Beginner Flatwater Tours
Easy + Fun
for Everyone!
Get to know the Washington, DC region from the water. Explore a wide variety of the Potomac River, as well as the C&O Canal and Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. We offer a variety of trips that are fun for beginner kayakers and experienced explorers alike!
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Flatwater Kayaking Overview
Kayak DC! provides a beginner flatwater kayaking package that consists of five outings in the Washington, DC area:
C&O Canal Tour
Discover The Potomac
Night Sounds By Moonlight
Blackwater Wildlife Refuge
Fall Colors On The Potomac
Use of top-quality equipment for all trips
(kayak, paddle and PFD)
The following outings from the beginner lesson package are also available for single purchase:
C&O Canal Tour
Discover The Potomac
Night Sounds By Moonlight
All trips are run by a professional kayaking instructor. All of your equipment—including kayak, paddle, and personal floatation device (PFD)—is provided for you on-site for each trip.
During each local outing, our guides will provide instruction on proper equipment fit, boat outfitting, safe launching and landing, and basic strokes, so you’ll have chances to see your gains each time we go. We’ll even teach you the best way to paddle (by using your big core muscles instead of just your arms and shoulders). We’ll also point out wildlife and natural features as we go, so you’ll experience the Washington, DC area in a deeper and more satisfying way.
BEGINNER LESSON PACKAGE
Beginner Flatwater Kayaking Lesson Package
Our Beginner Flatwater Kayaking Lesson Package is a bundle of five fun trips that have been specifically designed for people with little or no paddling experience. All trips include free equipment rentals and quick-start instruction. See bald eagles, great blue herons, wild turkeys, owls, deer, beavers, and more!
Package of Five Trips
BEGINNER FLATWATER TOUR
C&O Canal Tour
Experience the joy of kayaking with our two-Hour C&O Canal Beginner Kayak Tour, led by friendly, safety-conscious guides. Enjoy instruction tailored for beginners, comfortable kayaks, and fascinating history. Discover George Washington’s vision and a popular DC area attraction, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Single Trip
BEGINNER FLATWATER TOUR
Discover the Potomac
Enjoy a four-hour guided trip of a serene and scenic section of the Potomac River on our signature trip. All our beginner trips are specifically designed for people with limited to no paddling experience (calm water, stable kayaks, friendly instruction).
Single Trip
BEGINNER FLATWATER TOUR
Night Sounds By Moonlight
Experience a three-hour trip on the Potomac River at Riley’s Lock, where you’ll listen for evening sounds like owls and bull frogs. These trips are offered during full or nearly full moons, and witnessing a moonrise from a kayak is a breathtaking experience.
Single Trip
FAQs
Feeling uncertain about how the kayak tours work? Find answers to some frequently asked questions below!
Can I just sign up for a single tour or do I have to purchase the complete package?
Yes! The package is a better value if you were to do all of the trips, but you can sign up for a single tour, if desired. Just go to our registration page and you can purchase a single trip.
Do I have to do the trips in any specific order?
No! You can do any trip at any time—no specific order required! : )
Is there a time limit, or can I do all five trips in a sprint?
Yes! You can do all five trips as quickly as you’d like. Alternately, if you’d like to stretch them out, you can take up to two years to complete them all. We’re flexible and it’s up to you!
What Others Are Saying
Reviews from others are the highest compliment that we can receive. Check out what others in the Washington, DC area have said about our kayaking lessons and adventures!
Make This Year Amazing!
Learn a new skill, meet new friends, and see the Potomac River like never before with Kayak DC!
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Looking for Something Else?
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