Tidal Basin Paddle Boats

I went with my boyfriend on a Sunday morning in August. It was reasonably priced and quick and easy to get a boat and onto the water. Definitely a unique perspective on the Jefferson Memorial — it looks really picturesque from a hundred yards out on the water. Close enough to see all the architectural details, but far enough away to get some content (but not so far that it’s tiny).
Keep in mind that it does get sunny and the paddling part is actually a pretty vigorous workout. I would recommend wearing shorts or else your legs will definitely be getting a bit sweaty.

This was a really fun afternoon day date! Two person boats are $ 15/​hour, or if you want a shade on the boat, it’s $ 24/​hour. This time of year, in my opinion, it’s too hot to really do this for any longer than an hour. You get spectacular views of the planes flying into Reagan and you can also get pretty close to the Jefferson Memorial too. There is parking but it’s relatively close to the Smithsonian metro stop so I’d advise just taking the metro and hoofing it. We came around 4:45 on a Sunday when they close at 6 and we had no wait at all. Just note the last rental is always an hour before closing time so plan accordingly.

Had a great time here with a friend visiting! Definitely go early in the day. Staff is friendly and helpful.

My fiancé and I planned for a weekend during the cherry blossom festival in DC and we were able to make advanced reservation online.
It was great to skip the line and get straight to a boat for the time slot we reserved for (there was a loooong line waiting by the pier). It is really fun to paddle the boat around the tidal basin and the views are amazing!
And it’s only $ 15/​hr! They take all kinds of payments.

Came here during the last days of days of the National Cherry Blossoms Festive, right during the blossoms peak. The entire Tidal Basin was extremely crowded I’ve managed to get a free parking at the national mall. The Paddle Boats was extremely busy with the long lines I would say it was at least ¾ of mile long when I got there but it seemed to be moving at the good pace. It was worth a little over an hour wait. And the I was paddle all over the Tidal Basin right at the blossoms peak. It was an unforgettable experience. A definitely quality time spent

This is a really really fun time. I’ve lived around DC for about 8 years and just did it for the first time this weekend. It’s a great date, you can see the planes flying over landing in Reagan, you can paddle up to the Jefferson memorial, and it is reasonably priced at $ 15 an hour. The line was long and wasn’t being managed well at all, but I’ll chalk that up to being during the Cherry Blossom festival. If it is normally like that, I’d drop the review to 3 stars.

Visited during Easter Weekend, 2015. Schools are closed and it was Cherry Blossom weekend, so I expected the lines and crowds to be insane. We attempted on Sunday, but the lines were long and by the time we circles back, the lines were the same, with only an hour to go. We came back on the Monday following Easter Sunday at about 11:30AM and waiting for about 25 minutes or so. 24 $ for 4-​person boat, for an hour, or $ 15 for 2-​person boat for an hour. Life jacket usage is included. Staff is very helpful and friendly. Peddlin’ ain’t easy. The basin is pretty big, so a quick trip across the basin to the Jefferson Memorial and back may have you feeling the burn the next day, or maybe I’m just lazy and unfit. Also, lazy-​guy tip, but not sure if it is the way the boats were designed, but peddling in reverse is a lot easier on the legs and moves faster?! Bring a camera also, lots of great shots on a sunny day. Recommended to anyone.

This is a great activity for tourists and DC natives alike. It was nice to enjoy the great weather and see some of the touristy parts of DC that I usually don’t go to anymore. There’s usually quite a line for the boats, but don’t worry, it moves pretty fast. The attendants let people down on to the dock where you pay, grab your life vests, and board your paddle boats in groups. You can do 2 people to a boat ($ 15) or 4 people. They say you have to be back in 1 hour, but really they have no way to keep track of people and no system for ensuring you are back in an hour exactly. I will say though, that if you are paddling around at any decent speed, you will likely be tired and ready to head back after about 45 minutes anyway. The tidal basin area where you can paddle around has great views of some of the monuments and of the cherry blossoms during spring. If you’re not into vigorous paddling or getting much exercise, I definitely observed some people just chilling out on the water, or paddling a little then taking breaks to take pictures and talk.
TIP: Once you’re done paddle boating, you can walk to the Maine Ave Fish Market, which is only a few blocks away! You can get fresh seafood to take home there or pre-​cooked seafood/​snacks.

I was a bit nervous getting on the paddle boat. But once I overcame the fear, it was actually quite fun! It might be a bit of an exercise paddling for an hour; but the view is so scenic that paddling for an hour makes up for itself. It’s definitely a family, date, and tourist friendly activity.

Riding the paddle boat was a little tiring, but of course, what did I expect. It was a very pleasant experience, though, since it wasn’t too sunny and you get great views of the Jefferson Memorial and the new MLK memorial. A 2 person is $ 14 and if you want the awning its $ 22. The people are very friendly and it’s usually not too crowded. I imagine it’s absolutely beautiful during cherry blossom season, but even if it’s not, it’s a fun thing to do for an hour.
After you should walk down to SE DC, a very overlooked area, and explore the fish market and marina. It’s still being developed but it has some great potential.
IS IT CHEAP? Meh, but it’s cute.

This is a great idea if you plan on visiting DC. Great views especially during Cherry Blossom Festival. The lady working at the cashier was extremely unfriendly. The guys bringing in the boats were very nice. The thing that turned me off was the absolutely disgusting adult life vests. They smelled and were stained from other peoples sweat and skin oils. Somebody has to do something about it. YUCK!!!

I definitely recommend paddle boating in dc. If nothing else it’s great to check out the scenery from the water. The paddle boats weren’t the most comfortable paddle boats that I have been on. It would be nice if there was some type of pad on the seat and the seats are very deep (deeper than other ones I have been on) so makes you feel the pressure on your behind even more. The staff were cool and helpful, offering assistance to get on/​off the boat as needed. We paid about $ 14 for a 2-​person boat for an hr ride. That is very reasonable compared to others. It took a little under an hour to paddle leisurely around the lake with a bit if cruising as well.

I was visiting the Cherry Blossom Festival and apparently arrive just a minute too late. I’ll be back, in time and riding a peddle boat. My mission before I leave this area.

A must for tourists and residents to say you have done if just ONCE. Beautiful basin surrounded by the grandeur beauty of the Jefferson memorial, trees (cherry blossoms if they are in bloom), and views of the mall. Great spot to be and get some exercise when the weather is nice. Took my mom, she loved it. They have double paddle boats so you can take a friend ($ 14.00/hour)
or grab more friends and take their 4 passenger boat ($ 22/​hour). Lifevests included.

First, the view from various vantage points are A-​One. Like many D.C. attractions, they are staffed by somewhat non-​ncustomer service friendly young adults. Good deal for $ 12 per hour; I wish the boats went a little faster. Also, extended hours-​especially around Dusk — would be better.

Worst experience of my life made my children cry, I will never return. Do not come, if
your family has more than four which mine did. We had to leave out grandma (who was sitting in the back to hold the children), which made my 4 and 6 year old cry! No accomodations for families of five. Nothing for my six year old to hold onto. Just sitting free on A plastic seat and she was already afraid. No seat belt. The staff were unsympathetic. We were clearly under the 805 lb weight limit but manager made no accommodations. This place is for lovers Only and not for families of five or children 6 and under unless you want to loose them into the water. What a tearful afternoon! Hope my children don’t need therapy.
Crying in DC

Great place to have paddle boats. Been here once before. years ago. and again this past weekend
Went for cherry blossoms, but that gets boring after awhile since all we saw are tons of trees with buds and tons of people. Nice way to spend an hour ($ 12 for 2 people or $ 19 for 4 people) instead of trying to maneuver thru people.
On a sunday afternoon during cherry blossom season, wait was not too bad. maybe 30 min.idk.
Only reason I give it 4 stars is that the paddles are insanely inefficient and don’t really get you anywhere without an excessive amount of paddling. But, it’s okay because the boat has a warning on it that tells you that rapid paddling will cause soreness and tiring, so you’ve been warned.
On top of that, the people manning this place are not angry people, which is nice. We need less angry people running anything that interact with customers.

The paddle boats have a reputation for just being for tourists, but it’s really a fun way to spend an hour on a nice day. The views of the monuments are really fantastic. The best part: those moments where you stop the paddling, let the tide carry you, and just enjoy the view and light rocking. It’s incredibly relaxing.
You get one hour with no canopy for $ 12 and one with canopy for $ 19. Some people don’t want the canopy covering up the rays, but I found it essential. An hour out in the basin would burrrrn. Seriously, you’ll be steaming. If that sounds cool to you, go for it, but the canopy didn’t mess up the views at all. We had a great time, and a great workout!

My boyfriend and I had a really great time here. We came about an hour before they closed so it was really quick getting suited up and what not. The staff is funny and friendly, and it’s a nice way to enjoy the sights of the city in an unique way.
Honestly the canopy is not neccessary. It doesn’t really do much to block out the sun and it’s kind of ill-​fitting around the boat, blocking the chance for pictures. You don’t need an ID as a deposit; just pay your 12 dollars. You can see the Jefferson Memorial and Monument across the water while you paddle. Great, cheap date idea during the day. I will be back sometime when it gets a little cooler. Overall, no complaints.

I was looking for something small and fun to do on my recent DC trip and came across the Tidal Basin Paddle Boats. Working out, enjoying the sun, and playing around in the agua separating the Jefferson Memorial & the Washington Monument — what’s not to love?
We arrived on the Saturday of Easter weekend just after noon and there was no wait. Contrary to signs posted at their front desk, you do not need to leave an ID with them. Or at least we didn’t have to.
$ 12/​hour for a 2 person boat is extremely reasonable! There was a short wait for more adult lifejackets to free up — and they are mandatory — but after that we were on our way. It was pretty difficult to paddle against the current and my boyfriend and I would rigorously paddle for a few minutes before stopping and letting the current take us away as we soaked up the sun’s rays. What a nice little break in our day!
The employees here are pretty friendly and they don’t seem to mind if you come back a minute or two after your 1 hour limit. As we docked our boat, we noticed a huge line forming! They try not to send out too many boats at one time as it’s difficult to keep track of everyone. Not sure if I’d wait an hour for these boats, so come early and skip the lines!
P. S. Paddleboating is a legit cray leg work out! My thighs were stone hard as I was paddling. I think my boyfriend was impressed. ;)