The paddle boats are the only boats allowed on the Tidal Basin. And you can take them anywhere on the Tidal Basin, exploring the 360-degree cherry blossom show. It’s a fun way to see the blossoms and also get some space to yourself.
The paddle boats used to use a reservation system during the cherry blossom bloom, but they’ve done away with that. So they’re walk-up only now (in other words, they don’t take reservations when the cherry blossoms are blooming).
The rentals have opened as of March 15, 2024, and will run through the summer. Reservations will resume by April 20.
The paddle boats are open 7 days a week from March 23 through the rest of the summer. They’re open 9am to 5pm.
Prices have gone up quite a lot in recent years. It’s now $38 per boat on weekdays and $40 on weekends and holidays.
The prices are $18/hour for a 2-passenger boat and $30/hour for a 4-person boat. They now also offer 2-passenger swan boats (ie. shaped like a giant swan) that are $30/hour.
But you can get a deal on Thursdays: 30% off.
Life vests are mandatory, supplied, and included in the price. At least one paddler on each boat has to be at least 16 years old, but kids are welcome. They supply life vests for children over 18 months (or over 25 pounds). Each boat can hold up to 4 people, and there’s a combined weight limit of 805 pounds.
We plan to arrive in D.C. on 29 March to stay 5 days. Am hoping weather improves to protect the blossoms and will keep a watch on the updates!