Kayak Rental Season Runs May – November
With our ideal location on a peninsula, CBEC offers unparalleled kayaking and paddleboarding experiences. Launch from our dock and enjoy the serenity of Marshy Creek and the Bay. The CBEC property is amazingly biodiverse—from ospreys and eagles to river otters, terrapins, sting rays, all kinds of waterfowl and sometimes even dolphins—you’re sure to spot a variety of wildlife on your excursion. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera!
Guided Kayak Tours
Experience the wonders of the wetlands via kayak on our no-experience-necessary guided tours. Kayak volunteers will lead you through basic kayak instruction and then on a paddle exploring the watershed of Marshy Creek.
Paddling techniques, vessel orientation, loading and unloading, and kayaking safety will be covered before the tour begins. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Did you know membership includes kayaks and paddleboards?
CBEC Individual Members may reserve two vessels (singles, tandems or paddleboards) at any one time at no charge. CBEC Family Members may reserve three vessels (singles, tandems or paddleboards) at any one time at no charge. If you require more, the fee is $10 per vessel.
Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals
CBEC offers 22 single kayaks, 14 tandem kayaks and 6 paddleboards for rental daily, starting at 9 am. No rentals may go out after 3 pm, and all paddlers must be checked back in at the Visitor Center by 4:30 pm.
No rentals will be available Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025 due to the anticipated strong coastal storm. Thanks for your understanding.
The rental fee is $20 per vessel per day. CBEC members may use kayaks and paddleboards FREE*! If you plan on kayaking often, consider purchasing a membership!
Reserve Online
To ensure equipment availability, make all reservations and payments online.
Remember to bring a dry bag, enough liquids, sun protection, bug spray, snacks or whatever else you need to enjoy your paddle. Many of these items are offered for sale in the Visitor Center.
Please ensure you are physically fit enough to perform self-rescue if need be.
*CBEC Individual Members may reserve two vessels (singles, tandems or paddleboards) at any one time at no charge. CBEC Family Members may reserve three vessels (singles, tandems or paddleboards) at any one time at no charge. If you require more, the fee is $10 per vessel.
Check-in and Waivers
You must check in at the Visitor Center before using water recreation equipment. Staff/volunteers will help you complete the process and provide life jackets, paddles and seats (for vessels without built-in seats). You are welcome to use your own life jackets, paddles and seats if you prefer.
Waivers are required for all rentals. You may print and complete the waiver and bring it with you, or you can complete it at the Visitor Center when checking in. By signing the waiver, you knowingly assume all risk. Paddlers are encouraged to bring a cell phone with them on the water so staff may contact them if weather conditions change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is CBEC?
The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center is a nonprofit 510-acre 501(c)3 nature center. We are deeply committed to environmental sustainability through providing people with authentic outdoor recreational and educational experiences that contribute to the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
What is CBEC Not?
CBEC is not part of any other Chesapeake Bay organization. It is a unique entity incorporated as Wildfowl Trust of North America Inc., EIN 52-1188939. CBEC is not an advocacy or lobbying group; it is apolitical.
Where is CBEC Located?
600 Discovery Lane, Grasonville, Maryland, just off US 301/US 50.
CBEC is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily except some holidays. The Visitor Center is open mid-April through mid-November, but the property is open year-round.