Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Wharf Boathouse

    4.6 (15 reviews)

    The Wharf Boathouse Photos

    Recommended Reviews - The Wharf Boathouse

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Far left is the Oulet Bridge; center is the Tidal Basin dock; far right in the background is the Jefferson Memorial.

    I give a big shout-out to the Wharf and Tidal Basin boating locations. I took a kayak north from the Wharf and ended up getting "trapped" under the Outlet Bridge. I was trapped because I paddled through the open tide gate, then another 100 feet to the barrier at the Tidal Basin. I then turned around only to discover the tide gate had shut behind me. There is no way to open it. So I was trapped! I had a choice of waiting hours for the tide to change (and the tide gate opening) or calling for help. Javon from the Tidal Basin came over in a motorized boat and help me climb over the barrier and onto his boat. Then he pulled my kayak over the wall and gave me a ride to the Tidal Basin dock. From there I walked back to the Wharf boathouse and explained the situation. They said "no problem" and they would retrieve the kayak I left at the Tidal Basin. Wow, talk about great customer service!

    Carlos C.

    Have come to the Boathouse at The Wharf many times for Kayaking and the process is always super easy! A fun way to spend a weekend afternoon

    Next to the boathouse
    Edith M.

    The gentlemen were very helpful and the rental of kayaks was very easy. The young men at the dock were also very welcoming and helpful.

    See all

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tom H.
    0
    11
    7

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Decent rental price, nice staff, dirty water. I don't recommend stand up paddle board because the dirty water will get all over you.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Edith M.
    3
    104
    93

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of A H.
    0
    5
    0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sydney M.
    363
    20
    0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Norah C.
    163
    27
    52

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - The Wharf Boathouse

    Review Highlights - The Wharf Boathouse

    The boathouse attendant provided excellent help getting in and out of the kayaks.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Boating in DC at Ballpark Boathouse

    Boating in DC at Ballpark Boathouse

    3.7(16 reviews)
    1.1 miNavy Yard

    I am accustomed to wonderfully friendly and accommodating kayak companies and this one did not hit…read morethat 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.

    My partner and I rented two hydra-bikes and we had a great time. The folks helping us were laid…read moreback 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!

    Photos
    Boating in DC at Ballpark Boathouse
    Boating in DC at Ballpark Boathouse
    Boating in DC at Ballpark Boathouse

    See all

    River Riders - My CrossFit Group!

    River Riders

    4.0(590 reviews)
    50.1 mi

    We spent a full day at River Riders, splitting our time between the Harpers Ferry Waterpark in the…read moremorning and the Aerial Adventure Park in the afternoon. It was a great combination for both the kids and adults. The inflatable waterpark kept the kids busy for the entire session. El Jefe, the large slide, and Thor, the climbing tower and slide, were our favorites. I strongly recommend booking one of the first sessions during the summer. We went early when it was less crowded, and it became noticeably busier later. In the afternoon, we completed the green and blue aerial trails. Both were a lot of fun, and the progression from one to the next worked well. Overall, River Riders is an excellent choice for families or groups looking for an active full day near Harpers Ferry.

    I am posting this review to urge prospective guests to exercise extreme caution and to call on…read moremanagement to address severe safety oversights. Despite having prior rafting experience and maintaining strong physical fitness, this individual tubing trip presented hazardous conditions with virtually no on-water safety support. ​Key Issues Observed: ​No Helmets Suggested or Required: Helmets were not recommended, suggested, or provided for navigating rocky rapids. I capsized and hit my head on submerged rocks--a dangerous hazard that warrants clear guidance and mandatory head protection. ​Zero Rescue Personnel: No river guides or safety kayakers were stationed along technical sections. When participants were pinned against rocks or stranded in strong currents, there was no staff to assist. ​Inadequate Instruction & Extreme Strain: Relying solely on arm paddling through boulder gardens offers minimal control and quickly causes physical exhaustion, even for fit individuals. ​Equipment Failures: Some tubes were punctured by sharp rocks, leaving guests stranded in turbulent water with no emergency extraction protocol. Commercial river outfitters have a basic duty of care to provide essential protective gear, clear instruction, and active supervision. I strongly advise making sure these safety practices are in place before booking unless you have experience and are comfortable without the precautions.

    Photos
    River Riders - Watching the water go by

    Watching the water go by

    River Riders - Getting some sun

    Getting some sun

    River Riders

    See all

    Terrapin Adventures

    Terrapin Adventures

    4.1(115 reviews)
    20.7 mi

    We spent our Fourth of July at Terrapin and it was absolutely wonderful! From being welcomed at the…read moredesk (I am so sorry I can't remember his name!), to our awesome guides Justin and Jasmine, to Scott who helped at the swing and doing the belay to get us down - we truly enjoyed the whole experience (despite the unbearable heat this weekend). Justin and Jasmine made sure we stayed hydrated, and regularly brought us into the air conditioning to avoid overheating. They ensured our safety every moment we were there. The rope course was insanely fun, the giant swing and zip line were a blast and our favorite part was honestly the rock climbing! Justin and Jasmine were fantastic - we will definitely come back (preferably not during a heat wave haha) and hope they will be our guides again - every single person today made it memorable for my family! Thank you so much!!!

    We have enjoyed this camp for years, but 2026 brought parental concerns over hearing that children…read moregrouped up to 12 years old were sharing bathrooms if another identified as the opposite sex. This should be an opportunity to identify a solution comfortable for everyone affected by providing single use options, as opposed to telling my daughter "it's ok because he identifies as a she". It caused an uncomfortable situation for girls and concerns for parents. No young girl should feel uncomfortable or anxious using the restroom.

    Photos
    Terrapin Adventures - They is a seating area for the kids to have lunch

    They is a seating area for the kids to have lunch

    Terrapin Adventures - Terrapin Adventures Zipline

    Terrapin Adventures Zipline

    Terrapin Adventures - Adrenaline pumped !

    See all

    Adrenaline pumped !

    Mariner Sailing School - South of Wilson Bridge

    Mariner Sailing School

    4.5(25 reviews)
    7.1 mi

    Very rude and impersonal on the phone when I called to ask about my sailing class after I put a…read moredeposit down. I tried to give my availability and was cutoff---she said I will contact you if we have an instructor. Ok, well I can't just drop everything when you call to go sailing, please take my updated a availability? I hope other employees are better-suited to customer service and maybe kayaking and other options are still worth it, just wanted to let everyone know of my experience. I've never left a bad review, but I was excited to learn to sail, sad this had to be my experience. On to the next place!

    Learning to sail had been on my bucket list forever so when I saw that the Mariner Sailing School…read moreoffered sailing lessons for adults every week of summer I decided to sign myself up for my own "summer camp". I have to tell you that learning to sail was an excellent decision because I actually learned to sail a 19 foot flying scot independently! My lessons consisted of four 2.5 hour morning sailing lessons out on the Potomac, Monday through Thursday. The sailing school also offers adult weeknight and weekend classes and different kids camps. The instructors split my class up into groups of two or three, went over some of the materials and then out onto the water we went to learn how to rig the boat and raise the sails. My instructor Ray was awesome, he taught us what we needed to know and even pushed us to run docking drills by ourselves on the last day of classes. Yes, at times the lessons were super challenging and nerve wracking, but once you get some practice time in, you'll get the hang of it. It's worth it to learn how to sail. I myself now find sailing enjoyable and ridiculously relaxing. Everyone I have encountered at the marina either teaching lessons, working in the office or out on the dock have been super friendly and helpful. They give you a free week of practice sails after your lesson so that you feel totally comfortable sailing independently and the people at the dock give plenty of tips to help you continue to hone your beginner skills.

    Photos
    Mariner Sailing School
    Mariner Sailing School
    Mariner Sailing School - Our choice for certification.

    See all

    Our choice for certification.

    The Wharf Boathouse - rafting - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...