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An aerial view of two people paddling yellow kayaks on the dark blue water of the Eastern Shore in Virginia.
Virginia

Kayaking the Eastern Shore: The Chesapeake and the Atlantic

Program No. 2285RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Wallops Island
Program Concludes
Wallops Island
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
14 ( 5B, 4L, 5D )
Activity Level
From
1,549
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Experience the coastal environment from a new perspective as you kayak while viewing coastal flora and fauna. Paddle with Chincoteague Bay Field Station ecologists/biologists through salt marsh ecosystems, over eel grass beds and up a picturesque river and extraordinary coastal creeks of the Chesapeake and Chincoteague Bays.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Experience day and night paddles through the diverse waters of the Eastern Shore, including the scenic Pocomoke River, which snakes through one of the northernmost cypress swamps.
  • Refresh your skills through classroom and field instruction and demonstrations, starting with the basics and progressing through more advanced skills.
  • Learn about the coastal and bay ecosystems of the Eastern Shore, winding through a salt marsh for intimate encounters with egrets, herons and other animals.
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See Related Programs
Water SportsOutdoor AdventuresSmall GroupRetreats
General Notes
The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, a live performance or event, and a value-priced single room. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available. ****For this program, participants paddle in tandem kayaks (2 people per kayak) provided by the Field station each day.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Kayaking 4-6 hours per day, with occasional stops to get out of kayaks. Flatwater kayaking in various conditions including the possibility of paddling against wind and currents depending on weather. Kayaking a total of 20-28 miles over 4 days. Walking up to 1 mile per day. Walking a total of up to 2 miles over 4 days. Standing up to 1 hr per day. Srong swimming skills advised as a safety precaution, but no planned swimming as part of the program. Must be capable of getting in and out of kayak with reasonable staff assistance. Staff loads and unloads kayaks each day for participants. Not suitable for wheelchairs, scooters, or canes. Occassional use of stairs, including when boarding the field station buses. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it
  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

    An illustration of a hand using a pen to check off the final item on a clipboard checklist
  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

    An illustration of an elderly man sitting at a computer with a pair of binoculars beside him
  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

    An illustration of an elderly woman holding a piggy bank, with the Eiffel Tower in the background
  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

    An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it