The Bronx River Alliance currently offers chartered paddling opportunities for schools, educators, coorporate groups and more! Please read the following on how YOU can get your group out on the river this paddling season!
- Trips are only chartered Wednesday-Friday of the week from May-October for group sizes of 10-20
- Weekend dates are unavailable for chartered groups as we hold these dates for the public to have an opportunity to experience the river as well
- All groups with children must be within the DOE standard ratio of chaperone to child, 1:10; unless your group has students in grades under 3rd grade of which we ask for 1 adult per boat
- Our calendars book up with groups pretty fast, so please begin intake process at least 2 months before your desired month of paddling
- We ask that groups complete an intake form, available below – all requests will be responded to via email within 2-5 days
Available Paddle Trips:
Lake Paddle:
For beginner paddlers and youth, we host a small paddle within the calmest area of the river, the Bronx River “lake”. Paddle through areas surrounded by the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden within the freshwater section of the river. Although we can accommodate groups larger than 15 during this excursion, there are limited areas surrounding the launch pad for waiting groups. Please plan an additional opportunity for the remainder of your group, or take the opportunity to visit the zoo!
Maximum total participants: 45
Participants on water at one time: 15
Minimum Age: 1st grade and up
Starlight Park Paddle:
For beginner paddlers and those interested in the environmental justice history of the Bronx River, enjoy this small paddle within Starlight Park. This tidal section offers birding and a river’s-eye-view of some key historical landmarks of and challenges to the reclamation and restoration of the Bronx River: Starlight Park, the mysterious “Vexation of Moses” Pillar, the Cross Bronx Expressway and Amtrak line, and more.
Maximum total participants: 45
Participants on water at one time: 18
Minimum Age: 1st grade and up
Estuary Paddle:
Join us in a paddle around the Bronx River estuarine areas. This trip will run within the saltwater portions of the river, which are affected by tide. On this trip, we start from and return to Concrete Plant Park. Depending on conditions or paddler experience level, we will either paddle within this area or travel as a group down near the mouth of the river. For groups larger than 20 participants, we will host 30 minute on water paddles within the launch area and if requested, provide supplemental programming for others. Please allow 3-4 hours which include time for registration, put in, and take out.
Maximum total participants: 45
Participants on water at one time: 15
Minimum Age: 9th grade and up
Upper River Paddle:
Journey through the heart of the Bronx via canoe traveling south through the Bronx River Forest, New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), and part of the Bronx Zoo on this urban adventure. Travel through NYC’s only fresh water river and learn all the beautiful natural resource has to offer! There is one portage associated within this trip at the NYBG, where participants will need to wheel their canoes for approximately 10 minutes. Please note that although we will provide essentials for our trip such as canoes, paddles and personal floatation devices, we will be unable to shuttle you back to the starting location.
Availability limited by season and water level.
Maximum total participants: 15
Participants on water at one time: 15
Minimum Age: 9th grade and up
Enhance your paddle with additional Add-On’s!
We host additional specified programming that can be added to your planned on water excursion. Although each of the following topics will be spoken about within your guided tour, these opportunities enhance those experiences with additional hands on programming. These programs are available for an additional fee.
Water Quality Monitoring:
Water testing allows for participants to collect real scientific data while determining the overall health of the river using different chemicals and instruments.
Paddle & Pick up:
Help the river and its wildlife by removing floating litter along your paddle.
Seining/net fishing:
Experience the river like no other while trying to catch. Observe fish while in waders!
Paddle to the mouth of the river and help to monitor the wild oyster populations that are helping to restore water quality in the Bronx River.
