I do not know much about gods; but I think that the river is a strong god - sullen, untamed and intractable ... Keeping his seasons, and rages, destroyer, reminder of what men choose to forget.
- T. S. Eliot
Kayaking
Join VTS on a kayaking exploration of the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays. VTS has partnered with an organization that will provide professional kayak instructors certified by the American Canoe Association to deliver a top-quality paddle experience.
The kayaking trips are tailored to enhance the sense of being on an exploration in a remote wilderness setting. While you will have some exposure to open water paddling, you will also explore protected remote brackish and tidal marsh complexes and creeks. Soaring eagles, herons, egrets, cormorants, wood ducks, black ducks and mallards will keep you company. Mammals are also abundant in certain regions and a deer or beaver (or even maybe an otter) may try to befriend you too.
Depending on the trip, you will paddle the North East River, the Elk River, paddle around Turkey Point Light House at the bottom of the Elk Neck Peninsula, paddle the Delaware Bay, have lunch on the water or stop for lunch in the towns of North East or Elkton.
All kayaking trips include the following:
- Two certified ACA kayak instructors
- 1 VTS guide
- Kayaks
- Life jackets
- Paddles
- 11 available kayaks per trip
- Pre-launch safety overview, including paddle techniques
and emergency self-rescue demonstration in a cove - An average 5 hours of paddle time*
- Except for the Sunset paddle, all trips are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.*
*A multitude of factors can contribute to paddle and trip times including, but not limited to, weather, group experience, water conditions and other human and environmental factors.
KAYAKING LOCATIONS & DATES
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KAYAK EXCURSION: NORTHBAY TO NORTH EAST, MARSH EXPLORATION, LUNCH AT NAUTI GOOSEThis trip takes you paddling up the North East River to its head in the town of North East, MD. Explore an interesting small marsh complex that has developed where the North East becomes a tidal river. The North East River and marsh are loaded with an assortment of water birds including eagles, herons, egrets cormorants and different duck species. For an authentic Maryland seafood lunch in a picturesque outdoor setting on a porch overlooking the water, we will paddle to the Nauti Goose restaurant. A shuttle will return us to NorthBay. Meeting Time & Location: 10:00 a.m. near Elk Neck State Park, MD Kayaking, Northbay to North East $195 (lunch not included)(LivingSocial & Amazon Deal: $97) |
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SUNSET PADDLE: NORTH EAST TO NORTHBAY, MARSH EXPLORATION BYO DINNER ON BEACHWe meet at NorthBay, get shuttled to North East, MD and then put-in at the head of the North East River. We start with a marsh exploration and then paddle down the Elk Neck peninsula soaking in the afternoon sun-beams. In tune with the sinking sun, we’ll stop at a beach for a sunset BYO dinner. After savoring the beauty of the majestic sun, we push off for a 1 mile paddle to NorthBay. Meeting Time & Location: 2:00 p.m. near Elk Neck State Park, MD Kayaking, NorthBay to Rogues Harbor $195
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BIG ELK MARSH EXPLORATION WITH LUNCH IN ELKTONIt’s incredible to experience wilderness without having to travel for a half a day. Get lost in the wilderness of the Big Elk Marsh. We will explore a large tidal marsh complex at the head of the Elk River. You are sure to see a great diversity of birds including eagles, egrets, herons, shore birds, wood ducks, black ducks, mallards, and cormorants. Mammals are also abundant and you may see deer and beaver. Otter are also a possibility. All this just minutes off Interstate 95. We will start at Elk River Park boat ramp and paddle the twisting tidal creeks of the marsh. This area also played significant roles in the Revolutionary war and especially the war of 1812, and we will explore that history as we paddle. We will paddle up the Big Elk Creek to the head of the tide in down town Elkton to stop for lunch. Meeting Time & Location: 10:00 a.m. near Elkton, MD Kayaking, Big Elk Marsh Exploration $95 (lunch not included)Date: TBD |
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TAYLORS GUT REMOTE BRACKISH MARSH EXPLORATION, BYO LUNCHTaylors Gut is an amazing remote brackish marsh complex located on the Delaware Bay. It has a variety of paddling conditions available. We can create the kind of trip people want here….from getting lost in the remoteness of the marsh on protected tidal creeks to challenging paddling skills in bigger water. This provides an amazing marsh wilderness experience. Meeting Time & Location: 10:00 a.m. near Smyrna, DE Kayaking, Taylors Gut $95
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