DC Outdoors

Your guide to the great outdoors

Annapolis Canoe & Kayak

  311 Third Street
Annapolis, MD 21403
  410-263-2303
  Kayaks rent from $15 an hour to $250 a week.
  http://www.ackannapolis.com/

AnnapolisUnlike other boating places, this organization rents kayaks and canoes year round, but once the water reaches a certain temperature level, they will only rent to people who come equipped with a wet suit or a dry suit. See the website for more information. This company also sells kayaks, canoes and all their accoutrement.

Distance from College Park: 31.0 miles

Atlantic Kayak Company

  Fort Washington Marina
13600 King Charles Terrace
Fort Washington, MD 20744
  301-292-6455
  Closed for the season, but when open, rental kayaks available from $25 per hour to $65 per day.
  http://www.atlantickayak.com/

Atlantic Kayak CompanyThis company focuses on group kayaking tours and on instruction. You can set up your own tour for your group, or participate in a scheduled tour. Classes are offered in basic kayak techniques and in kayak safety. There are several youth oriented activities, including summer day camps.

Distance from College Park: 27.0 miles

The Boathouse at Fletcher's Cove

  4940 Canal Road, NW
Washington, DC
  202-244-0461
  Closed for the season, but reasonable prices when open.
  http://www.fletcherscove.com/

Fletcher's CoveBoats and bicycles available for rental. Kayaks, canoes, and rowboats rent from $10 an hour to $17 an hour. Bikes rent for $7 an hour or $28 a day. This website includes a well-written blog about fishing, and there is a bait and tackle store at the location. The company that runs The Boathouse operates on a concession from the National Park Service, which can sometimes be a guarantee of quality and sometimes be the opposite.

Distance from College Park: 13.2 miles

Mariner Sailing School

  Belle Haven Marina
6401 George Washington Memorial Parkway
Alexandria, VA 22307
  703-768-0018
  http://www.saildc.com/

River RocksAs suggested by its name, this is primarily a school for learning to sail, so if you always said you should learn more about sailing before taking out Daddy's yacht, here's your chance. Courses are 10 hours long and cost around $325.

Boat rentals -- sailboat, canoe, kayak, or jon boat -- are also available, at rates from $25 to $155.

Distance from College Park: 23.9 miles

Thompson's Boat Center

  2900 Virginia Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20037
  202-333-9543
  Closed for the season, but fees for rentals range from $10 an hour for a single kayak to $26 an hour for a double-scull. Sailboats are also available for rental on an hourly basis.
  http://www.thompsonboatcenter.com/

Thompson'sThompson's Boat Center is operated by the same organization that runs Fletcher's Cove, listed above. They offer classes in sculling and sweep rowing, but no guided tours or outings.

Distance from College Park: 10.7 miles

River and Trail Outfitters

  604 Valley Road
Knoxville, MD 21758
  301-695-5177
  Fees vary according to the length and nature of the trip, from around $40 per person for tubing up to $125 per person for some rafting, or thousands per person for a Bahamas kayaking trip.
  http://www.rivertrail.com/index.php

River RocksThis place offers many options for getting out into the wilderness, especially if you're inexperienced and unsure of what to do. However, all the guiding and amenities come with a price: the fees here are somewhat expensive. Guided rafting, tubing, and kayak trips are offered. Guided hikes are also available.

Distance from College Park: 64.8 miles