2025 Season Passes now available! Learn More
Why sit on the water’s edge watching everyone else having a great time because you don’t own a boat? No problem! Boating in DC offers boat rentals all across the Greater Washington, DC, area. We’ll get you on the historic Potomac and Anacostia rivers fast and easy, even if you’ve never boated before.
Boating in DC offers adult sailing, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and canoe classes, as well as youth sailing camps. All lessons are taught by our experienced, friendly instructors, all in a fun, safe environment.
For more water adventure, join us for unique scenic daytime or twilight kayak tours and explore the sights of Georgetown, historic monuments, and surrounding nature and discover a totally new DC perspective. How about a Stand-up Paddleboard Yoga Class to keep you relaxed and fit?
There’s so much for you and your family and friends to enjoy! And be sure to check out our value-packed Season Passes that make it so easy for you to be out on the water all summer long!
Kayaks are a great option for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. Kayaks are appropriate for all ages. Anyone aged 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the same boat.
*Boat availability differs by location.
**Price does not include tax. Minimum rental 1 hour.
Available at: Ballpark Boathouse, Fletcher’s Boathouse, Key Bridge Boathouse, National Harbor, Thompson’s Boat Center, Washington Sailing Marina, Wharf Boathouse
This 90-minute tour starts off with a brief paddling tutorial from your guide followed by some leisurely to moderate paddling around Fletchers Cove. Your experienced tour guide will provide some light narration as well as a few paddling tips along the way. All types of paddling experience are welcome!
Price includes your kayak, paddle, and life jacket rental.
Available at: Fletcher’s Boathouse, Key Bridge Boathouse
On this 90-minute paddle explore the Potomac River and its role in our nation’s history. Hear fascinatig stories and take plenty of photos in the glow of a gorgeous DC sunset.
Available at: Fletcher’s Boathouse, Key Bridge Boathouse, National Harbor, Washington Sailing Marina
Looking to get out and paddle, but don’t know your aft from your anchor? This 1-hour class is geared toward first-time kayakers looking to get acquainted with the water.
Our seasoned instructors will go over boating safety, equipment, basic strokes, and maneuvers to get you pointed in the right direction. You’ll have plenty of instruction to learn the basic skills you’ll need to navigate the Potomac and Anacostia.
Price includes your kayak, paddle, and life jacket rental.
Available at: Key Bridge Boathouse, Washington Sailing Marina
Your tour begins with a brief kayaking and safety instruction followed by a 90-120 minute guided paddle around Theodore Roosevelt Island and paddle past iconic D.C. locations like Watergate, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Kennedy Center.
Your guide will share intriguing facts about the area that you will only hear from us! No previous kayaking experience required.
Price includes your kayak, paddle, and life jacket rental.
Available at: Key Bridge Boathouse
For experienced paddleboarders, and those who are new or familiar with yoga.
The tranquility of floating on water and the meditative nature of yoga are in natural harmony during SUP Yoga. Enjoy low-impact muscle toning and the great outdoors while moving and breathing mindfully through yoga poses on the board. These fun, approachable classes are for those experienced with SUP and new or experienced with yoga. This 60-minute class will challenge you mentally and physically while leaving you focused and relaxed. No yoga experience required.
SUP Yoga is designed for experienced SUP’ers. If you need experience, take our SUP Orientation class!
Price includes your board, paddle, and life jacket rental.
Available at: Key Bridge Boathouse
This 1-hour class is geared towards first-time paddleboarders who are interested in learning the fine art of SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding)!
This class goes over basic water safety, how to launch and dock, how to stand on the board, proper stroke form, and all the necessary techniques in between. By the end, you’ll be surfing up and down the Potomac!
Price includes paddleboard, paddle, and life-jacket rental.
Available at: Key Bridge Boathouse, Washington Sailing Marina
Stand-up Paddleboarding is an incredible combination of canoeing, kayaking, and surfing all in one! People ages 8 on up can grab a SUP and go!
*Boat availability differs by location.
**Price does not include tax. Minimum rental 1 hour.
Available at: Fletcher’s Boathouse, Key Bridge Boathouse, National Harbor, Thompson’s Boat Center, Wharf Boathouse
In this compressed version of our introduction to sculling class, students of all ages will learn about the basics of rowing in a one-person boat, including proper terminology, equipment handling, an overview of river navigation, and of course, the rowing stroke.
Upon successful completion of the course, a student who has passed the “Level I Sculler’s Test” will be certified to rent our Level I shells, including the Peinert Zephyrs, Maas Aeros, Wintech 21, and Hudson Training Shells.
*This program is designed for those with little to no rowing experience or those looking to get back into a boat after an extended absence. (Ages 12-Adult)
Available at: Thompson’s Boat Center
Take the next step in developing your rowing skills in our Intermediate Sculling Class. This four day, Saturday, intensive class reinforces the basic skills first introduced in our “Learn to Scull” class, while still providing participants with the opportunity to grow and improve their technique.
Additional topics covered in the class include introductions to ratio, improving your set in a less stable boat, and further practice in navigating the river. Upon successful completion of the course, a student who has passed the “Level II Sculler’s Test” will be certified to rent our Level II shells, including the Maas 24 and Wintech 24 shells.
*3 week course
Available at: Thompson’s Boat Center
Moves beyond the basic skills covered in our first two classes to help students as they progress into our racing shells. Topics covered in this class involve how to handle the increased instability of a racing shell, how to build pressure and move the boat faster, and advanced navigation of the river.
Upon successful completion of the course, a student who has passed the “Level III Sculler’s Test” will be certified to rent our Level III shells, including the Peinert 26 and Wintech racing shells.
*This course is designed for those who have passed our “Level II Sculler’s Test”
Available at: Thompson’s Boat Center
One on one instruction with a member of the Thompson Boat Center coaching staff. This program is for anyone looking for individualized analysis and coaching. Each session will last roughly 90 mins. including setup and breakdown of equipment.
Available at: Thompson’s Boat Center
Take the next step in developing your rowing skills in our Intermediate Sculling Class. This class reinforces the basic skills first introduced in our “Learn to Scull” class, while still providing participants with the opportunity to grow and improve their technique.
Additional topics covered in the class include introductions to ratio, improving your set in a less stable boat, and further practice in navigating the river. Upon successful completion of the course, a a student who has passed the “Level II Sculler’s Test” will be certified to rent our Level II shells, including the Maas 24 and Wintech 24 shells.
*Only for those who have passed our “Level I Sculler’s Test”
Available at: Thompson’s Boat Center
Pedal Boats are a fun way to take a relaxing, leisurely pedal on the water and see the sights. Great for all ages!
*Boat availability differs by location
**Price does not include tax. Minimum rental 1 hour.
Available at: Tidal Basin
Kayaks are a great option for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. Kayaks are appropriate for all ages. Anyone aged 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the same boat.
*Boat availability differs by location.
**Price does not include tax. Minimum rental 1 hour.
Available at: Ballpark Boathouse, Fletcher’s Boathouse, Key Bridge Boathouse, Thompson’s Boat Center, Washington Sailing Marina, Wharf Boathouse
Stand-up Paddleboarding is an incredible combination of canoeing, kayaking, and surfing all in one! People ages 8 on up can grab a SUP and go!
*Boat availability differs by location.
**Price does not include tax. Minimum rental 1 hour.
Available at: Fletcher’s Boathouse, Key Bridge Boathouse, Thompson’s Boat Center, Wharf Boathouse
Stable and easy to handle, canoes are perfect for your solo water adventure or with friends and family!
*Boat availability differs by location.
**Price does not include tax. Minimum rental 1 hour.
Available at: Ballpark Boathouse, Fletcher’s Boathouse, Key Bridge Boathouse, National Harbor, Thompson’s Boat Center, Wharf Boathouse
Grab your fishing poles, pack a picnic, and hit the water in search for the big one. Or go old school and grab your parasol for a romantic row around the sights.
*Boat availability differs by location.
**Price does not include tax. Minimum rental 1 hour.
Available at: Fletcher’s Boathouse
If you’re more of the landlubber type, we have quality bike rentals to get you out on a two-wheeled exploration of the scenic DC sights!
*Bike availability differs by location.
**Price does not include tax. Minimum rental 1 hour.
Available at: Fletcher’s Boathouse
Comfortable, safe and stable, sculling provides the ultimate low-impact, full-body workout and burns about twice as many calories per hour than jogging!
*Boat availability differs by location.
**Singles: Participant must be certified and validated for rental; Doubles: Both participants must be certified and validated for rental
***Price does not include tax. Minimum rental 1 hour.
Available at: Thompson’s Boat Center
Experience the iconic D.C. monuments, Kennedy Center, and Georgetown Waterfront from the Potomac!
After a brief paddling demo and safety instructions, your 90-120 minute guided tour will start off with a paddle around Theodore Roosevelt Island, right up to the Watergate steps. From there you’ll get amazing unobstructed views of the Lincoln and Washington Memorials. This might be the perfect time for a selfie!
Price includes your paddleboard, paddle, and life jacket rental.
Available at: Key Bridge Boathouse, Washington Sailing Marina
This 90-minute tour starts off with a brief paddling tutorial from your guide followed by some leisurely to moderate paddling around Fletchers Cove. Your experienced tour guide will provide some light narration as well as a few paddling tips along the way. All types of paddling experience are welcome!
Price includes your kayak, paddle, and life jacket rental.
Available at: Fletcher’s Boathouse
On this 90 minute paddle explore the Potomac River with views of Alexandria and learn the history of our Nation’s Capital. You’ll hear historical information from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and modern times.
Available at: Fletcher’s Boathouse, Key Bridge Boathouse, Washington Sailing Marina
Kayak from Key Bridge Boathouse to one of the best 4th of July backdrops in the country and get an amazing view of the fireworks on America’s birthday! Choose between either a single or a double kayak.
Available at: Key Bridge Boathouse, Thompson’s Boat Center
See the beautiful DC Cherry Blossoms in bloom!
Experience the Cherry blossoms in a new way – from the water! Join our historical kayak tour along the Georgetown waterfront. Learn some of our nation’s incredible history while taking in some of DC’s most majestic sights.
The tour is 90-120 minutes.
The price includes kayak, paddle, and life-jacket rental.
Available at: Thompson’s Boat Center
Available at: Ballpark Boathouse, Columbia Island Marina, Fletcher’s Boathouse, Key Bridge Boathouse, Thompson’s Boat Center, Tidal Basin, Washington Sailing Marina, Wharf Boathouse
Your tour begins with a brief kayaking and safety instruction followed by a 90-120 minute guided paddle around Theodore Roosevelt Island and paddle past iconic D.C. locations like Watergate, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Kennedy Center. Your guide will share intriguing facts about the area that you will only hear from us!
No previous kayaking experience required.
Price includes your kayak, paddle, and life jacket rental.
Available at: Key Bridge Boathouse
A full moon happens just once a month. The coolest place to view it is from the water!
Join Boating in DC as we wait until the sun starts to kiss the horizon before turning on our navigation lights and pushing off the dock for a 90-120 minute paddle. This awesome nighttime tour is something you just can’t experience anywhere else.
Your price includes your kayak, paddle, and life jacket rental.
Available at: Key Bridge Boathouse, Washington Sailing Marina
As the sun falls over DC, your adventure begins!
Your evening tour begins with a brief kayaking and safety instruction followed by a 90-120 minute guided paddle around Theodore Roosevelt Island and paddle past iconic D.C. locations like Watergate, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Kennedy Center. Your guide will share intriguing facts about the area that you will only hear from us! No previous kayaking experience required.
Price includes your kayak, paddle, and life jacket rental.
Available at: Key Bridge Boathouse
Kayak from Key Bridge Boathouse to one of the best 4th of July backdrops in the country and get an amazing view of the fireworks on America’s birthday! Choose between either a single or a double kayak.
Available at: Key Bridge Boathouse, Thompson’s Boat Center
Moves beyond the basic skills covered in our first two classes to help students as they progress into our racing shells. Topics covered in this class involve how to handle the increased instability of a racing shell, how to build pressure and move the boat faster, and advanced navigation of the river.
Upon successful completion of the course, a student who has passed the “Level III Sculler’s Test” will be certified to rent our Level III shells, including the Peinert 26 and Wintech racing shells.
*This course is designed for those who have passed our “Level II Sculler’s Test”
Available at: Thompson’s Boat Center
Available at: Ballpark Boathouse, Columbia Island Marina, Fletcher’s Boathouse, Key Bridge Boathouse, Thompson’s Boat Center, Tidal Basin, Washington Sailing Marina, Wharf Boathouse
This one- day refresher is for our sailors who have taken a full sailing class either with us or somewhere else. This one-day refresher course will review and reteach any of the necessary sailing skills to get you comfortable to rent a boat on your own. This will be on our 19ft Flying Scot up to 4 people per boat plus the instructor.
Class meets 9:30-3:30 Saturday
1 six-hour session
Available at: Washington Sailing Marina
Open to first-timers as well as returning sailors
To accommodate students not following the public school schedule, pre-camp is offered before most other camps begin. So, gather your friends and come on down.
Available at: Washington Sailing Marina
Covers sailing basics for first-timers and those with limited experience
This 5-day course covers the basics of sailing, the parts of the boat, steering, use of a sail, capsizing and safety issues.
Perfect for a first-time sailor or for children with limited sailing experience. 2 students per boat.
Available at: Washington Sailing Marina
5-day course on a Flying Scot
Over this fun 5-day course, you’ll learn boat handling, points of sail, sail trim (main & jib), terminology, and basic navigation aboard a Flying Scot. 4-5 students per boat.
Prerequisite: Basic Sunfish Camp, either Crew or Skipper rating
Available at: Washington Sailing Marina
Learn to maneuver a Windsurfer on your own!
This fun 5-day course will give students the necessary skills they need to maneuver a windsurfer independently around a small course in a contained area. The first session will be on a simulator to “get the feel.”
Prerequisite – Basic Sailing Card
Must be 12 years or older, over 90lbs.
Available at: Washington Sailing Marina
Learn keelboard cruising aboard a 25-ft. Catalina!
This fun-filled 5-day course aboard a 25ft Catalina covers basic keelboat sailing, including preparing to sail, crew operations, sail theory, leaving and returning to dock or mooring, boat control in confined waters, overboard recovery, and safety. Includes test and card.
Prerequisite: Basic and Intermediate Camps – Skipper, First Mate or Crew rating
Available at: Washington Sailing Marina
This camp will be on board our Sunfish Aquafins and is for sailors who have a Sunfish Skippers license, preferably during the summer of 2018 (exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis).
Since you already know how to handle this boat on your own, there will be very little land time. You’ll be off to the river for adventures, races, games and more outside our cozy lagoon at the Washington Sailing Marina. Two campers per boat with solo sailing sessions for each camper during this week.
Prerequisite Skippers license in Sunfish (at least 2 years sailing experience).
Available at: Washington Sailing Marina
Learn to sail a high-performance Hobie Cat
Hop onboard a high-performance Hobie Cat for this awesomely fun 5-day camp. The course covers boat handling with multi-hulls, hull flying, points of sail, sail trim (main & jib), racing techniques, tuning the rig, and extra features such as adjustable jib car travelers.
Prerequisite – Intermediate Skipper card required.
Must be 12 years or older and weigh at least 90 lbs.
Available at: Washington Sailing Marina
Yes, a camp for adults! This 3-day course (6 hours per day) for beginners or those looking to refresh their skills offers the same lessons as our 2-day Adult Basic Lessons, but with one extra day for practice!
3 six-hour lessons for beginners and more.
Available at: Washington Sailing Marina
This class is for the experienced day-sailor who is ready to tackle something a little bit bigger, like a 25′ Catalina! This exciting 2-day course (6 hours each day) covers basic keelboat sailing, including preparation to sail, crew operations, sail theory, leaving and returning to dock or mooring, boat control in confined waters, overboard recovery, and safety.
US Sailing certificate is available for an additional $60, which covers your Keelboat book, test, answer key, logbook, hologram sticker, and US Sailing membership.
Available at: Washington Sailing Marina
This 2-day course (six hours per day) is for beginners who like to start at the very beginning. You’ll learn aboard the classic 14′ Sunfish, a fun solo sailor boat, or for two if you wish. Be prepared to get wet and have a great time!
Available at: Washington Sailing Marina
Two-day course on-board a 19 ft Flying Scot. Good for beginners or as a refresher course. Teaches steering, use of sails (main & jib), docking, tacking, jibing and basic nomenclature. RAIN or SHINE. Two-6 hour session (12 hours total)
Available at: Washington Sailing Marina
Over 4 evenings for a total of 12 hours, you’ll learn the use of sails (main & jib), docking, tacking, jibing, and basic nomenclature while sailing a 19′ Flying Scot. It’s great for beginners or as a refresher course.
4 three-hour evening lessons for beginners or brushing up.
Available at: Washington Sailing Marina
During this 5-day course on board a Flying Junior or 420, the focus will be on developing boat handling and racing skills through an array of specific drills designed to demonstrate the various elements of racing.
For advanced sailors learning to race.
Prerequisite – Intermediate Skipper’s Card required
Must be 12 years or older and weigh at least 90 lbs.
Available at: Washington Sailing Marina
You’ve learned how to sail, now come show off your new skills under the supervision of a sailing instructor. For Both Youths and Adults.
They will make sure that you’ve rigged your boat properly, remind you of the areas you are able to sail, and answer any questions. Once you’re out sailing, the instructor will be at the dock and/or cruising around in the safety boat to offer you tips. This is not a lesson, but our instructors will certainly make sure things are going well for you.
You may bring one guest with you on the boat at no additional charge. Two to four people are allowed per boat for sailing the Flying Scots, and one to two people per boat for sailing a Sunfish. Sailing solo on Flying Scots will be up to the instructor’s discretion. If you are here for the session on your own and the instructor feels it necessary, he/she will match you up with another sailor or group of sailors.
Space is limited so sign up early. If the session is full, it is a good idea to put yourself on a waiting list so we can contact you about availability changes.
Available at: Washington Sailing Marina
Awaken your soul as the sunrises over D.C. with the water rolling gently past the docks! This peaceful 1-hour class is a great way to start your day outside with serenity and bliss. Don’t forget to bring your mat!
Available at: Key Bridge Boathouse