Boating

About Boating

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  Chronic Sailing

  Chesapeake Bay

  One of the best places to experience the Chesapeake Bay is from the deck of a sailboat. Chronic Sailing's expert crews know the Bay’s winds and waters, and their charters explore historic downtown Annapolis and the Bay beyond. As a Chesapeake Gateways Experience, Chronic Sailing provides hands-on instruction and chartered excursions that invite guests to explore the Bay’s natural beauty and maritime heritage from the water. Sail under the Bay Bridge, pass the U.S. Naval Academy, view the historic Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, or find your way to the quieter coves and waterfront towns that most people only ever see from shore. Along the way, crews share the stories behind the Bay's rich maritime heritage, from its role in early American history to the communities that have depended on these waters for generations. Out on the water, the Bay's ecology comes to life in a unique and immersive way. Learn about the grasses, the wildlife, and the watershed that make the Chesapeake one of the most ecologically significant estuaries in the world. Experience the Bay as it was meant to be experienced, from the deck of a working sailboat, guided by wind, water, and the rhythms of the bay. Chronic Sailing also offers sailing instruction for all experience levels, from first-time sailors to seasoned boaters looking to build confidence on the Chesapeake. Lessons emphasize time on the water and practical experience, helping participants better understand how wind, weather, tides, and navigation have shaped life on the Bay for generations. From the rhythmic pull of the sails to the quiet movement of water along the shoreline, sailing offers a deeper connection to the Chesapeake and its maritime traditions. Seen from the water, the Bay becomes more than a landscape, it becomes a living system shaped by history, ecology, and the communities that continue to depend on it today. To learn more or plan your experience, visit the website. This location does not accept the America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass . Entrance fees and ticket policies are set independently by the managing partner, as detailed on their website.

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  Bay Venture Outfitters, North East, MD

  Chesapeake Bay

  Bay Venture Outfitters is located along the North East River in North East, Maryland, near the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay. Established in 2015, this privately-owned outdoor recreation provider offers kayak, paddleboard, and bicycle rentals, along with guided and self-guided eco-tours that encourage exploration of the upper Bay’s tributaries and wetlands. As part of the Chesapeake Gateways Network, Bay Venture Outfitters supports public access to the Chesapeake Bay watershed while promoting responsible recreation and environmental stewardship. Visitors launch directly from the waterfront and explore areas such as the North East River, North East Creek, Stoney Run, and nearby freshwater marshes. These waterways provide opportunities to observe wildlife, experience tidal and non-tidal habitats, and learn about the region’s natural systems. Rental experiences include safety briefings, maps, and interpretive materials that introduce visitors to local ecology, watershed conservation, and cultural history. Guided tours often incorporate information about maritime heritage, land use, and the importance of protecting water quality. The site complements nearby public lands, including Elk Neck State Park and Elk Neck State Forest, and contributes to broader Chesapeake Gateways goals of education, access, and stewardship. Through hands-on experiences on the water, Bay Venture Outfitters helps visitors develop a deeper understanding of the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors are encouraged to learn more on their website . This location does not accept the America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Entrance fees and ticket policies are set independently by the managing partner, as detailed on their website.

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  Float the Savonoski Loop

  Katmai National Park & Preserve

  The Savonoski Loop is an 80 mile paddle through the scenic backcountry of Katmai National Park. Paddlers need intermediate canoeing or kayaking skills, and experience traveling in wilderness and in bear country. Depending on the route, experience, and weather, allow a minimum of 4-10 days for the trip. The Route The Savonoski Loop starts and ends at Brooks Camp. After leaving Brooks Camp, the route heads northwest before turning east around the base of Mt. La Gorce and into the spectacular Bay of Islands in the North Arm of Naknek Lake. Paddlers should allow 2-3 days to travel the 20 miles from Brooks Camp to Fure’s Cabin in the Bay of Islands. At Fure’s Cabin, a 1.5 mile (2 km) portage trail connects Naknek and Grosvenor lakes. The unmarked, but maintained portage trail begins behind the outhouse at Fure’s Cabin. On the trail, be prepared to encounter mud and numerous biting insects. After completing the portage trail, paddlers travel east and southeast for approximately 14 miles to the outlet of Lake Grosvenor. To best avoid the frequently strong south and east winds known as “williwaws,” paddlers are advised to travel along the south shore of Lake Grosvenor. Be prepared to pull to shore and wait out high winds anywhere on the route. The Grosvenor River begins at the east end of Lake Grosvenor. It is a Class I or slow moving, clear water stream about 3 miles long. The Savonoski River is a braided Class I-II (waves up to three feet) river with a swift current. It can be easily run in one day. Whitewater does not usually occur along the Savonoski River, but there are numerous obstacles to avoid, such as sandbars and fallen trees. The depth of the water is often impossible to estimate due to suspended glacial sediments. Follow the main channel to avoid running aground. From the mouth of the Savonoski River in the Iliuk Arm of Naknek Lake, it is approximately 20 miles back to Brooks Camp. Due to steep cliffs along the base of Mount La Gorce, paddlers are advised to use the south shore of Iliuk Arm on Naknek Lake, which offers some limited shelter from severe winds when returning to Brooks Camp. Depending on your route, mileages will vary from those stated in this brochure. Paddling along shorelines is always recommended due to frequent high winds. Fure's Cabin Roy Fure constructed a cabin in the Bay of Islands around 1916. Fure prospected for gold in the area…

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