Baltimore Floatilla: A Paddling Extravaganza on the Inner Harbor

Each year in June, kayakers, canoeists and paddleboarders participate in an aquatic parade on the Inner Harbor known as the Baltimore Floatilla. This scenic, 5-mile roundtrip paddle from Canton Waterfront Park to Inner Harbor has become a cherished tradition for locals and tourists alike. It's a one-of-a-kind gathering that celebrates the joy of paddling, the beauty of Baltimore’s waterfront and the spirit of community. The event also advocates for better recreational water access and highlights environmental issues on the waterfront. If you're coming to join in as a participant or just to watch the spectacle of hundreds of paddlers rowing together, be sure to book your stay with us at Rachael's Dowry Bed and Breakfast.

Hosted by the Waterfront Partnership, this year's Baltimore Floatilla on June 8, 2024, marks the seventh year for the event. This year's theme is Maryland Strong, and participants and their boats will be decked out in attire and decor that pays homage to the Old Line State. If you're thinking about participating, please know that this event is not for first-time paddlers. Because the paddling course is a 5-mile round trip in an urban waterway, all participants should have previous experience paddling five or more consecutive miles. To participate in the Floatilla, you can either bring your own boat or rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard with Ultimate Watersports.

The Baltimore Floatilla kicks off with a morning assembly at Canton Waterfront Park. Here, participants gear up, decorate their vessels and mingle with fellow paddlers. The atmosphere is electric with excitement and camaraderie as everyone prepares to embark on a journey that highlights the city's maritime heritage and picturesque skyline.

The route takes paddlers through the heart of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, passing by iconic landmarks such as the National Aquarium, the historic USS Constellation and the vibrant Harborplace. The Floatilla provides a unique vantage point of the city, allowing participants to experience Baltimore from a perspective often reserved for seagulls and sailboats. The sight of colorful kayaks and canoes dotting the water is a spectacle that attracts spectators along the harbor’s edge, adding to the festive atmosphere. Once in the Inner Harbor, you will enjoy a live performance by Cara Kelly & the Tell Tale as they rock out while floating onboard Baltimore's own Mr. Trash Wheel.

One of the highlights of the Floatilla is the sense of community it fosters. Participants often form spontaneous flotillas, paddling together, sharing stories and enjoying the rhythmic splash of paddles against water. This year, Baltimore Floatilla will raise money for both Waterfront Partnership's Healthy Harbor Initiative and the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong relief fund for those impacted by the collapse of the Key Bridge.

The Baltimore Floatilla is more than just a paddling event; it underscores the importance of Baltimore’s waterways and promotes their conservation. By engaging with the harbor in this hands-on way, participants develop a deeper appreciation for the aquatic environment and the need to protect it. The Floatilla offers a memorable and joyful way to connect with Baltimore's iconic harbor.