How to Enjoy Baltimore by Water
Baltimore's prime location on the Chesapeake Bay makes it the perfect place to enjoy these water activities.
If you’re looking for a new way to experience Baltimore, why not head to the harbor? With the waterfront so accessible and close to our most popular attractions, it’s easy to grab a paddle, set sail or take an Inner Harbor boat tour.
Baltimore Water Taxi
Just because you need to get from one place to another doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ride! 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 Baltimore Water Taxi stops in all the waterfront neighborhoods, including Fell’s Point.
Kayak
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.
Paddleboat
These dragon shaped paddle boats are named Chessie after the Chesapeake Bay.
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.
Sailing
The Pride of Baltimore
The Pride of Baltimore II is a reproduction of a 19th 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.
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.
Boat Rentals
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.
Sightseeing Cruises
City Cruises by Hornblower
City Cruises by Hornblower 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.
