Blackwater Wildlife Refuge

Adventure onto the Open Water
Experience a three-hour kayak safari in the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located just a two-hour drive from the metro area. The refuge supports over 60 bird species, including a large Bald Eagle population and 13 waterfowl species. All trips include a paddling lesson and equipment orientation. Bald eagle sightings are guaranteed!
Included in Beginner Flatwater Trip Package
$475
Now 30% off!
$332.50

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Trip Details
LOCATION
We meet at the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center in Cambridge, MD and carpool to the water for the tour.
TIME
9 AM or 2 PM
DURATION
4 hours
2025 DATES
September 27 (Saturday)
September 28 (Sunday)
Price
Beginner Flatwater Trip Package
$475
Now 30% off!
$332.50

Photo Gallery
Check out some photos from past Blackwater Wildlife Refuge kayaking trips!




What To Bring
The following list of things to bring is for your comfort, safety, and enjoyment of your on-water experience with us. All items are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
Year Round
Bring all of these items on your Blackwater Wildlife Refuge trip:
- One liter of water
- Waterproof snack (Clif Bar, etc.)
- Allergy medication (required for any severe reactions such as bee stings, peanuts, asthma, etc.)
- Shoes that can get wet and have excellent traction.
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Eyeglass strap (so you don’t loose your expensive prescription lenses)
- Towel and change of clothes (in case you capsize)
- Tips for guide (Suggested)
Cool Weather Months
The following items are also required during cool weather months (April–May & September–November):
- Windproof nylon jacket and pants
- Synthetic under-layers
Optional Items
You’re welcome to bring the following, as well:
- An inexpensive poncho to go over everything and retain warm body vapors is good to have in the event of an accidental capsize in cooler weather
- Insect repellant
- Binoculars
- Waterproof bird guide

FAQs
Feeling uncertain about how the kayak tours work? Find answers to some frequently asked questions below!
- IMPORTANT: Have all of your participants created an account, pre-completed our electronic risk form, and have they been scheduled along with you? Please make sure! Only those individuals whose names appear on our schedule will be able to participate in any event. Your purchase is not a reservation. Chat or message us through our website with any questions.
- You have up to two years from your first trip to complete any membership package.
- Please schedule or re-schedule your events online using your scheduling login – and check your wait list status regularly – wait listing for an event is a commitment on your part to attend. We recommend checking on Monday and Thursday before weekend events. You WILL NOT be notified when you are automatically moved off the wait list, so be sure to check using your scheduling login. The roster generally solidifies the week of the event and we make final adjustments to capacity at that time. Adjustments made on a Friday that result in your being added are accompanied by a message and phone call from us. Please respond promptly. Remove yourself from the wait list if you can no longer attend. CLICK HERE FOR YOUR SCHEDULE PAGE.
- You have up until 72 hours before start time to reschedule (please do so online). Guests who do not reschedule in time or don’t show up forfeit their trip. No exceptions are made to this policy and we do not offer refunds.
- Please do not wait until the last minute to prepare for your trip.
- Please arrive and be prepared fifteen minutes prior to your trip start time. (Late arrivals will not be admitted.)
- Personal floatation, paddle, and kayak are provided at no charge.
- Although our beginner trips do not include intentional capsizing, you could accidentally end up in the water. Therefore, in the spring and fall we require that all participants wear synthetic clothing that dries quickly. Patagonia Capilene is great for such a situation and it can be worn under basic nylon pants and jackets. Long pants are a good idea on many beginner trips, as is a simple plastic poncho.
- On some trips, you will have to help carry your kayak on two short portages.
- Store your car key in a “Hide-a-Key” box or similar somewhere on your vehicle.
- You may repeat any trip at a discounted rate. Chat or message us for details.
- All trips meet rain or shine. A decision to postpone due to lightning or other dangerous conditions is made on-site at the last possible minute. (Mother Nature often cooperates if we wait and see.)
- For your safety and enjoyment, we request that you keep your personal information up-to-date on your schedule page using the link at the top right that says “Personal info”
What Others Are Saying
Reviews from others are the highest compliment that we can receive. Check out what others in the Washington, DC area have said about our kayaking lessons and adventures!
Make This Year Amazing!
Learn a new skill, meet new friends, and see the Potomac River like never before with Kayak DC!

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