St. Martin River Kayak Tour
Paddle into the hidden beauty of the upper St. Martin River on a guided kayak adventure. Experience a peaceful journey through marshes and forests alive with herons, eagles, and other wildlife. Along the way, discover the rich history of Bishopville Dam and the inspiring restoration efforts bringing new life to the river. Small groups, expert guides, and calm waters make this the perfect escape into nature.

Tour Overview

Glide through the serene upper reaches of the St. Martin River on this 2–3 hour guided kayak tour. Perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, this small-group journey explores calm waters rich with history, ecology, and restoration stories.

What You’ll Experience

Landscape & Scenery: Paddle a gentle stretch of river framed by marsh grasses, forest edges, and glimpses of farm fields. The route winds from Shell Mill Landing upstream through the Bishopville Prong, offering quiet waters ideal for wildlife viewing.

Wildlife Encounters: Look for herons, ospreys, and bald eagles circling overhead, while kingfishers dart along the shoreline. Fish ripple beneath the surface, and in warmer months turtles sun themselves on logs.

Cultural History: At Bishopville Road, learn the story of the Bishopville Dam — originally built to power a mill pond over 130 years ago, now the focus of a major restoration project to reopen miles of fish habitat and revive the river’s ecological health.

Special Features: This section of the river is part of an active watershed restoration effort. Conservation projects here aim to improve water quality, restore wetlands, and even re-establish rare Atlantic white cedar swamps once common on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Highlights

• 2–3 hour guided kayak tour
• Relaxed pace, all skill levels welcome
• Small group size for personal experience
• Discover wildlife, ecology & cultural history
• Sunset options available upon request

What’s Included

• Kayak, paddle & U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket
• Safety briefing & paddling instruction
• Knowledgeable naturalist guide
• Small group size for a perso