UPDATED 8/3/2023

Kayak Rental Season Runs April 22 – November 1, 2023

The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center has much to offer the water enthusiast! With our ideal location on a peninsula, we offer kayak and paddleboard rentals. Launch from our kayak 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 paddling excursion. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera!

Very Important

We do not rent kayaks if the National Weather Service has issued a small craft advisory or thunderstorm warning. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to check the weather before you arrive: www.weather.gov

About Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals

CBEC offers 22 single kayaks, 14 tandem kayaks, and 6 paddleboards for rental. Because there is not a specific time limit to our daily rentals, occasionally vessels may not be available at the specific time requested by renters. We do our best to assure timely rentals. If you have questions, call CBEC at 410-827-6694 or email us at kayak@bayrestoration.org.

Kayaks and paddleboards are available 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 4:45 pm. Due to scheduled Guided Kayak Tours (10 am to noon), kayaks may not be rented before noon on these dates:

• October 14, 2023
• October 22, 2023

We strongly prefer you make your reservations and payments online by clicking the button below. This will expedite your check-in process and help us assure that we have vessels available for your requested rental time.

If you plan to rent more than 3 vessels, please email us at kayak@bayrestoration.org so we can confirm your order and make sure we have enough vessels for your rental.

Membership and Kayak Rental Policy

Individual CBEC Members may reserve 2 vessels (singles/tandems/paddleboards) at no charge. If you require more, the fee is $10/vessel.

Family CBEC Members may reserve 3 vessels (singles/tandems/paddleboards) at no charge. If you require more, the fee is $10/vessel.

Check-in and Waivers

Check-in is at the to the CBEC Visitor Center. Staff/volunteers will help you complete the sign-in process and provide life jackets, paddles, and seats (for vessels that do not have built-in seats). You are welcome to use your own personal life jackets, paddles, and seats if you prefer.

Waivers are required for rental all water recreation equipment. You can complete/print the wavier—included in the registration below–and bring it with you, or complete the wavier at the Visitor Center when you check in. By signing the wavier you knowingly assume all risk. Make sure you are physically fit enough to perform your own self-rescue if need be. CBEC staff/volunteers wash and sanitize all equipment after each use.

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 CBEC visitor center.