Looking to get out on the water this weekend? Some Hudson Valley options

Fina Badolato
·7 min read

Picture this: Sun on your face, breeze in your hair, glorious outdoor scenery as far as the eye can see, while you paddle a kayak, raft or canoe on our region's beautiful waters — all great ways to pause your pandemic blues and take a reprieve from wearing a mask.

Whether you're an experienced sea farer or an eager newbie, there's a local water adventure to delight just about everyone.

There are many options in the mid-Hudson valley and a bit beyond for those who want to get out on the water this summer.
There are many options in the mid-Hudson valley and a bit beyond for those who want to get out on the water this summer.

Be sure to check with each venue before heading out, be aware of COVID safety measures, wear lifejackets, and keep an eye on the weather. Then, go make some waves.

And note that advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended for all boat and cruise tours.

Here's a sampling of local water activities available:

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Delaware River treks

Craving a white-knuckle ride on whitewater? Or maybe you prefer a lazy kind of day, floating on calm waters. Or something in-between.

Whatever your preference, rafting, canoeing, kayaking and tubing are all perfect weekend pastimes on the majestic Delaware River. Singles, duos, families and groups have exciting journeys at their fingertips, through sparkling waters and breathtaking scenery. Plus you'll get a peek at wildlife such as bald eagles, hawks, herons, ducks, deer, the occasional black bear and more.

Great news for pooch parents: Lander's River Trips in Narrowsburg allows dogs in all their river crafts, accompanied by their people, of course.
Great news for pooch parents: Lander's River Trips in Narrowsburg allows dogs in all their river crafts, accompanied by their people, of course.

Great news for pooch parents: Lander's River Trips in Narrowsburg allows dogs in all their river crafts, accompanied by their people, of course. Dogs must have all vaccinations up-to-date and be leashed while on shore. A signed waiver is required in case of river craft damage, and a life vest is recommended for your pooch — but you must provide your pup's vest. Fido can travel for free in canoes and kayaks, but there's a $25 raft fee per dog.

No experience at on-the-water activities? No worries. The experts at local adventure tour businesses offer instruction for all levels. For pricing on trips and lessons, as well as available dates and times, call or visit the tour websites.

Kittatinny Canoes Campground & Adventure Center, Route 97, Barryville, 800-356-2852.. Activities on, alongside and above the Delaware River. Whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, riverfront camping and zip-lining. Open daily through October. kittatinny.com

Lander's River Trips, Route 97, Narrowsburg, 800-252-3925. Family owned since 1955 for those who love to canoe, raft, fish and camp by the river. Open daily through Columbus Day. landersrivertrips.com

Silver Canoe & Whitewater Rafting, 10 Corso Road, Port Jervis, 845-856-7055. Raft, canoe, kayak, tube and fish. Day and overnight trips. Open daily through September. silvercanoe.com

Storm King Adventure Tour guide James Horne gives a safety talk to kayakers Friday before they embark on the river at Cornwall-on-Hudson. The July 4 weekend has arrived after months of virtual home confinement for many, followed by a gradual reopening of businesses.
Storm King Adventure Tour guide James Horne gives a safety talk to kayakers Friday before they embark on the river at Cornwall-on-Hudson. The July 4 weekend has arrived after months of virtual home confinement for many, followed by a gradual reopening of businesses.

Hudson River adventures

Soak up scenic vistas or marvel at a summer sunset while traveling on the historic Hudson River. Kayaking is immensely popular on the Hudson, and there are several tours and guides to get you going. As if the very thrill of kayaking isn't enough, it's also a great way to exercise, tone muscles and build flexibility, all while having the time of your life.

Mountain Valley Guides, Newburgh Waterfront and Cornwall, 845-661-1923. Kayaking trips for all ages and abilities - including one for dogs and their people. Fee includes kayak, gear, guide and instruction. Open daily through October. mountainvalleyguides.com

Atlantic Kayak Tours, Paddlesport Center in Mills Norrie State Park, Staatsburg.This group offers paddle in locations along the Hudson River, from New York Harbor to the Albany area. Beginners can take the Norrie, a short paddle that leaves from the Norrie Paddlesport Center in Staatsburg or explore Tivoli Bay. For tour descriptions, schedules and more info, go to atlantickayaktours.com/kayak-tours.

Hudson River Recreation: You can rent a kayak at Croton Point Park for a paddle in the Hudson, or opt for one of their guided kayak tours which depart from Kingsland Point Park in Sleepy Hollow. The group offers kayaks at several other locations, including Rye Beach and the Tarrytown Lakes, along with instruction. Find dates, reservations, prices and more at kayakhudson.com

Storm King Adventure Tours, 4 Duncan Ave., Cornwall-on-Hudson, 845-534-7800. Guided kayaking for all levels. Explore Moodna Marsh, Hidden Cove, Plum Point, Bannerman Island and more. Sunset and moonlight tours available. Tours through mid-October by reservation. Office open daily during the season. stormkingadventuretours.com

City of Kingston Kayak Tours, 53 Delaware Ave., Kingston, 845-481-7336. Guided educational 1 hour-45 minute kayak tours of the Hudson River and Rondout. Through October. kingston-ny.gov

I Paddle NY, 2 Ferry St., Saugerties, 845-532-7797. Guided kayak tours, with beginners encouraged. Stand-up paddle boards and kayak rentals. See the Cantine Falls, Saugerties Lighthouse and Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, while you watch for bald eagles, blue herons, swan and fish. Through October. ipaddlenewyork.com

Saugerties Marina, 24 Ferry St., Saugerties, 845-246-7533. Rent kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. saugertiesmarina.com

The Hudson River Maritime Museum will resume its schedule of boat tours beginning Memorial Day Weekend.
The Hudson River Maritime Museum will resume its schedule of boat tours beginning Memorial Day Weekend.

Solar-powered boat tours

Experience the Hudson River and Rondout Creek in a unique and peaceful way. Kingston's Hudson River Maritime Museum is offering boat tours on Solaris, a 100 percent solar-powered boat, which was built at the museum's Wooden Boat School. Onboard solar panels allow Solaris to travel without fuel and emissions.

Solaris will take you to explore the historic Rondout Lighthouse, which is still fully operational and one of only seven remaining on the Hudson River. You'll start from the first floor, and continue to the observation deck around the light itself. All tours are led by experienced tour guides. Tours depart from the museum's docks.

Be aware that the lighthouse is not handicapped-accessible, and there are no restrooms on site. You'll encounter many stairs, so wear appropriate footwear. Travel light, without heavy bags, strollers or coolers.

As you cruise up Rondout Creek from the Hudson River Maritime Museum, you'll learn about the industrial history of the area. See the remnants of historic structures such as Island Dock, the Wurts Street suspension bridge, railroad bridge and sunken barges. Your guide will also discuss a modern industrial activity, including the history of Feeney Shipyard and the various marinas along the creek. Check the website for available tours, tickets and more info. Hudson River Maritime Museum, 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, 845-338-0071. hrmm.org

Cathy Jacobson of New Windsor took this photo of the Lighthouse in the Rondout, from The Rip Van Winkle Cruise out of Kingston during sunset.
Cathy Jacobson of New Windsor took this photo of the Lighthouse in the Rondout, from The Rip Van Winkle Cruise out of Kingston during sunset.

Sightseeing cruises

  • Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise: Get onboard the Rip Van Winkle II's most popular cruise, the two-hour Hudson River sightseeing tour, leaving from East Strand Street, Kingston. Enjoy views of historic Hudson River lighthouses, waterfront mansions and other notable sites, including some of the region’s most unique and fascinating locations on the Hudson River waterfront. Book it: May 28, 2:30 p.m.; and May 29, 30 and 31, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $32 for adults (ages 13 and over); $29 for seniors (65+); $22 for kids (ages 4-11); and free for children 3 and under. More info: Rip Van Winkle II, Hudson River Cruises, 40 Rondout Landing, Kingston, 845-253-4805. hudsonrivercruises.com

  • Sunset Sightseeing Cruise: Gaze at color-streaked skies as you enjoy a narrated Sunset Sightseeing Cruise aboard the Rip van Winkle II, leaving from 40 Rondout Landing in Kingston. You'll cruise past the Rondout and Esopus Lighthouses; opulent mansions such as The Vanderbilt Mansion; the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge; the Mount Saint Alphonsus seminary, a castle-like structure; and quaint, sleepy villages surrounded by the natural beauty of vineyards, orchards and scenic preservation sites. Check the website for dates of sightseeing and special event cruises. Rip Van Winkle II, Hudson River Cruises, 40 Rondout Landing, Kingston, 845-253-4805. hudsonrivercruises.com

  • Pride of the Hudson: Your adventure on the Pride of the Hudson two-hour sightseeing cruise begins at Pride's Landing in Newburgh. The captain will narrate sights along the way, such as Washington's Headquarters during the Revolutionary War, Mount Beacon, Bannerman Island, Cold Spring, World's End (the deepest point of the Hudson River), Constitution Island and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Bask in the open air of the spacious sundeck, or enjoy the comfort of the climate-controlled main salon, featuring large wrap-around windows. Check website for dates of sightseeing and private cruises. Pride of the Hudson, Pride's Landing, Newburgh Waterfront, 845-220-2120 or 888-442-5211. Prideofthehudson.com

Fina Badolato is a Hudson Valley freelance writer.

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: How to make a splash this weekend: Hudson Valley boating options