RiverPalooza: Mallows Bay (Ghost Fleet) Paddle
August 19 @ 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Join Potomac Riverkeeper, Atlantic Kayak, and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on a unique guided interpretive paddle through Mallows Bay, the newest National Marine Sanctuary in the United States. Mallows Bay is home to the largest collection of historic shipwrecks in the Western Hemisphere, known as the “Ghost Fleet” of the Potomac.
As you paddle through the eerie hulls of the shipwrecks, Dr. Susan Langley, State Underwater Archaeologist with the Maryland Historical Trust, will provide a fascinating overview of the history of Mallows Bay and explain its ecological importance. The bay is surrounded by sandy bluffs and marshy tributaries rich in wildlife, offering a serene contrast to the historic wreckage.
Located just 30 miles south of Washington, DC, the historic Bay is situated along the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. Join us in supporting Potomac Riverkeeper and our partners in their efforts to promote “fishable, swimmable” waterways and preserve cultural resources like Mallows Bay for future generations to enjoy.
Trip Details
- Arrival Location:
Mallows Bay Park
1440 Wilson Landing Road
Nanjemoy, MD
- Arrival & Check in Time: 8:00 AM
- Shuttle Departs to Put-In: 8:30 AM
- Estimated Take-out time: 11:30 AM
- Paddle Level: Intermediate (can handle more advanced whitewater strokes)
- Paddle Distance: 3 miles/2.5 hr loop
- Boat Options and Costs:
Tandem Kayak: $100per person
Included with each registration:
- Riverkeeper Leader
- rental canoe or kayak
- Paddle insurance
- Personal flotation device for the day (with rental)
- Shuttle Service (if applicable)
- RiverPalooza Tee
Note: Rentals are only available to adults or children 12 years and older who are accompanied by an adult.
How to sign up:
Two waivers must be signed online (in advance) for you to be registered
ACA waiver
Outfitter waiver – Participant Rental waiver (print and bring with you)
Also to do in advance:
What to Bring:
- Packed lunch
- Reusable water bottle (please no plastic bottles or glass)
- Wear proper footwear. NO FLIP-FLOPS. Old gym shoes, sandals with a strap, and water shoes work great
- Sunscreen, hat and rain gear
- Snacks and drinking water (no glass bottles)
- Change of clothes
- Dry Bag or Waterproof Container (if you bring a phone or a non-waterproof camera, you need a way to protect it)
Tag us in your paddle trips on
#RiverPalooza
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