Group Trip Advisor

Boating, the Great Urban Escape

Ah, cities with water. Whether its lakefront, oceanfront, bayfront, or riverfront, living in or visiting a city with water access can be bliss in the sultry summer months.

Dangling my toes from the bow, I went on a boat ride this past weekend with a few others. A potpourri group of friends and family. This activity is highly group-oriented, especially in a city known for having the highest number of boats per capita. Seattle waterways were jam-packed on Sunday with kayakers, power boaters, wooden boaters, canoers, rowers, floaters, pedalers, sailors, wake-boarders, water skiers, and the list goes on.

Watching other boats pass our boat, I noticed that regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status (believe me, you can tell a lot by someone's boat), everyone had a perma-grin. Water can be the great equalizer. People on boats of all shapes and sizes (passengers to match) waved and smiled as they floated by each other.

With so many people crowding the waterways, I felt privileged to help the skipper navigate by yelling, "Canoers on the port side!" and other super official-sounding lingo. I was luckiest girl in the world, for the day. Warm breeze, water splashing, scrumptious food and drinks, all in good company.

I highly recommend some form of a boating this summer, kicking your feet up, and letting the wake be your guide. Even within city limits, you can be miles away.

Explore cities by water.

Here are some fun and accessible ways to enjoy time on the water without requiring any prior boating skills:

    Chicago, Illinois: Chicago offers diverse water trails, from Lake Michigan to the Chicago River, making it a haven for paddlers. Kayak Chicago is a notable outfitter providing tours on both the lake and river, including a unique fireworks paddle to view the light show at Navy Pier.

    Miami, Florida: Surrounded largely by water, Miami is a hotspot for various water sports, including kayaking. Paddlers can explore places like Biscayne Bay, the Oleta River within a state park, or the Coral Gables Waterway. Outfitters like South Beach Kayak are known for their excellent services, especially for beginners.

    Portland, Oregon: Yacht Tubs rents 6-person hot tub boats. These boats are also powered by a quiet electric motor and controlled with an easy joystick, requiring no previous boating experience or license. The service, starting from around $360 to $399 for two hours, launches from Riverplace Marina, providing a splendid opportunity to explore the Willamette River and enjoy the city skyline.

    Seattle, Washington: Hot Tub Boats offers a unique and leisurely boating experience. Their boats are also equipped with easy-to-use joystick navigation and can accommodate up to 6 people. Rental prices range from approximately $350 to $450 for a two-hour slot, and the service is available year round. Enjoy Seattle's scenic views from the comfort of a hot tub!

Updated November 2023.