Annapolis Kayaking
Paddle historic Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay on this weekend adventure featuring the beautiful lighthouses and historic treasures of the western shore. Launching among the breathtaking yachts and sailing vessels at Spa Creek Marina, we visit the Naval Academy and other points of interest in beautiful Annapolis. We’ll also paddle from a beautiful crescent-shaped sand beach that looks out onto the bay to the Thomas Point Lighthouse, a classic icon of the mid-Atlantic coast.
Annapolis Kayaking Itinerary:
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Optional night before: Arrival and Check-In
Arrive at the Comfort Inn no earlier than 2:00 pm and in time to get a good night’s rest before our paddling adventure begins in the morning. If you opt to stay in the hotel for an additional fee (see “Trip Price”), your hotel is paid for tonight but dinner is on your own. There are restaurants within driving distance of the hotel. Remember to rest up, and the guides will meet you in the lobby tomorrow morning at 9:00 am to begin your adventure.
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Day 1 - Annapolis Harbor
Your trip begins today in Annapolis, MD. Your guides will meet you at the Comfort Inn at 9:00 a.m. and travel with you to the Double T Diner for breakfast. Then we’ll prepare to head out to Spa Creek Marina, where we will launch at 10 a.m. for our first day of paddling amidst the spectacular yachts. Starting with a paddle tour of old Annapolis Harbor, we’ll visit the Naval Academy and other great points of interest. We’ll arrive back at our launch site around 5:00 pm in time for an early dinner in Annapolis. Dinner tonight is on your own. After dinner, those staying at the hotel will return there for the night. Those not staying at the hotel may depart for home. Kayaking: About 8 nautical miles. Meals provided: Lunch.
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Day 2 - Bay Ridge Beach to Thomas Point Lighthouse
We meet this morning at the hotel, once again, at 9:00 a.m. and prepare to launch at 10:00 a.m. this morning from a beautiful beach that looks out onto the bay toward Thomas Point Lighthouse. This beach typically has small, mild surf which we’ll launch through and set our heading for a visit to the historic lighthouse which guards the Thomas Point Shoal two miles away. Back in our boats, we head through the waves to a secluded cove in Fishing Creek for a great lunch. The afternoon’s return trip allows for sightseeing and fun exploration up an inlet into a hidden cove. We’ll return to our launch spot by 4 p.m. From there, you are free to head into Annapolis for dinner once again on your own or to depart for home. Guests staying in the hotel will not have reservations for this evening as part of the optional hotel cost, so plan to reserve any additional nights on your own. Dinner tonight is likewise on your own. Kayaking: 10 nautical miles. Meals provided: Lunch.
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. This trip is operated rain or shine. The final paddling route is left up to the discretion of the guides and is based upon trip members’ skill, interests, and weather conditions. There are many wonderful and customizable options for paddling this region, and our guides will help the group to discern the best of all options.
Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Professional instruction and guiding; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; single kayaks (double kayaks available with advance notice) and all kayaking equipment.
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; 2 nights hotel accommodation (optional); park entrance fees where required; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature. Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy a free continental breakfast each morning. Guides will offer suggestions for dining within driving distance of the hotel, where there are a number of restaurants. The group may or may not travel to dinner together at the end of the day. Two breakfast and two dinner costs are not included in the trip cost.
Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport, Baltimore, MD: 25 miles
This trip is rated Moderate (3) as we plan to kayak 4-6 hours per day in calm to moderately rough conditions. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60 - 90 F, with evening temperatures dropping to 50s – 70s. You may encounter cool and rainy conditions, including fog and wind. Rain is a possibility so adequate raingear is important.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Annapolis Kayaking
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60 - 90 F, with evening temperatures dropping to 50s – 70s. You may encounter cool and rainy conditions, including fog and wind. Rain is a possibility so adequate raingear is important.
Gear Checklist
- Kayaks (single is standard, double is available with advance notice)
- Life jacket and spray skirt
- Dry bag; 1 small for personal gear
- Paddling jackets
- Group first-aid kit
- Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable
- Rain pants
- Sweater or jacket, wool or fleece
- T-shirts (no cotton)
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Long pants
- Shorts
- Underwear
- Wool or synthetic socks
- Lightweight hiking boots
- Wetsuit booties or water sport sandals
- Paddling gloves
- Bandana
- Swimsuit
- Beach towel
- Sun/rain hat
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Toiletry kit
- Sun block and lip balm
- Plastic bags – Ziploc for wet clothes
- 2 Water bottles – 1 quart each is best
- Favorite snacks
- Headlamp/Flashlight
- Insect repellent
- Camera and film
- Extra dry bag for personal gear (small)
- Small binoculars (7x or 8x is best)





