Essex Island View Waterfront Cafe

Since we opened this dock at the Island View Waterfront Cafe in 2009, it has become one of our most popular locations. Here, members have access to the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay, the Middle and Back River tributaries, and Hart Miller Island.

This location has sit-on-top kayaks available, including two kayaks designed for fishing and a tandem (two-seat) kayak.

Since the 2022 season, Island View Waterfront Cafe is closed and so has no restrooms that are available onsite and they no longer rent kayaks!  The venue is now being used on some dates for private events, such as weddings. 

We implemented a Kayak Usage Log Book to be used for member safety at Island View.

Members MUST sign out kayaks by stating their trip details, the date and time of their departure, their anticipated return time, and contact information.

The Log Book can be found in a wooden box on the kayak rack. Be sure to check the local Tide Chart Predictions before heading out.

We recommend that trips out to Hart Miller Island be undertaken only by our more experienced paddlers. 

If you are less experienced, we recommend that when leaving Island View, you go left and stay against the shoreline. This route will take you to the beautiful, calm bay coves.

Interested in camping at Hart Miller? Read this blog post to prepare.