Know Before You Go
For the Best Experience
Use these handy tips to experience the sanctuary at its best.
- For optimum viewing of the wrecks, schedule your visit to correspond with low tide.
- Check the National Weather Service report before departing.
- Paddling is recommended between May and September to coincide with favorable weather and water conditions.
- Due to safety risk from submerged hazards, inflatable kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are not recommended.
- Fishing is permitted within the Potomac River and Mallows Bay (fishing license is required).
- Due to the size of the water access area at Mallows Bay Park, groups of 10 or more should pre-register their paddle trip. This process helps minimize congestion and conflict in the boat ramp area. To pre-register your group, please contact gilroye@charlescountymd.gov at least two weeks prior to the requested date.
Water Quality Conditions
In 2018, a partnership between the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and Maryland Department of Natural Resources provided for the purchase and operation of a new water quality buoy adjacent to Mallows Bay. The buoy operates from April through October and reports real-time measurements of water temperature, salinity, oxygen, and other parameters that inform recreational and commercial users of the sanctuary. The current conditions can be viewed on the Eyes on the Bay website.
A partnership between Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary and the Potomac Riverkeeper Network has developed a community science monitoring program at Mallows Bay focused on bacteria levels. All visitors who come in contact with the water should be aware of bacteria levels and the potential for health concerns. Samples are collected weekly on Wednesdays at three locations in the sanctuary from May-September and posted in the Swim Guide prior to each weekend.