City of Water Day is the single easiest day of the year to get on the water in New York without owning a boat or paying for a charter — free kayaking, rowing, outrigger canoeing and sailing run at sites across the harbor, with Governors Island as the anchor. Add a free environmental book giveaway for kids at the Welcome Center, a harbor-resilience panel, and Jazz By The Water spread across the lawns of Colonels Row, and it becomes a full day rather than a stop. Take the ferry, bring a picnic, an
What to expect
Multiple free activity stations across the harbor: paddling and sailing sign-ups, salt marsh and beach cleanups, panels, poetry readings and live jazz on Governors Island. Boating slots are first-come and fill fast. Governors Island requires a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Good to know
- Governors Island ferries run from the Battery Maritime Building and Brooklyn's Pier 6
- Free paddling and sailing slots are first-come and often gone by early afternoon
- Bring a change of clothes if you plan to get on the water
- There are no cars on Governors Island — bring or rent a bike to cover ground
- Programming runs at multiple harbor sites, not only Governors Island
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Common questions
Is the boating really free?
Yes — participating organizations offer free kayaking, rowing and sailing sessions, though slots are limited and first-come.
How do I get to Governors Island?
By ferry from the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan or Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Is there programming outside Governors Island?
Yes. Sites include Hudson River Park, Battery Park City and the South Street Seaport across the harbor.
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