Broad Creek Excursions: June 1 & 14
2025 tours begin on June 1st!
We need five participants to run these paddling trips.
- Cost is $80/person with a rental solo kayak. We have seven sit-on-top Ocean Kayaks available.
- Cost is $30/person if you bring your own boat and gear.
Scroll down for more information about these guided paddling trips. Please note that these paddles are not “birding” excursions, but our guide will offer more general history & nature interpretation. We’ll be adding more dates soon, including some that will be birding trips.
We hope to see you this spring and summer on Broad Creek!
Sunday, June 1, 1:00 – 5:00 pm
We need 5 participants to run this trip.
If you are interested in the June 1 trip, please email dmvbirds@gmail.com with your name and the number of people in your party.
Saturday, June 14, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Registration is open for this trip! Click on the secure PayPal button below to select your boat choice (solo rental kayak or bring your own boat) and register.
If you are interested in the June 14 trip, please email dmvbirds@gmail.com with your name and the number of people in your party.
Read about our Broad Creek Excursions
We are excited to host guided tours along Broad Creek in historic Laurel, DE this summer and fall! Broad Creek flows into the Nanticoke River, one of the most wild and scenic rivers on Delmarva. The waterways are teeming with birds and other wildlife, and they have a rich history dating back to the First People of the Chesapeake region, the Nanticokes. On these guided tours, you’ll also learn about Captain John Smith, Harriet Tubman, Patty Cannon and the shipbuilding industry of nearby Bethel, DE, that produced world-famous sailing rams.
We will paddle from the kayak rental in Laurel, DE, approximately three miles to the bridge in Bethel, DE, and then turn around and head back to Laurel. The total trip length is about six miles on the mostly narrow, forested headwaters of Broad Creek. Although Broad Creek is tidal, the tides and wind on this gentle paddle are generally not an issue for most people with some paddling experience.
Before and after your excursion, we encourage you to enjoy lunch, dinner or drinks at Abbott’s on Broad Creek, Laurel Pizzeria, or one of Laurel’s other great dining establishments.
Testimonials:
Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the beautiful kayak trip yesterday. You are so professional and yet so relaxed and helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and learned so much! Thanks for the lovely experience! — Mary H. from Lewes, DE
Just wanted to say that Ann and I really had a great time this afternoon…even if we only heard and didn’t get to see the owls. You’re a very personable and informative guide and you and Ed put together a nice trip. Thank you! — Jim C. from Bridgeville, DE
Meeting Location and Route:
Our meeting location is just northwest of the North Poplar Street bridge in Laurel, DE. Use these GPS coordinates: 38.559216, -75.573484, or please scroll down and zoom in.
Paddling Trip Tips & Policies:
- No cancellations are accepted after 10 days prior to departure.
- This trip is for those with intermediate paddling skills. Please be prepared to paddle six miles in 3 to 3.5 hours.
- Paddling trips will go rain or shine. If we cancel a trip due to dangerous weather, a full refund for that trip will be provided. Please check your email for updates 2 to 3 days prior.
- Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for paddling. Carry sunscreen, sunglasses and/or a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Dress in layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons in the fall.
- When paddling, protect your valuables in a dry bag or sealed Zip-Loc bag.
- Try to arrive a little early before the scheduled trip departs so that you don’t get left behind.
- Most trips are not appropriate for young children. Please use your discretion when registering.
- There are no restroom breaks on these excursions, so please use the restroom before you launch!
Thanks to the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation and Delaware Sea Grant for their support of the Broad Creek Excursions:
