paddle penn’s landing faqs
Important Information to Know Before Your Paddle
Independence Seaport Museum has implemented new procedures for visitors prior to and during their visit. Please scroll down for important information as you plan your trips to our docks.
By participating in an Independence Seaport Museum program, participants voluntarily assume all risks related to potential exposure to COVID-19 in or about Independence Seaport Museum. The Museum has modified its experience to adhere to safety guidelines and protocol.
Everyone is welcome! No experience needed for swan boats and rowboats.
Yes! We strongly recommend purchasing your Paddle Penn’s Landing tickets in advance.
Each boat has specific weight capacities that cannot be exceeded. Small paddle boats can accommodate up to 600 lbs., large paddle boats can accommodate up to 800 lbs., and rowboats can accommodate up to 450 lbs.
Each renter must weigh more than 35 lbs. to safely fit in their life vests.
All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied on the water by a legal parent or guardian.
We retain the right to restrict the number of passengers aboard the boat to ensure the safety of all renters.
Yes, your safety is important to us. All renters must wear a properly secured life jacket while on the water. Safety equipment is provided with your rental fee. We remind you that it is your responsibility to check this equipment before leaving the dock.
You can explore the basin as directed by the Dock Staff during your rental. Typically, you are allowed to explore up to the Mainmast of the Cruiser Olympia.
Each session is thirty (30) minutes, including check-in, getting your safety equipment, and boarding. It is your responsibility to return the boat within the rental time, or you may be charged for an additional session. We strongly recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
The Museum reserves the right to cancel Paddle Penn’s Landing if the weather is deemed unsafe. For example: thunder and lightning, excessive heat or excessive wind would prompt a cancellation. If you have purchased a ticket and your session is canceled in advance, you will be given the option to reschedule or receive a refund. If your session is cut short by more than 20 minutes, you may be entitled to a refund.
We strongly recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time to give your party adequate time to check-in. If you are more than 15 minutes late for your scheduled departure time, you will forfeit the opportunity to paddle and will not be issued a refund. If you need to reschedule your reservation, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance by calling 215-413-8655.
You can expect to get wet when renting a pedal boat. The foot wells, in particular, may have water in them.
No. Your safety and the safety of our environment are extremely important to us. Please enjoy your snack or drink in designated eating locations prior to boarding or after the completion of your rental.
We love all animals, but neither Spot nor Fido, nor any pets, are allowed in boat rentals.
No, smoking, including vaping, on the boats and docks is prohibited.
There are public restrooms available nearby at Spruce Street Harbor Park which can be utilized either before or after your rental.
We reserve the right to refuse use of equipment or facilities if the renter or customer, in our judgement, appears to be unfit to safely rent or operate a boat, under the influence of a substance, or otherwise in a situation that might affect their own safety or the safety of others. We reserve the right to call in rented boats that are improperly or unsafely handled.
visit the seaport museum
Immerse yourself in award-winning and interactive exhibits and climb aboard the oldest floating steel warship in the world on Cruiser Olympia and submerge yourself aboard the World War II-era Submarine Becuna.
