Rentals
Thank you for visiting the site of the Kayak, Canoe and Bike rental stand on Assateague Island National Seashore. Our stand is now open for the season. If you have any questions regarding our stand, please email kdiffenderfer@mdcoastalbays.org or call 410-726-3217.
Location: The rental stand is located on Bayside Drive in Assateague Island National Seashore (please keep in mind that the National Seashore charges an entrance fee). This is the second right after the National Park tollbooth.
Hours of Operation:
Mid-April - Memorial Day:
Weekends only (Saturday and Sunday), 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.
*Last rental goes out at 3:00 p.m.*
Memorial Day - Labor Day:
Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (please note that the last rental of the day goes out at 5 p.m.)
Labor Day - mid-October:
Weekends only (Saturday and Sunday), 10:00 - 4 p.m.
*Last rental goes out at 3:00 p.m.*
*Please note that in cases of severe or inclement weather, the stand may be closed. Please call 410-726-3217 to check for weather updates/closures.
*During Small Craft Advisories, the rental stand may be unable to rent canoes or kayaks. Please understand that this is for your safety. For up to date weather forecasts, please call our rental stand at (410) 726 - 3217 or the Assateague Island National Seashore Ranger Station at (410) 641 - 3030.
Rental Rates:
Equipment is rented on an hourly basis. All equipment is rented with the necessary safety equipment.
Kayaks: Canoes:
Hourly - $15 Hourly - $10
Daily - $45 Daily - $40
Overnight- $65 Overnight - $60
Weekend- $80 Weekend- $75
Double Kayak:
Hourly only - $20
Bikes: Clam rakes:
Hourly - $6 Hourly - $3
Daily - $20 Daily - $10
Overnight- $30 Overnight- $15
Weekend - $45 Weekend- $20
A 10% discount is available for groups of 10 people or more or youth groups. Weekend Rates: Friday after Noon until Sunday afternoon.
Types of equipment:
Canoes & Kayaks
We rent Old Town polyethylene and Grumman aluminum canoes and single-person Old Town Otter kayaks. Life jackets and paddles are included in the rental of a canoe/kayak.
Bikes
We have standard earth cruisers for adults; and bikes for children. We have a couple of baby seats available, which are $7 an hour for the bikes with this attached. Unfortunately, we do not have any trailers for children at this time.
Clam rakes
We have standard clam rakes for rent.
National Park Service Requirements
For more information on park rules and regulations in regards to entrance fees, camping, campfires, pets, backcountry permits, etc. click here
Paddle the Coastal Bays
Guided Canoe & Kayak Trips
Guided Canoe & Kayak Trips
Join us for a guided paddle along beautiful Assateague Island National Seashore! This is a fantastic experience for individuals or groups who wish to create lasting memories of their trip. Please call for information on rates and scheduled trip dates.
All trips are led by trained, knowledgeable guides who will paddle along with you as you discuss the natural and cultural heritage of the island, discover Assateague’s flora and fauna, and most importantly, get out of the boat to explore! Seining, birding and snorkeling – if the water is clear enough– are all options for your trip!
As you glide over the shallow coastal bay, once fished by Native Americans and navigated by pirates, you may glimpse herons, egrets and osprey in the air; diamondback terrapins and cownose rays just below the surface; and the world-famous Assateague Island horses grazing in the marsh.
Trips are offered from June through September on scheduled Fridays from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. All trips depart from the canoe and bike stand on Bayside Drive (2nd right after the National Seashore tollbooth).
We use Old Town Fiberglass and Grumman Aluminum tandem (2-3 person) canoes and Old Town Otter solo kayaks (1-person).
All trips are led by trained, knowledgeable guides who will paddle along with you as you discuss the natural and cultural heritage of the island, discover Assateague’s flora and fauna, and most importantly, get out of the boat to explore! Seining, birding and snorkeling – if the water is clear enough– are all options for your trip!
As you glide over the shallow coastal bay, once fished by Native Americans and navigated by pirates, you may glimpse herons, egrets and osprey in the air; diamondback terrapins and cownose rays just below the surface; and the world-famous Assateague Island horses grazing in the marsh.
Trips are offered from June through September on scheduled Fridays from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. All trips depart from the canoe and bike stand on Bayside Drive (2nd right after the National Seashore tollbooth).
We use Old Town Fiberglass and Grumman Aluminum tandem (2-3 person) canoes and Old Town Otter solo kayaks (1-person).
Prices for Guided Trips
The cost per canoe is $40 and $30 for a kayak. A two canoe/kayak minimum is required for trips to run.
The cost per canoe is $40 and $30 for a kayak. A two canoe/kayak minimum is required for trips to run.
This fee includes canoe/kayak rental, life jacket, paddle, safety orientation, equipment (binoculars, seine net, clam rake, snorkel-if desired), and guide services.
Reservations
Reservations must be made by 4:00 p.m. the Wednesday before and payment must be paid in full prior to the trip. We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Please call 410-726-3217 for reservations and payment.
Please ensure you arrive well in advance to park and complete the registration process.
Reservations must be made by 4:00 p.m. the Wednesday before and payment must be paid in full prior to the trip. We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Please call 410-726-3217 for reservations and payment.
Please ensure you arrive well in advance to park and complete the registration process.
Cancellation Policy
24 hours notice is required to cancel a reservation. There is a $25 cancellation penalty per boat for less than 24 hours notice. No-shows will not be given a refund.
24 hours notice is required to cancel a reservation. There is a $25 cancellation penalty per boat for less than 24 hours notice. No-shows will not be given a refund.
Schedule
Guided, interpretive trips are offered from June through September, on Fridays from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Dates are as follows:
June 18, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3
Trips are two hours in length but trip distance, destination, and activities will vary with your paddling proficiency and weather conditions!
Guided, interpretive trips are offered from June through September, on Fridays from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Dates are as follows:
June 18, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3
Trips are two hours in length but trip distance, destination, and activities will vary with your paddling proficiency and weather conditions!
Non-scheduled guided trips may be available with at least a 48-hour advance reservation. Prices are the same as scheduled trips. Please call 410-726-3217 or email canoes@mdcoastalbays.org for more information.
