Paddle together through Alexandria's scenic Potomac River with Double Kayak Rentals. Enjoy up to four hours on calm waters, spotting wildlife and soaking in historic waterfront views.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels with basic paddling endurance needed for up to four hours
Wildlife
History
Alexandria was founded in 1749 and played a key role as a trading port on the Potomac River during colonial times.
Conservation
Operators follow strict Leave No Trace guidelines to protect the river and its surrounding habitats from pollution and disturbance.
Belle Haven Marina
Paddle together through Alexandria's scenic Potomac River with Double Kayak Rentals. Enjoy up to four hours on calm waters, spotting wildlife and soaking in historic waterfront views.
Belle Haven Marina in Alexandria, Virginia provides on-water instruction and a wide selection of watercraft rentals for learners and recreational visitors. The marina offers structured sailing courses for adults and youth, including weekday and weekend adult basic sailing programs taught aboard Flying Scot sailboats and multiday youth camps focused on racing and advanced skills. The Safe Powerboat Handling course is a 16-hour, four-evening curriculum that is US Coast Guard-approved, giving aspiring boaters hands-on training in docking, anchoring, and safety procedures.
Belle Haven Marina’s rental fleet includes stand-up paddleboards, single and double kayaks, canoes, and Jon-style row boats that accommodate small groups for short excursions. Rental durations range from one to four hours depending on the craft. Youth programs present progressive skill development with multi-day lessons and opportunities for supervised on-water practice. Adult courses emphasize low student-to-instructor ratios to ensure focused, hands-on learning.
Located adjacent to scenic marshland explored during some youth sessions, Belle Haven Marina blends instructional programs with flexible rental options so visitors can choose formal lessons or independent time on the water. All descriptions and offerings are provided in third person to accurately represent the marina’s publicly available course structures, rental types, and program approvals. Visitors should consult Belle Haven Marina directly for current schedules, availability, and safety requirements.
Location
Alexandria, VA
Near Dyke Marsh and local waterways
Class Size
Small classes
Low student-to-instructor ratio
Offerings
11 experiences
Sailing, rentals, and youth camps
Rental Lengths
Up to 4 hours
Kayak, canoe, and row boat rentals
Choose an adult sailing class, youth camp, USCG-approved powerboat course, or rent a kayak, canoe, SUP, or row boat — reserve space and check schedules online.
Wear a life jacket at all times
Safety is paramount; always keep your personal flotation device secured while on the water.
Apply reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin and the ecosystem from harmful chemicals during your paddle.
Bring a waterproof bag for essentials
Keep your phone, keys, and snacks dry and secure in a waterproof container.
Check the weather before heading out
River conditions can change; avoid windy or rainy days to ensure a safe trip.
Personal flotation device (PFD)
Ensures safety on the water and is required for all paddlers.
Water-resistant footwear
Keeps feet comfortable during water entry and exit.
summer
Sunscreen
Protects skin from sun exposure during prolonged outdoor activity.
summer
Light rain jacket
Useful for unexpected spring showers while on the river.
spring