In Annapolis, boating, sailing, and cruising are integral parts of the city’s past and represent what Annapolitans like to do in the present. For some, its the pleasure of reclining on a seat on the deck and cruising along the water. For others, the prospect of seeing new sights out on the water is the impetus for cruising in the first place. Despite these luxuries, there are other quite enticing ways to navigate Annapolis area waters. Kayaking and canoeing allow you to get incredibly close to the water (and touch it in fact!), get some exercise, and be the compass for your own adventure on the water. Thankfully, with Annapolis being the seafaring city it is, there are a range of waters to navigate and enjoy on a kayak or canoe. Keep reading and discover where your next watery excursion may be.
Truxtun Park
Truxtun Park is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and even launching a motor-powered boat. The boat ramp is open all year from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. The only fee you must pay is a $5 one to use the ramp; however, there are annual passes available that will be a better bargain and more convenient. To make it easier to board your kayak or canoe, Truxtun Park also provides a floating dock. The park is located on Hilltop Lane in Annapolis. To learn more information, you can contact the Annapolis Recreation and Parks Department at 410-263-7958.
Quiet Waters Park
This park is arguably one of the most beautiful in the area–and one of the most diverse! It houses an art gallery, a space for weddings, and most important to this article, tons of small boating vessels to rent (you must rent if you want to use the waters). Quiet Waters offers kayaks, canoes, row boats, pedal boats, rowing shells, sailboats, and stand up paddleboards. The park is open every day except for Tuesday. The last rental is at 5 p.m. The cost to get into the park is $6 per vehicle. Call the park for more information at 410-222-1777.
Ferry Point Marina in Arnold
You may have heard the buzz about The Point Crab House and Grill located at the Ferry Point Marina, but you may not acknowledge the kayaking and canoeing capabilities at the marina. The marina is located about ten minutes from Annapolis, on the beautiful and calm Magothy River. Because this part of the river is surrounded by trees, it’s safe from wind and boat wake. There is kayak and dinghy storage available on site or you could cart your own around (there isn’t a rental capability). Paddle around the waters for free. Contact the office at the marina for more information: 410-544-6368.
Ellen Moyer Nature Park on Back Creek
Located at 7314 Edgewood Road, this park features some of the best kayaking and canoeing in the area. In fact, the park celebrates their great space with a community event on July 4. Join the “July 4th Paddle” from 8 a.m. to noon where you can hop aboard a sailboat, kayak, canoe, or stand up paddleboard for $4 per hour. Feeling adventurous? Try your skills with all these water vessels.
Aside from this Independence Day paddle, you or your entire family can sign up for a membership at the park to paddle every week of the year. For individuals, the fee is $175; for families, the fee is $265 per year. The perks for signing up for a membership are extensive: get free access to the Monday night sailing from May to September at the Annapolis Sailing School; get exclusive access to the Tuesday night sailing dinghy racing at the Annapolis Sailing School; enjoy Wednesday night paddles at the park for free; and pay only $15 (as opposed to $35 for non-members) to paddle around the Patuxent River and Anacostia River guided by the employees at the park; and pay only $10 (as opposed to $20) to paddle in the moonlight once a month at the park and in the Annapolis Harbor. See more about these deals on the following link: http://annapolisboating.org/programs/membership-boatign. 
As you’ve probably seen, you can paddle around the Annapolis Harbor area, but must be wary of big motor boats.
Bear in mind that Anne Arundel county features numerous little creeks, rivers, and beaches that are worth exploring. Some parks where you could launch a kayak or canoe, like the Mayo Beach Park in Edgewater, require a permit to use the docks. Other locations, like the South River Boat Rentals, only provide motor boat and sailboat rentals. Even still, if you’re getting out on the water and enjoying the beauty of the area, who cares if you’re not paddling? Hopefully, this article has inspired you to buy a kayak, borrow a friend’s, or rent oneand paddle to discover.
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