Kayak Around Manhattan: NYC’s Ultimate Circumnavigation Tour
30 miles | 21 bridges | 5 boroughs | 9 hours
Book this tour and qualify for a full rebate when you purchase a new TRAK 2.0 Kayak!
Expert Experience Pre-requisite / TRAK Kayak PROVIDED
This is the classic NYC paddle and one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the city — a full circumnavigation of Manhattan in a TRAK kayak!
Along this 30-mile route, you’ll pass every major skyline landmark and 21 bridges connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and New Jersey. From the Battery to Inwood Hill Park, the scenery shifts from skyscrapers to hidden beaches, waterfalls, and salt marshes that still echo the island’s original shoreline.
This tour was featured in BBC Travel by journalist Elliot Stein, who trained with local guides and paddled the full loop.
“Maybe this is something the island’s original residents might recognize,” he wrote, after drifting past Inwood’s forested bluffs and watching a heron land beside glacial boulders and reeds.
Important
- For sea kayak experts only. Before booking, get screened here. Past years' experience doesn't qualify; you must be in excellent kayaking shape this season.
What To Bring
- At least 4 liters of water
- Shoes to wear on land during the break
- Spray jacket and headlamp for after sunset
- Dry bag with a packed meal and supplements
- Quick dry clothes suitable for the day and extras for after
What's Provided
- TRAK Kayak Rental
- Restroom, lockers, outdoor shower, and changing room
Where to Go
Meet your Guides
Jay Cartegena
As General Manager and Lead Instructor at Manhattan Kayak Co., Jay has spent more than a decade guiding New Yorkers from their first strokes to their boldest open-water adventures. Known for his patience, warmth, and technical mastery, Jay is a trusted sea-kayak instructor and longtime TRAK aficionado. He holds an ACA Level 2 Coastal Kayak Instructor certification. Jay also speaks Spanish, and his Colombian roots add a warm, welcoming touch to every session.
What you'll learn:
What we're going to do:
Itinerary:
What is included?
What's not included?
Manhattan Island Circumnavigation, NYC: TRAK Day Tour (May-October)
This is the classic NYC paddle and one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the city — a full circumnavigation of Manhattan in a TRAK kayak! Upon booking, our team will be in touch to schedule your tour date.
Pairs well with
Manhattan Island Circumnavigation, NYC: TRAK Day Tour (May-October)
Trip leaders who care
All TRAK Trips are facilitated by qualified paddlers with in-depth experience in TRAK Kayaks, so you can learn pro-tips from the source. We are proud to work with professional guides and paddling instructors from all over the world.
FAQs
Please read our FAQs page to find out more.
Are TRAK Kayaks designed for air travel?
Yes! Our latest model, the TRAK 2.0, packs into a rolling travel bag specially designed to meet airline requirement for check luggage. For recommended best practices for flying with a TRAK folding kayak, visit this page.
Are my flights included in the price?
Your transportation to and from the starting location is not included in the trip price. For more information about flights and logistics, contact our team.
What accommodations are provided?
Each TRAK trip is uniquely tailored for paddlers based on their comfort zones. Some trips are designed for paddlers with lots of backcountry experience and personal camping gear, while others are designed for paddlers who prefer a leisure experience with comfortable fixed roof accommodations. Contact TRAK to find the trip that's right for you.
What's your cancellation policy?
If you must cancel your trip booking prior to the start date, TRAK will either credit the amount you paid towards a future TRAK trip of your choice, or provide a refund based on the following:
- 60 days or more prior to the trip departure date – full amount is refunded minus a $150 administration fee per person (the guest is responsible for any costs incurred for cancelling any additional tours or travel arrangements).
- 59-30 days prior to the trip departure date – 50% of total tour price is refunded.
- Less than 30 days prior to the trip departure date – no refund will be given.
