Took a one-hour harbor tour with my wife. I loved it! It's not what I thought it might be…read morepotentially, but once I experienced the natural limitations of imperfectly smooth water, I realized it could not be better. We had great weather (that's free!), friendly and safe guides, and a harbor that seemed uncrowded enough. We went on a Thursday, so the day ferries were busy moving commuters around, but we were the only personal watercraft on the water and we encountered a manageable number of NYFD boats, fishing boats, and luxury boats, I would only expect better if I were willing to (1) improve my own ride by becoming a jet ski expert, and (2) get on my own personal custom tour (which I did not pay for or set aside the time for). I also realized what folly it would be for a passenger to take video while moving at tour speed. You could do it, but the video would be bouncing all over the place and you might also lose your passenger after a rough wave. You would need that for full-time video, as the guides are paying more attention to safety and only taking pictures after they pause the tour. The one-tour gets you the meat of the harbor views - from up around 34th St of Manhattan and a view to the Empire State Building, to the Financial Center, Jersey City views, Lady Liberty, the Brooklyn Bride (and very close to the Williamsburg) and the South Street Seaport. It's great. Covering this ground and having any time for pictures requires speed. At one time, I think I was up to 45 knots in spurts, but generally just over 30. This will bang you around at times unless you're pretty skilled and have excellent throttle control. Mind you, I found my jet ski to have a very "tight" throttle as I describe it. It was like a small version of the brake on a ten-speed. I needed a strong tension to hold it, and changing position under high tension seemed to let it move too much. The jet ski would lurch. If they can get smoother throttles (can you get some like motorcycle throttles), that might make the riding less challenging. I paid for the pictures and got some. I wanted more pictures, but time is limited and these guys have to put awareness (safety) first and then progress on the tour second. I would suggest if you want a lot of photos, hire them for a private tour or a longer tour and you'll get more pictures. My wife is a real non-adventure/non-athletic person. She says she was literally praying to God before we even got there. Then she kept telling me to slow down. I can't blame her. I was surging and stopping, especially in the first 20-30 minutes as I got the hang of it. This experience can be a challenge for some who are fearful of everything. If they are like my wife, they eventually realize they won't die and it's actually safe as long as you are mindful of the surroundings. Of course, the guides do their part to hold you before traffic crosses, but sometimes you're widely spaced and you must use your own good judgment not to cut in front of the 30-foot luxury liner that for heading to open waters.

Every summer we rent a jet ski from these guys. We take a ferry over from New York City to Jersey,…read morequick ferry ride. A guide takes us our individual jet skis, and it's the highlight of my summer going down the Hudson, racing down the Hudson, to the Statue of Liberty, around the Statue of Liberty and back up the Hudson. It's an epic day and they do an amazing job. Best time ever.

Just had a wonderful stay for July 4th 250th Anniversary at Liberty Landing. The boaters at the…read moredock were fabulous company. The dockhands were very helpful and the two Dockmasters Janer and Greg were always around and ensuring all guests were comfortable and happy.

Great marina! Can't wait to go back this summer! You can see the beautiful skyline and the cool…read morelights at night!

always a fun relaxing time in nature. great canoes and staff! Cranford Canoe is a treasure! beloved…read morefor generations!

Beautiful kayaking experience. The river run you can canoe / kayak is not too big, not too small…read more The round trip took us 1.5 hours, tops. And we took our time. Helpful staff. Super easy.

The Social Paws allows you to kayak or paddleboard on the Hudson River with your dogs for about 45…read moreminutes! You don't even have to own a dog to participate; simply be a dog lover. Paddleboarding is recommended if you have a dog. I wish you could kayak/paddleboard more, but you are allowed to explore the area around the Intrepid. If you are not interested in the Social Paws, there are other tours available, such as the Night Kayaking Tour, the Private Hudson Tour, the Spuyten Duyvil Tour, the Tribeca Tour, and so on. Five stars - it's a fun time!

Margo and Paul took excellent care of us on our sunset kayak trip. With an emphasis on safety, they…read moretaught the basics on land, made sure we were comfortable on the water, and then led us on a tour, stopping often to share historical information (and to let the stragglers catch up.) Our trip wasn't a high level athletic event, but Manhattan Kayak does offer training and equipment to get you there if you desire. PS, my wife forgot her wallet in a changing room, the staff called and texted immediately but we were already home when we checked our messages. Stacy came in early the next day so we could collect the valuables. Operation, equipment, and staff all highly recommended at Manhattan Kayak.

It's the season of sunny skies and warmer weather. I am finally ready to leave the comfort of my…read morebed and go somewhere fun. Amongst my many hobbies, one that I've missed the most is boating. I had the best time rowing my kayak in the Downtown Boathouse. LISTEN UP! Make sure you get there early, as lines can get super long. I got there with my friend at 2:30PM and got into the water at 3:20PM. We were one of the last groups to get into the water because the volunteers had to leave for the day. We were allowed into the water for only 20 minutes at a time. The water was a bit rough and WILL seep into the kayak, so I recommend bringing a change of clothes and/or a protective phone case. There are other locations in the city offering free kayaking, but you must check out their respective webpages. Downtown Boathouse at Pier 26 Weekends 10 AM - 4:30 PM, Tues/Thurs 5:30 PM-7 PM

Quality, value, and LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! Always lots of different food choices and a good…read moreselection of local beers!

Website was well-organized, informative and last minute reservations were easy. Corey was helpful…read moreon the phone to confirm. The office staff was friendly and well-organized, and Justin proved to be a great guide on the 1.5 hour lower Manhattan tour. He timed it perfectly to catch the sunset which was much appreciated!! Definintely wear clothes you can get wet, I was soaked from the first wave in the open harbor lol

HORRIFYING EXPERIENCE! The staff are far from "experts." Before leaving, we warned our guide that…read moreour jet ski was flashing the low fuel light. He dismissed it, saying it only needed an oil change. Not long after, we broke down near the BK Bridge--only to discover that neither our ski nor the guides carried the emergency supplies promised in the mandatory 15-minute safety video (which claimed we'd have ropes). It quickly escalated into a nightmare: we drifted into a helipad, slammed against it, and were nearly pulled under the bridge by waves. My friend and I literally had to hold ourselves against a rusty structure to keep from being dragged under, while the staff stood by without helping--until we screamed at them. When transferring to another ski, my friend even fell into the water. This company is completely unprofessional, dangerously unprepared, and puts lives at risk. Do yourself a favor--book with someone else.

Beautiful Marina. If you own a boat-yacht and looking for a good place to dock without hitting the…read moreparkway to go down the shore, this is the place.

Great way to get out of the city with no thought or planning on your part…read more Found this group through zozi. One 8 mile hike on the Appalachian Trail later, I'm very grateful. Yes, you're paying someone to pick you up, drive you to the trail head and lead the hike, but be honest.... you weren't gonna get in that hike you've been meaning to do between you and your measly zipcar subscription. I loved using this service and I would do it again. That they pick up three blocks from my house certainly didn't hurt... Our hike to Sunfish Pond in NE Pennsylvania was gorgeous, especially on the way back as it crossed a winter stream several times and my knees and hips started to ache, in the good way. But the best part was that I made some great friends. Really interesting New Yorkers tend to click on "Buy" under "8 mile winter hike". Who knew?? As much as I knew I'd like the hike, I ended up liking the company as well which was worth even more. We stopped for food at a great restaurant called (not kidding) "Beer from Here, Food from Near." Recommend the Session Stout though all four of my brand new friends got the Blonde Ale and loved it. There was traffic on the way back... and I wasn't driving! Yay.

I love Living Adventure Tours!…read more The first trip I went on was back in May--a friend had found an offer through a deal site and sent on the link. And--miracle of miracles, since I feel talking about things is one thing, but actually getting people to commit can sometimes feel impossible--three of us actually signed up. I'd been on a few trips through Discover Outdoors, so I imagined it'd be similar ... but it wasn't. It was way, way funner. The leader, Vaughn, is low-key and funny and makes it clear that he really WANTS to be out there, leading hikes. I always felt that the Discover Outdoor guides were kind of hiking snobs who were only leading a group of New Yorkers because they had to. And while Vaughn definitely knows his stuff, you can tell he really digs introducing newbies to hiking. The hike was fun, and the winery was RIDICULOUS. We had an awesome tasting, then everyone in the group bought bottles of wine, and pretty much got tanked. People were talking to each other, sharing snacks, and it was a really, really fun afternoon. And then Vaughn brought us to a cute farmstand AND dealt with everyone being loud and ridiculous in the van ride home. I went on another hike this fall, and it was just as good. Vaughn is flexible to the needs/wants of the group (we ended up doing two hikes, since the original itinerary was to a place affected by Sandy) then stopped at a cute NJ brewery for dinner. I've gone with friends both times, but it's not necessary. Vaughn is so friendly and good at facilitating conversation that you'd have a good time solo. But if you'd prefer to chill with your friends, as long as you're friendly to the rest of the group, that's fine, too. It's not like, mandatory hand holding and Kumbahya singing--just good people, good times, and a great way to get out of the city for the day. I will absolutely be going on more adventures!