Port Mahon

Port Mahon Rd, Dover, DE 19901

340 acres of beach, salt marsh, and tidal creek on Delaware Bay east of Dover — best known for the state-run Port Mahon Fishing Pier (reopened 2022 after emergency repairs). Not a swim beach. Requires a short hike over rocks to reach the pier, and a pier net is standard.

Ideal for a beach walk.

80°F water · 84°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 84. Southwest wind around 15 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph.

Weather

  • 84°F air — ideal beach weather
  • Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

  • 80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
77 /100
great
81 Swim
77 Sunbathe
85 Walk
69 Fish
80 Photo

Best for walking today

Air Temp
84°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
15 mph
SW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
8 Very High
High 12 PM–02 PM · burn in ~25m
Burn-free before 09 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
85°F
Mostly Sunny
Water Temp
80°F
Swimming weather
Next High Tide
9:07 PM
6.5 ft · in 1.8h
Sunrise
6:37 AM
Sunset
7:20 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Time Type Height
3:05 AM Low 0.1 ft
8:48 AM High 5.6 ft
3:07 PM Low -0.1 ft
9:07 PM High 6.5 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 8554399, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

Today Sep 9
84°

Sunny

0%
77
Thu Sep 10
85°

Mostly Sunny

13%
76
Fri Sep 11
79°

Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

28%
74
Sat Sep 12
78°

Partly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers

25%
71
Sun Sep 13
81°

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

70%
17
Mon Sep 14
81°

Mostly Sunny

7%
81
Tue Sep 15
81°

Mostly Sunny

5%
82
  • critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 8 — very high
  • optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Major
10:30 PM - 12:30 AM
Minor
4:30 AM - 5:30 AM
Major
10:50 AM - 12:50 PM
Minor
6:20 PM - 7:20 PM

Parking

DNREC lot near the pier.

Dogs

Leashed dogs permitted.

Entry Fee

Free for fishing; Conservation Access Pass required otherwise

Address

Port Mahon Rd, Dover, DE 19901

fishing piersalt marshwildlife viewing
Is it safe to swim at Port Mahon today?

Port Mahon shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Port Mahon dog-friendly?

Leashed dogs permitted.

Is there an entry fee at Port Mahon?

Entry to Port Mahon is free.

Are there lifeguards at Port Mahon?

No lifeguards are stationed at Port Mahon. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Port Mahon?

Amenities at Port Mahon include fishing pier, salt marsh, wildlife viewing.

When is the water warmest at Port Mahon?

Delaware Bay peaks in July and August at roughly 76-80°F — warmer and calmer than the open Atlantic. Comfortable swimming mid-June through September.

Where is Port Mahon located?

Port Mahon is in Kent County, DE, at Port Mahon Rd, Dover, DE 19901.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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