Community Boating offers an opportunity to view the great city of Boston from an angle rarely seen. Rent a kayak and explore the Charles River Basin and Frederick Law Olmstead esplanade lagoon system while enjoying breathtaking views of historic Back Bay, Beacon Hill, MIT, and the Zakim and Longfellow bridges. This is a can’t miss experience for both out of town visitors and longtime residents alike.
Two-hour kayak (single or tandem) and stand-up-paddle-boards rentals are available for $34 per person.
Note that membership includes Kayaks and SUPs at no cost (not including Wicked Basic Sailing Pass). Please review our members’ guest policy if you are planning to take non-member guests paddling with you.
Paddling rentals are limited to the Storrow Lagoon on red flag (high wind) days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are $34 per person for two hours.
Kayak and SUP rentals are available exclusively on a walk-up basis. We do not take reservations.
Day lockers are available for use, although you must provide a lock. Locks may be purchased in the Front Office for $10. All items you bring, including cell phones, bags, and shoes, must be stored in a day locker or brought out on the water; we are unable to store any possessions for you.
Our kayaks are sit-on-top kayaks. You will get wet.
Lifejackets are provided and must be worn at all times.
Paddling is limited to the basin between the Mass Ave. bridge and the Longfellow bridge, as well as the lagoon system between the Esplanade and the small islands. Paddling will be limited to the lagoon system on high-wind days.
Food and drink is welcome on all of our boats. However, we do ask that you clean up after yourself. The consumption of alcoholic beverages on CBI property or boats is not allowed.
Well-behaved dogs can accompany their guardians on a keelboat, kayak or SUP. Dogs are required to wear life jackets while onboard (CBI does not provide dog life jackets), and pets must be leashed and accompanied on the dock at all times.
Our dockmaster-on-duty may set additional restrictions for watercraft based on the weather conditions, powerboat boat traffic, special events, incidents, etc. This may include a restricted paddling area or a suspension of rentals.
| Age | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Age 9 and Below | Must be 40 inches tall and in a double kayak with their parent or guardian at all times. |
| Ages 10-15 | Must be 40 inches tall and accompanied by a parent or guardian who is on the water providing direct supervision at all times. Kids may kayak in a separate kayak than their parents. |
| Ages 16-17 | May kayak on their own with signed permission from a parent or guardian. |
We offer special discount rates for corporate group outings of 20 people or more. Kayaks may be reserved for $17 per person for two hours. Please note that any groups between 10 and 20 are still able to reserve kayaks for the regular rental rate of $34 per person. We need at least two weeks notice to ensure that we have enough kayaks available and can only host these outings on weekdays. Email [email protected] if you are interested or have any questions.
