Is previous kayaking experience necessary?

No, this tour is suitable for beginners and all participants will receive safety instructions before paddling.

What should I bring with me?

Bring water, sun protection, appropriate clothing, and any personal items, but all paddling equipment is provided.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Yes, children of suitable age and paddling ability are welcome, but please check with the operator for age restrictions.

What if the weather is bad?

Tours may be canceled or rescheduled in severe weather; always check with the operator prior to your trip.

How many people can join a tour?

Group sizes vary, but a typical tour accommodates small groups for a personalized experience.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility challenges?

Please contact Assateague Outfitters directly to discuss accessibility options.

Wildlife Discovery Tour at Assateague Outfitters in Bayside Stand | History Tour | Horse

Assateague Island, located along Maryland’s Atlantic coast, is renowned for its sprawling salt marshes, shifting tidal channels, and herds of wild horses that often seem to appear at the water’s edge. Assateague Outfitters offers a captivating Wildlife Discovery Tour that immerses visitors in this dynamic coastal environment through a two-hour kayak adventure. Led by passionate naturalist guides, the trip combines paddling with hands-on activities like clamming and netting, fostering a deeper understanding of the island’s delicate ecology.

Launching from Bayside Stand, paddlers slide quietly through the calm waters, skimming past salt marshes where herons stalk and egrets wade. The landscape pulses with perennial life—migratory birds in seasonal abundance, playful otters along the channels, and the iconic wild horses grazing just beyond the shoreline. As the guides share insights into conservation efforts and the island’s history, participants gain a richer appreciation for this protected coastal habitat.

What makes this tour stand out is its blend of adventure and education, set against the backdrop of one of Maryland’s most beloved natural spaces. The hands-on activities allow paddlers to connect physically with the environment, whether by clam digging or netting for aquatic creatures. This tour is accessible for a range of ages and fitness levels, making it a family-friendly way to experience Assateague’s wilderness.

Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, wildlife photographer, or family seeking a meaningful outdoor outing, the Wildlife Discovery Tour at Assateague Outfitters offers an authentic, up-close encounter with one of the East Coast’s most unique coastal ecosystems. It’s a chance to witness nature at its most raw and vibrant, all while supporting ongoing conservation efforts.

Located just a short drive from Ocean City, Maryland, this guided paddling trip lends a refreshing perspective on the region’s coastal biodiversity. It’s more than just a kayak tour—it’s a window into the wild heart of Assateague Island.

About Assateague Outfitters

Assateague Outfitters is an outdoor rental and tour provider based in Berlin, Maryland, serving visitors to Assateague Island National Seashore. The company offers a wide range of watersports rentals—single and tandem kayaks, standup paddleboards (SUPs), and canoes—alongside bicycle rentals available from both the Bayside Stand and the Visitor Center. Rentals span two-hour, full-day, multi-day, and weeklong options, including two-hour watersports and bike rentals, full-day and three-day watersports and bike rentals, three-day and weeklong watersports choices, and overnight 24-hour bike and watersports rental options.

Guided programming includes the Wildlife Discovery Tour, a two-hour kayak tour led by naturalist guides that explores salt marshes, hidden channels, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Tours include hands-on activities such as clamming and netting, plus ecological interpretation about the island's habitats and species. Watersports rentals include a brief orientation and personalized route suggestions to help guests navigate back bays and coastal waterways. Overnight rentals accommodate extended island exploration; park entrance fees referenced with some rentals are valid for a week.

Assateague Outfitters operates from both Bayside Stand and the Visitor Center and provides equipment for solo paddlers, tandems, and groups. The offering emphasizes accessible, self-guided and guided outdoor experiences for all skill levels at Assateague Island. Full-day watersports rentals run from 9 AM to 6 PM, providing a window for exploration. Two-hour watersports rentals are suitable for all skill levels and also include orientation and route suggestions. Weeklong options let visitors keep equipment for extended coastal exploration, while three-day and overnight 24-hour rentals support multi-day island stays.