Best Kayaking Spots in Delaware

With over 17 state parks and various rivers, ponds and bays to explore, this state is a top destination for water activities. Delaware is also known for its diverse bird life — particularly with shorebirds — making kayaking in this state a fun, bird-filled adventure. Whether you enjoy paddling on flat water, rapids or in the ocean, this state has something for everyone. You’ll also find it easy to plan an entire kayaking-focused trip, thanks to the various outdoor activities available at nearly every location.

Start planning your next adventure with the kayaking spots and safety recommendations mentioned in this guide.

1. Delaware River

The Delaware River is a vital water source for five U.S. states — Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and New York. It’s over 330 miles long and flows into the Delaware Bay. With its vast open waterways and abundant wildlife, the Delaware River makes for a peaceful and scenic paddle.

If you want to kayak on the Delaware River and love a bit of history, you’ll enjoy visiting Fort DuPont State Park. Situated near Delaware City, the park boasts over 361 acres of land that was once a Civil War military base. Visitors can hike the River View trail and kayak along the shore to view the gun batteries still around today.

For kayaking, you can launch from the boat access at the park. Most people love paddling over to Pea Patch Island in the middle of the river. While you can’t land there, it’s worth the trip to watch the birds. Pea Patch Island is a wading bird nesting area, home to nine species of egrets, herons and ibis. The island forms part of the Fort Delaware State Park. You can take a ferry to visit Fort Delaware and learn more about its history.

2. Trap Pond

Trap Pond is a much-beloved kayaking destination in Delaware. It spans over 90 acres and sits within the Trap Pond State Park. This park is known for its natural wetland forest full of bald cypress trees. Launch your kayak from the pond’s boat launch or one of the many docks and follow the designated trails to explore the cypress swamp up close. It’s a beautiful place to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature, and the calm waters make it perfect for families. You can hire a kayak from the park outfitter if you need one.

Trap Pond State Park also has a campground where you can stay to prolong your kayak trip. There’s plenty to do there, from hiking, horseriding and biking to birdwatching and picnicking. If you want to learn more about the wildlife and history of the bald cypress trees, you can head to their Baldcypress Nature Center. The park has an extensive playground, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a disc golf course and athletic fields. You can also catch a concert or two in the summer.

3. Brandywine Creek

Located in northern Delaware, Brandywine Creek is a tributary of the Christina River that runs through Pennsylvania and Delaware. The creek is famous for being the location of the Battle of Brandywine in 1777, which was part of the American Revolutionary War. During the battle, the American Continental Army and the British Army fought along the creek’s banks.

These days, it’s a lovely, relaxing ride perfect for beginner kayakers and families. However, during the rainy season in June, the creek develops whitewater areas that may not be suitable for beginners. The rapids can be a fun kayaking experience if you’re an intermediate or have enough experience. You can rent a kayak on the day from one of the outfitters in the area.

The best spots to launch your kayak along the creek are:

• Brandywine River Museum of Art: Park at the museum and kayak from there to the Smith Bridge, where there is also parking.
• Brandywine Creek State Park: You can launch your kayak from the Thompson Bridge, near the parking lot.

4. Lum’s Pond

For an exciting outdoor adventure, consider kayaking at Lum’s Pond in Lum’s Pond State Park. It’s the largest freshwater pond in Delaware, and kayakers enjoy its calm waters and breathtaking scenery. It’s also a popular fishing spot where you can catch bluegill, largemouth bass, perch and crappie. On your kayak trip, you might even catch a glimpse of the turtles, herons and osprey that live in the area.

You can launch your kayak from the pond bank or off the Lum’s Park boat ramp. After your paddle, consider trying out one of the other outdoor recreational activities the park offers. You can play sports, hike, bike, zipline, horseback ride and camp. They also have a nature center where you can learn more about the park’s native wildlife.

5. Broadkill River

Wildlife and nature enthusiasts would enjoy a trip down Broadkill River. This long stretch of river flows straight into the Delaware Bay. If you start paddling near the town of Milton, you’ll pass through narrow channels, forests, a nature reserve and marshes until you eventually reach the coast. You can plan a full-day trip to kayak the entire river length or choose a shorter stretch between launch points. It’s also easy to kayak back up the river to where you started.

While you paddle, you might see herons, osprey, turtles, eagles, largemouth bass, blue gill and river herring. There are over 100 species of birds in the area, so it’s the perfect trip for bird lovers. It’s also an incredibly scenic route, so you can stop to watch the wildlife whenever you like. Launch your kayak from the following points to start your adventure:

• Milton Memorial Park: Milton Memorial Park is a popular launch site along the Broadkill River. This small, family-friendly park has picnic tables, a gazebo, parking and a public boat ramp.
• Edward H. McCabe Preserve: This nature reserve has a floating dock exclusively for non-motorized boats. However, there is no parking at the dock.
• Smiths Landing: You’ll find a boat ramp along the river at this campground.

6. Delaware Bay

If you’re a fan of ocean kayaking and the beach, you’ll love Delaware Bay. Situated between Delaware and New Jersey, this large bay is the Delaware River’s estuary outlet. It spans over 780 square miles and is known for its abundance of wetlands, oysters, shorebirds, horseshoe crabs and clams. You may even see dolphins and rays in the water while kayaking in summer.

The best place to kayak in Delaware Bay is Cape Henlopen State Park. It’s near the southern cape of the bay, near where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a popular beach destination with areas for camping, surfing, swimming, paddling, fishing, boating, clamming, hiking and biking. The calm bay waters, various explorable habitats, diverse wildlife and views of the lighthouse make this a worthwhile kayaking adventure.

The area has various places to launch kayaks:

• Cape Henlopen fishing pier: If you want to kayak toward the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse, launch your kayak from this pier. You can rent a kayak or grab some bait from the nearby shops, and there are restrooms and ample parking.
• Lewes Beach: You can launch your kayak anywhere on this public beach.
• Lewes Boat Ramps: This area has lots of parking and public boat ramps, making it a great place to put in. However, the currents in the canal can get quite strong at times.

7. Rehoboth Bay

Rehoboth Bay is a peaceful spot to kayak and enjoy the beach. Protected by barrier islands and full of salt marshes, you can weave your way through the grass and watch the birds. This bay usually has calm waters, making it great for beginners. However, we recommend you go when the tide is higher, as low tide makes some areas muddy and shallow.

The bay also connects to the Indian River Bay and plenty of smaller creeks, like Herring, Wilson and Love Creek. You can also drive down the Coastal Highway to see all the beaches and islands and pass over the magnificent Charles W. Cullen Memorial Bridge.

The launch site options in Rehoboth Bay include:

• Delaware Seashore State Park: This park has a designated kayak launching point in Balders Pond, which connects to the bay. You can also put in at the Savage Ditch Road kayak launch. These spots are right near Little and Big Cedar Island, as well as Burton Island Nature Reserve.
• Rehoboth Bay Marina: With free parking and excellent facilities, this marina near Dewey Beach is a convenient spot to launch your kayak. You can also rent a boat or personal watercraft.
• Massey’s Landing: This spot has a great fishing pier, public boat launch and sandbars where you can launch a kayak.

8. Killens Pond

Killens Pond is a beautiful 66-acre pond within the Killens Pond State Park. It’s a serene, fun place for kayakers — especially if you have children or beginners in your group — to enjoy the water and watch wildlife in their natural setting. You can rent a kayak near the park’s Nature Center and use the boat ramp to get into the water.

If you’re looking for more adventure, you can paddle up the Murderkill River canoe trail that connects to the pond. The park also has a campground, cabin rentals, a gorgeous pondside trail and a waterpark to explore. The Killens Pond Waterpark has a tot lot, baby pool, main pool, speed slides and spiral slides.

Best Time of Year to Kayak in Delaware

Delaware has mild, humid weather throughout the year, with an average annual temperature of around 54 degrees Fahrenheit. The average increases the further south you go. Good weather is common, and there is only light snowfall in winter. July and August are the hottest months, but there is often a high chance of rain and thunderstorms. It usually rains closer to the afternoon, so you might have some luck kayaking in the morning in these months.

Autumn is the best time to kayak in Delaware, thanks to its milder temperatures and less rain. Visit in September for nice weather and in October to see the beautiful golden, falling leaves. Temperatures start to drop in November and only pick up again in May.

Considerations for Kayaking in Delaware

Preparation is vital to ensure your kayaking experience is positive. Before you head out, consider the following:

Weather

Weather is an essential consideration for any kayaking adventure, especially during Delaware’s hot and rainy months. Wind can strengthen currents, rain can raise water levels, and the hot, muggy climate in summer can lead to heat stroke. Always check the weather and water temperature before your trip and pack accordingly. For sunny weather, wear lightweight clothing, drink lots of water and put on sunblock. Wear a wetsuit during the colder months. If there will be thunderstorms, go another day. Always wear a life jacket!

Wildlife

Delaware doesn’t have much dangerous wildlife, but it’s still something to consider before kayaking. Some of the most dangerous pests in Delaware are actually ticks and mosquitos, which carry diseases. Take some bug spray with you to avoid getting bitten. In the water and on land, look out for copperhead snakes, timber rattlesnakes, black widow spiders and snapping turtles. Respect any wildlife you encounter, and keep your distance.

Kayak Laws

Most of Delaware’s kayaking laws only apply to motorized kayaks. However, it’s still important to know what they are to stay safe and compliant.

• Registration: You only have to register your kayak if it has a motor.
• License: People born after January 1, 1978, planning to operate a motorized kayak must take a Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) approved Boating Safety Education course. Carry this certificate with you at all times. Children 14 or 15 years old need their boating safety certificate and an adult on board to operate motorized kayaks.
• Alcohol limits: The law considers motorized kayak users with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% to be boating under the influence (BUI), which is illegal. You might have to pay a fine and face prison time for a BUI charge.
• Life jackets: Children 12 years and under must wear a life jacket on a kayak at all times. You need one life jacket per person aboard for anyone older.
• Emergency equipment: Attach red and green sidelights to your kayak for nighttime trips. Alternatively, you can use a lantern or flashlight. You will also need a visual distress signaling (VDS) device after dark. Always take a whistle or horn with you, even during the day.

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