Best Kayaking Near Ocean City, Maryland: Why the Assawoman Canal Is the Better Paddle
Ocean City, Maryland, might be famous for its beaches and boardwalk, but if you’re looking for the best kayaking experience near Ocean City, skip the traffic, skip the waves, and head just 20 minutes north to the Assawoman Canal—home to Bay Venture Outfitters, where your next adventure begins.
While paddling around Ocean City often means navigating choppy, open water or dodging boat traffic along urban shorelines, the Assawoman Canal offers something completely different: flat water, peaceful nature, and easy access to the wildlife-rich Assawoman Wildlife Area.
Why the Canal Beats the Bay (and the City)
❌ Ocean City Bayside
- Exposed, windy conditions on Assawoman Bay
- Can be rough or choppy—challenging for beginners and families
- City sights: bridges, docks, buildings, and jet skis
- Launching can be chaotic or inconvenient
✅ Assawoman Canal (Bay Venture Outfitters)
- Calm, narrow, protected waterway
- Beginner- and kid-friendly paddling conditions
- Scenic marshes, trees, and creeks—not buildings
- Easy launch and free parking right at our waterfront location
- Direct access to the Assawoman Wildlife Area by paddle
Paddle Into the Assawoman Wildlife Area
Just a short paddle from our dock, the Assawoman Wildlife Area opens up through a network of creeks and inlets where nature thrives:
🦅 Spot bald eagles, great blue herons, and ospreys overhead
🐢 Watch for turtles, fox squirrels, and frogs along the shoreline
🌿 Paddle past native marsh grasses, cattails, and wildflowers
📸 Perfect for nature photography, birdwatching, and peaceful solitude
What You Get with Bay Venture Outfitters
📍 Bethany Beach Location – Just 20 minutes north of Ocean City
✅ Premium gear – Single, tandem, and kid-sized kayaks and SUPs
🎒 Everything included – Paddle, PFD, dry bag, and water trail map
🧭 Local guidance – Our staff will help you choose the best route for tides, time, and interests
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly and first-time paddler approved
“Vincent gave us all the tips so we’d enjoy our time on the Assawoman Canal. It was peaceful, easy to navigate, and full of wildlife.”
— Rebecca D., TripAdvisor Review
Book Your Kayak or Paddleboard Rental Today
📞 Or call 877-523-9555 to ask about wildlife viewing routes or group paddles.
🛶 Pro Tip: Morning paddles are best for glassy water and wildlife activity. Ask us for a free trail map at check-in!
Ditch the Crowds—Find Peace Just Minutes from OCMD
Ocean City is a great place to visit, but if you want to truly connect with nature, paddle at your own pace, and avoid the wind and waves of the open bay, make the short drive north. You’ll find some of the best kayaking in the region at Bay Venture Outfitters—with calm waters, amazing wildlife, and a crew that’s ready to help you make the most of it.