Glide calm water past waterfront homes and marshes on Back Creek—ideal for first-timers and seasoned paddlers. Launch from 655 Americana Drive and choose a one- or two-hour rental with gear and instruction included.
Glide calm water past waterfront homes and marshes on Back Creek—ideal for first-timers and seasoned paddlers. Launch from 655 Americana Drive and choose a one- or two-hour rental with gear and instruction included.
Book with Capital SUP Annapolis
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Capital SUP Annapolis · Annapolis, Maryland
Eastport (Back Creek) Nautilus Point sits on Back Creek in Annapolis, Maryland, offering a gentle, sheltered paddle where glassy water reflects waterfront homes and the rigging of yachts. Rentals launch from 655 Americana Drive Annapolis, MD 21403; Check in at our Capital SUP trailer before your paddle. With stand-up paddleboards and sit-on-top singles and doubles available, this is a place where beginners can learn strokes and balance while experienced paddlers can push out toward the bay entrance for a cleaner breeze and a view of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Back Creek is a protected inlet with tidal channels, saltmarsh fringes, and docks that create a patchwork of habitat. Key features include the creek's narrow coves, private boatyards, and connection to the larger Annapolis harbor and Chesapeake Bay; you'll pass marinas, sculpted bulkheads, and the occasional wooden pier that frames reflections at low light. Wildlife is immediate—look for great blue herons probing edges, ospreys patrolling for baitfish, and fiddler crabs scuttling the mudflats when tides expose the flats. The operation steers toward accessibility: lifejackets, paddles, and brief technique instruction are included, and options range from one-hour drop-ins to two-hour private rentals. Pricing varies by weekday and weekend, and kayaks come in single and double seat models for pairs and families. Safety rules are emphasized—ALL PADDLERS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 NEEDS ADULT SUPERVISION OR AN INSTRUCTOR / TOUR GUIDE!—so novices leave confident and solo paddlers appreciate the straightforward launch and protected water. Why this stretch of water stands out is simple: proximity. You paddle in an urban-waterfront setting that still feels wild. One moment you're watching a homeowner tend a pier garden; the next you're rounding a bend into tide-swept marsh where salt grasses hum in the wind. For more ambitious outings, the bay entrance opens to wider water and skyline views of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge—a dramatic contrast to inland coves. Practical notes: bring sun protection, a bottle of water, and shoes that tolerate mud. Be mindful of boat traffic near marina entrances and give nesting birds space during spring. Pack out trash and stick to launched routes to protect marsh edges. Whether you're chasing a quiet sunrise paddle, an easy family outing, or a sunset photo run, Eastport (Back Creek) Nautilus Point delivers a short, satisfying taste of Annapolis paddling culture with minimal fuss and immediate scenery. Local operators emphasize stewardship: keep to marked launch zones, avoid trampling marsh grass, and secure gear to prevent lost plastics. For photographers, low tide reveals patterns of mud and wrack; for families, doubles make shared exploration easy. Reservations are recommended on weekends and evenings when Annapolis slips into golden light and the water fills with local sailors. Book early, paddle safely.
easy.
1–2 hours.
Light paddling fitness; participants should be able to stand or sit and paddle for up to two hours and handle brief balance work on a SUP.
Kayak or paddleboard, paddle, and a lifejacket are provided; brief instruction and safety orientation are included at check-in.
Check in at the Capital SUP trailer located at 655 Americana Drive Annapolis, MD 21403 before your paddle.
Yes, but all paddlers under 18 require adult supervision or an instructor/tour guide as stated in the operator's policy.
Options typically include one-hour and two-hour rentals; kayak and SUP pricing varies by weekday and weekend.
Experienced paddlers can head toward the bay entrance for broader views, but be mindful of conditions and boat traffic and stay within your comfort zone.
Local parking is available near the launch area but varies by time of day—arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
Annapolis has been a major Mid-Atlantic sailing hub for centuries and is often called the "Sailing Capital" of the United States, which shapes local waterfront culture.
Operators encourage staying on established launch routes, packing out trash, and avoiding marsh trampling to protect delicate saltmarsh habitats.
Capital SUP Annapolis is a stand-up paddleboard and watersports outfitter based in Annapolis, Maryland, offering rentals, guided paddles, lessons, camps, and an online store. The company operates at Ferry Point and Quiet Waters Park and runs seasonal summer camps in Arnold and Quiet Waters, youth Grom Camps, pop-up kids camps, private lessons in Eastport, and special events and tours focused on scenic waterways and wildlife experiences. Capital SUP Annapolis provides board, paddle, and safety equipment for rentals and lessons, and offers expert instruction from professional racers and certified instructors for private lessons and guided trips. Rentals include SUPs, kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats at Quiet Waters Park and board and kayak options at Ferry Point. Local Adventure Trips are two-hour guided paddles suitable for all ages, with options to bring personal gear or rent from the outfitter at a discounted rate. Safety protocols include life jackets and guidance on water safety for campers and participants. Summer camp programs emphasize skill development, SUP fitness, SUP yoga, games, and culminate with a camp T-shirt for participants. Special events and sunset tours provide 90-minute to two-hour paddles through Mill Creek, Harness Creek, and views of the Chesapeake Bay. The online store sells new and used equipment and Capital SUP branded merchandise for paddlers preparing for on-water adventures. Capital SUP Annapolis focuses on accessible, supervised, and locally guided experiences on Maryland waterways. Booking is available online and through direct contact, with flexible scheduling, group rates, and custom private experiences for families, schools, and organizations.
Book with Capital SUP Annapolis