This is a review just for kayaking: On a beautiful Sunday, we wanted to kayak. We first went to another sailing pavilion that was unfortunately closed and then tried Community Boating. The office / guest services area inside is pretty well staffed and they have bathrooms and lockers so seemed promising. Unfortunately after you pay it becomes clear the main intent of this place is sailing. If you want to do anything else, do not come here. I had to chase multiple people down for us to get assistance with getting paddles and we had to go out into the water on our own with little to no direction. In the end, we didn't even get to spend the full 2 hours you pay for out on the water because it took so long to get setup on our own. Don't come here for anything but sailing! read more

Love this place, and love that Boston supports it. Great time getting out on the water with my wife in a 2-man kayak. It'd be nice to be able to go further than between the bridges, but for a quick spin it was perfect. read more

Community Boating is the best & most cost effective place to learn how to sail in the Boston area. Its less than $275-445 a year and you can take an unlimited number of classes which is a HUGE advantage over other schools because if the conditions are not good you can just come back another day. No point in taking a class in the rain with no wind. Or if you are a beginner you might want a more mild wind day vs high winds. Taking sailing classes with no wind is a totally unproductive experience, other schools will force you to do this. In addition you can take many classes in different wind conditions at no additional cost. Advanced classes are only $50. Super friendly staff. Facility has beautiful dock with full restrooms with a shower. Parking on the weekends and nights is jut $9. The Charles station T stop is just a few minutes away. And after sailing you are close to numerous restaurants and the amazing Boston Esplande. Boats available to members are Mercury, Laser, 420 (race), ideal 18, sonar, windsurfing, kayak If you are curious about sailing you cant go wrong with community boating, its the overall best place to learn how to sail, its actually the only place to learn how to sail for for $455. read more

shockingly bad service. everyone we rude or unhelpful. I had to launch another couple going out because no one was working the dock. I know working Labor Day sucks but this was shocking read more

Love this place. Used to be a member but moved to the south shore and it didn't make sense to keep the membership. Reasonable prices and always a good amount of kayaks and stuff available. The paddle board selection is limited is my only complaint. Friendly and informative staff. read more

Combine self-care activity and achieving a goal (dopamine), socializing (oxytocin), exercising and laughter (endorphin), and sun exposure and nature time (serotonin) and you've got nothing but happiness overload. Community Boating offers all of that especially when a person can socially distance herself on a kayak in perfect summer weather where the sky is shining brightly, the Charles is shimmering, and the humidity level was comfortable. I liked that you could safely launch and return the kayak because they have this mechanism that's like a saw tooth where you use the paddle to provide momentum on your departure and return. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. I witnessed staffers coordinating getting sailboats out and giving lessons. My one criticism is that I wished they had more expanded hours during the week. They open at 3 pm and close at sunset. read more

I love this place! They are all about the community & getting people out on the water. They are doing an amazing job making sure they meet the COVID-19 guidelines to keep everyone safe. They sanitize the boats, the paddles, and the life jackets after each use. This is an amazing way to see the city from a relaxing view, away from traffic. I strongly encourage people to join as a member! Note: they are SIT ON kayaks (which are way safer because they don't sink). If you can't sit upright for long periods of time, I would go elsewhere and rent a sit in kayak (expensive) with a seat. read more

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This is a Great place to sail, kayak, windsurf or learn to. It is right on the esplanade and has beautiful views of the Boston skyline. read more

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Groupon for the win! Double kayaking for a day is normally $45 but I think we got it for ~$20 but don't quote me on that price. It was a sunny day with highs in the 80s so perfect for kayaking. We hadn't planned on what to do when our bags so we went to use the day lockers. $10 per padlock. I was stunned. Oh well, we needed the lock so we paid. Smooth transactions, beautiful weather, plenty of space to kayak between the Mass Ave bridge & I forget what the other one was. Warning: YOU WILL BE WET. I saw a ton of people dressed to the 9's and with heels or really nice dress shoes so I figure not everyone knows how the kayaking thing works. Definitely recommend but be prepared with your own lock, don't be like us. read more

I had a really amazing summer here! For about $300, you get a year long membership (there are also shorter memberships available), access to all boats (and kayaks, paddle boards, and wind surfs), and free classes! I started out as a newbie and then through the classes, I got to sail and be comfortable in all sorts of wind and can now take out the high performance boats (lasers, 420s, keelboats). Highly recommend! read more

Community Boating - Boating Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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A very fun experience: there is usually street parking available within a few blocks so you don't have to pay the garage fee. would recommend going early as then there wont be as many people. you need to take a quick quiz and fill out some forms before you are able to rent the boat. (pay for the rental after u come back) i went kayaking in a double, and had a lot of fun. maybe because i am inexperienced, but sitting in the back seat of the double i did attract a decent amount of water - swim trunks recommended. another thing i noticed was going back to return the kayak, the river was flowing in the opposite direction. so be careful with how far out you go, as it would only get harder on the way back. would also recommend going with people so you have multiple kayaks. the pictures of your experience will be a lot better read more

Community Boating - Boating Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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This is hands down the World's Best Boat Club!!! I started sailing here when I was only 10! When I was in college I used to bring dates and friends sailing. I already had the membership and my dates were always impressed! I've since become a Lifetime Member. One of the best decisions I ever made! Community Boating launched me into a lifetime of sailing adventures! It all starts here! 10 stars out of 5! read more

We had such a terrific experience with this organization. The online reservations was easy to navigate, the safety protocols were comprehensive, but not burdensome, and the location was perfect for an afternoon paddle and stroll. We will definitely be back several times this season! read more

Community Boating - Boating Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I had a great time paddle boarding here, it was my first time and had a great experience. They have a nice facility with clean bathrooms and cold water foundations. For $5 you can buy a lock for a locker to lock up all your stuff. We opted for the paddle boarding it was two hours for $34. I personally fell into the Charles twice while using the paddle board but after getting the hang of it was quite fast and nice. The staff there did not voluntarily help me with getting on the paddle board so I had to ask how them (as it was my first time). We went on the lagoon part of the Charles because the wind was too high but still a nice view going under these walking bridges read more

70th Anniversary this year! That is how long CBI has been offering affordable memberships to the natives and transplants of Boston. I remember sailing and kayaking with a friend more than 20 years ago and thinking what a great community resource. 18 years later, I return to find the same boathouse with tons of community programs for members and the general public. I am not a member and mainly have appreciated CBI's activities that are open to the general public. Each summer I've looked forward to their Sunrise Yoga program partnership with yogi Anne Marie and Athleta. Nothing beats the cool morning breeze, sun reflecting off the Backbay skyline and sun salutations outdoors. Namaste. read more

See if you have a friend who is a member because they can bring in guests for free! I went sailing with some family and friends and on a sunny, breezy day, there's nothing better. Employees are friendly and I've never had issues with the boats themselves (I take full blame for any failures in maneuvering the boat of course). Membership is great if you live in the area, but as a tourist it's just a nice half-day outing. In terms of landscape, the area is between two bridges (which serve as boundaries) with a great view of the river bank and a nearby park. Afterwards we went out for dim sum in china town! read more

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best activity in Boston- easy and money friendly rental process. 2 hour kayak rental to paddle around the Charles, you cannot beat it. Centrally located boat house and the staff is always beyond friendly and helpful. read more

Worst kayak of all. As you can see from other reviews, the kayak is basically a piece of plastic board and your pants will get all wet after the kayaking. It does not a seat and the water keeps coming from the bottom. We almost sank to the bottom of the water when we finally kayak back to the shore. All the process are Do-It-Yourself without any staff assistance. Will go to the kayak rental in Cambridge or Newton definitely. read more

I cannot speak highly enough about this organization and how it is run. CBI is a charitable organization like many of the other sailing institutions in the city. The biggest difference (besides location) is cost! They make this extremely affordable and accessible. There are far more types of boats and water sport equipment than any other facility for the cost. The staff is extremely helpful and vigilant for the safety of all it's visitors (members of guests). The clubs associated with the organization offer multiple opportunities to race and meet new people. This is the first sailing group, I got a membership to and it certainly will be the consistent. If you haven't had the opportunity to sail yet, what are you waiting for? Even if you end up swimming in the Charles, it's not so bad! read more

An annual membership is about $280, and there are discounts for Harvard students and MGH staff, dropping it to about $240 which is a fantastic deal, especially given I work across the street at MGH and can drop by 2-3 times a week. I have never sailed before, and its quite easy to learn and become good. You have to be proactive though- informal teaching is probably the best- which is when you stand by the dock where you give them your card to take out boats, and ask people if they are interested in taking a crew out, or simply letting the staff know (though this will take longer). Just target the friendly older folks- they always seem to welcome company and someone to chat with, especially if they came alone. I've gone out with three people so far, and learned a lot, though some are great teachers while others are not. The classes are good introduction to the basics, but honestly, the only way to learn is trial by fire. Go rig up a boat, and take the boats out on a green or even a yellow. Don't be scared to capsize. You have the have the proactive fearless attitude to thrive, as well as be within biking distance so that you can drop by often to make the cost seem extremely affordable. The only thing left to be desired is the staff- they are young college students, who aren't always professional and some have a bit of teenage angst/attitude. But some are really friendly and helpful, and it is a true community- get out there, talk to folks, make some friends, and just go sail! read more

A Boston treasure! I can't imagine a much better way to spend ~$200 than on a year-long membership here. Classes are great, the volunteer-run vibe is wonderful, and it's very easily accessible on the Charles bike trail and from the MGH T station. One of my favorite things about CBI is how you can bring guests on the water once you get your yellow sailing license. Sailboats and kayaks are all in great condition, and the staff are friendly and helpful. I've had so much fun here! And they make it accessible for all ages and skill levels! read more

Community boating is where I first learned to sail. I think this place is truly one of Boston's best kept secrets. For a year membership it's $259, or $239 for returning members...or for a lifetime membership $3,000 (damn...a few years ago I think it used to be $600...should have gotten on that) Still totally worth it...not only can you learn to sail here at no additional cost, but you can become part of the race crew (which I did several times, and was a blast). They also have windsurfing and kayaking, that you can take out once you test out (and there are lessons available for those as well if needed, again at no additional cost.) They have outer island trips, as well as night sailing, depending on your sailing experience, and members are welcome for the 4th of July party at night on the docks (great view). When it's scorching hot in the city, you would never know it once out on the water...a great escape! read more

DON`T GO THERE! On my way there, I saw a CRYING women leaving the boat house, I basically ended up the same way... Long story short: their staff is RUDE, and they literally STOLE my money... First, they make you sign an acknowledgement that the water is unsafe due to some bacteria in the river. After formalities, they gave us a day pass for a double kayak, that didn`t work at point B. We`ve been asked to go back to the front desk. After we took the time to stand in lines all over, we`ve been asked to go back to the front desk yet again because they forgot to give us the second pass... I was trying to explain the situation, so we don`t have to stand in lines again. The girl who was working there was an IGNORANT. While I was trying say that we are being send back and forth, she started talking to the next people in line like I was invisible! When we finally got to the point where you pick a kayak, it turned out they rent the cheapest crap you can thing of. The kayaks are UNSAFE, UNSTABLE, and all of them have HOLS! (Remember the water acknowledgement I mentioned at the beginning of the post?) I spent at the boat house about an hour, two minutes of it on the water, most of it in lines, and dealing with their staff. I asked if it would be possible to get our money back since we ended up not kayaking. The answer of course was "no refunds, sorry". I ended up paying $45 for this "experience". No, thank you. read more

Right on the Boston side of the Charles, a really laid-back sailing "club" that costs only about $230 for the entire year and lets you go out as many times as you want in the boats. Now I know $230 isn't exactly cheap as far as many things go, but for sailing in the Boston area with unlimited rentals?? You won't find prices lower than that around here.... That being said, the boats are a bit old and the boathouse is a bit run down, but everything is functional, works, and the people and staff at CBI are FANTASTIC. You can tell these people love to sail and love to teach other people! This is definitely a place for those "get your hands dirty" sailors; there are no fancy yachts or gleaming facilities at CBI, and they are staffed mostly by volunteers. But this I love. As I'm new to sailing, they have orientation every single day and classes to get you off to your solo permit as quickly as possible. Wind on the Charles is fickle at times and can change without warning, and also the water is not the loveliest ever (but it's safe to swim in). The saying is "if you can sail on the Charles, you can sail anywhere!" The quality of the instruction obviously will depend on the person you get as an instructor; as I mentioned, most of these staff are volunteers, and some are better teachers than others. But the main thing is to get in as many classes as you can and just go in hands on. Classes of course are free with the membership so you can take the classes as many times as you want and have people take you out on the river as often as you like till you feel comfortable. They have a kids program in the summer where kids can join for $1 for the entire summer, and they also have an "all accessible" program for people with limited or impaired mobility, which is awesome. read more

Why are kids the only ones who get a membership for $1.00? I think its a rip off for the older members. $190 is a lot of money for some people for a full year membership. I think they should also have cheaper 2 day rentals and 1 day rentals. A full day rental shoul dbe only about $25 if its truly community boating or at least a half day for $25 and full day maybe $45 I guess the prices arent that bad, but I mean, it should be just a little bit more affordable for people and they should have a college rate as well for college students and recent graduates. Its pretty good overall tho. but Prices for 2006 Kids Junior Program Membership $1 Adults Full Year Membership * $190 30 Day Learn to Sail Package** $80 60 Day Boating Pass $135 Sr. Citizen $150 2 Day Sailboat Rental $100 Two Day Kayak $50 Lifetime Membership*** $2,500 * Includes: Guest privileges Advanced classes Unlimited use of boats Discounts to CBI events ** Includes $40.00 discount toward the purchase of a full membership *** BECOME A LIFTIME MEMBER A wonderful way to support Community Boating is by purchasing a Lifetime Membership. The Lifetime Membership costs only $2,500. Besides being a great bargain, the lifetime membership fee is added to the CBI Endowment Fund which is used to support the operations of CBI and provides a legacy for future generations of CBI sailors. Youth/Senior Citizen Discount Memberships Available Discount rates available for persons with special circumstances. Apply to the Executive Director Youths Youth Full 17-20 $150 Youth 60 Day $110 Youth 30 Day $80 High School Memberships Please see the mass bay league's web site for details on their program July 4th Sailabration Full Members (up to 12 tickets) $39 Non Members $52 We accept VISA and MasterCard, but prefer cash or checks read more

This is my first real review on Yelp! Here it is! CBI is a great place for fun, if you live close enough or would have time to come frequently. The annual membership is very affordable. What you get from this membership is a lot of fun. I especially like that they will allow members to take guests out for sailing or kayaking for free. I took out my friends many times and they liked it a lot. I think I will renew my membership this year again. Good job! read more

Kayaking at CBI is a really bad idea. You walk into the boathouse and are met with a large Staff who assisted in administration of signing paperwork and paying. Then they tell you to follow certain color lines to get your own life jacket, other lines to get your own oars and red lines to the kayaks. NOONE is making sure you have a correct fitting strapped on life jacket or an oar that is right for you. Then you go to the kayaks which are soaking wet because the style has holes in them. NOONE helps you pick out the right kayak, NOONE helps you clean it or dry it, NOONE helps you get the kayak in the water and NOONE instructs you on where and how to sit or helps you get in the kayak. Never mind helps you get out of the darn thing. These are sit on top kayaks without backrests which by design let water in that soaks your shoes, but, legs and any bags you decide to bring on board with NO on boat cubby to store things. If you are tall with long legs its impossible to get comfortable You pay a lot of money for no customer service and really uncomfortable kayaks. read more

The Duke Speaks! So clearly I come here often... I had always seen the little sailboats on the Charles, and never got around to checking it out. Then finally! I first joined Community Boating last year as part of a Groupon. I only had a chance to get my Solo rating for a sailboat, but overall I had a great experience, and a lot of fun. There's a significant time investment required at first in order to get a Solo rating, which allows you to take a Mercury sailboat out on calm wind days. I will admit that the classes were a bit long, but definitely necessary, and quite informative. The dock staff is generally friendly and helpful, and will offer advice and put up with a lot of silly questions, as well as n00b sailors capsizing and running aground all too frequently. This year, I picked up the same Groupon for a 1 month membership, and then I extended it to a full year. Now I'm certified to take some guests out on the water, and I'm planning to try my hand at racing! If you're looking for a new summer activity to get you outdoors and into the sun, look no further! Community Boating is where it's at! read more

This is my favorite place in the city. I just joined up last year and have since found this to be my home away from home. I cannot possibly recommend anywhere else so highly and I sort of wish there were a separate rating for your favorite place, period! But perhaps I should get to the actual reviewing... Kayaks, windsurfing, and an impressive fleet: Mercuries, Rhodes 19s, Lasers, 420s, and Sonars! All classes included in membership and you work your way up to the privilege of the higher boat classes. Not to mention membership gives you access to the actual community of Community Boating meaning discounts on all kinds of events. Some events are simply social like the 4th of July Sail-a-bration, others are sailing-centered such as trips to the Boston Harbor Islands. Some of these trips are even overnight camping excursions! WOWOW ok, I'm getting excited just thinking about this season. Come on, join up, you know you want to! :) Oh...and there's the small thing where anyone under 18 only pays $1 for a membership! read more

I went here for a Swing Dancing event and it was very cool dancing on the docks! Now if only the weather cooperated we would have been golden, but regardless still a great time. There were tents to dance under so parts of the docks stayed dry and more suitable for "rock step'n." Music was blasting and the view was gorgeous. A little tricky to find from the Mass Eye and Ear parking lot, but that's where they validate parking...so all in all...worth the walk over. Just follow signs to the Esplanade and you will find it. Don't starting walking all the way across the Longfellow Bridge. Oh and there were vending machines that takes credit cards...after all that dancing we needed a little treat. read more

Community Boating - Boating Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

200 bones for the whole summer? This place is a steal! Unlimited time on the Charles River plus you are joining a community that supports keeping Boston youths' hands firmly on the rutter and off of your car stereo. It takes a few weeks and 5 to 10 outings for someone with no experience to become a helmsman (where you get to take out non-members). Locker rentals for the season ar $90, you don't need it. You can get discounted parking in the evening if you validate... I think its $5 at the Mass Eye/Ear parking lot. The instructors/other members will teach you everything you could possibly need to know about sailing... just ask, there are no stupid questions. read more

I learned to sail here back when dinos roamed the earth. One of my childhood friends worked here, and started up a sailing club in my HS and I fell in love with sailing. I ended up being club commodore my senior year. Being brats, we broke a lot of rules; like playing pirate, and sneaking beer out. Well, it kept us off the streets, anyways. It's cheap fun, and you do meet all types of folks; from Brahmins to Barmaids. The classes are really good, too. read more

Stop relying on others to teach you to sail, come to Community Boating and take the bull by the horns! That's what I did. For years I was waiting for any one of my sailing friends to take me out and teach me, but it never happened. I signed up here and within 3 days I was on a boat on my own (in retrospect a frightening thought) learning the ropes (I mean lines). It truly is the best deal going in all of Boston if not all of the United States. For a small annual fee you learn to sail and have a fleet boats at your disposal whenever you feel like dropping by (no reservations necessary, first come first served), and can eventually stain your first outfit brown when you inevitably capsize at least once in your Charles River sailing career! So what are you waiting for?? Get your tetinus shot and join the fun! read more

I'm surprised to see another reviewer say that $35 is a bargain...considering that they don't let you go west of Mass Ave, I'd call that a ripoff, considering that Chares River (Allston and Newton) only charges $14 for a half day. I wanted a sit-in kayak, but had to wait a few minutes for one to come back, although that might have more to do with the fact that I went on the weekend. Employees are nice, but not as helpful as the Charles River guys. These guys do good work, but could greatly improve by helping you out of the kayaks and offering hourly rates for those of us who just want some exercise. read more

I lost my favorite straw hat on Sunday as I crossed the Mass Ave Bridge. I went to the Boat House and asked if there was a chance that someone could retrieve my chapeau! They did!!! So grateful !!! Suzanne read more

I had a blast coming here via bus through my suburban town's recreation department twice a week for a few months every summer when I was in middle school. Alot of the older boats are "Mercury" models that are throwbacks to perhaps the 60's even, but alot of the masts and sails seem to be in much newer condition. With a summer or two of training and certification they'll even get you ready to man their larger boats which are up to 8 man, I believe. Capsizing isn't so fun since the Charles isn't exactly sanitary but it's alot better than it used to be a long time ago. Fun events like races and other entertainment are also available. They have kayaking lessons as well. All in all a fantastic summer activity for very very little money. read more

Really good for people who dinghy sail regularly and don't have a place on the shore/cape they can get to regularly. hop on the T or bike down the esplanade and you are there. cons: you have to deal with the light and shifty Charles River breezes, the nasty Charles River water, and the limited amount of space between the 2 bridges. But usually these are minor concerns, especially when the alternative is to schlep an hour down to the shore somewhere. Boats: the usualy boats are the mercuries, designed by Olin Stephens who learned his chops at MIT across the river. They've been around for a while and each year tend to accumulate an additional layer of epoxy/fiberglass in repairs so they are built like bathtubs and impervious to damage or destruction. They also handle like battleships. If you perservere at their arcane "ratings system" you will eventually and thankfully graduate to some of the lighter faster fiberglass dinghies they have - nothing extremely exciting - basically Lasers and 420's but they are still relatively fun to sail, especially on rare days where there actually is wind. 420's are international rigged so if you are masochistic you can try and learn to trapeze while the Charles is throwing 90 degree wind shifts at you. note: avoid some of the middle aged "old timers" who tend to chest thump about their dubious sailing exploits and get pissed if they think you aren't sailing the right way. the older "old timers" are a little more chill. windsurf boards and sails, and kayaks also available. read more

I have always loved going sailing on my friend's large sailboat. I was impressed but intimidated by all the sailing terminology and ins and outs you must learn. But CBI is the best place to learn how to sail. I joined in July and kept going to sail everyday when I had free time. Its such a great escape from city life and cooped up apartments. I've had many days out there on the water thinking and enjoying the beautiful weather. I went from a novice to advanced in no time. Classes are free with membership and are helpful. They have many classes you can take, but to sail on your own you only have to take two, and after some experience on your own, take the helmsman test where you can then take guests out (who will be excited to come out and will be impressed by your skills). Many positives here: helpful and friendly people, all ages and all kinds of people come here, cheap, easy, will increase your confidence in yourself (handling a mercury in high winds can be difficult at first, but with practice you can get it) skills you will forever keep and experiences you will never forget will be made at CBI. I can't say enough good things about CBI. I will always remember CBI for teaching me how to sail. One day when I get enough money I will come back and donate money to this great organization. read more

Don't even bother. Showed up 15 minutes before our reservation, nobody at the dock. No signs. Waited a few minutes, decided to go look around to find somebody. Doors at the front were closed. After knocking somebody showed up and now there were several other people waiting with us. Told the guy about our reservation and he said all the reservations for the rest of the night were cancelled for thunderstorm watch. No call, no email. I told him we hadn't received any notification. He responds "oh you didn't? Yeah well there were dozens of other reservations." I don't care in the slightest about having to cancel but no notification is unacceptable. Received a cancellation email 15 minutes after our reservation was supposed to begin. I never leave reviews but we traveled into the city for this and they were completely unapologetic about the lack of communication. read more

This is one of Boston's best kept secrets - and something that I have done 2 summers in a row now. They offer all kinds of membership options - from annual membership to a day rental. For the day, you can rent a kayak for $35 - and get to experience the city from the Charles River - It's great exercise, and the view is incredible. Community Boating also does sailing lessons, windsurfing, and more. You can walk here from the South End, Beacon Hill, Cambridge, Back Bay ... it is directly behind the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. Check it out! read more