As the summer winds down, there’s no better way to stay cool and active than spending some quality time in or on the water! Hudson County boasts a range of water sports and activities on the water where you can relax, have fun, and take in stunning views of the NYC Skyline! Check out some of our favorite water activities that Hudson County has to offer…
Paddling & Jetskiing
Free Kayaking at the Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse– Hoboken
Maxwell Place Park – Hoboken Waterfront near intersection of Frank Sinatra Drive and Maxwell Place. FREEEEEE kayaking! Yes, FREE! Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse is a 100% volunteer-based organization that offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and outrigger canoeing. This 503(c)3 provides watersports and programs to the local community at no cost! Kayaks come on a first-come, first-serve basis! Looking for a bigger adventure? River trips are also offered, but do require reservations. Everyone is welcome, even your four-legged friends!
Paddling & Jetskiing
Cycle with NYC Cycleboats – Jersey City
15 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07302
NYC Cycleboats has a unique new way to enjoy NYC’s iconic waterways, on a cycleboat! Pedal along the NYC skyline while enjoying a few drinks on this one and a half hour exhilarating adventure! Cycleboats hold up to 22 people for public rides and 26 for private charters. (please note that each person over 22 is subject to an additional fee). Pack your snacks, drinks, music playlist, camera and be ready for a lot of laughs!
Jersey Jetskis – Jersey City
37 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ
Jersey Jetskis is the premier jetski and boat rental of Jersey City! Whether you want to do a 2 hour tour of Manhattan, circle the Statue of Liberty, rent a pontoon or charter boat, you are going to have an epic time! Take advantage of daily tours, convenient parking, showers and lockers. You will 100% have an amazing day on the water!
Urban Paddle – Jersey City & North Bergen
Liberty Harbor Marina, 11 Marin Blvd, Jersey City
Urban Paddle offers a wide array of adventures including: Sunset Kayak Tours, Liberty Isle Adventure, Night LED Tour, Paddle Pups Kayak, SUP (Stand Up Paddle) Private Lessons and SUP Yoga! Our favorite is the Night LED Tour! The shimmering lights of the NYC skyline makes moonlight paddling mesmerizing. You’ll be capturing priceless photos along the entire tour! Book directly on their website!
Life is better when you paddle, so be sure to check out Urban Paddle’s other rental locations in Lincoln Park West in Jersey City and James J Braddock Park in North Bergen!
Hackensack Riverkeeper – Paddling
Laurel Hill County Park, Secaucus
You bring the fun, and Hackensack Riverkeeper will bring the kayaks. With a fleet of nearly 100 kayaks, bring your friends and family for a morning or afternoon of fun! Paddle your way through the Meadowlands at your own pace and take in all the beauty the Hackensack River has to offer! Explore the tidal waters, tall grasses and meander your way through miles of creeks!
Laurel Hill County Park is open on weekends and holidays starting at 9am! Kayaks are available from early May thru mid October! No reservations are required, except for the guided tours!
Liberty State Park Kayak Eco Tour – Jersey City
1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
Liberty State Park Nature Center
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Enjoy a glorious 2 hour kayak tour of the Hudson River Estuary with beautiful wildlife and habitats of Caven Point. Life jackets are provided and no prior paddling experience needed! For more information on registering for a tour and a schedule, please contact the Liberty State Park Nature Center at LSPNatureCenter@dep.nj.gov.
Boating Adventures
Cycle with NYC Cycleboats – Jersey City
15 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07302
NYC Cycleboats has a unique new way to enjoy NYC’s iconic waterways, on a cycleboat! Pedal along the NYC skyline while enjoying a few drinks on this one and a half hour exhilarating adventure! Cycleboats hold up to 22 people for public rides and 26 for private charters. (please note that each person over 22 is subject to an additional fee). Pack your snacks, drinks, music playlist, camera and be ready for a lot of laughs!
NYC Hot Tub Boat Tour with Sea the City – Jersey City
Liberty Landing Marina, Jersey City
You bring the drinks and Sea the City will bring the HOT TUB! Cruise around the NYC skyline while relaxing in a giant hot tub that holds up to 20 people! Worried about being in a hot tub in the heat? Don’t ‘sweat’ it! The temperature of the hot tub is adjusted during the summer months and the boat even provides shade if needed! Whether you’re chillin’ in the hot tub or sitting on the side of it, you’ll be jamming out, taking instagram-worthy moments with NYC landmarks in the background and relaxing in luxury.It is the perfect choice for your next celebration!
Statue City Cruises – Jersey City
1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
Did you know that Statue City Cruises is the official ferry service provider for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration? They provide round-trip transportation from Liberty State Park in Jersey City. There is both indoor and outdoor seating on the ferry, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views that make a perfect picture backdrop! Be sure to wear comfy shoes because upon arrival, you will be walking. No need to worry about timing, as the ferries run throughout the day, allowing you ample time to explore! You can choose from a few different experiences such as the ‘Up-to-the Crown’, Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour, Pedestal Reserve, or General Admission. Book right on their website!
Lunch, Brunch and Dinner Cruises with New Jersey Signature Cruises – Weehawken
Lincoln Harbor – 1500 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken, NJ 07086
Are you ready to embark on a journey along the NYC skyline for lunch, brunch or dinner? New Jersey Signature Cruises offers a wide range of luxury and relaxing experiences on the water! With top-notch entertainment, there’s no better way to enjoy a picturesque lunch, bottomless mimosa brunch or scrumptious dinner while taking in the views of the city. This is perfect for a romantic dinner, relaxing sightseeing tour, or celebration! The smooth ride and the DJ spinning all your favorite tunes will without a doubt be unforgettable!
Pro Note: Check out Groupon for different specials and coupons!
https://www.groupon.com/deals/
Hackensack River Keeper – Eco-Cruises
Laurel Hill County Park, Secaucus
Take a one-of-a-kind journey along the Hackensack River and through the Marshes of the Meadowlands with Captain Bill and Captain Hugh! Since 1994, over 75,000 people have navigated the waterways on a 30-foot pontoon boat! These fun, informational cruises run from May to October, and while they are free, there is a suggested donation of $25-35 a person in order to keep the eco-cruises running!
There are 3 different trips to choose from: Meadowlands Discovery, Boating through Bergen and Excursion Around Newark Bay. There are even Private adult and kid tours as well as tours for school trips! Secure your spot on their website and take in the beauty of the Hackensack River!
Waterparks
DreamWorks Water Park – Meadowlands
American Dream Mall, Meadowlands
Do you think it’s too hot to be outside even at a waterpark? Then head on over to the American Dream Mall to the INDOOR DreamWorks Water Park! This splash-tastic family-fun destination is filled with thrilling water rides, exhilarating slides, relaxing pools like the Lazy River and so much more! Did we mention it’s the largest indoor water park in North America? While you’re there, you might even run into one of your favorite animated characters from TV or movie!
Pro Note: Purchase your tickets online and arrive early to beat the crowd! They offer season pass options, a combo-pass for the water park and Nickelodeon Universe, as well as other bundle options