cape henlopen tours

Cape Water Tours

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Cape Water Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

The Ultimate Guide to Delaware's Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen is the gem of the Delaware State Parks system. This guide will help you to make the most of your visit to the park!

By: Abby Shepard + Save to a List

Cape Henlopen State Park is a big place with lots to do including camping, biking, hiking, kayaking, touring a WWII fort, and much more. Many people come to the park and just hit the beach, but miss out on all other other amazing things the park has to offer. Here are the key experiences to hit during your visit, as well as a 1 and 2 day itinerary!

1.  Catch a Sunrise at Herring Point

Herring Point is one of the best places in the park to watch a sunrise. The sun will rise directly over the water, and there are rock outcroppings that make for beautiful photos. 

2. Visit the Touch Tank and the Aquariums in the Seaside Nature Center

In the nature center you can encounter local reptiles, fish, and other marine organisms. There is also a touch tank where you can find horseshoe crabs, whelks, and more. You can talk with a knowledgeable naturalist, grab a park map, and even pick up a souvenir. The Nature Center is a great place to start your day, and you can rent bikes for free from the bike barn next door. 

3. Bike or Hike the Bike Loop

The Bike Loop Trail will take you through the park and give you a good overview of the place. The trail is an easy ride, and you can stop and see a few things along the way including the Observation Tower, Fort Miles, the Fishing Pier, and the Nature Center. If you're starting your day at the Nature Center, you can rent bikes at the bike barn and catch the trail from the front of the Nature Center. 

4. Climb the Observation Tower

The Observation Tower was originally a WWII Fire Control Tower, but today, you can climb to the top to get a spectacular 360 view of the entire park. If you are doing the Bike Loop Trail, be sure to stop here!

5. Tour the Fort Miles Museum

Cape Henlopen was a military fort during WWII, and you can still see the bunkers and the battery where the guns were kept. Tour the artillery park and take a guided battery tour if you can!

6. Bike the Gordons Pond Trail into Rehoboth

The Gordons Pond trail will show you an entirely different side of the park. The trail will take you on an elevated boardwalk above the salt marshes and then end at the beach on the other side of the Park. Once you reach the end of the park, continue for a few minutes and you'll find yourself in the middle of the famous Rehoboth Boardwalk. 

7. Hike the Walking Dunes Trail

This lesser-known trail will take you through the massive sand dunes of the park and will make you feel as though you've been transported to the desert.

8. Walk the Fishing Pier

The fishing pier is a popular spot for fishing, but also a great place for walking. Stroll along the quarter mile pier and see what people have caught. At the end, you can see old pilings sticking out of the water that used to belong to the original pier. You may even catch a glimpse of an osprey if you're there in the summer. If you're into fishing, there is a bait and tackle shop directly beside the pier. 

9. Look for Dolphins from the Hawk Watch

Dolphins come through Delaware every summer, and you can often see their fins dipping through the water. The Hawk Watch is a good place to watch for dolphins because you have an elevated view. The best time to look for dolphins is in the morning or around dusk. 

10. Hit the Beach!

Cape Henlopen offers a beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming or sunbathing. The main beach is guarded from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and you can even take your dog to the beach at Herring Point as long as it is on a leash. If you're into surf fishing, you can do that on the beach as well. 

11. Eat a Gelati

The concession stand at the main beach bathhouse has amazing Water Ice. If you're really feeling it, go for the gelati where they layer soft serve ice cream and water ice. You won't regret it!

12. Kayak the Bay

The Bay side of the park is a great place for kayaking! You can kayak out to the East End Breakwater lighthouse and see the stones of the breakwater up close. You may even see a few dolphins if you're lucky! Kayak and SUP rentals are available at the fishing pier, or you can sign up for a guided kayak tour of the Bay. 

10. Explore the Delaware Bay at Low Tide and Look for Creatures

During low tide, the Bay side of the park is practically drained of water, leaving sand bars and tide pools behind. Search the water for crabs, fish, snails, and more. The best spot to look is under the fishing pier.

11. Watch the Sunset from The Point

The Point is the literal point where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. There is no better spot in the park to watch a sunset. The view is best when low tide and sunset happen at the same time. 

12. Look for Ghost Crabs at Dusk

Once the sun goes down, ghost crabs start to emerge! Search the sand on the Bay side of the park and look for these sand-colored crabs darting across the sand. The best place to look is around the beach surrounding the fishing pier. 

13. Pitch a Tent in the Newly-Renovated Campground

Cape Henlopen renovated their campground in 2017, and it's a wonderful place to spend the night!

One Day itinerary

• Start by visiting the nature center (or start with a sunrise first if you are a morning person!).
• Rent a bike from the nature center and bike the Bike Loop. On the Loop, stop by Fort Miles to wander through the artillery Park and climb the Observation Tower. 
• Hit the main beach in the afternoon, and grab lunch and a gelato from the concession stand OR bike the Gordons Pond Trail.
• If low tide happens in the late afternoon, head to the Bay side to look for creatures under the fishing pier or in the sand bars. 
• Watch sunset from The Point.
• Stick around after sunset to look for ghost crabs on the sand

Second Day Itinerary

• Camp in the campground.
• Catch a sunrise at Herring Point.
• Look for dolphins from the Hawk Watch in the morning.
• Rent a bike from the nature center and bike the Gordons Pond Trail. If you have your own bike, continue into Rehoboth and stop for lunch or ice cream. 
• Kayak the Bay OR hike the Walking Dunes Trail in the afternoon.
• Watch the sunset from the fishing pier or check out this story for more ideas of where to watch the sunset.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Do you love the outdoors?

Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.

Delaware Bucket List: 100 Things to do in Delaware

Abby Shepard

Delaware gets a bad rap, but there is so much to do in this little state!

How to Experience Delaware's Horseshoe Crab Phenomenon

The Delaware Bay is the largest spawning area in the world for horseshoe crabs, and every spring from May to late June, tens of thousands of horseshoe crabs will lay their eggs on the shore of the Delaware Bay. You don't want to miss it.

The Best 5 Hikes for Fall Foliage in Delaware

You'll find great spots for fall color throughout the state.

The 6 Best Camping Spots in Delaware

Camping is a great way to see some of Delaware's best parks and natural areas. With awesome campgrounds throughout the state, you'll want to hit them all!

The 10 Best Hikes in Delaware

Delaware may be a small state, but it's packed with incredible landscapes to explore. Here are my top 10 picks for the best hikes in the First State!

• Local Adventures
• Tours and trips
• Camping Nearby
• Outbound PRO Membership
• Add your property

Mobile Apps

© 2024 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy

Southern Delaware at your fingertips.

• Pet Friendly
• Bike & Stay
• Paddle & Stay
• Eat & Drink
• Fall in Southern Delaware
• Outdoor Adventures
• History & Heritage
• Tours & Side Trips
• Arts & Entertainment
• Tax Free Shopping
• Spectator Sports
• Rainy Day Options
• Farm Adventures
• Nature & Beach Cams
• Relaxation & Wellness
• Garden Getaways
• Jewels of Sussex County
• Bethany Beach
• Bridgeville
• Dewey Beach
• Fenwick Island
• Henlopen Acres
• Rehoboth Beach
• Slaughter Beach
• South Bethany
• Transportation
• Request Information
• Group Tours
• Meetings, Conferences, Reunions & Retreats
• Team Building Activities
• Group Sporting Events
• Student Travel
• $300 for 30

Cape Water Tours and Taxi

Days/Hours of operation : Seasonal, May through September and, if weather permits, through some of October. During the most active months, June, July, August, we operate 7 days a week, offering tours and cruises throughout the day.  The tours and cruises vary depending on the day of the week.  In the cooler months of May, September, and October, we operate an abbreviated schedule, mostly on the weekends.

Tours: Cape Water Tours & Taxi offers several cruises and tours that are educational in nature including Eco Tours, Osprey Banding Tours in late June/early July (about 6 – 8 tours), Delaware Bay Discovery Cruise, Cape Henlopen Fort Miles Cruise and the Maritime History Cruise, and History Happened Here Cruise. These occur at least weekly throughout the summer. Experienced birders and naturalists guide our tours and provide “minds-on” and “hands-on” experiences.

Eco-Tours  (all ages): Find out where the Fiddler Crab got its name, if the Glossy Ibis is really glossy or where the term “crazy as a loon” came from. Experience the wonder of our inland waterways and wetlands and see a wide variety of birds and waterfowl such as Herons, Ospreys, Kingfishers, Forster’s Terns, Grebes, Black-necked Stilts, and the great American Bald Eagle.  If what is above the water doesn’t impress you, then check out what we catch from beneath the waves as we throw out our cast nets. You will learn about submerged aquatic vegetation – algae and seagrasses such as eelgrass and the benefit they provide as breeding habitat for aquatic life. You will see crustaceans like Blue Crabs, Grass Shrimp, and an occasional Horseshoe Crab. Our nets also catch fish like the Summer Flounder, Striped Bass or Mullet. And, if you are lucky, you may see a Diamondback Terrapin, a brackish water turtle that spends most of its time in the waters of the coastal salt marshes.

Osprey banding tours  (all ages): In the early summer, our Eco Tours will present a rare opportunity for our passengers. Captain Steve takes us to osprey nesting platforms where he will place identification tags on the osprey fledglings before they begin to fly. This practice does not hurt the birds and is done specifically to gather information about birds such as migration patterns, life span, and behaviors. These opportunities are few as the optimal time to band these magnificent birds is when they are 7-8 weeks old. 

Delaware Bay Discovery Cruise  (all ages): Join the crew of The Discovery and cruise the waters of the Delaware Bay to learn about this important coastal estuary.  This two-hour cruise will be led by experienced science educators who will sample the waters of the Bay with nets to reveal small animal plankton, bottom-dwelling invertebrates and a variety of fish.  This is a hands-on activity so come prepared to get your hands a little bit wet and slimy. This cruise will also take in the local historical sites such as the lighthouse at the Harbor of Refuge at Cape Henlopen.  And, no trip is complete without an opportunity to look for diverse birdlife and waterfowl along our shores. Don't miss out on this outstanding opportunity to see and learn about Delaware's pristine coastal waters and beaches and to learn about the work being done to preserve the delicate ecosystem within the Delaware Bay. 

Cape Henlopen Fort Miles Cruise, Maritime History Cruise,  History Happened Here Cruise : Ages 8 and up): Join a knowledgeable Lewes Historical guide on board the Cape Water Taxi for a cruise along the Lewes Canal (once Lewes Creek). Journey back in time into Lewes’s maritime past through the centuries. Learn of the explorers who first put Cape Henlopen on the map. Recall the pirates that sailed the same local waters you'll travel upon. Come to understand the difficulties in navigating the Cape's sometime treacherously shallow waters. View lighthouses that for generations have assisted in guiding ships, visitors, cargo and stories through the area.  Learn about the important role of the Delaware Bay River Pilots Association and the brave United States Life-Saving Servicemen who rescued victims from perilous shipwrecks during the 19th and 20th centuries.   (See website for various cruise descriptions.)  We encourage visitors to bring cameras and binoculars if they have them.

Reservations:  Individuals/small groups suggest booking 2 – 48 hours in advance. Large groups please give seven day advance notice. Walk ups accepted if there is space available. Cost :  See website

• Order Visitors Guide
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

Modal title

Discover & Explore

Nature & Wildlife

• Plan Your Visit

NEW! Signup for The Swamp Adventure Tour

Covid Safe Activities

• On the Trail
• On the Beach

Today's Weather

• Trader Joe’s
• Educational
• Restaurants
• Parks & Beaches
• Delaware Campgrounds
• Swamp Adventure Tour
• Nature & Wildlife
• Reptiles & Amphibians
• Rentals in the area
• Weather & Climate
• Bike Safety
• Trail Do’s and Don'ts
• Articles and Guides
• Junction & Breakwater Trail
• Gordons Pond Trail
• Bike Rental
• Map Downloads
• Map Pick Up Locations

Cape Water Tours and Taxi

Contact Details

Docks: 213 Anglers Road, Lewes, DE; 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE. 19958

302-644-7334

[email protected]

https://www.capewatertaxi.com/

Pick up a Delawonder printed map from this location

Information

Cape Water Tours and Taxi offers evening cruises, live music cruises, private charters, and boat tours around the Lewes area. The knowledgeable and experienced staff are thrilled to take visitors on comfortable and stylish coastal adventures. Narrated and non-narrated tours are available.

Operating Hours

Looking for a vacation rental…

Make the most of your visit to Southern Delaware with Jack Lingo, REALTOR®. Find some of the best vacation rentals from across Lewes and Rehoboth, DE, and take your trip in style.

COVID-19 Safe Places

We know that your family and their health is the most important thing. At Delawonder, we understand that you need to live, work, and play safely. We've put together a guide on local places that are COVID-safe to make sure you can enjoy the beauty and splendor of the region safely and securely.

Every effort has been made for precise locations, however, locations are not exact, the site makes no claims or guarantees about the accuracy of the contents.

By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, assist in our marketing efforts, and for personalised advertising.

Tour The Landmark Delaware Lighthouse That's Only Accessible By Boat

Kim Magaraci

Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: [email protected]

More by this Author

Delaware’s coast has a pretty brutal history of wrecking ships and stranding mariners. That’s why the lighthouse system around Cape Henlopen was so important when it was established in the late 1800s. The landmark Breakwater Light likely saved thousands from peril along the foggy Delaware coast. Did you know you can tour this lighthouse today? It’s only accessible via boat — so book your cruise back in time today.

Related Stories

Visit The New Castle Farmer's Market In Delaware For Unexpectedly Delicious Seafood

The Ryves Holt House Is Delaware's Oldest Building, Dating Back To 1665

For The Best Homemade Italian Desserts In Delaware, Visit The Landmark Cafe Sitaly

Visit the Cape Water Tours website here to learn more about booking your Breakwater Lighthouse tour.

The tour leaves from the Lewes Ferry Terminal — not their usual Anglers Road dock.

Address: 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE, 19958

For another fun adventure that you can take on the water, check out The Day Trip Of A Lifetime You Can Only Take In Delaware .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more Delaware in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Delaware!

Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!

An error occured.

Related Articles

• The Longest Covered Bridge In Delaware, Smith Bridge, Is 154 Feet Long
• The Cozy Small Town Of New Castle In Delaware Is Perfect For A Winter Day Trip
• The Best Fried Chicken In Delaware Can Be Found At Walt's Flavor Crisp, A Wilmington Landmark Since 1973
• Enjoy A Hearty, Old Fashioned Breakfast At Bridgeway Restaurant, A Family Owned Diner In Delaware
• 6 Undeniable Reasons To Visit The Oldest Covered Bridge In Delaware
• The Historic Town Of New Castle In Delaware Is Home To 5 Museums You've Got To See
• There’s No Other Historical Landmark In Delaware Quite Like This 80-Year-Old Ship
• This Itty Bitty Delaware City Is Actually One Of The Best Antiquing Towns In The Country

Explore Delaware

• Arts & Entertainment
• Farms & Wildlife
• Fun Adventures
• Shops & Boutiques
• Sights & Landmarks

Tour with us!

Quest has been paddling the waters of Delaware's Cape region since 1999, and our years of experience with the tides, winds, and shifting sands of the area allow us to help plan the best paddles in the area. We offer a variety of tours for all ages and abilities that emphasize safety, fun, nature, and a local's knowledge.

We use Ocean Kayak sit-on-top kayaks which offer stability, ease of paddling, adjustable backrests for comfort, and plenty of leg room. Our personal flotation devices (PFDs) or life jackets are USCG approved and fully adjustable for youth and adults.

We limit the size of tours for safety and allow for an enhanced tour experience. For larger group sizes (typically groups of 12+ paddlers), please contact us at [email protected] or (302) 430-8687 . We are happy to work with you to help customize your tour experience.

Quest Core Tours

Dolphin Tour 

Paddle up close and personal with the Atlantic Bottle Nose Dolphins.  This tour starts and finishes at Cape Henlopen State Park.  During this tour, we paddle from the Delaware Bay, around the Cape Henlopen Point (conditions permitting) and sometimes into the Atlantic Ocean.  We can’t guarantee seeing Dolphins, but we try our best to be in the right spot to do so.  Besides hopefully seeing some dolphins, we paddle by a few lighthouses that have guided and protected our boats for over 100 years.  

::Level of Difficulty - Moderate

::Duration - 1.5 ~ 2 hours

Sunset Sessions

One of our personal favorites, Sunset Sessions varies as does the setting of the sun. We take advantage of the tide allow time to take in the setting sun.  This trip includes paddling on the Delaware Bay and the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. 

::Level of Difficulty - Easy

::Duration - 2  ~ 2.5 hours

Quest Speciality Tours & Outpost Rentals

We offer a variety of ‘one-off’ tours on select specific dates throughout the year.   These offerings include all sorts of fun to include Solstice,  Full Moon Meanders, Marsh paddles, Broadkill River paddles, and many other unique adventures. To view offerings and dates visit our tours page !

Our Partners:    Delaware State Parks   Fort Miles Historical Association

Group Tours   •  Military/Veterans   •  Historical Articles

An American Treasure

A Landmark That Defended America’s Coast

Site of the German U-boat 858 Surrender at the End of World War II

Home of WWII Bookends from the USS Arizona & the USS Missouri

A World War II Museum in a WWII facility

Fort Miles has earned its place in U.S. history, and Fort Miles Museum is dedicated to telling its stories.

Fort Miles was built in the early days of World War II as a vital coastal defense base to deter German attacks on key U.S. infrastructure and ports, including Philadelphia and Wilmington. In the Cold War, it was home to a top-secret Navy listening post.

Our supporting partners , Fort Miles Historical Association and Delaware State Parks , have transformed a 15,000 square foot bunker into a museum portraying the amazing history of this unique Delaware landmark. The Fort Miles Development Plan will build upon this accomplishment.

In 2021, a new nonprofit corporation was formed. The Board of this 501(c)3 corporation, Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area, Inc. doing business as Fort Miles Museum, will guide the planned expansion of the Museum and its exhibits through implementation of the Fort Miles Development Plan .

Experience the History

Fort Miles Museum, housed underground in Battery 519, showcases coastal defense and daily life for the soldiers and civilians stationed at Fort Miles during WWII.

Fort Miles Museum, housed underground in Battery 519, showcases coastal defense and daily life for the 2,000 soldiers and civilians stationed at Fort Miles during WWII.

Relive History by Visiting:

• Battery 519
• Artillery Park
• WWII Bookends featuring artifacts from the USS Missouri & USS Arizona
• Oil Still Bleeds
• Wall of Honor

Fort Miles Tours and Events

Delaware Defense Day 2024

Join us in honoring the defenders of the home front [...]

Historical Lecture Series: 04/20/24

A Brief Introduction to the du Pont Family and [...]

Historical Lecture Series: 04/13/24

The Discovery and Identification of the Final Resting [...]

Battery 519 Tours & Museum Hours

This month, indoor tours of Battery 519 are offered: Construction on [...]

Visit Fort Miles

Fort miles maps.

Fort Miles Historical Location Map

Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area Schematic

Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area is in Cape Henlopen State Park, due east of the Cape May – Lewes Ferry Terminal and the city of Lewes, DE.

Current News and Information

Delaware Defense Day happening April 20

Exploring wwii defenses: fmha organizes cape may tour for history enthusiasts, premiere screening of “in due course: integrating milford high school”, museum spotlight: us army historical foundation magazine, creating a world-class museum.

The Development Plan for Fort Miles Museum

Case for Support

Our Partners:

Delaware State Parks Fort Miles Historical Association

Educational Tours

Military/Veterans

Historical Articles

• Departs 43 Cape Henlopen Dr Lewes

Dolphin Watching-Lewes Ferry Terminal

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 1.5 hours
• Tag Tour Type: Non-narrated tour
• User Ages: All ages

See Dolphins in Their Natural Habitat

IMPORTANT: THIS TOUR DEPARTS FROM THE LEWES FERRY TERMINAL @ 43 CAPE HENLOPEN DRIVE LEWES, DE –  NOT OUR HOME DOCK ON ANGLERS ROAD

Come cruise with Cape Water Tours and Taxi on the Delaware Bay and if conditions are agreeable, the Atlantic Ocean, in search of dolphins! Do we guarantee you will see dolphins? Nah. Is it likely we will see dolphins? Yes!

This tour follows the same path as our Delaware Bay tour, with plenty of fascinating sights and points of interest along the way. Although this tour is not narrated, it offers our guests stunning views of popular attractions such as the East End Lighthouse, Cape Henlopen Point, the Cape May Lewes Ferry terminal, Lewes Beach, and Cape Henlopen State Park, just to name a few.

There is a good chance we will see dolphins as we cruise along, so bring your camera and be on the lookout for our aquatic friends. The tour departs from Lewes Ferry Terminal, 43 Cape Henlopen Dr. Lewes, DE. Reserve your spot now!

Related Activities

• Departs 217 Anglers Road Lewes
• User All ages
• Hour Glass 4.5 hours

Cruise to Milton on the Broadkill-Anglers Road Lewes

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the scenic view of the Broadkill River as we cruise from Lewes to Milton, DE.

• Hour Glass 2 hours

Cruise the Canal with Delaware State Parks-Anglers Road Lewes

On Fridays June 23 through August 18, explore Delaware State Park’s coastline and see Thompson’s Island Nature Preserve and much, much more.