Our Favorite Places to Cruise Around Chesapeake Bay During the Fall Season

September, October and November bring some of the best weather for cruising the Chesapeake. The water is still warm, the humidity has lowered, and the thick summer heat has moderated. While there can still be heat waves this time of year, there are just as many days with seasonably cool weather. This makes a boat with a pilot house and all weather capability well suited for this time of year. 

For warm and cool weather cruising, Axopar Adventure Boats and Targa Explorer Boats are ideal season extenders. Both boats afford plenty of shade, but you can also slide back the sun roof, open the sliding doors and let in the breeze while underway or at anchor. On a crisper day, partially or fully close the doors and keep yourself sheltered from the weather. As the season goes later into the year, turn on the diesel heater or reverse cycle heat and stay comfortable even on a cold day.  

One of the best places for fall cruising is the Chester River. There are numerous anchorages where you can anchor in front of wooded beaches and idyllic waterfront farms. Gray’s Inn Creek, and Spaniard’s Neck are favorite anchorages this time of year. To get off the boat for some exploration, Conquest Preserve at Spaniard’s Neck offers 758 acres between the Corsica and Chester Rivers. It’s a great beach for gunkholing and you are likely to be the only boat anchored on a weekday, and one of the few on the weekend. While the sea nettles can still dissuade you from a swim in other rivers, the fresher water of the Chester River means much less stinging potential than on the saltier waters further south. If you are into fishing, Reed Creek just before the Corsica River is a favorite fishing hole and offers incredible views. For bird lovers, October is an ideal time of year, as migratory waterfowl are in abundance.

The Chester River is an excellent place to take advantage of the great turn of speed of an Axopar or Targa. You can make quick work of the 27 nautical miles from the mouth of the river to Chestertown. Visit the year-round outdoor Saturday farmers market and sample the bounty of local farms, or check out the colonial architecture, local restaurants and historic boats. Or time your visit for the annual Downrigging Festival, which boasts the largest annual gathering of tall ships in North America, and doubles as a bluegrass festival to boot. 

And when you’re ready to head back down river and out into the bay, if the fall breeze kicks up, you’ll have the peace of mind that you are in a capable and safe boat that can handle the weather. Close the side doors and get out of the elements to run quickly and comfortably back to your home port. 

Reach out to the local experts on the Chesapeake for more tips and information. Speak with our Yacht Consultants in our Annapolis office to find your new favorite anchorage, or even your next favorite boat.