Baltimore, Annapolis and the Eastern Shore’s geography and history guarantee lots of activities on and around the water. Following are a few of the best.
BALTIMORE
Touring the Inner Harbor and upper Chesapeake can be fun with Seadog Cruises, which runs hour-long trips that combine history with high-speed thrill rides on the water, says Visit Baltimore’s Tom Noonan.
“They do a slow wake out of the Inner Harbor, show you some of the historical sites, then out past Ft. McHenry they speed up and it becomes a thrill ride,” Noonan says.
ANNAPOLIS AND ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
Sailing runs through Annapolis’ veins, long predating the U.S. Naval Academy’s founding in 1845, so opportunities to get out on the water abound. One such option is the Annapolis Yacht Club’s Wednesday Night Races, running from April to September. Visitors can actually compete in the races aboard one of two 74-foot sailing vessels, the Woodwind and Woodwind II. Each holds 48 people, who can either help the crew sail or just relax. Those who stay on shore won’t feel left out; numerous spectators watch racers finish in front of the yacht club’s clubhouse.
EASTERN AND ATLANTIC SHORES
The Eastern Shore has so many peaceful inlets that instead of a hiking trail map, Talbot County has kayaking trail maps for Tilghman Island and St. Michaels.
Another choice here would be to charter one of the few remaining skipjacks—stable, single-masted boats that were purpose-built for the area’s oyster fishermen during the past century. The H.M. Krentz and Rebecca T. Ruark give visitors an up-close look at a historic but still-endangered industry.
In Ocean City, visitors can charter either bay or deep-sea fishing boats, while the more adventurous can go parasailing. Stand-up paddleboarding has also recently become popular, says Jessica Waters of the Ocean City CVB.
“You can look out over the bay and see dozens of paddleboarders,” Waters says. “Not only are you out on the bay for this outdoor experience, but it’s really fitness-friendly. I’ve even seen fitness groups doing yoga on their paddleboards.”
