Marcus Hook Bar is a shallow, submerged shoal located in the tidal Delaware River, approximately 1.8 miles from the reference point of Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania. Its coordinates are approximately 39.7933° N, 75.4338° W. This is a significant commercial shipping area, as evidenced by a historical 1985 oil spill incident where the tanker Grand Eagle ran aground on the bar. For paddlers, this underscores the primary hazard: substantial and frequent commercial vessel traffic. The bar itself is a flat-bottomed area, referenced as a preferred anchorage site for larger vessels, meaning paddlers must maintain extreme vigilance and avoid designated anchorage zones. The water body is subject to strong tidal currents, with a specific current monitoring station named "Marcus Hook Bar (north)" indicating currents should be a major planning factor. Paddlers must consult detailed, real-time tide and current charts for the Delaware River, as predictions are estimates and not for navigation. The area is exposed, with a long fetch up and down the river, making wind a significant concern; conditions can deteriorate rapidly. There are no specific paddler launches, amenities, or recommended routes mentioned for the bar itself. It is situated in a heavily industrialized stretch of the river between Marcus Hook, PA, and the mouth of Mantua Creek in New Jersey. Water quality has been impacted by historical oil spills and other industrial activity. The overall character for paddlers is one of a challenging, open-water environment suited only for experienced paddlers with proper safety gear, detailed knowledge of maritime rules, and the ability to handle strong currents, ship wakes, and potential rough water. Paddling here requires careful timing with tidal flows and ideal weather conditions.