With the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers flowing through downtown Pittsburgh, the opportunities for river-focused water sports, adventures, and activities are in abundance. For those seeking an active adventure on the water, kayaking and jet skiing are the way to go. Groups ready for a party also have plenty of options from pontoon boats to pirate ships to floating Hawaiian-style tiki huts. You can also take your summer water adventures north of the city to Moraine State Park to enjoy the annual Moraine Regatta. The ways to experience Pittsburgh’s waterways are endless.
Power Up for a Fun River Adventure with Steel City Jet Ski
Steel City Jet Ski sees a good mix of both tourists and locals for their jet ski rentals. “We have people who have driven from as far as Baltimore, Maryland and Columbus, Ohio to come rent from us,” said Cam, a team member of Steel City Jet Ski. “We also have a strong returning customer base of locals who love to come out and rent from us a couple times throughout the season.”
Don’t worry if you’re a first-time jet ski rider. Steel City Jet Ski provides everything you’ll need to have fun and stay safe on the water. The process starts with a safety video and quiz at the time of booking. Before sending out a group, an in-person safety briefing is given that contains everything you need to know to get out on the water.
Steel City Jet Ski is located about eight miles up the Allegheny and allows customers to explore that whole strip of river. Their rental boundary includes Point State Park, so jet skiers get to see all of the famous Pittsburgh landmarks, like Heinz Field and PNC Park from the water. Visit steelcityjetskirentals.com for more information.
Kayak Pittsburgh: An Outdoor Outfitter with a Mission
Kayak Pittsburgh, a nonprofit social enterprise under Venture Outdoors, inspires, educates, and equips the community with the necessary tools to kayak on Pittsburgh’s three rivers. Connecting people to the benefits of getting outdoors is their mission. You can support this motivational mission by renting from one of their three locations.
Pick up your kayak rental at Pittsburgh’s 2024 pop-up location at Heinz Key Landing to explore Downtown Pittsburgh. At North Park Lake, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and pedal boats are available for rent. You can also explore the Allegheny River by kayak at Sharpsburg’s James Sharp Landing.
To further the company’s mission of removing barriers and creating access to outdoor experiences for everyone, Kayak Pittsburgh has invested in adaptive kayak gear, providing access to this exhilarating outdoor experience to those with disabilities.
Kayak Pittsburgh schedules several events throughout the summer months, including beginner kayak lessons, group paddles geared toward young adults, rowing lessons for the 50+ crowd, and more. Check out their website for details along with a calendar of events: ventureoutdoors.org/kayak-pittsburgh.
Get Ready for a Good Time on the Pittsburgh Party Pontoons
Opened in the summer of 2018, Pittsburgh Party Pontoons just began its seventh summer on the three rivers, and they are ready for you and your party friends to experience a good time. “We have two boats available for tours, a 15-person party pontoon and an 18-person party pontoon. We have Coast Guard-certified master captains drive both boats,” said Christen Killmeyer, owner of Pittsburgh Party Pontoons. “We have bluetooth speakers and coolers with ice onboard, so just bring your drinks and your snacks and be ready for the beautiful sites of the city.”
Originally, the pontoons were pedal boats, but now the boats do all the work for you. “We just switched over to the non-pedal version,” explained Killmeyer. “Both boats have bar stool seats and a bench style seating.” Pittsburgh Party Pontoons offers 1 hour, 45-minute tours around the downtown area of the three rivers, so there’s plenty to see as you party onboard. The experience provides a unique way to celebrate special events. “We are open seven days a week and are great for work outings during the week, bachelorette or bachelor parties, birthdays, or just a Sunday funday with friends,” said Killmeyer. For more information, visit www.pittsburghpartypontoons.com.
Transport Your Adventure to the Tropics with Cruisin’ Tikis Pittsburgh
Can’t make it to the tropics this summer? Don’t worry! Cruisin’ Tikis Pittsburgh will transport you and five of your favorite party friends with a two-hour sightseeing charter on the three rivers in a floating Hawaiian-style tiki hut. This unique water experience takes you and your friends on a relaxing boat tour of the city on all three rivers.
The Cruisin’ Tiki boats carry six people, along with an experienced, fully licensed, and Coast Guard-certified captain. Bring your own drinks and snacks and enjoy an unforgettable cruise downtown. Visit https://cruisintikispittsburgh.com/ for more information.
Calling all Mateys to Hop Aboard the Kraken
Looking for a pirate-inspired adventure? The Pittsburgh Pirates’ ship, Kraken, delivers. A 40 ft. USCG Certified Commercial Passenger Vessel, the Kraken safely accommodates up to 35 passengers. At the helm, Commodore Evan Weaver, the owner and operator of the Pittsburgh Pirate Ship, is a career sailor and a Navy veteran with experience.
Pittsburgh’s first and only pirate ship, the Kraken offers multiple cruise options from a public one-hour cruise to a private tailgate on the water, called the Sailgate. For more information, visit pghpirateship.com.
Enjoy a Festive Weekend at the Moraine State Regatta
With a goal of highlighting eco-recreational activities for all ages, The Moraine State Park Regatta, held on held August 3-4, 2024, brings family fun to the outdoors. The festival includes water and land recreational options suitable for all ages. Nature-themed experience and local vendors also add to the festive experience.
Water activities include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and even sailing lessons with the Moraine Sailing Club. Fly-fishing, rock climbing, and Taekwondo lessons add to the fun out of the water.
The family-friendly weekend festival includes free performances by local musical groups spanning several genres and generations. On Saturday night, a fireworks finale is a highlight. Butterfly lovers will also want to witness the Memorial Butterfly Release on Sunday. For more information, visit morainestateparkregatta.org.
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