While the entire tidal river is part of the estuary, salinity levels vary from the Delaware Bay (saltwater) to Wilmington, Del. (brackish) to Philadelphia, Pa. and Trenton, N.J. (mostly freshwater).
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The waters of the Inland Bays and Delaware Bay may contain organisms that could be harmful to one's health, particularly for persons with certain medical conditions or compromised immune systems. Swimming could result in an increased risk of rashes, infections or gastrointestinal distress.
The Bay supports the world's largest freshwater port system, approximately 3,000 vessels a year, and is the largest receiving center for crude oil, steel, paper, and meat imports. Fort Delaware is on the National Register of Historic Places.
While the entire tidal river is part of the estuary, salinity levels vary from the Delaware Bay (saltwater) to Wilmington, Del. (brackish) to Philadelphia, Pa. and Trenton, N.J. (mostly freshwater).
For swimming, walking, playing, reading or snoozing on the beach, the Delaware Bay's beaches strongly rival any ocean beach. Here you'll find quiet, beautiful, and uncrowded beaches.
The Delaware Bay Estuary is a sanctuary for many species of Marine Life. The unique confluence of fresh and saltwater make for a nutrient rich area teeming with life and conducive to whale and dolphin activity.
The mean depth of the estuary is 8 m and the maximum depth is about 45 m. The mouth of the bay is approximately 18-km wide, then the estuary widens to a maximum of about 40 km from where it narrows in a funnel shape (Fig.
Though the park was set aside as an area for outdoor recreation, it is also rich in history, encompassing significant Native American archeological sites and structures from the early Dutch settlement during the colonial period. The entire region was a frontier of the French & Indian War.
Swimming is welcome. For your safety, the Beach Patrol recommends not swimming past chest-deep water (areas may be marked with flags). Ocean conditions may change quickly. Please check with the nearest lifeguard stand before you attempt distance swimming.