One-Way Trips Between
Kendall Square and Allston/Brighton
It's just a 5-mile trip between the two rental centers, and you can travel in either direction. On the way, you'll pass Harvard, Boston University, the Esplanade and Hatch Shell, MIT, and the classic Boston skyline view of the Hancock and Prudential Buildings and the State House Dome! Be sure to paddle through the Esplanade along the way.
If you notify us when you check in to begin your rental, a one-way trip costs just $10 ($20 for Quad Kayaks and Tripper XL Canoes) in addition to our regular rental rates! Unless you are renting eight boats or more, simply show up and tell us you're looking for a one-way trip — reservations are required only for groups. Getting Here and There
We are currently not shuttling passengers between locations (except pre-arranged groups of eight boats or more), so public transportation is your best bet! It's about 10 minutes on the subway and 1.5 miles walking, including a one-mile walk along the river. Make sure to have walking directions from both our Cambridge and Boston locations! We are happy to pre-arrange a shuttle for groups of six people or more. The fee is $75 per trip (14 passengers/trip). Advance reservations are required for shuttles.
How Late Can I Start?
Paddlers must begin their one-way trip no later than two and a half hours before the destination rental facility closes. Paddlers who leave near this cut-off time should be prepared to paddle straight to the center, as there is little extra time for detours and stops. For current hours at the two rental centers, visit the Kendall Square or Allston/Brighton pages. |
| One-Way Surcharges (plus Boat Rental) |
Per Boat |
|
| One-Way Surcharge for Most Boat Types |
$10
plus boat rental |
|
One-Way Surcharge for
Quad Kayaks & Tripper XL Canoes |
$20
plus boat rental |
Be sure to let us know you're doing a one-way when you begin your rental! There is a $10 additional charge if you decide later. |
Which Direction Is Easier?
There's no current on this section of river, so the day's wind direction is more important for determining which direction will be easier. If the wind is from the north, northwest, west, or southwest, a Boston-to-Kendall trip will likely be better. When the wind is from the northeast, east,
Current Conditions
on the Charles River Basin
Temp 59 F, Wind NNW @ 5.7 kt (Gust N @ 9.6 kt)
Location: Dock at Community Boating
Across the River from our Cambridge Location
southeast, or south, a Kendall-to-Boston trip is recommended. Conditions in the lower river near our Kendall Square location do get rough when the wind is blowing more than 10 knots (about 11 mph), and especially rough above 15 knots (about 17 mph). Click here for the latest wind forecast, or see current wind at right. One other consideration is that parking at our Boston location is free, whereas the Kendall Square parking garage charges a fee. |
