection works. That is aggravating. I try not to be judgmental. Probably there will be an accident sometime, and that will lead to reform. My wife refuses to drive down here. The narrowness of the sidewalk renders it dangerous for pedestrians. Please, be careful. Third, they have restrooms. They are kept clean. This is a huge boon. I am always on the lookout for public restrooms of high quality. I share for the benefit of all.

    Fletcher's Cove is just a few miles from downtown, yet it feels miles further away with its…read morepeaceful water and forested banks. Even with my paddleboard exploding when inflating, it was a wonderful trip. The park entrance is fee-free, and there is plenty of parking just a few feet away from kayak launches, a small dock with rental kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards. Cramming myself and my friend into our single remaining inflatable kayak worked out great. The Potomac has a lazy flow at the fastest, and there is a large area with little movement that makes lazy drifting easy and perfect for kids and those looking for more relaxation than paddling. Absolutely great spot to go after work or with the family on weekends!

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    Fletcher's Boat House
    Fletcher's Boat House
    Fletcher's Boat House

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    Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse - boating - Updated June 2026

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