Boating on the Chesapeake Bay

Whether you live in the Chesapeake Bay area or are visiting, one of the best ways to experience the region is to get out on the water.

Cruising Destinations

Cruising boaters can select from many Chesapeake Bay boating destinations.  From Annapolis to Urbanna, there is plenty to see and do.  Read More About Cruising Destination.

Cruising Guides

Cruising guides help boaters find their way to Chesapeake Bay destinations, and provide useful information on navigation, marinas, and amenities that can be found in favorite ports-of-call. Both Chesapeake Bay Magazine and Dozier’s Waterway Guides publish cruising guides that are updated annually.  More Information about Chesapeake Bay Cruising Guides

Marinas

The Chesapeake Bay region has LOTS of marinas at which you can keep your boat, whether you need long a long term place to dock or you are cruising and need a place to stay for a night or two.  Read More About Chesapeake Bay Marinas

Weather Conditions

BayDreaming.com’s Chesapeake Bay Weather and Tides page offers weather forecasts and information on current condition.  Current conditions information includes wind strength and direction, valuable information for sailors.  More Information about Chesapeake Bay Weather and Tides

Paddling around the Chesapeake Bay

The shallow, protected waters of the Bay and its tributaries are excellent for canoeing and kayaking.  These quite, shallow draft craft allow you to get up close to nature and explore areas inaccessible to larger boats. Paddling in these small boats has become an increasingly popular activity in the Chesapeake Bay region. Read More About Chesapeake Bay Paddling

Fishing Charters

Charter fishing boats operate throughout the Chesapeake Bay region.  If you want to be assured of a good day of Chesapeake Bay fishing, taking a charter is a great option.  Charter captains know where the fish are and how to catch them.  BayDreaming.com's Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing Boat Directory will point you to the websites for fishing charters in the Chesapeake Bay area.  More Information about Fishing Charters

Boating Courses and Schools

If you would like to learn how to operate a boat or want to increase your boat handling skills, there area plenty of good boating schools located in the Chesapeake Bay region.   Courses are available to teach you basic boating skills, sailing, and navigation.  Read More About Chesapeake Bay Boating Schools

How to Read a Nautical Chart

How to Read a Nautical Chart, 2nd Edition: A Complete Guide to the Symbols, Abbreviations, and Data Displayed on Nautical Charts.  By Nigel Calder.  In 2000, the U.S. government ceased publication of Chart No. 1 , the invaluable little book that generations of mariners have consulted to make sense of the complex system of signs, symbols, and graphic elements used in nautical charts. Now Chart No. 1 is not just reborn but expanded and improved in How to Read a Nautical Chart.  Arranged and edited by Nigel Calder, one of today's most respected boating authors, and containing four-color illustrations throughout, How to Read a Nautical Chart presents a number of original features that help readers make optimum use of the data found in Chart No. 1 , including a more intuitive format, crucial background information, international chart symbol equivalents, electronic chart symbology, and thorough explanations of the practical aspects of nautical chart reading.  Click here for more information.  Buy from Amazon.com.

Navigation

It's easy to get disoriented in either the wide open waters in the middle of the Bay or its many wandering tributaries. We provide some helpful information on chart books, waypoints, and aids to navigation.  Read More About Chesapeake Bay Navigation

Clubs and Organizations

Many boaters find that joining a group of fellow boaters adds to their experiences on the water.  Boating and yacht clubs organize outings, regattas, races, boating education courses, and social events.  More Information about Chesapeake Bay Boating Organizations