Photo Courtesy of Embark DC
It’s hot and humid — and this is the perfect time to get out on the water.
This year, Alexandria residents and visitors have two new options: a pedal boat (the pedaling is optional) and a fleet of small boats. Both are offering private group rentals and leave from Old Town Alexandria.
Potomac Paddle Club, the first “cycleboat” in the region, is offering private, two-and-a-half hour cruises for 10 to 16 people that launch from The City of Alexandria Marina dock behind the Torpedo Factory. With a mahogany bar as its centerpiece, guests have the option to pedal in tandem on the pontoon pedal boat, even though it does have motor power. Since the boat is BYOB, passengers may bring their own alcoholic beverages, with the exception of hard liquor. Visit potomacpaddleclub.com to make a reservation for cruises.
Embark DC is launching private boat cruises along the Potomac River for private parties this summer from Robinson Landing. The company offers both open bow boats and yacht-certified, multi-level cruisers for up to six guests. Boat guests can decide their destinations in advance to create a custom, private, sightseeing or recreational cruise for 90 minutes or more. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drink on board. The open boats are dog-friendly (and include life vests for four-legged boaters). Learn more and make a reservation at embarkdc.com.
Looking for something a little more active? There are plenty of places to rent a sailboat, kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard and more. Here are some suggestions:
• Alexandria Community Rowing offers competitive and recreational rowing opportunities. 1 N. Madison St., rowalexandria.com
• Blue Octopus Scuba offers introductory scuba diving lessons, certifications, equipment rental, dive trips and more. 4154 Duke St. 703-461-3483, blueoctopusscuba.com
• Mariner Sailing School offers sailing classes, camps and boat rentals including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and sailboats. Located along George Washington Memorial Parkway at Belle Haven Marina, 703-768-0018, saildc.com
• Washington Marina Sailing School offers sailing lessons and camps and boat rentals at 1 Marina Dr. 703-548-9027, boatingindc.com
