PHILADELPHIA WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Pedal, Plank, and Glide: A 45-Minute Water Bike Workout on Philadelphia’s Schuylkill
A 45-minute water aerobics class on the Schuylkill River followed by a pedal-powered Chiliboat tour — this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and the physical limits to know before you go.
Pedal, Plank, and Glide: A 45-Minute Water Bike Workout on Philadelphia’s Schuylkill.
Kickstart your morning on the Schuylkill River with a brisk, 45-minute water aerobics session led by certified instructors, then trade the workout for a scenic pedal-powered Chiliboat ride past Philadelphia landmarks. The experience pairs low-impact fitness with an eco-friendly sightseeing tour, packaged to suit a wide range of fitness levels.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
45-Minute Water Aerobics on the River
A focused, instructor-led 45-minute water aerobics class on the Schuylkill delivers full-body, low-impact conditioning—cardio, flexibility, and strength—while you float in the river’s calming setting.
Pedal-Powered Chiliboat Sightseeing
After the workout, participants board pedal-powered Chiliboats for a relaxed tour down the river, an eco-friendly way to take in Philadelphia’s Art Museum, Boathouse Row, and other riverside sights.
Designed for All Fitness Levels
The session is intentionally low-impact and suitable for a broad range of participants, making it a good fit whether you’re adding variety to a training plan or seeking a gentle morning boost.
What the day feels like
How the Morning Unfolds
You’ll arrive at the river, move through a safety briefing, and step into a 45-minute, instructor-led water aerobics class that focuses on easy-to-follow, full-body movements. After the workout, participants transfer to pedal-powered Chiliboats for a guided glide along the Schuylkill, passing landmark sights while keeping the experience active and sustainably powered.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this fits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The water aerobics portion runs 45 minutes; departures are on time—arrive 30 minutes early to find parking and complete safety checks.
Meet at 2400 Kelly Drive, Boathouse Row for check-in and the safety briefing before the activity begins.
Bring only essentials due to limited space: water shoes or water-resistant sneakers for boarding, a swimsuit, sun protection (hat, shirt, sunscreen), shorts or leggings, and sunglasses.
You must present identification and the credit card used for the reservation; both must match for verification at check-in.
Smoking and alcohol are prohibited; damaging equipment or reckless actions (hitting the unit, jumping off) are not allowed and may result in responsibility for repairs or refusal of service.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the water workout?
The water aerobics session is 45 minutes long.
Where is the meeting point?
Check-in and embarkation are at 2400 Kelly Drive, Boathouse Row.
What should I bring to the session?
Bring only essentials: water shoes or water-resistant sneakers for boarding and disembarking, a swimsuit, hat, sun-protection shirt, shorts or leggings, and sunglasses.
Are there height or weight limits?
Yes: minimum height 4'6" (54 in / 1.37 m), maximum height 6'5" (77 in / 1.96 m). Individual weight must not exceed 250 pounds; combined weight per double Chiliboat must not exceed 450 pounds. Weight checks are conducted before tours; participants exceeding limits cannot participate and will not receive a refund.
What if I’m late?
Departures are on time; you should arrive 30 minutes early to allow time for parking and the mandatory safety review.
Can I bring alcohol or smoke on the tour?
No — smoking and alcohol consumption are not allowed during the activity.