To be honest, this is not my favorite spot to be kayaking in the DC area, because you can only stay between the two bridges, which doesn't give you a lot of real estate to work with. My boyfriend and I ended up circling and doing laps between the bridges. It is cool that we saw a bird that caught a fish and flew right above us. You can even kayak right past Theodore Roosevelt Island. read more

Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse - Boating Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I posted a recent about having to repeatedly fill in the same information for rentals even though I am a season pass holder. The company promptly reached out and told me how I could partially resolve this, at least regarding the required waiver. read more

I enjoyed my time out on the water. We were able to go around Georgetown waterfront as well as by the Kennedy center. I thought we were approaching a secluded island but turned out it was just Theodore Roosevelt island. read more

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). read more

Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse - Boating Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've been kayaking here a few times, but this review is about kayaking on the Fourth of July to see the fireworks. I signed up about a month in advance, but it seemed like they still had some openings the week of. It cost around $120 for the fireworks viewing trip, which was between 8pm and 10:30pm. We got there at 7:30 and there were a ton of people trying to get in. We waited until our time and check in was simple. They gave us light up necklaces and our paddles had light up clips on them. We got in our kayaks and started heading towards the Lincoln Memorial. The boathouse had different staff members along the river to help us cross the river safely. It took us around 30 minutes to paddle to the viewing site. All the kayaks had a reserved area away from larger boats with a great view of the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. We could see the fireworks so well! After the fireworks ended, there was a bit of chaos to get out of the viewing area. There was no guided crossing, and people were definitely paddling on the wrong side of the river. There was a little bit of a wait to get out of the kayaks, but the staff were patient and nice. This is a great option for viewing the Fourth of July fireworks. If you're a competent kayaking I strongly recommend it! read more

This is for the National Harbor location!!! Staff was great. Had a good little time on my outing. Didn't sty out on the peddle boat for the entire hour but it was certainly nice. Pedaling is some work. read more

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! read more

Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse - First time, not the last time! - Boating Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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

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! read more

Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse - Boating Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Nice experience at this boat rental spot. We came out a group of 4; filled out our waivers and headed to the ready spot. We rented a locker and got our life jackets/paddle. We rented single kayaks and went on the river. Pretty neat experience and nice customer service. Will definitely come back! read more

Despite several other locations throughout the area, the Key Bridge Boathouse is the biggest. It's literally under Key Bridge in Georgetown. After kayaking here several times, here's my take: 1) Activities: They have expanded beyond single and double kayaks into paddle boarding, camps, etc. They also offer kayaks during Fourth of July, which I highly recommend doing at least once while in D.C. Recently, I took a kayak out for three hours to see the monuments. It was perfect! You can go north or south on the Potomac and can even dock at Roosevelt Island. 2) Service: It's pretty chill. They give you a life jacket and paddle and let you go out. They have outhouses, lockers, etc. If you love kayaking, this is your spot! read more

I've been a few times over the years but my latest experience was a bit funky. We came here really early as a group and signed waivers beforehand. Front of house was quick to check us in. When we went to check in to get our paddles, things got a bit disjointed. Also the life vests smell extremely musty- all about safety but the clothes I wore reeked like mildew for the rest of the day. When we asked the staff who helped us get into the kayak about a specific location we wanted to kayak too, they couldn't answer basic geographical questions. They also don't really give you any heads up on how to row or which direction to go or avoid which I don't think is super safe. read more

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. read more

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With all the DC Boating put-in sites (Tidal Basin, Anacostia, Fletcher's Cove), Key Bridge is my favorite really because of the phenomenal staff.Each of the staff have been courteous and professional, in spite of the sweltering summer heat and long summer hours. I particularly appreciate my favoritest staff persons Tate, Anton, Lucy, Tim, Matt, Chris, Dhillon - to only name a few.The iconic bridge in the background with birds egrets and blue herons cannot be missed. Thank you for making green therapy accessible and Key Bridge kayaking my happy place! read more

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. read more

Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse - Boating Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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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. read more

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Exceptional customer service and professionalism from the staffs. My coworkers and I chose this event for team building, and the experience was remarkable. read more

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

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. read more

Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse - Boating Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Super easy to reserve a time slot and the entire process of checking in, grabbing a life vest, and going onto the kayak was so efficient. They even had a small enough life vest for our mini Dachshund @21_northminidachshund We went at the 6PM time slot and golden hour really gave us the most amazing views! read more

Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse - Boating Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Had a great experience here! You take off at an awesome location. You can kayak (single or double) or paddle board. All of the staff was super friendly and organized. They have lockers and dry bags for rental if you need them. We made our reservation at 11:30am and they're weren't too many people coming in so checkin wasn't bad at all. As we were leaving at 1:30pm, the checkin line was really long. I suggest going early for that reason. We did single kayaks and paddles hard against the current then ate snacks as we floated back down to return the kayaks. I can't wait to go back and paddle board. If you live in DC or just visiting, it's a fun activity. Almost feels like your no where near a huge bustling city. I give it 4 stars because the porta-potty bathroom options were disgusting! Looked and smelled like they hadnt been cleaned since before COVID. Got nauseous stepping into 2. Use the restroom before or hold it until after and in a restaurant. read more

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Check in and check out was easy. Reserve online, no problem if you didn't do it advance you can scan the barcode and reserve there. They check you in and give a wristband. Then you go down the stairs to grab your own life jacket and paddle, then go to the dock to tell them the water vehicle that you have reserved (single/double kayak, canoe, or paddleboard). Staff will assist you with getting in, and before your time is up, come back to the dock and return all your stuff. Easy peasy, a well oiled machine. There's also a place to purchase snacks if you were hungry and didn't get a chance to before. Pretty decent selection of drinks, dried goods, and merch! read more

I have never been paddleboarding, but my friends come here a lot and they taught me. It's a cool place. Very easy to book and straightforward. Fun being around all the boats on the water and just enjoying the landscape. read more

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

I've only been coming to DC once or twice a year since 2005 when my sisters moved here and this is only my first time kayaking The Potomac. Why it took me this long to kayak here is beyond me! Thanks to Boating in DC for being so conveniently located and selling the gear (such as a hat and a waterproof phone pouch) you need to buy if you don't have them with you. I was in Georgetown getting some last minute gifts for people back home and since the weather was super nice, I thought I'd skip lunch and do an hour of kayaking before I had to babysit my nephew. It was such a perfect day to kayak! Kayaking is one of the safest recreation you can do outdoors especially during COVID. You can really put some distance between you and everyone else, you get lots of Vitamin D and the views are fantastic. I rented a kayak on a Wednesday at around noon so there were not a lot of people at their kiosk and the water. There were a couple of boats but they were going very slow so they weren't creating huge waves. This part of the Potomac is quite calm. The boundaries are Chain Bridge to the north and the third bridge to the south of Key Bridge. At first I headed north and then decided to paddle south. Since I had a limited amount of time, I only got to The Kennedy Center. I was taking a bunch pics and videos so that took time. If I had had more time I would have gone all the way to the Tidal Basin to visit the Jefferson Memorial! Next time! I didn't have an advanced reservation. I just showed up and rented a kayak. They're paperless, so they send you an electronic copy of the waiver to your email and you sign it online. You can also rent a locker for $2 to stow your stuff. I will be back next spring or summer when I'm visiting my sisters again. I will kayak to the Tidal Basin area then! read more

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One hour in a kayak with the sun hitting my face and the waves gently lapping my boat around the Potomac is equivalent to a full body massage. All my fears and anxiety slowly float away whenever I'm here. This is my absolute favorite way to spend a beautiful sunny afternoon in the Washington, DC area. $22 gets you an hour on a two person kayak and they also offer canoe and stand up paddle boarding sessions as well. I love the low key staff vibe, clean (for the Potomac) waters, and magnificent views of nature + man made structures. I feel safe and happy whenever I'm here. Whenever I'm in need of a mini head vacation, this is my spot. Thanks Boating in DC! read more

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Reservations- easy. Price- reasonable. Kayaks- clean & ready to go. My chubby self- couldn't get out of the boat without intervention, so thanks likely traumatized man in your early 20s. Age and carbs will come for you too! Honestly, great facility with a logical system to keep people moving and out to the water. Merch and snacks were available. We had a great time! read more

Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse - Lincoln and Washington in the distance - Boating Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The sunrise tour was wonderful! Not only was the sunrise great but the information shared by the guides about Roosevelt Island and the other places Monuments, Watergate buildings, Kennedy Center, etc.) was great. Before the tour started we had safety lessons and paddling instructions. No prior kayaking experience needed. You have some time to get used to paddling/the kayak before heading out towards your first destination. They have no parking but there are plenty of parking garages within walking distance (and street parking - but that fills.up fast). read more

Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse - Georgetown University - Boating Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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For decades my family mainly my father and I would ceremoniously fish for first arrival of white perch in spring with no problem. Since the new company has assume the concession rights to fletchers boathouse, the experience has been a disaster. The price for a rowboat all day is now in the hundreds and the customer services is the worse. It is disgusting to see how one firm could ruin what once was an annual tradition in our family. read more

I prefer kayaking in nature. This place has some nice slightly overpriced kayaking experience. However, the service is OK. They, just let you go and I've never gone kayaking so I was really confused on what the next step was. Don't come here if you wanted more of the serene relaxing kayaking experience. My experience is more kayaking next people drunk at a boat party, which is probably more for you to expect because this is a boat docking area for people in Georgetown. Also I felt like I was about to be hit by a boat multiple times! I wish that given me more guidance about what the rules are or things that will keep me safe in these Boat littered waters. read more

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super easy to rent and quality kayaks! a great way to see the city from the water:) I always take visiting friends here when I want to do something off the beaten path. PSA. limited parking. I would take public transit or Uber/lyft as that would be cheaper than paying for a garage. read more

Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse - Boating Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

When I say this place has THE ABSOLUTE WORST customer service of anywhere, I'm serious. Who hires these kids? Because they are children. I went Sunday and 2 of the 4 employees on the dock were sleeping with their heads on the picnic tables. I've been several times and have never had anything explained to me (where the turn around points are, where to get a life vest, etc.). You're on your own to figure it out. Good luck. Want a much better experience? Go to The Wharf or Fletcher's Cove. Helpful, friendly staff there. read more

wonderful time!! Lauren was a great guide, attentive and personable. She was willing to take us out while it was raining a bit. Jane Jasmin read more

We've been coming to the Key Bridge Paddle House for just about a decade... back then it used to be called Jacks Boathouse. Obviously new ownership and expansions have helped this to become the sporty spot to see and be seen! We've been down just twice this week and once the rain stops, plan on going a few more times. Things have changed since COVID, but it's a little easier - just reserve time and equipment online, then for weekends show up 15-20 minutes before your splash time because lines are pretty crazy! If you reserve during the week, 5-10 minutes before splash time should be sufficient. This is the best, funnest hard work you'll do all week and highly recommend joining if you plan on being a frequent customer. The crew works hard and is very efficient in getting you and your group in and out of the water safely. They have a system that's dialed in with sanitizing the equipment between uses - something similar to watching a beehive in fast motion! Bottom line - best fun you can have with the family- even the 4 legged kind!! COME ONE COME ALL!! read more

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Wash your life jackets please. Additionally, paddling against the Potomac is not light work and while the staff is young, if you can look past the negatives. Good spot to get on the water and come early for parking. read more

Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse - Potomac River - Boating Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Rudest receptionist I've dealt with in decades. The tiniest bit of kindness/empathy/understanding was all that was necessary. Due to a police emergency blocking traffic, I was 20 minutes late for a 1-hr reservation (5 minutes after the cutoff). Seemingly no reason why I still couldn't use the remaining 40 minutes on my reso. So I politely asked if I could go out for just 30-minutes, and the rude front-desk girl launched into an accusatory and condescending tirade with the worst attitude I've seen from a customer-service professional in many years. She started a hostile argument when a simple "no, I understand, but I'm so sorry" would have worked perfectly. read more

I would definitely come back to the Key Bridge Boathouse--it is a really enjoyable and unique perspective to see DC from the water on a beautiful spring or summer day. I think this would be a great experience for both beginner and more seasoned kayakers and canoers, and also a great couple or friend date or family-friendly activity. Pros: Friendly Staff: The staff was super kind and helpful, assisting me in putting my life-jacket on, and even providing a life-jacket for my pup, who felt very special! Clean: The equipment seems clean and well taken care of. The water in this area also seems pretty clean and is calm as well. Views: Not breathtaking, but definitely peaceful! Canoe right under the key bridge, and view Georgetown from the Potomac. You can also see Roosevelt's Island, Arlington, as well as the Washington Monument in the distance. Diversity of activities/equipment: You can kayak here, canoe, or try out some stand up paddle boarding sessions as well. Dog friendly: I think this deserves its own point and call-out! I absolutely loved how dog friendly they were here! I saw many other pups riding in kayaks or canoes. My pup was a little worried for maybe the first 5 minutes, but quickly relaxed and had a lovely time. Cons: Price/time: I only wish I could continue to kayak/canoe even longer without spending too much. The time went by so quickly! For a bit over $20, you can row paddle for an hour on a two person kayak. I don't think this price is too high, especially by DC standards, but have definitely rented kayaks for less in more picturesque areas. Tips: - For pups: If you are rowing or paddling with 2 people, put your pup/pups in between both humans--this creates a better balance. If your pup enjoys the water, be cautious about letting him or her stick a paw or tongue out into the Potomac--he or she might get excited and jump out of the canoe or Kayak--mine almost did! - Clothing: Wear something you don't care about getting wet or dirty. For ladies, a skirt or dress is probably a difficult choice, and you might flash some people wearing these, as maneuvering in and out of the boar requires lifting your legs..lol. Waterproof sneakers, boat-shoes or athletic sandals are probably good footwear choices. read more

Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse - Kayaking the Potomac with a pup in tow ! - Boating Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Decent rentals for okay prices. Great location to launch the watercraft from, offers beautiful views of the Potomac. Remarkably rude staff, which is regrettable. They're quite young and probably short on patience due to an influx of tourists over the last few months. read more

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

Fun way to spend an hour or two. Morning weekdays are best. Parking is easy and the water calm then. Semi cloudy days make it pleasant. If you can bring your own life jacket I'd do that. Theirs are a bit grimy. PS they allow dogs! Super fun! read more

Boating In DC at Key Bridge Boathouse - Two person canoe. They allow dogs with you : ) - Boating Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia