Delaware Bay is a large, open coastal bay where paddlers can encounter unpredictable and potentially rough sea conditions, especially in its open waters. The bay experiences strong tidal currents, particularly near Cape Henlopen where it meets the Atlantic Ocean and near the Indian River Inlet. Paddlers must be prepared for weather, wind, and tides, which are the primary safety considerations. A significant hazard is the frequent ferry traffic shuttling between Lewes, Delaware, and Cape May, New Jersey, requiring vigilance, especially near the mouth of the bay. Landing on the Point at Cape Henlopen is prohibited from March 1 to September 30 to protect nesting and roosting shorebirds.

Several launch points provide access to the bay and its connected waterways. Key saltwater launch locations include the bay beach adjacent to the fishing pier at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, accessible by a footpath, and Lewes Town Beach. The Broadkill River offers a launch in Milton, Delaware, behind the library, with a trip eastward leading through tidal waters and marshes to the bay after approximately three and a half hours. Paddlers can take out at Oyster Rocks Road or Lewes Town Beach. The Cohansey River in New Jersey, which flows into the bay, provides a sparsely populated, roughly 500-foot-wide route with minimal boat traffic and a private boat ramp available at Eagle Manor. Other nearby launch sites for exploring the bay's edges include Blackbird Creek Boat Ramp in Middletown, Delaware, and Bowers Beach North Launch where the Murderkill River meets the bay.

The bay's character is defined by its vast, open waters and extensive saltmarshes. Paddling here is an intermediate to advanced endeavor due to the potential for confused seas and the long, exposed crossings, such as the approximately 18-mile group paddle from Lewes to Cape May. The aesthetic shifts from narrow, forested tidal creeks to expansive, flat grassy marshes and finally to open bay. Wildlife sightings can include dolphins, bald eagles, ospreys, and a variety of shorebirds. Paddlers should check tide charts carefully, as tides can vary; for example, Milton's tides run approximately one hour behind those at Roosevelt Inlet or Cape Henlopen. Riding the tide is recommended to make trips easier.