Boating Guide

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Explore the Best of Boating in Maryland’s Premier Waterfront Region. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and one of the most iconic boating destinations in the world. With its mix of historic harbors, scenic shorelines, world-class marinas, and abundant fishing grounds, the Bay offers something for every type of boater.

Whether you're planning a relaxing cruise, a fishing adventure, or a weekend getaway, this guide provides everything you need to navigate, explore, and enjoy the Chesapeake Bay.

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maryland boating regs

top marinas & docking locations

best fishing & crab spots

dock-&-dine restaurants

navigation hazards & safety tips

conservation practices

boat rentals, tours & events

Intro

The Chesapeake Bay is more than a body of water—it’s a way of life. From the quiet coves of the Eastern Shore to the bustling harbors of Annapolis and Baltimore, this region offers some of the best boating in the country. Whether you're chasing striped bass at sunrise, docking for lunch at a crab house, or cruising under the Bay Bridge with dolphins off your bow, this guide is your compass.

We’ve mapped out everything you need—marinas, dining, fishing, rentals, seasonal events, safety tips, and more—so you can make the most of every nautical mile. Welcome to the Chesapeake. Let’s get you underway.

maryland boating regs

Licensing and Education Requirements

Maryland Boating Safety Certificate is required for anyone born after July 1, 1972. Obtain your certificate online through BoatUS or take an in-person course through Maryland DNR. Out-of-state boaters may operate in Maryland waters for up to 90 days with a valid out-of-state license.

Speed Limits and No Wake Zones

6-knot speed limit (≈7 mph) within 100 yards of shorelines, piers, bridges, and marinas. Idle speed only in marked No-Wake Zones (e.g., Annapolis Harbor, Kent Narrows, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor). Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis): Must operate at 6 knots within 100 feet of any dock, pier, or swimmer.

Boat Registration and Titling

All motorized vessels (including jet skis) must be registered with Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Display registration numbers on both sides of your vessel. Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard are still required to obtain a Maryland use decal if operating in state waters for over 90 days.

Required Safety Equipment

Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs): - One U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket per person on board. - Children under 13 must wear a life jacket at all times while underway. - Type IV Throwable Flotation Device required on boats 16 feet or longer. Navigation & Emergency Gear: - Must have working navigation lights from sunset to sunrise. - Fire extinguishers are mandatory for most boats. - Visual distress signals (flares) required for vessels over 16 feet. Boating Under the Influence (BUI): - Blood Alcohol Limit: 0.08% – Same as driving a car! - Marine Police conduct BUI checkpoints throughout the Chesapeake Bay.

top marinas & docking locations

Annapolis City Dock (Ego Alley)

best fishing & crab spots

Chesapeake Bay Bridge

Best for striped bass, jigging & live-lining.

dock-&-dine restaurants

Mike's Crab House

Riva, MD

navigation hazards & safety tips

The Chesapeake Bay’s vast waters are beautiful but can be unpredictable. From strong currents to shallow shoals, it’s essential to plan your route and be aware of potential hazards.

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Plan Your Trips Smartly

Shallow Waters and Sand Bars Fairlee Creek – A tricky, narrow entrance with shifting sands and a shallow entrance. Knapps Narrows (Tilghman Island) – Fast-moving tides with a low-clearance drawbridge. Mouth of the Chester River – Unmarked shoals can catch boaters by surprise.

Strong Currents and Heavy Traffic Areas Kent Narrows – One of the fastest-moving tidal currents in Maryland. Slack tide is the safest time to pass through. Chesapeake Bay Bridge – Expect heavy boat traffic and swirling currents, especially on windy days. Baltimore Harbor Shipping Lanes – Large commercial vessels have the right of way and create significant wakes.

Restricted and Secure Zones Patuxent River Naval Air Station (St. Mary’s County) – Military training areas require boats to maintain distance. LNG Terminal (Cove Point, Calvert County) – Boaters must stay at least 500 yards away from the facility. Tankers & Cargo Ships – Always give large ships plenty of room; they cannot stop or maneuver easily.

Safe Boating Tips Always check the NOAA marine forecast before heading out. Tune into VHF Channel 16 for weather updates and emergency broadcasts. Use updated navigation charts and GPS to avoid shallow water areas.

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conservation practices

The Chesapeake Bay’s vast waters are beautiful but can be unpredictable. From strong currents to shallow shoals, it’s essential to plan your route and be aware of potential hazards. Boaters on the Chesapeake Bay are fortunate to share the waters with incredible wildlife, but it’s important to protect these natural resources.

Common Wildlife Sightings:
- Ospreys // Often seen perched on channel markers or diving for fish.
- Bald Eagles // Frequently spotted soaring above the Bay.
- Great Blue Herons & Egrets // Found in marshy areas and along shorelines.
- Bottlenose Dolphins // Sightings are becoming more common, especially near Kent Island and the Southern Bay.
- Sea Turtles // Loggerhead turtles occasionally make their way into the Bay.
- Cownose Rays // Known for leaping out of the water near shallow areas.

Eco-Friendly Boating Practices:
- Follow No-Wake Zones near shorelines to prevent erosion.
- Use pump-out stations for waste disposal—dumping untreated sewage is illegal.
- Dispose of trash responsibly—plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats to Bay wildlife.

embrace the Lifestyle

Whether you’re looking for exciting fishing, relaxing waterfront dining, or a scenic weekend getaway, the Chesapeake Bay has it all.

Bookmark this guide and start planning your next voyage today!

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