Brooklyn Life

Brooklyn Kayak Tours Are Open for the Season

This post courtesy of Explore Brooklyn, an all-inclusive guide to the businesses, neighborhoods, and attractions that make Brooklyn great. You think you know every inch of Brooklyn. But seeing Brooklyn on foot, bike, or by car are not the only ways to explore the borough. Viewing its shores from Jamaica Bay by kayak treats you to…

by Jeff Scherer

06/13/2015 0

This post courtesy of Explore Brooklyn, an all-inclusive guide to the businesses, neighborhoods, and attractions that make Brooklyn great.

You think you know every inch of Brooklyn. But seeing Brooklyn on foot, bike, or by car are not the only ways to explore the borough.

Viewing its shores from Jamaica Bay by kayak treats you to the unbelievable sights and sounds of Brooklyn’s beautiful wetlands. The Fresh Creek Nature Preserve, for example, is a 42-acre salt marsh where more than 300 species of birds, 50 species of butterflies and 100 species of fish live in an untouched natural habitat.

Marine Park, Bergen Beach, and Paerdegat Basin call Jamaica Bay and the Gateway National Recreation Area home, which includes 9,000 acres of marshes, ponds, islands and beaches. And these kayak water trails in Brooklyn will bring you within shoreline distance of Canarsie Pol, White Island, Yellow Bar and other island reefs in Jamaica Bay to explore.

Photo courtesy of NYC Department of Parks and Recreation.

Kayaking at Canarsie Pier via NY Harbor Parks

For Beginners

Haven’t been in a kayak before? No problem. These free kayak tryouts are open to beginners, ages 6 and up, who are eager to paddle but could use some guidance on how to operate a kayak in the open water. You don’t need a reservation to participate. Just walk up dressed to get wet and the tour instructors and guides will provide kayaks, paddles and other equipment needed to participate.

Canarsie Walk-up and Paddle at Canarsie Pier
Saturdays, May 23–September 5, 1:30 p.m.–3 p.m.

Camp Gateway Walk-up and Paddle at Floyd Bennett Field’s Seaplane Ramp
Saturdays and Sundays, May 23–September 6, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
August 6, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
August 12, 13, 14, 27, 1 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
September 2, 2 p.m.–4 p.m.
September 4, 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

Kayak Skills Session at Floyd Bennett Field’s Seaplane Ramp
July 16, 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Here’s a quick primer for those who have been in a kayak before but need to brush up on important skills before paddling out on the water trails mentioned. You’ll get instructions and practice on kayak strokes and other essentials. Ages 11 and up are welcome to participate.

Jamaica Bay | Harbor Conservancy via NYC Go

Intermediate

Try these kayak Tours after taking advantage of the tryouts and skills session. They’re short water excursions that explore Jamaica Bay and build up your stamina for longer water trails.

Find Your Park! Series

at Floyd Bennett Field’s Mill Basin Kayak Launch & Seaplane Ramp
Fun Paddle & Walk in the Park: July 3, 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Fun Paddle & Walk in the Park: August 28, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Fun Paddle & Walk in the Park: August 26, 1 p.m.–3 p.m.

This beginners paddle follows the scenic shoreline of Floyd Bennett Field. You’ll paddle this 2-hour, 2-mile water trail and walk back to where you started. Ages 11 and up can participate but you must make a reservation to attend. Call 718-338-3799 for more information.

at Canarsie Pier
North Shore Paddle: July 18, 1 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Fresh Creek Paddle: July 30, 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

Both these beginner tours launching from Canarsie Pier will have you paddling to your destinations and back. The North Shore paddle takes you along Jamaica Bay’s North shore to Canarsie Park on Paedergat Basin, while the Fresh Creek paddle follows the same route to explore Fresh Creek to see the wildlife flourishing there. Each water trail takes 2 hours to navigate their 2 ½ miles distance. Ages 11 and up can participate but you must make a reservation to attend. Call 718-338-3799 for more information.

Pennsylvania Park Paddle at Canarsie Pier
June 15, 5 p.m.–7 p.m.

This 1.5-mile, 2-hour excursion is a pleasant paddle along Jamaica Bay’s North shore to Pennsylvania Park, where you’ll hike to the top of its highest point and see stunning panoramic views. Ages 6 and up can join this free kayak tour but you must make a reservation. Call 718-338-3799 for more information.

Four Sparrow Marsh Paddle at Floyd Bennett Field’s Mill Basin Kayak Launch
July 2, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

This 2-mile, 2 ½-hour expedition goes out to the cloistered Four Sparrow Marsh and is free to the public but you must make a reservation. Ages 6 and up can participate. Call 718-338-3799 for more information.

Dead Horse Bay Paddle at Gateway Marina
August 13, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.; September 4, 1 p.m.–3 p.m.

This 2-mile, 2-hour expedition out to Plumb Beach also provides a chance to explore Dead Horse Bay. Ages 6 and up can join this paddle for free but you must make a reservation. Call 718-338-3799 for more information.

Gateway Marina via Facebook

Experienced

If you’re an experienced kayak paddler, or your command of the watercraft has grown after paddling in the beginner tours and tryouts, then these water trails will add the distance and adventure you’re ready to experience.

Bergen Beach Kayak Excursion at Floyd Bennett Field’s Mill Basin Kayak Launch
August 21, 12:30 p.m.–3 p.m.

Here’s a 3-mile kayak water trail along the Bergen Beach shoreline that paddles up to Paedergat Basin where you’ll encounter a wild habitat at the edge of the Bay. Treat yourself to an epic adventure. Call 718-338-3799 for more information and to book your reservation.

Point Breeze Paddle at Floyd Bennett Field’s Aviation Road Beach
July 6, 6 p.m.–8 p.m.

This 3-mile, 2-hour early evening paddle will take you under Marine Parkway Bridge out to Eastern tip of Plumb Beach and offers a fresh new perspective of Jamaica Bay at sunset. Ages 11 and up can join this tour but you need a reservation. Call 718-338-3799 for more information.

Gerritsen Creek Kayak Excursion at Gateway Marina
July 23, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

If you’re an experienced paddler and looking for an energetic water trail, then the Gerritsen Creek excursion is right up your alley. This 4.5-mile, 2.5-hour trip is where you’ll feel a rush from the tides shift where the creek meets the bay (so you’re bound to get wet from the experience). Afterward, you’ll cool off at the Salt Marsh Nature Center and discover animal exhibits and learn how they live in the wetlands in Jamaica Bay. Ages 11 and up can join this paddle adventure but you must make a reservation. Call 718-338-3799 for more information.

White Island Excursion at Gateway Marina
September 3, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Paddle this 4 ¼-mile, 2-hour water trail through Dead Horse Bay into Gerritsen Creek to see the restoration of this beautiful wild life habitat and the creatures that call it home. Ages 11 and up can attend but you must make a reservation. Call 718-338-3799 for more information.

Canarsie Pol Excursion at Canarsie Pier
September 2, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

This 3-hour, 5-mile kayak trail paddles around one of the largest islands in the bay, Canarsie Pol. You’ll learn more about the islands in Jamaica Bay and their incredible history on this excursion. Call 718-338-3799 for more information and to book your reservation.

Ruffle Bar Excursion at Floyd Bennett Field’s Seaplane Ramp
July 1, 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

Just south of Canarsie Pol, Ruffle Bar is the second largest island in Jamaica Bay and home to lush plant life and animals that thrive there to this day. Paddle around this 3-hour, 5-mile kayak trail and learn about the island’s history. Call 718-338-3799 for more information and to book your reservation.

Yellow Bar Excursion at Floyd Bennett Field’s Seaplane Ramp
August 27, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

This 5-mile, 2.5-hour excursion paddles out to Yellow Bar during mid-tide to see the plants and animals that thrive in one of the bay’s most beautiful salt marshes. Ages 11 and up can participate but you must make a reservation in advance. Call 718-338-3799 for more information.

The BIG Kayak Excursion at Floyd Bennett Field’s Mill Basin Kayak Launch
July 1, 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
July 15, 12:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

If you’re ready for an energetic paddle and cross country hike, then this 3-hour, 5-mile outing will deliver that plus adventure. You’ll begin this excursion with a 4-mile paddle around Floyd Bennett Field and conclude with a 1.5-mile hike to the spot the tour launched from. Ages 11 and up can attend but you must make a reservation. Call 718-338-3799 for more information.

Bayswater Park via NYC Parks

Across the Border

Want to see what’s on the other side of the Bay? Then check out these nearby Queens kayak tours and experience more scenic water trails to paddle.

Rockaway Cove Paddle at Riis Landing, Queens
July 2, 1:30 p.m.–4 p.m.
July 30, 1 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

Here’s a 2-mile, 2.5-hour paddle that follows the scenic Jamaica Bay shoreline along the Rockaway Peninsula towards the cove at Rockaway Point. This kayak water trail offers the best views of the bay and delivers a sense of adventure you’re sure to enjoy. Ages 11 and up can participate. Call 718-338-3799 to book your reservation and for more information.

Joco Marsh Excursion at Bayswater Park, Queens
July 16, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

This kayak excursion takes you through a 4.5-mile, 3-hour trek on a water trail designed to thrill. You’ll paddle from Bayswater Park through JoCo Creek, where you’ll be immersed in the trail’s estuary and visit the beautiful JoCo Salt Marsh. Call 718-338-3799 for more information and to book your reservation.

Little Egg Excursion at North Channel Bridge, Queens
July 9, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Paddle this scenic 2.5-hour, 2-mile water trail to Little Egg as you pass Pumpkin Patch, Yellow Bar and Black Wall salt marsh islands. You’ll even catch glimpses of wildlife feeding and nesting on their shores. Ages 11 and up can join this tour but you’ll need to make a reservation to attend. Call 718-338-3799 for more information.

Red Hook Boaters via Facebook

Elsewhere in Brooklyn

There are a number of volunteer organizations that provide instruction, equipment and guided tours out to Newton Creek, Bushwick Inlet and New York Harbor.

North Brooklyn Boat Club launches from Greenpoint’s waterfront and provides excursions along the borough’s northern shores while the Red Hook Boaters launch from Luis J. Valentino Jr. Pier Park and paddle out to Brooklyn Bridge, Governors Island and Buttermilk Channel.

Each organization relies on donations and volunteers to provide access to Brooklyn’s waterways and shorelines. Visit their links for tour schedules and to learn how you can support their efforts.

These kayak tours will show you parts of Brooklyn few New Yorkers know exist. Join any of these thrilling paddle adventures and come away with an experience you’ll cherish a lifetime.

Dates and times provided are subject to change, so its important you call ahead to make plans and book your reservation where it’s mentioned.