Off-Site Rentals makes paddling Dorchester County’s waterways effortless with gear delivery and safety equipment. Glide through serene rivers and marshes around Cambridge, Maryland, for an authentic outdoor adventure.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for intermediate fitness; some paddling endurance needed for longer trips
Wildlife
History
Dorchester County waterways have been central to local livelihoods since colonial times, once home to watermen harvesting crabs and oysters.
Conservation
Off-Site Rentals promotes leave-no-trace paddling and partners with local conservation groups to protect shoreline habitats.
Blackwater Adventures
Off-Site Rentals makes paddling Dorchester County’s waterways effortless with gear delivery and safety equipment. Glide through serene rivers and marshes around Cambridge, Maryland, for an authentic outdoor adventure.
Blackwater Adventures is an outdoor recreation provider based in Cambridge, Maryland, offering guided tours, equipment rentals, and specialty experiences on and near the Little Blackwater River and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
The company operates guided kayak tours, self-guided paddles, bike tours, canoe and kayak rentals, fishing kayak rentals, stand-up paddleboard rentals, and multi-day non-motorized rentals. Blackwater Adventures also offers powerboat multi-day rentals, parking/launch options, off-site rentals, and curated experiences such as a Crab Feast and winery kayak and bike tours at Layton’s Chance Winery.
Guided options include a signature Little Blackwater River Kayak Tour that focuses on paddling technique, local history, and wildlife viewing, plus a Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Bike Tour led by experienced guides. The Transquaking River Self-Guided Kayak Tour provides shuttle transportation and a bridge-to-bridge route through brackish swampland and forest. Rental inventory includes on-site kayaks, canoes, bikes, stand-up paddleboards, and a 19-foot Triumph 170 bay boat with a 115 hp outboard for multi-day trips.
Blackwater Adventures emphasizes easy access to equipment, wildlife viewing opportunities—such as bald eagles, herons, otters, and the Delmarva fox squirrel—and excursions tailored to group needs. The business serves locals and visitors in Dorchester County who seek nature-based recreation, fishing, or seasonal seafood experiences. Booking details, safety equipment, and shuttle logistics are provided with each trip.
Reservations accommodate solo paddlers, families, and small groups, with custom itineraries available for special requests, education programs, and corporate outings when scheduled in advance through the reservation system or by phone. Year-round seasonal scheduling options are available upon request.
Location
Cambridge, MD
Operating in Dorchester County
Tours Offered
17 experiences
Guided, self-guided, and rentals
Wildlife Access
Blackwater Refuge
Eagles, herons, otters often seen
Boat Rentals
Triumph 170
19' bay boat with 115 hp
Reserve guided tours, rentals, or the Crab Feast—easy online booking and clear safety guidance ensure a smooth experience.
Plan your launch spot carefully
Choose launch points accessible by Off-Site Rentals’ delivery service to maximize time on water.
Wear a life jacket at all times
Safety gear is provided—always keep your PFD on while paddling.
Check tides and weather before paddling
Dorchester’s tidal waters can change conditions quickly; plan accordingly.
Bring insect repellent in summer
Marshy areas can attract bugs, especially during warmer months.
PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
Often provided, but essential for water safety when paddling anywhere.
Waterproof dry bags
Keep your valuables and electronics safe and dry during your trip.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
The Eastern Shore sun can be intense, especially on open waterways.
summer
Insect repellent
Essential for marshy and wooded riverbank areas, especially in warmer months.
spring