We do not rent kayaks for off-site use at Mallows Bay or elsewhere. DATES COMING SOON. Mallows Bay Park Kayak Tours. Kayakers and boaters hoping to view the Ghost Fleet should be aware that the waters of Mallows Bay are tidal. The park offers parking, a boat launch, kayak launch, and great views of the river and the ships you'll soon be paddling around. Marine Forecast Indian Head to Cobb Island. Paddle through the World War I Ghost Fleet while observing the park's unique wildlife and historic and cultural features. Pointing to Mallows Bay (Photo: Jenna Jones), Operation Husky: The Allied Invasion of Sicily, Smithsonian Kids Online Privacy Statement. It's about 5.5 miles by water from Mallows Bay. Mallows Bay Park offers outdoor enthusiasts walking trails, a boat ramp and kayak launch. Fee includes an introductory kayak lesson, guided tour, tandem kayak (two-person), paddle, and PFD (personal floatation device). Mallows Bay is unlike anywhere else — and it’s certainly unique within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It is … We have partnered with the Smithsonian Associates, Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, Baltimore National Aquarium, NOAA, … The bay is the location of what is regarded as the "largest shipwreck fleet in the Western Hemisphere " and is described as a "ship graveyard." The 3-hour tour is guided; a snack and bottled water are provided; all participants use tandem kayaks; beginning-level kayakers are welcome. All are available for public use at no cost. The Chesapeake and its tributaries are shallow, and flat and muddy at the bottom. Mallows Bay, a shallow embayment off the Nanjemoy Peninsula, is the site of this fascinating “ghost fleet” of nearly 200 vessels dating from the Revolutionary War through World War I. On July 19, 2016, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Sector Maryland North Capitol Region hosted a kayak tour of Mallows Bay in anticipation of its Sanctuary designation. Mallows Bay - A Self Guided Tour of the Ghost Fleet Just a short drive from Washington D.C., the Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay is home to the largest number of visible historic shipwrecks in the Western Hemisphere, and offers a truly unique paddling experience. Mallows Bay is a small bay on the Maryland side of the Potomac River in Charles County, Maryland, USA. Mallows Bay sits due south of DC on the Potomac River, just across from Marine Base Quantico. There’s no better vantage point than a two-person kayak from which to experience this dramatic collection, as well as to explore the bay’s marshy tributaries filled with abundant wildlife. From beginners, which we were, to the expert Kayaker attention to detail is provided to all. Just 30 miles south of Washington, D.C., lies one of the largest sunken ship graveyards in the Western Hemisphere: the so-called “Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay.” These are WWI wooden ships that were abandon. Mallows Bay Park The "Ghost Fleet" is a diverse collection of shipwrecks of 200 known vessels. The site was proposed to NOAA with broad-based community support to protect and celebrate the nation's maritime cultural heritage while expanding recreational, tourism, education, and economic development opportunities. These wrecks have grown new life as native plants have grown new roots atop them and formed a unique ecology unlike anyplace else. Thirty miles south of Washington in Charles County, Maryland, the lower Potomac River holds the Western Hemisphere’s largest concentration of shipwrecks. Date(s): Overview: Paddle through the World War I Ghost Fleet while observing the park's unique wildlife and historic and cultural features. They had been sent to the bay in the early years of the last century to be destroyed, but instead were abandoned and now linger in varying states of decay. If designated, it would be the first marine sanctuary for the state of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Click here to view all of our current programs. DATES VARY. Due to COVID-19, we are now requiring reservations at least 24 hours in advance of requested date. Summer can be brutally hot, and swimming is off-limits in the cove. Gravel parking for 20 trailers. But in Mallows Bay, the shipwrecks have become accidental man-made reefs. 7 reviews of Mallows Bay Park "So glad we made the trip down there! The Charles County Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism offers guided kayak tours of Mallows Bay from May-October. MALLOWS BAY TOUR. Please call us at 301-292-6455 to make your reservation. Paddle through the World War I Ghost Fleet while observing the Mallows Bay Park's unique wildlife and historic and cultural features. Mallows Bay Kayak Tour This program is currently unavailable. A credit card or driver's license is required as collateral on rental kayaks. Mallows Bay is part of the Lower Potomac River Water Trail, which goes from Washington, D.C. to Chesapeake Bay. In 2010, the Charles County Government opened a small park near Mallows Bay to improve access to the site. Recently named a National Marine Sanctuary by NOAA. Kayak on Mallow's Bay with AKC was a wonderful experience. Mallows Bay, a shallow embayment off the Nanjemoy Peninsula, is the site of this fascinating “ghost fleet” of nearly 200 vessels dating from the Revolutionary War through World War I. All kayak rentals include a paddle and personal flotation device with safety whistle attached. They had been sent to the bay in the early years of the last century to be destroyed, but instead were abandoned and now linger in varying states of decay. Located on the Potomac River only 30 miles downstream from our nation’s capital, Mallows Bay is renowned for its diverse collection of historic shipwrecks, recreational opportunities and scenic beauty. Friends of Mallows Bay is a consortium of humans to support and encourage the selection of Mallows Bay as a National Marine Sanctuary. The nomination to have the bay designated as the first National Marine Sanctuary in 20 years was announced by President Obama in 2015. Professional, attentive and goes beyond the normal tour operators to ensure your experience provides years of memories. Mallow's Bay on the Potomac River is host to the largest fleet of shipwrecks in North America. Charles County offers a three-hour, 2 ½ -mile kayak tour of Mallows Bay ($75 per person for a two-person kayak) or a shorter 1 1 / 2-hour tour ($49 per person) through this kayak company. Mallows Bay is currently under the process to be designated as a National Marine Sanctuary. A special kayak launching area makes paddling access easy. Produced by Julie Depenbrock The water is fairly calm and easy to paddle through. Gain a fresh perspective on a beloved local treasure with this mellow kayak tour of Mallow's Bay. Located along the Chesapeake Trail approximately 30 miles south of Washington, D.C. on the Potomac River in Charles County, Md., Mallows Bay is steeped in history, wildlife, and recreational opportunities. All tours will be led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Children under 12 years old  must be in a tandem with an adult. Unlike the Patapsco, where working vessels and other larger craft at times regard kayaks as nuisances, and even gaining access to the water can prove hazardous, Mallows Bay is … Atlantic Kayak Company (AKC), a woman-owned business, has been providing fun, educational outdoor experiences in the Chesapeake Bay area since 1995.We share our passion for natural and cultural history with others through all of our programs! Surrounded by steep, tree-covered hillsides, Mallows Bay is home to the largest shipwreck graveyard in the Northtern Hemisphere, according to a Charles County website — more … Charles County operates Mallows Bay Park (1440 Wilson Landing Road in Nanjemoy, Maryland). Please call us at 301-292-6455 to make your reservation. Chesapeake Conservancy is a lead partner in the community-driven effort that successfully led to this designation. This shallow embayment, and the waters immediately adjacent, boasts one of the largest assemblages of shipwrecks in the Western Hemisphere, known as the “Ghost Fleet” of Mallows Bay. What is very interesting about this park is that it provides public access to the Ghost Ships of Mallows Bay. The flora is equally fascinating, from towering sycamores to an array of edible and medicinal plants such as wild rice, duck potato, and pawpaw. Mallows Bay–Potomac River is a 18 square mile area of the tidal Potomac River adjacent to Charles County. 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