Boating Adventures

 

A kayaker navigates around river rocks at Riverbend State Park.

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The best way to experience the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail is by water.

Long before Captain Smith's explorations of the Chesapeake and its tributaries, Indians used these waterways for fishing and hunting, to trade goods, and to explore new lands. Smith traveled nearly 3,000 miles on the Bay and its rivers, recording and mapping what he saw. Due largely to Smith's descriptions, European settlement followed along these waterways. Traveling these waters today, you can see how the landscape has changed — and where it has changed very little. You can see where history was made and where wildlife and native plants still thrive.

 

A Boater's Guide cover page.

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Boater's Guide

"A Boater's Guide to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail" is for boaters in all types of vessels and all skill levels. In this guide to America's first national water trail, Chesapeake expert John Page Williams suggests itineraries for each area explored by Smith and tells you what you need to know for exploring the areas today.

What's inside?

• Paddling routes by region and type of vessel
• Boating safety and trip planning tips
• Information about Captain John Smith's voyages and the natural history of the Chesapeake Bay

The guide is intended for online viewing and downloading.

View the Boater's Guide

 

 

Guided Paddles

Guided paddles are perfect for inexperienced kayakers and canoers looking to dip their toes into the water! Join in on a guided paddling tour to learn the ropes. Practice captaining your ship while also learning about the Bay's history, culture, and ecology.

There are endless opportunities for guided paddles throughout the region. Check out events at a partner location near you.

• Sultana Education Foundation in Chestertown, Maryland offers themed public paddles that highlight animals, historic landmarks, and cultural connections.

 

No boat? No Problem!

Even if you don't own a boat yourself, there are still lots of ways to get out on the water. Many of the locations mentioned on this website rent canoes, kayaks, and boats to visitors. Call ahead before you go to confirm availability.

Want to go boating, but don't want to paddle? Here are a few other options:

Historic & Scenic Ferry Tours

• Susquehanna National Heritage Area River Discovery Boat Tours (PA)
• Patuxent River Park pontoon boat tour (MD)
• Ferries to Smith Island (MD) and Tangier Island (VA)

Tall Ships & Historic Boats

• Sultana Downrigging Festival (MD)
• Baltimore Harbor (MD)
• Watermen's Museum (VA)
• Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (MD)
• Calvert Marine Museum (MD)
• Mariner's Museum (VA)

 

Buddy Bison demonstrates paddling safety by sporting his life jacket.

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Safety

Especially when it comes to water, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Know and follow these safety tips when kayaking or canoeing:

• Wear a lifejacket at all times
• Plan a trip within your skill level
• Research local conditions
• Tell someone where you are going and for how long
• Never paddle while under the influence
• Wear clothes for the weather and for the possibility of falling in the water, as well as sunscreen
• Know your boat — practice staying balanced and how to deal with an overturned vessel
• Bring safety gear appropriate for your trip — a basic tool is a scoop or pump to help you bail water out of the boat

Boating Safety Regulations by State

• Maryland Department of Natural Resources
• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
• Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control