Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe and explore Assateague’s back bays at your own pace
2 Hours
Kayak, paddle, lifejacket
Head out from the bayside rental stand for a two-hour paddle in the calm, shallow back bays of Assateague Island National Seashore. Get a quick orientation, then follow suggested routes based on wind and tide conditions.
Entrance to Assateague Island National Seashore is not included; the park fee is $25 per vehicle (valid for 7 days).
Rentals require at least 24 hours notice to cancel for a full refund.
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your rental starts, except for 9am rentals (they do not open until 9am). Lines at the entrance gate can be long, especially after 9am.
Bring sunscreen, a weather-appropriate extra layer (preferably synthetic), boating attire like water shoes or old sneakers and synthetic clothing, at least 32 oz of water per person, and any personal medical items you may need (for example, EPI pens or inhalers). Cheap sunglasses are also recommended.
Sunscreen and water are not included. A dry bag is also not included (they sell these).
12003 Bayside Dr, Berlin, MD 21811
The wildlife discovery kayak tours here are genuinely special, and what makes them stand out is the caliber of the guides. Names like Morgan, Andrew, Tish, Steve, Anthony, Meredith, and Raiden come up repeatedly, with reviewers praising not just their knowledge of local ecosystems and wildlife, but their warmth and ability to handle groups of different ages and skill levels. The tours typically run 2-3 hours and paddle through shallow Sinepuxent Bay, where you're practically guaranteed to see wild horses plus an array of birds, horseshoe crabs, and other marine life. Many tours include hands-on experiences like clamming or net fishing, which kids especially love. One visitor even mentioned arriving 30 minutes late and still getting a personalized tour. Beyond the wildlife tours, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or bikes to explore on your own, and the staff provides helpful guidance on where to go and how to navigate conditions. The main complaint worth noting is that tour groups can get large, sometimes approaching 25-30 people with two guides, which makes it harder to hear commentary and creates a less intimate experience for those who prefer smaller groups. The paddle back can be challenging if winds pick up or currents are strong, so families with young kids should consider whether everyone can handle a fairly long workout. On the plus side, the water is shallow and calm enough that you can wade around afterward, and there are bathrooms and a small shop at the stand. A nice bonus: half their profits support Maryland Coastal Bays Programs, so your adventure dollars go toward conservation efforts.
My family had a fantastic kayak tour with Assateague Outfitters. The AO team was really helpful and super knowledgeable about the island, the wildlife and the ecosystems of the island. We loved it so much that we rented bicycles from them their Bayside stand the next day and explored the island further. I highly recommend Assateague Outfitters for any Assateague Island adventure!
Matthew Goordman
August 26, 2025
My family had a fantastic kayak tour with Assateague Outfitters. The AO team was really helpful and super knowledgeable about the island, the wildlife and the ecosystems of the island. We loved it so much that we rented bicycles from them their Bayside stand the next day and explored the island further. I highly recommend Assateague Outfitters for any Assateague Island adventure!
Matthew Goordman
August 26, 2025