Kayaking in Annapolis March 2025

We rented kayaks from Paddle Annapolis, a small company on the Eastport peninsula at the end of March 2025. With a spring break vacation in Virginia Beach looming, we wanted to practice our skills before hitting more challenging work much further down the Chesapeake Bay. 

The company has a small and easy launch into Spa Creek.

Mom and youngest getting into their kayak

A successful launch

She launched earlier

Spa Creek is on the south side of downtown Annapolis, where the Capitol and the Naval Academy and the tourist bits are located. The creek is lined with lots of large and impressive houses, along with numerous personal docks and boats.

Downtown thataway!

We headed up the creek, leaving downtown for the return trip since the wind would favor us on the way back.

Ships near the launch area

We had fun going under Compromise Street/6th Street bridge (which we drove over to get to the kayak place).

Nicely in sync

Crossing on the left

I went through the middle of the bridge, the draw bridge part, and enjoyed seeing the signs. I am not sure what the speed limit sign is (miles or knots or metric) but I am sure I was not exceeding it.

If you need the phone number at this point, you are in trouble

Interesting height gauge

Looking up at the road

On the other side, traffic was not too busy. We had fun waving to larger boats going in the other direction.

We had this boat surrounded (see the blue kayak on the other side?)

Some fancy houses

A mega-house

Snacking on the water was fun though I had trouble docking with the other boats in the middle of the water.

Powering up for more rowing

Two thirds of our fleet

More houses and docks

Doesn't want her picture taken

More photophilic

Houses ready for high water

A dog barking at us

We saw the Charles Carroll House from the water, with the spire of Saint Mary's Catholic Church behind it.

Historic home

Going back under the bridge

On the way back under the bridge, we turned left at the Annapolis Yacht Club to paddle down Ego Alley, a small branch of Spa Creek leading into downtown.

Annapolis Yacht Club

The Naval Academy

The gas station!

We saw some birds on the water but it was hard to get close enough to get a picture before they would scatter. The ducks by downtown were more photophilic.

Sittin' on the dock of the bay

Hoping for some droppings?

The downtown waterfront

More of the same

On the way back to the kayak rental place, I was able to photograph one of the birds that hangs out on the buoys. 

Watch out for that other boat!

This Harry-Potter themed boat made me laugh.

Is it the broom or the ball?

After returning our kayaks we headed back to an old favorite, the Iron Rooster, for lunch. I ordered the Crab Hash, which was delightful.

An earned meal