Visitors to New York City sometimes find themselves overwhelmed by the crowds and hustle. A good way for tourists to get a break is to spend some time on NYC’s waterways and waterfront. This can be accomplished by using the city’s ferries to get around, by taking an old school sightseeing cruise around Manhattan Island, or even a trip across the harbor on the wonderful iconic Staten Island Ferry. But more adventurous visitors can take advantage of a unique and free way to get a new view on the city by kayaking on the East River.
Since 2010, the Brooklyn Bridge Boathouse Park has been offering free kayaks to all comers three days a week. Just show up—no reservations are taken—and they will provide everything you need. The free watercraft are available on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check the website for more details. The best way to get there is via public transit:
Subway: 4/5 to Borough Hall, A/C to High Street, F to York Street, or 2/3 to Clark Street stations
Bus: the nearest buses are the B25, B61, B63, B67
NYC Ferry: East River route to Dumbo or South Brooklyn Route to Atlantic Ave/Pier 6
Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse is located in Brooklyn NY, between Piers 1 & 2, a few blocks south of the Brooklyn Bridge (look for their floating dock near the rollerskating rink)
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What a neat idea. I’d have a go!
It’s really wonderful to see the waterfront and the rivers make a comeback in NYC. When I was a kid in Brooklyn, no one went near the water (except Coney Island of course).
We’ve seen some lovely waterfront revivals here in Australia in the last couple of decades.