Water Sports & Boat Rentals at The Wharf
The Wharf turned the Washington Channel into the one part of DC where you can actually get on the water without leaving the city — kayaks and paddleboards by the hour, self-drive electric boats for a group, or a sightseeing cruise if you'd rather someone else handle the steering.
Most visitors never realize DC has a real waterfront scene until they're standing at The Wharf looking at kayaks going by. If it's a nice afternoon and you've already done the monuments, this is the single best way to see the city from an angle almost no other tourist gets.
Kayaks, Paddleboards, and Canoes: The Wharf Boathouse
The Wharf Boathouse, on Recreation Pier, is the easiest way onto the water here — walk-ups are welcome and gear goes out first-come, first-served, though tours and classes are worth booking ahead. Rates run around $24/hour for a single kayak or a stand-up paddleboard, and $34/hour for a double kayak or a canoe. It's a seasonal operation, typically running April through October, so check current hours before you head down in shoulder-season months.
The Washington Channel here is genuinely calm and protected — it's the strip of water between The Wharf and East Potomac Park, not the open Potomac — which makes it a forgiving spot for a first-time paddler.
Prefer a Class? Potomac Paddle Club
Potomac Paddle Club operates out of The Wharf alongside the standard rental setup, running stand-up paddleboard yoga and fitness classes in addition to regular SUP rentals. It's a good pick if you want structure — a set start time and an instructor — rather than just grabbing a board and going.
Drive Your Own Electric Boat: GoBoat
GoBoat (formerly Float DC) rents fully electric, self-captained picnic boats that seat up to 8 people, starting around $150 per boat per hour. You don't need a boating license — just be 21 or older with a valid driver's license — and you steer it yourself up and down the Channel. Each boat comes with a cooler, Bluetooth speaker, USB outlets, and life vests, and you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks aboard (red wine is the one thing they ask you to skip, for obvious reasons). It runs roughly 8am-6pm, April through October.
This is the move for a group that wants the water without anyone needing to actually captain a boat — it splits well across 6-8 people and ends up cheaper per person than most cruise tickets.
Prefer Someone Else Drives? Sightseeing and Dinner Cruises
City Cruises runs the Spirit of Washington and Odyssey out of The Wharf, with sightseeing cruises departing from Transit Pier and dinner/brunch/lunch cruises from Pier 4 — full buffet, DJ, monument views from the water. DC Sail runs Sunset Sails on the schooner American Spirit roughly every other Friday from May through October, open to the public including kids, around $75 per person for the three-hour sail.
There's also a water jitney that shuttles across the Channel to East Potomac Park, useful if you're pairing a Wharf afternoon with the mini golf or the golf course over there instead of walking or driving around.
Sightseeing and Dinner Cruises on the Potomac
If self-driving a boat or paddling isn't your speed, these cruises cover the same waterfront from the comfort of a full-size vessel — dinner, drinks, and monument views included.
DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets
Explore Washington DC’s top landmarks and monuments on a 6-hour tour by deluxe touring coach with full narration from an expert guide. Stop at the White House, Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, US Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, and more. See 100+ sites with time to walk around 10+ of them with your guide, who shares the history and little-known facts about the nation’s capitol. Your guide will take you on an exclusive boat ride along the Potomac River from historic Georgetown. In off-season when boat is not operating, you will visit Jefferson and Eisenhower Memorials instead. Top Sites: • The Capitol Building • Martin Luther King Memorial • World War II Memorial • Lincoln Memorial • The White House • FDR Memorial • Vietnam War Memorial • Korean War Memorial • Air Force Memorial • Iwo Jima Memorial • Potomac River Cruise • Jefferson Memorial (when boat not operating) • Eisenhower Memorial (when boat not operating) Cherry Blossom trees (seasonal, typically late March-early April)
Washington DC Party Yacht Open Bar Cruise on the Potomac
Join us for an unforgettable cruise along the Potomac River on our double-decker party yacht. Whether you choose to bask in the sunshine during the day, witness the monuments illuminate the night, or capture a breathtaking sunset in the evening, you’ll be enchanted by the natural beauty and historical wonders of Washington, D.C. Step aboard and prepare to savor an all-inclusive ticket that covers: A lively 2-hour cruise enjoying both our indoor main cabin, and our open air top deck. This cruise includes a premium open bar where our lively bartenders craft a variety of fun cocktails and provide an array of liquor options, beer, wine, High Noon seltzers, filtered water, sodas, juices, and pre-packaged snacks. We also provide an immersive surround sound music experience with a live DJ, and panoramic vistas of the stunning D.C. cityscape
Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour + boat cruise
Board your glamourous, climate-controlled panoramic bus at the U.S. Navy Memorial for one of the best bus tours in Washington DC! Expanding on our popular Highlights Tour, this six-hour excursion also includes a lunch break and the opportunity to travel through the Tidal Basin. See the very best of Washington DC in one day! Enjoy guided walks around the U.S. Capitol Building, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and more! For a unique experience, this tour includes a leisurely seasonal (Apr 1 to Sep 30) cruise on the Potomac River! In winter, we get to explore the Pentagon City. Upgrade to our convertible tour bus for a unique sightseeing experience with an open-air view when weather permits, and a climate-controlled, glass-top roof for comfort during sudden weather changes!
Washington DC Monuments Extended Guided Open-Air Cruiser Tour
Explore Washington, D.C. on an extended Washington DC Guided Tour by Open-Air Cruiser, designed for travelers who want to see more of the nation’s capital while walking less. Enjoy unobstructed open-air views as you travel through the National Mall and see iconic landmarks including the White House, U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and more. This Washington DC monuments and memorials sightseeing tour includes an extended visit near the Lincoln Memorial, giving guests time to experience the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial in addition to the city’s must-see attractions. Travel comfortably aboard an Open-Air Cruiser while your knowledgeable local guide brings Washington’s history to life with fascinating stories, historical facts, and local insights. With small groups, convenient photo stops, and less walking, this guided Washington DC tour is an easy and memorable way to discover the capital’s most famous monuments and memorials.
City Cruises Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise
Celebrate a special occasion, host a group event or have a fun date night aboard a dinner cruise along the Potomac River. Great for parties of all sizes, this cruise gives you the chance to dine, dance, and experience Washington, D.C. from a new perspective - the water! Includes 2.5-hour cruise on the Potomac River Delicious dinner buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts The best views of the Washington Monument, National Harbor, Old Town Alexandria, and other iconic D.C. sights Onboard entertainment with DJ music Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea
Frequently Asked Questions
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Neighborhoods & Where to Stay
See how The Wharf compares to Georgetown, Navy Yard, and DC's other waterfront-adjacent areas.
Best Restaurants
Pair a day on the water with The Wharf's waterfront dining scene.
Private & VIP Tours
Looking for a private charter instead of a self-drive rental? Start here.