Boating in DC at Key Bridge Boathouse — Local services in Washington

Review for Boating in DC – Sunset Kayaking Guided Tour (Aug 23, 2025 at 7:15 PM)

I booked the Sunset Kayaking Guided Tour on August 23, 2025 at 7:15 PM. There were about 7 of us, including our guide. Unfortunately, what was supposed to be a relaxing, safe, and guided experience turned into one of the most traumatizing experiences I’ve ever had.

From the start, it was clear I was the slowest paddler in the group. For the first 30 minutes, everything was manageable. However, once it began getting darker and we headed toward Roosevelt Island, things changed drastically. Despite the guide knowing I was the slowest, there was no support or guidance at all everyone, including the guide, ended up nearly half a mile ahead of me.

I got stuck twice in very difficult spots where the wind and current worked against me. At one point, the wind was so strong it kept pushing me backwards. I panicked, felt completely abandoned, and had to muster up the courage to push through without any help. There were no instructions given beforehand on what to do if someone fell behind or got stuck, which felt like a huge act of negligence for a “guided” tour.

The scariest moment came when we were returning near the Key Bridge. The current was pulling me into the middle of the river no matter how hard I tried to paddle toward shore. I found myself directly in the path of large boats. When one passed dangerously close to me, I was terrified. I called for help, but the group was so far ahead that no one noticed. I was alone in the middle of the river for nearly 5–10 minutes, exhausted and panicked, considering whether I should call 911. By sheer accident and trial-and-error, I figured out how to paddle out of danger. But the thought of what could happen to someone less lucky or less experienced is horrifying.

On top of that, I also got a few cuts on my forearm from a sharp-edged cable on the right side of the kayak that constantly got in the way while paddling. I was too panicked at the time to let it distract me I had to focus on my safety. But now, because of these cuts, I need to get a tetanus shot.

What upset me the most was the complete lack of responsibility from the guide. She never checked to see who was keeping up, even though she knew from the very beginning that I was the slowest. This was not the safe, supported experience that was promised. The waiver may state that participants are responsible for their own safety, but when you advertise a guided tour, there should be some accountability to make sure every participant is looked after.

I strongly recommend Boating in DC to implement safer practices specifically, to always have two guides: one leading the group and one at the back to support slower paddlers. That way, no one feels left behind, unsafe, or completely alone in potentially dangerous situations.

I booked this tour because I thought being in a group with a guide meant I wouldn’t be alone. Instead, it was the loneliest, most frightening, and unsafe experience. I sincerely request a refund for this tour due to the lack of guidance, care, and safety. More importantly, I hope this review pushes Boating in DC to improve their tours so no one else has to go...

All the boat houses are great for different reasons but Key Bridge remains my favorite. The Potomac water levels have slowed making this a perfect time for the novice to paddle up to the Three Sisters Rocks. Its easy going and an easy paddle but still an adventure and as lore has it, children speaking the Native American Algonquin language from the early village of Patowemack swam to these very rocks. Patowemack or "the place of trading" was shared on both sides of the river and preceded the Georgetown waterfront that we know today. So if you paddle out to these rocks you will find that currently the sandbar is walkable and you can just paddle up to it as well as float amongst the Three Sisters. You may also see plenty of water fowl. The boathouse is open now with just a couple of payment rules. Book on the Boating DC website, small item purchases in the Cabana like snacks are transactions on cards only, no cash. Booking online only. Even if you walk up to them you still need to sign up on your device and also sign the easy waiver which only has to be signed once each season. I go all the time and have had to sign the waiver only once so it works well and I found them to be so patient and helpful and a continued reflection of their great staff. Ok, so arriving, get past the construction at the end of K street because it will be worth it. Your Uber will drop you at the turnaround and you just need to walk a little further. Bicyclist passing you may very well be arriving from further up the C&O Canal Tow Path, Pittsburgh and Cumberland, MD.... watch out, you are walking on their bike lanes that are shared. So they have added some new safety kayaks for your family and for those unfamiliar with kayaking and who just want to safely give it a try. They also offer a small, and while a tattered fleet, feature a handful of real Wilderness brand Kayaks. And a canoe and some paddleboards, so legitimately, a real boathouse with something that floats for...

I used to frequent Jack's Boathouse every summer, so I was pretty bummed that they closed. Fortunately, it seems that Key Bridge Boathouse is not that much different, offering kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboating for us Washingtonians who want to get to the water.

First thing to do is fill out a form/waiver. Then, they will scan your driver's license (if you're going into the same boat as someone else, they just scan one license) and jot down the information from the form as well as the time. Next, you put on a life jacket and they do a quick safety briefing. From there, you go into your desired kayak/canoe/paddleboat and head on to the river! You're allowed to paddle as far as the Lincoln Memorial and two miles west from the boathouse; their ranger is greater than that of Thompson Boat Center.

You pay once you're done. They take credit cards. They also have lockers for rent ($10) to store things. Dogs are welcomed and they offer life jackets for your canine friends. Friendly staff and fairly quick process (although for first-timers, process can be slightly confusing). The kayaks are super light. Unlike Thompson Boat Center kayaks, where I have to exert a lot of energy just to paddle a few feet, Key Bridge Boathouse's kayaks are lightweight and with one paddle stroke, I was propelled several feet away.

Single kayak is $15/hour. Double kayak is $20/hour. Stand-up paddleboard is also $20/hour. A 3-person/canine...