Immerse yourself in both history and nature with this unique tour by kayak. The sanctuary boasts a diverse collection of historic shipwrecks dating back to the Revolutionary War. The area is most renowned for the remains of over 100 wooden steamships known as the Ghost Fleet, built as part of America’s engagement in World War I. Never seeing wartime action, the wooden ships were scuttled in the Potomac River for salvage. Over 100 years of natural processes have gradually transformed these ships into ecologically valuable habitats. The overgrown wrecks now form a series of distinctive islands, intertidal habitat, and underwater structure critical to fish, beavers, and birds such as ospreys, blue herons, and bald eagles. Participants will be in tandem/2-person kayaks with a partner. The tour includes kayak equipment (tandem kayak, life vest/PFD, paddle) and a land-based orientation to the area.
Participants will also have the opportunity to contribute to the City Nature Challenge by entering observations of plants and wildlife through iNaturalist.
Atlantic Kayak Company, is a small, woman-owned, family run business located in Charles County, MD. They have been providing fun, educational outdoor experiences in the Chesapeake Bay area since 1995. Atlantic Kayak Company is also the official outfitter of Mallows Bay kayak tours through Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism. Check out the public tour schedule here for other opportunities to kayak Mallows Bay.
Cost: $45* for current MAMEA members; $60* for renewing or non-MAMEA members
Registration and information available at https://masweb.vims.edu/mamea/mdmini.html. Registration closes April 15th or when we fill all 20 spots.
*MAMEA is grateful for Atlantic Kayak Company’s support of MAMEA by offering the private tour at a discounted rate. MAMEA funds have also been applied to bring the tour cost down.
