How to Enjoy Baltimore by Water

Hop aboard the Baltimore Water Taxi that connects neighborhoods like the Inner Harbor, Federal Hill, Fell’s Point and Harbor East. Sit back and enjoy the view as you head to your next destination. The Water Taxi also offers one-hour cruises that are BYOB so you can enjoy the sights with your favorite beverage. If you want the boat to yourself, charter a private cruise for up to 74 passengers.

The Baltimore Water Taxi stops in all the waterfront neighborhoods, including Fell’s Point.

Guided kayak tours by Waterfront Partnership depart from the Maryland Science Center in the Inner Harbor on Sundays at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. from April to October (advanced reservation required). The Baltimore City Department of Recreation & Parks also organizes regular group paddles launching from the Baltimore Rowing Center at Middle Branch Park and Ultimate Watersports offers a variety of beginner-friendly kayak and paddleboard tours from the Living Classrooms Marina.

See the iconic Domino Sugar sign up close during a kayak tour!

More experienced paddlers can take advantage of the Baltimore Blueway, a network of water trails and public access points for non-motorized crafts like kayaks, canoes and paddleboats that connects cultural, historic and natural sights within a 3-mile waterfront radius. The 2.5-mile Middle Branch loop is perfect for beginners and birdwatchers as it offers glimpses of osprey, egrets, heron and bald eagles. The Inner Harbor North Shore Loop is a moderately challenging 5.5-mile loop and the Patapsco River Trail is 7.5 miles roundtrip and more suitable for very experienced paddlers.

These dragon shaped paddle boats are named Chessie after the Chesapeake Bay.

Chessie Paddle Boats

If you’re looking for a leisurely activity, head over to Pier 1 in the Inner Harbor and climb aboard a Chessie dragon paddle boat, managed by Living Classrooms Foundation, which uses the enterprise to support its job training programs for local youth. If you’re not into paddling, try the electric-powered pirate ships just down the dock.

Take the boats out for a paddle around the Inner Harbor.

Paddle Club Baltimore

Large groups can party on Baltimore’s first and only pontoon pedal boat, or “Cycleboat,” operated by Sea Suite’s Paddle Club. The 30-foot catamaran-style boat has 10 cycling stations, coolers, USB charging stations and Bluetooth speakers to keep you and up to 19 guests entertained. Don’t worry about running out of steam—the boat has a motor to keep the party going.  

The Pride of Baltimore

The Pride of Baltimore II is a reproduction of a 19^th century Baltimore clipper topsail schooner. You can hop aboard for a free deck tour to learn from crew members about life at sea, or see for yourself with a day sail (purchase a ticket in advance). Pride sails all over the world to promote historical maritime education so be sure to check the online schedule to see if she’s in port.

Pride of Baltimore II set sail in 1988 after the original Pride was tragically lost at sea. It’s a replica of the iconic Baltimore clipper ships from the War of 1812.

American Sailing Tours

Enjoy the sights of Baltimore from the schooner Summer Wind with American Sailing Tours. The 90-minute tour leaves from Harbor East Marina and heads through the Inner Harbor and around Fort McHenry. Choose the vibe for your tour, whether you want a history lesson or a romantic sunset with a bottle of wine.

The Downtown Sailing Center

Located at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, The Downtown Sailing Center (DSC) provides quality educational and life enriching programs that promote self-esteem and teamwork through the joy of sailing. Through the DSC you can participate in classes, open sails, races and cruising. They also offer youth summer camps and educational opportunities.

Enjoy a sail around the Inner Harbor with the Downtown Sailing Center.

Sea Baltimore

Set sail from Canton on the Wave Equation with Captain Rob of Sea Baltimore. Choose from two different two-and-a-half-hour tours to see Baltimore from the perspective of the sea—one during the day and one during sunset with drinks and snacks. You could even get a chance to learn the ropes and help with sailing duties.

Electric Duffy Boats

Be the captain of your own boat with KOLR Electric Boat Rental. Cruise the Inner Harbor with your own food, drinks and music. The 22-foot luxury party boats come equipped with a mini fridge, ice cooler and sound system.

Private Chartered Yachts

Take your celebration to the next level with a private chartered yacht. Yacht Charters on the Bay by Watermark works with you to design the ultimate luxury experience whether you need two hours or all day.

Boat Baltimore

This locally owned and operated private sailing charter, Boat Baltimore, offers city tours aboard a 45-foot sailing yacht for six passengers, a 40-foot Chesapeake Bay Dead Rise for up to 30 passengers, and Baltimore’s first kayak fishing adventure tour for up to six guests.

City Cruises

City Cruises offers brunch, lunch and dinner cruises as well as Inner Harbor sightseeing cruises. Learn about Baltimore’s maritime history while you sip drinks from the onboard bar. Make lifelong memories with special event cruises and see the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve fireworks from the water.

Cruises on the Bay by Watermark

See the Inner Harbor in style aboard the luxury yachts by Watermark. Cruises on the Bay by Watermark‘s narrated tours cover Baltimore’s history and attractions as you cruise past in the Inner Harbor and beyond.

Daytime image of the Inner Harbor. Photograph by Jason Varney.

Urban Pirates

Ahoy, matey! Climb aboard Fearless, a modern-day pirate ship that sails out of the Ann Street Pier in Fell’s Point from early summer to late fall. Urban Pirates‘ lively crew can guide families, private events, birthday parties or adults over the age of 21 for a ‘B.Y.O.G.’ (bring your own grog) affair, all for a few hours along the city’s edge. With every tour option, you’ll be entertained with pirate-themed dances, games and treasure hunts galore.