Went on Memorial Day, just showed up and hoped for the best even though I sort of worried it would be too busy/all booked out. Well I was pleasantly surprised. The free parking lot had a few spaces left, and we didn't have to wait more than than a few minutes to get our kayaks. I had always wanted to kayak on the Charles River, so this was a nice bucket list item. The location is convenient for driving or taking the T (I think it's close enough to Harvard Station). And the location is a great starting point for some nice views and river bends. The staff were nice and efficient. read more

I heart Charles River Canoe and Kayak. The first time I was here, my company arranged one those corporate bonding sessions for us analysts and the summer interns. Most of us were (and still are) pretty lacking in athletic abilities, but thanks to the friendly and helpful staff, we had a fantastic time. They gave us a group lesson, sent us off with a guide along the way (just in case I guess?) and when we got back, sat down to yummy catered food from Red Bones. The second time with CR, I actually went to their Newton location. My date and I opted for a canoe and set off, paddling and laughing.... and since neither of us was wearing a watch, we got back uber late. We felt really bad for being our delinquent selves, but the staff was very easy going and sent us off with smiles. Go to the Boston CR if you want to see the city along the river and the Newton CR for a more low key and quiet (but in my opinion, not as pretty) view of the burbs. Anyhoo, I would happily go back to either location. read more

Charles River kayaking was a lifesaver during the pandemic. A perfect socially distant active activity that kept me from going completely stir crazy. They were thoughtful in their hygiene and sanitation practices and reserving a spot to get a kayak out on the Charles was so easy! I can't wait for another season with them. read more

We love kayaking on the Charles. The staff here are very friendly and the prices are reasonable. We kayak a lot, and so each year our family gets a family pass - which works out very well. The only downside of Kayaking on the Charles, is that the water is very dirty. Even though the city tries to clean it up, it is still infested with bacteria and some remains of sewer run off. As long as you stay in your kayak - you'll be OK, and have lot's of fun! Don't forget the sunblock and sunglasses! ;) read more

Like all the other reviews, this business has earned it. We went kayaking in mid July at the Boston location. Easy. Hassle free. On the cheap. Filled out a one-page form for legal and safety reasons; took a no-brainer quiz; hopped in our double kayak and off we paddled. Oh, had I mentioned we never had been kayaking prior to this? No problems. No worries. Word to the wise: heed the advise of others and slather the sunscreen. And realize that your legs are fully exposed in a double kayak -- so cover them with sunscreen too, or risk looking like you have a very unfortunate birth mark running all over your legs; I neglected mine and ended up very uncomfortable for several days afterward. It is very enjoyable and stress free. Do it. You won't regret it. read more

Great location and the small parking lots they have is a major plus. First time experience for my group -- 3 of us went for stand up paddle boards (SUP) & the BF went for the kayaking. They have you fill out a consent form for each individual plus a quiz for your group to take. Basically to brush you up on safety and rules of the river. Next, you go to the window to specify your watercraft in which you're given a ticket, life jacket- up, paddled-up & you're on the water. There's no real instructions or guidance, I say this because I was nervous as heck on my SUP board. But they have you place the strap on your ankle for your board, kneel to get on and slow paddle yourself out. NOW standing up on this board is a hit or miss and PHEWWW I stood up and stayed dry. In the beginning I asked one of the crewmembers "how long till I get acquainted with using a SUP board" He shrugs and says I've never done it before lol... I would say that after 5 minutes you'll get the hang of it. Watch out for strong currents as boats cruise through the river and it might knock you down. It was such an awesome way to spend my sunday going down the river and I'm already itching to go back. We spent 2 hours on the river and it was just best way to spend a nice breezy day. read more

I took a 2 person kayak with my buddy here for an affordable price. They're pretty quick to get you in the kayaks/canoe as you just have to fill out a simple waiver form and answer some survey questions. They helped you fit on a vest and handed you the paddles and we were good to go. I do wish they would try to help first timers like myself navigate around because I was pretty lost in the beginning regarding steering and such. However I was able to figure it out in the end. One hour trip is pretty sufficient. I can't imagine anyone going from this spot all the way to Harvard Square because it's pretty far and could take a pretty long time. I'm pretty fit but kayaking can be pretty physically intensive. If you're just doing this for leisure, then I would suggest just paddling around and back. I just went under the first bridge and didn't even reach the MIT bridge. The views for this river are stunning. read more

This place was a hike, probably because I have terrible sense of distance but that's okay it was a beautiful Sunday morning as I made my way down there and even though there was a crowd it didn't take long getting setup. Continuing my mission from the week before I decided to do the one-way trip from here to their dock in Kendall Square. Sure this was my second time kayaking and I'm not the most comfortable on the water I still went ahead with my plans. The girl at the counter gave me a map and told me to count the bridges so I know how close I am and showed me a picture of the entrance to the Kendall Square site. Though I of course was already aware since I used that facility first. What's really nice about this place is the location, lots of open space, calmer part of the river. The MIT area has a lot of sailboat activity. This area not as much. And I'm not quite sure if it is usual or not, as I think there was also some charity run going on earlier but there was porta-potties, which was very much appreciated before I started my journey. Finished my trip in about an hour and half. But I finally got to use my $50 coupon even though it only cost me $35. read more

I've come here with friends, and I've come here with family. No matter who I go with, I have an awesome time. For a relatively small fee, you get to rent a kayake by the hour and paddle your way up (or down) the charles! In no time, you're passing by Harvard, and really getting a unique view of some of the more famous parts of boston/cambridge. Besides the sites, it's just relaxing to be on the river on a beautiful day. And if you've got good company, how could it get better? read more

I love this place! You can come kayak for an hour, for ~18/h. Come here, get your gear, kayak, get out and pay! The staff members are extremely kind and helpful! My fried dropped her phone in the Charles as we were getting out, and one of the staff members helped look for her phone. It was eventually retrieved by someone else, but we all put in the effort! Great people, amazing hobby, great view of Boston. Absolutely amazing. read more

Ok, Ok. I AM a fan of this place BUT the prices YIKES! We rented the paddle boards and went towards the city and back and it was more than I expected. I admit I didn't check the price but who knew that a couple hours standing up would cost more than a pair of jeans? There were a lot of people waiting to go on boards, kayaks, canoes but everything was moving fast and we got on no problem! The views were great and it was relaxing! read more

First star for being near to public transportation. Though it get's a little confusing to get there, with an GPS in my cell phone, it's an easy walk. For the adventurers who are planning, the walk is a little long, so be prepared. If you are using GPS to walk around, get down on memorial road & walk through park. that cuts a long walk. Second star for accommodating us almost immediately. we went to 1148 soldiers field road rather than 1400 soldiers field road. they accommodated us almost immediately. you gotta fill out a safety precautions & answer a quiz. Rest, it's great. This is our first time, so we asked how we are going to row. The guy who is standing over there helping us explained in few simple steps. we followed them exactly & it's a really nice experience. next time, when we really wanna enjoy good weather, we are definitely gonna come here. read more

I just took one of Charles River Canoe and Kayak's introduction to kayaking trips to Cohasset Harbor.The trips leave from their Newton location, which is about a mile from Riverside on the D line. What a blast! I had been kayaking a few times in the big open recreational kayaks, and this trip/class taught me a lot about technique (I was definitely paddling a lot more efficiently by the end of the class) plus it was a great time on a beautiful part of the coast, and the guide knew a lot about the area in addition to his kayaking knowledge. I was totally sore and exhausted at the end of the day, but in a good way. I lucked out and went on an absolutely gorgeous day, but they do take trips rain or shine, so if you really don't want to go out in bad weather, probably you shouldn't schedule too far in advance. If you do go out in nice weather, don't forget to reapply your sunscreen! read more

I really love living in Boston. It's such an accessible city that has so much to offer and is easy to navigate around on foot or by T. This place is one of things that I "discovered" and fell in love with. I'm a renter without a ton of money and even less space. I can't afford a kayak or canoe, yet, and even if I could I'd have no place to store it. This place was in walking distance from my old apartment in Allston. I've rented from them a handful of times. I think one helper described it best - "Nothing is better than being in the middle of the water alone without complaints or worries or conversation!". It's true, being on the water on a nice sunny (but not too hot day), is very relaxing and alleviates, at least temporarily, any pains caused by work, school, significant other, etc... Of course you might feel the physical pain in the coming days since rowing uses muscles you might not normally use. Take advantage of this place!!! Oh yeah, and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful and the sign-out and return process was simple and relatively fast. read more

The boats are good and the coaches are great, but this location itself is way worse than I thought. It is in the middle of nowhere and blocked away from everything by those Harvard sport fields. The water is SO dirty! Also the water is very busy during weekend, as power boats are very frequent, which reminds how narrow the river is. Their Kendall place is way better: over the years at MIT, I have never had concern about the water quality on the Charles river basin, also the river is so wide that power boats are not felt for. The view is also much better at the Kendall place. I wouldn't have been there if not for a SUP class and will never go there again. Their class is pretty good though. read more

I have enjoyed so many wonderful mornings and afternoons this summer at this location. John Pyne and his staff are awesome. Always service oriented, personable and helpful. Equipment is first class which really makes a difference. The quality of their kayaks are important for tracking and the quality of their paddles is impressive. Obviously they care about each guest's enjoyment and experience. Not all rental places are like this. This is a great way to enjoy nature in the city. Paddle alongside ducks, geese, see beautiful birds. Plus, what great exercise! Whether you pay hourly or get a membership as i did, i believe this a terrific thing to do! No better way to have a mini vacation in just a couple hours! read more

One of my all time favorite hobbies. I can assure you not much beats paddling down the Charles in a kayak on a beautiful summer day!! This buisness is very well managed and staff is always exuberantly pleasant. It is such a nice breath of fresh air. The first few times I went I was very nervous but their kindness really put my nerves at ease. If I didn't just have a baby I would totally have a seasons pass, seriously it is so amazing! Check it out if you've never been & thank me latee read more

I enjoyed my Kayaking experience from this launch spot. The whole process was very fast and efficient. If you are looking to escape the city for a bit, try this! It is very rewarding. They also have canoes and paddle boards for rent as well. read more

got a little confused when i went for the first time today so here's how it goes down: 1) go to the blue tent thingies and do the paperwork - safety quiz (it's easy) and liability waiver (it's fair) 2) go to the side of the kiosk that's on the opposite side of the water. there's another line to pay (you pay when you get back) and we wasted like 15 min standing in line before realizing it was the wrong line. oops. 3) grab a life vest and paddle and head down to the docks where you can awkwardly climb in the kayak almost tipping over several times and needing the attendant girl to hold it for you while everyone else who's older and in worse physical shape has no problem (that's probably just me though). 4) EXPLORE! seriously, that's it. no hassle, no fuss. you'll get the hang of it soon. and wear something that can get wet cuz i got a couple waves in my lap when boats would go by and create wakes. so much fun. read more

I wish I could give Charles River Canoe & Kayak 10 stars. Whether you love kayaking or you just want to try something new on a sunny afternoon, go to these folks! Even if you've never kayaked before, they're set you up with the right boat for you, show you the basics, and get you going on nice, quiet waters. If you're a sworn water rat like me, then get a Season Pass and you can rent just about any boat they have any time they're open and for as long and as often as you want! They've got a great variety of boats (rowboats and paddleboats as well as kayaks, from racing kayaks to recreational ones), and also stand-up paddleboards (again, if you want to try them for the first time, they'll get you started). Their classes and group trips are also wonderful. Their instructors are skilled, patient, friendly, and reassuring. Any way you go with these guys, it's a great way to see Boston and its environs and a lovely and healthy way to spend some time. How do they compare to competitors? There's no comparison. My partner and I tried kayaking for the first time with an introductory class. At the end of it, we felt we hadn't learned much more than we would have just messing around on our own. We then took the basic skills class at Charles River Canoe & Kayak, and it was FABULOUS. Charles River's basic class taught so many more skills -- including how to do a "self-rescue" and get back in your boat if you tip -- that the other guys didn't bother with. Their prices on most things are lower and in any case they consistently give the best value for money. GO THERE as soon as it's warm enough (and, if its cold, btw, everything you need to keep warm -- from windbreaks to full-on wetsuits -- come with your rental). Paddling is a wonderful workout that's as gentle or intense, is great for your core muscles and waistline, AND gives you a literal breath of fresh aid and quiet any time of day. I've even gone paddling for a half hour during a lunch break from work. It does wonders for the soul as well as the body! read more

Overall a fantastic kayaking experience! The check in process was quick and smooth. We rented a double kayak and did the Watertown route which was beautiful and relaxing. The waters were calm & not crowded which made the experience perfect. The rates are very reasonable and they kayak & life jackets were in great condition. We will definitely be back for another trip next summer. read more

Very fun day out on the water in Boston. Very efficient process for: filling out forms, a clever funny questionnaire that makes sure people know how to be smart on the water, getting life jacket, paddle, boats and after you are done, payment. Boats in good shape and comfortable. Great spot on the Charles River - we went from Allston/Brighton and there was plenty of parking. read more

Definitely worth going. Very reasonable prices. I think it's one of the best outdoor activities you can do in the city.

I started paddling here two years ago and I've been hooked ever since . First off the staff are amazing and friendly and helpful. Second off they have a great selection of equipment. And third it's really just a fun beautiful way to explore the Charles River and get a great workout or just have a relaxing time. Highly recommended! And the season pass is a great bargain!! read more

The views are lovely and the kayak was in good shape, but literally none of the people working there when I went were paying attention--we almost got into the kayak before someone informed us we needed life vests, and when we came back and returned the vests, the girl working that area was on her phone and totally oblivious to our question of where to put them. Maybe hire some people who take the job a bit more seriously. read more

We rented a double kayak from them yesterday and it was a fairly efficient process. I went with a friend, but it was my first time,. The quiz DEFINITELY helped with some basics. While we received no instruction from the staff, we received our jackets, paddles, hopped into the kayak and they set us off into the water. Smooth sailing. A friendly bunch received us at the Kendall end, and the experience was good overall. I will definitely be coming back for more! read more

A little bit pricey, if you grew up with the community summer sail boating on the Charles, but a great way to relax and unwind, and also to see Boston. If you want a more relaxed and less touristy location, check out the location in Newton near Needham Street. Overall it's a great value, but keep in mind, it is surprisingly exhausting. read more

The staff working in the little office seemed to be a little under qualified, but we eventually got the bill split in half and finalized after several explanation attempts. I wish we had been told to paddle up river first, and then ride the current back down to the dock so we wouldn't have been as tired when the time came to actually paddle! I would recommend going for about 2 hours; that seemed like the perfect amount of time to get in a good workout with overexertion! read more

I rented a kayak from here with 2 of my friends on a nice summer day. It was an awesome time, especially with the "discussions" regarding who was rowing the hardest and which direction we needed to go. It's a great way to spend a day if you're looking for something different to do. Obviously, you need you pace yourself because it can be quite the workout. Also, make sure you don't carry/wear anything that you don't want to get wet. As we were kayaking, we noticed black clouds quickly head in our direction. It doesn't take a genius to figure out you need to start going in the opposite direction. I'll be honest I was a little concerned when I saw the thunder and lightning, but I tried to maintain calm among the group. Note to self: next time pay attention to what the quiz tells you that you're supposed to do when you get stuck in the water during the storm. Regardless it's an awesome way to spend a few hours. read more

We had a great time riding in a two person kayak. Watch out for rowers and larger boats and keep to the right and you will be fine. Very relaxing and fun hour on the water. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a casual fun weekend activity. read more

love it! my roommates and i went out on the charles yesterday. two single, one double kayak. greatest most relaxing time ever. i dont have many words to express how good of a time is was but trust me, it was. lol also, one of the staff members gave me a good laugh. my roommate called my handwriting bubbly. i said, "my handwritings bubbly?" and the staff member said "just like your personality." i thought it was really cute. (thanks guy whos name i don't know. that was sweet.) read more

If you live locally and you're always jonesin' for some paddlin' , get a season pass. It depends on what type of boat you typically choose, but it'll save you a ton of money if you go a few times during the year. Best views of Boston from the river, hands down. read more

What a great way to spend the morning! The folks at Charles River Canoe and Kayak are nice and make every effort to be helpful. Even when it gets hectic their team worked hard to get everyone out on the water in the right craft (no small feat). They'll also take the time to give you a few pointers if you need it. Always have a good time coming to this place. Also - note they take credit (so no need to get your cash soggy!) read more

I love this place! The experience is what you make it. The Canoe and Kayak hut is modest, with water and sunscreen for guests. Parking is somewhat limited on busy summer days. Aside from taking a brief safety quiz the first time you rent a boat, the trip is hassle free. Show up, pay a considerably cheap fee, put on a life jacket, grab a paddle, and go for it! Have fun, be with friends, be outside, and sneak in a little bit of exercise. (It makes the post-boating cold beer or giant ice cream sundae that much more delicious on a hot summer day!) read more

"Secret" (Ok, not a secret, but rather hidden) Kendall Sq. location is great. Hope in a kayak or canoe, out the channel, and you at the foot of the Longfellow. We hooked around the MOS, up the Esplanade, under the Mass Ave Bridge, etc. - all awesome. People are super nice, helpful, and for $18 (double kayak for an hour), it was a great way to cool off on a hot day. read more

It is a great place to have a great time with friends and family. I went with a friend and it was a wonderful experience. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Riding the kayak is something new and exciting to try out! read more

Spectacular views, a bit pricey though. $20/hr for a 2 person kayak. I took my younger brother out and we both had a good time. Watch out for sail boats and "ducks" Very close to the T. We're only in Boston for a couple of weeks but this was definitely a highlight, it puts the city in a different perspective. Very pretty view of Boston. read more

Went to the Cambridge location today. Cost $15 an hour for a single kayak, but it's worth it for the views you get once you get out onto the river. Had never kayaked the Charles so I was a little nervous, but the staff was very helpful and make you take a safety quiz before you launch. I got there at 11 and there was a line, but it moves fast since they seem to have a lot of staff on the weekends. They have life jackets for all ages and if you get nervous about dropping your stuff, you can rent a bag that floats for $1. They don't have lockers so leave your stuff in your car or rent one of these bags. read more

Always friendly, fast service with good equipment. I have the season pass....well worth it!

Horrible customer service. Was turned away at 6:55 even though rentals were suppose to close at 7. The people at this location do not know how to treat their customers and let people that arrived at the same time through even though they were not on the water by 7. Really unbelievable and outrageous. read more