This is the Gowanus Dredgers original and most popular program. The program runs on selected weekends and holidays from March 21st to November 1st, and on many weekday evenings by appointment. Participants utilize club canoes for a short paddle inside the protected Canal and Gowanus Bay, Valentino Pier or Hallets Cove on the East River.
After being fitted with a life jacket (which must be worn at all times) a club member gives instruction on how to paddle, safety tips on how to use a canoe and helps with boarding and supervises departure.
Visitors to New York, residents, businesses, school groups and a diverse population enjoy personal tours of the estuary with the the Gowanus Dredgers. Participants are given the opportunity to explore the Gowanus Canal and learn about the wildlife and vegetation of the New York / New Jersey Estuary. These are self-guided canoe trips (guided by our waterfront map) along the Gowanus Canal, Red Hook, and the East River.
Participants are free to explore the estuary at their own pace and enjoy discovering the canal's unique mix of wildlife and urban waterway infrastructure but tours are limited to 15-20 minutes at a time to give everyone a chance.
Please check our Calendar for scheduled walk-up canoeing dates. Programs run in Queens, Red Hook and Brooklyn Bridge Park are restricted to the protected cove and inlet areas.
Before or after, or on your voyage, we ask that you join us in our canal cleanup efforts, removing trash that has washed ashore. We supply the gloves and trash bags.