Nature is wondrous. Plant life, animal life, and ocean life are so full of variety and mystery that a lifetime is not enough time to explore it all.

Delaware’s Three Inland Bays are amazing, unique ecosystems that are found nowhere else on the planet. The Peninsula on the Indian River Bay in Delaware is incredibly lucky to offer resort style living. Boasting a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, five-star dining, and supreme tranquility, this 800-acre natural paradise is one-of-a-kind. Below, we’ll reveal some little-known facts about Indian River Bay. Contact us today!

INDIAN RIVER BAY — A HIDDEN GEM

  • There are three Delaware Inland Bays: Rehoboth, Indian River, and Little Assawoman Bays. They cover a combined 32-square miles and drain a landmass (or watershed) area of 10 times that size.
  • Indian River Bay had help in its creation. Nature’s force usually changes shorelines over time. In 1928, Delaware decided to force open an inlet to accommodate boats and a road. Sand was blown away, and stone jetties were added in 1939 to stabilize the land. The jetties actually deepened Indian River Bay.
  • The average depth of Indian River Bay is 4.5 inches. All of the Inland Bays are shallow. Some channels are deeper; however, sandbars are scattered throughout. Seeing people “walking on water” is a common occurrence in Indian River Bay. While wearing a life jacket is always a good idea, if you fall in, try standing up!
  • If you’re really lucky, you may spot a whale. Fish, dolphins, and seals are a common sight in the Indian River Bay, depending on the time of year. However, because the Inland Bays are so shallow in Delaware, larger creatures find it hard to swim. However, in 2007, a mother Right whale and her baby made an appearance in Indian River Bay. You’ll never know what gem you’ll find here!
  • Unique ecosystems. The Inland Bays of Delaware are sheltered and have no waves to speak of. Because of this, they are poorly flushed by the tides, making them especially sensitive to environmental changes. Pollution, salinity changes, and water temperature changes can dramatically alter the food chain and affect all of the plants and animals in Indian Bay, from the fish and shellfish to the plankton.
  • The Inland Bays, including Indian River Bay, are at risk for habitat loss and something called eutrophication, which is the rapid plant growth due to excessive nutrients. Due to the low flush rates and increased agricultural activities in the areas, nitrogen and phosphorus have found their way in excess amounts to the waters of the Inland Bays. This reduces oxygen in the water as the plant growth increases, which affects fish and all the other wildlife that depend on these waterways.
  • Canoeing and kayaking. Canoeing and kayaking both involve watercraft and paddles, which are safe and fun to do, especially in shallow waters. These two activities are some of the most popular activities to do on Indian River Bay. Both are great ways to introduce kids to the wonders of nature, to the ocean, and to water safety rules.
  • Clamming. Walking on the beach and digging up clams is almost a right of passage here at Indian River Bay. All you need is a shovel and a pail, and you’ll be on your way to an all natural dinner. Just be sure to pick up the latest Delaware Fishing Guide or Clamming Guide to make sure you are not clamming in prohibited areas.
  • Indian River Inlet Bridge. The Indian River Inlet Bridge is a cable-style bridge that is lit blue at night. Completed in 2012, it carries four lanes of Delaware’s Route 1, which serves all the coastal areas in Delaware.

Rehoboth Inland Bay, the Inland Bay north of Indian River Bay, which lies in the middle of the three Inland Bays of Delaware, was founded by an unknown English sea captain from Jamestown in the late 1600s, who was following the maps of Captain John Smith. While exploring the Inland Bays along the Delaware shore, the captain and his men stopped for fresh water. Where he stopped, he found a flat peninsula with dwarf pines and sand dune barely above sea level. He named this place “Rehoboth” after Genesis 26:22, which means broad places or room.

The Indian River Inlet and the Inland Bays are one of Delaware shore’s most popular summertime destinations, a warm weather playground that people come to visit from all over the United States. The Peninsula on Indian River Bay is a golf community that endeavors to leave the least amount of human footprints behind. Specifically designed around the existing waterways, The Peninsula on Indian River Bay offers the best of the Ocean, beach, pools, golf, and resort living alongside nature. Bald eagles and osprey are regularly spotted taking advantage of Delaware shore’s fish population, as well as seals and dolphins, which are spotted playing in the Bay.

The Peninsula on Indian River Bay is the perfect summer home, vacation home, or second home for you and your family. It’s as close to nature as you can get and still have all of the amenities of home. Play pickleball, walk through the nature preserve, go fishing, swim on the private beach, and soak up the sun till your heart’s content. Then enjoy The Peninsula’s brand-new 33,000 square-foot Clubhouse, where you can meet friends and neighbors for an evening of world-class dining and drinks by the fireplace. The world is your oyster; all you have to do is find the pearl. Contact us today!