Best Kayaking Near Dewey Beach, DE: Skip the Wind and Discover the Canal
Dewey Beach is known for its lively energy, bayside bars, and big open water views—but when it comes to peaceful, beginner-friendly kayaking, the nearby bays can be wide open, windy, and full of boat traffic.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing paddle, full of wildlife, shade, and calm water, make the short drive south to Bay Venture Outfitters in Bethany Beach, where you can launch directly into the Assawoman Canal—a hidden paddling gem with easy access to the Assawoman Wildlife Area.
Why Skip the Bay?
❌ Rehoboth & Indian River Bays
- Often windy with open, choppy water
- Shared with boats, jet skis, and wake zones
- Less shade, more exposure
- Launch sites can be crowded or inconvenient
✅ Assawoman Canal (Bay Venture Outfitters)
- Calm, narrow waterway perfect for families and first-timers
- Sheltered from wind, with shaded marsh banks and quiet inlets
- Paddle into wildlife-rich creeks and trails within minutes
- Free parking and direct waterfront launch from our Bethany Beach location
Paddle Into Nature, Not Noise
Just minutes from our launch, the Assawoman Wildlife Area opens up a world of natural beauty:
🦅 Wildlife sightings: Bald eagles, great blue herons, ospreys, and fox squirrels
🌿 Marsh landscapes: Paddle through cattails, lily pads, and reedy banks
🐢 Gentle water: Perfect for taking your time, snapping photos, or introducing kids to paddling
🧭 Local advice: Our staff will help you pick the best route for the time, tide, and your group
What Makes Bay Venture Outfitters Different?
📍 Bethany Beach location – Less than 30 minutes from Dewey Beach
✅ All gear included – Paddle, PFD, dry bag, and water trail map
🛶 Single & tandem kayaks + kid-friendly options
👨👩👧👦 Family-focused service with calm-water routes perfect for beginners
🦢 Free wildlife guides for kids and photographers
“Vincent gave us all the tips we needed for an amazing trip down the Assawoman Canal. Calm, quiet, and full of birds and turtles!”
— Rebecca D., TripAdvisor Review
Book Your Kayak or Paddleboard Adventure Now
📞 Or call 877-523-9555 to reserve your gear, ask about family packages, or get tide-based launch advice.
🛶 Pro Tip: Early morning and sunset paddles offer the best wildlife and lowest wind.
A Better Paddle, Just Down the Coast
If you’re vacationing in Dewey Beach but want to escape the crowds and reconnect with nature, come see why so many paddlers are heading south to the calm waters of the Assawoman Canal. Bay Venture Outfitters makes it effortless to get on the water—so you can spend less time planning and more time paddling.