While swimming is a classic way to spend a hot summer day, sometimes you want to be able to enjoy the water and the sun at the same time without having to scrub yourself clean afterwards. With scenic boat tours and kayak rentals, there are plenty of ways to get out on the water and witness the beauty of the Hudson River without getting your hair wet. From kayaks to ferries, here’s how you can access the Hudson without owning a boat or paying for a docking slip.
Kayak Rentals
What the Hudson Valley has no shortage of during the summer months, besides sunny days, are kayak rentals. I Paddle NY in Saugerties offers guided tours for people of all experience levels. Hudson Paddles in Hudson rents out kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes, and even hosts paddleboard yoga with instructors from Bodhi Spa and Yoga Shop. A Day Away Kayak Rentals, right on the Rondout, rents out kayaks for, you guessed it, the day, and allows you to explore the area at your own pace. With its plethora of options, whether you’re new or seasoned, if you are looking to kayak, the Hudson Valley is the place to do it.
Solaris | Kingston
Have you ever dreamed of being out on the Hudson River with nothing but the chirp of birds and the sound of the breeze? The Hudson Valley Maritime Museum offers whisper-quiet cruises and sightseeing tours around the Hudson River on their solar-powered boat, Solaris. Book a ticket Thursday night for the themed live music sunset cruise, or any Thursday through Sunday to get a tour of the iconic Roundout lighthouse. Explore the beautiful area around Kingston, through the waters of the Hudson in a fun and eco-friendly way with Solaris.
Hudson River Sightseeing Cruises | Kingston
Right next to the iconic Hudson Valley Maritime Museum is the equally incredible launch for the Hudson River Sightseeing Cruises’s boat, the Rip Van Winkle II. Here, you can take daily narrated sightseeing tours, sunset cruises along the serene water, or even book out a boat for a private event. More than that, they also offer special themed cruises, such as live music nights where you can spend a night on the water and dance to the beat of the drums.
Hudson Valley Watersports | Kingston
Started by a US Coast Guard Veteran and a reserve Coast Guard member, Hudson Valley Watersports is sure to give your friends and family a safe and fun day to remember. Reserved for small groups of six or fewer people, their day-long cruises on their Whaler 455R or Hydrobike excursions are the perfect getaway for couples, friend groups, or families. Sit back and make sure to book ahead for a refreshing and relaxing day on the water.
Saugerties Marina | Saugerties
A self-billed “Gateway to Adventure,” the Saugerties Marina offers a range of services from boat docking to rentals. Whether you are looking for a day of fishing, enthusiastic water sports, or just some simple, tranquil R&R, the marina can provide. Their offered rentals range from pontoon and speed boats to luxury cruisers. They offer boat docking, boating lessons, and guided tours both during the day and at sunset. With their size, versatility, and renowned staff, the Saguerties Marina is the place to go for any of your boating needs.
