Jug  Bay  Wetlands  Sanctuary 

Canoeing at Jug Bay

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary offers guided canoe trips for individuals, via our public canoe trips: "Discover Wetlands By Canoe" programs or for groups (minimum 10 people) by advanced reservations. We do not rent individual canoes. Here are some additional details:

Current listing of public programs (pdf file) Our "Discover Wetlands by Canoe" programs are held May-October.

General Canoe Trip Policies:

• Canoe trips are lead by staff naturalists or trained volunteers. If no leader is available the trip will be canceled and fees fully refunded.
• Canoes, life vests, and paddles are provided by JBWS. Our canoes are Old Town Discovery 158 and 174.
• No private canoes or kayaks are allowed.
• Participants can provide their own paddles or Coast Guard approved PFD (life vest) if they wish.
• Children must be at least seven years old. For children until 16 years old, there should be at least one adult for every two children, preferably one adult per child.
• Canoe trips are $5 per person. Payment (cash or check) must be received to reserve spots. Phone, fax or email reservations are not accepted.
• We can not accept credit cards.
• Walk-in registrations at any time will be accepted on a space available basis.
• No refunds for cancellations or no-shows.
• If JBWS cancels a trip due to adverse weather, low enrollment, or lack of leader a full refund will be issued.
• The trips start promptly, and leave the Wetlands Center approximately 15 minutes after the stated starting time. Participants often can not join the trip if they arrive more than 15 minutes late, although we will try to accommodate them when practical.
• Trips are four hours long which includes: general orientation, basic paddling lesson, hike to canoes, launching canoes, and paddling. Plan to be on the water for approximately 2.5 hours.

Trips for individuals and families:

• Reservations should be made at least one month in advance.
• Walk-in registrations on the day of the trip will be accepted on a space available basis.

Trips for groups:

• To make a reservation request for a large group (10 people or more), please contact the office: 410-741-9330
• We will confirm your reservation and provide you with further instruction prior to your visit.
• Please note: Reservation request does not guarantee availablility. All requests are subject to availability and must fulfill time, day and duration requirements.
• A $50 deposit (cash or check) is required in advance to reserve the date. If more than 10 people attend, the additional fees can be paid on the day of the trip.
• Reservations should be made at least one month in advance, although many dates fill up 3-6 months in advance.
• Groups are not allowed to register for the public trips.

What to bring on the trip:

• Plenty of water.
• Lunch or snack to eat on the boats
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Clothes and shoes that can get wet
• Optional: binoculars and camera. Remember we will be on the water and it is likely that personal items will get wet. Canoes can tip over, paddles drip water into the canoes, and feet often get wet getting into and out of the canoe. We claim no liability for personal items and electronic equipment (cell phones included) that are damaged during the canoe trip.
• Recommended: Waterproof dry bag to protect items from water.
• There is a mile hike to the canoes, so you may wish to wear comfortable walking shoes to the canoes and change into your paddling shoes at the canoes.

Renting canoes and kayaks:

Patuxent River Park, Jug Bay Natural Area
(310) 627-6074
16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
http://www.pgparks.com/places/parks/jugbay.html

Patuxent Riverkeeper
18600 Queen Anne Road, Rear Barn
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
301-249-8200
info@paxriverkeeper.org
See the Riverkeepers Paddle Tours tab on: www.paxriverkeeper.org

Quiet Waters Park Boat Rentals
600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21403
410.271.7007
http://www.paddleorpedal.com/

Launching your canoe or kayak:

Map of public ramps in Jug Bay area

Patuxent Wetlands Park
Waysons Corner near the intersection of Routes 4 and 408.
Contact the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary for details.

Mailing Address: 1361 Wrighton Road, Lothian, MD 20711
Phone: 410-741-9330; Fax: 410-741-9346

Patuxent River Park, Jug Bay Natural Area
http://www.pgparks.com/places/parks/jugbay.html
(310) 627-6074
16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Prince George's County's Patuxent River Park offers several ramps for launching canoes. Contact them for information.

Join the Annual Patuxent River Sojourn

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