Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Reviews

I just retired and this was the closest place to where I live where I could buy a National Park Senior Pass (about 100 miles). Wow, what a find! This place is huge with lots of water birds and eagles even when it isn't migration season. I had no idea!

I have gone birding at Cape May, NJ, which is wonderful and has lots of amenities, but for size, this is just amazing. There are over 16,000 acres of tidal marsh and freshwater pools that attract lots of wildlife. There is a small but comprehensive display of taxidermy birds and mammals at the visitor center so you know what to expect to see.

To be honest, I was there on a very hot day so I was attracted to the 12-mile loop drive through the park where I could stay in my air conditioned car and only come out for one of the 1/2 mile hike to an observation tower or something, then back in the A.C. to cool off. I did that and with all the pulling over to watch the herons or ducks or eagles it took me nearly 3 hours for that 12 mile drive. Highly, highly recommend for the whole family. And, don't forget your binoculars and your camera!

My husband and I have been birding at Cape May, NJ for years (20+). We live in the Philadelphia area, We just happened to come across a video about Bombay Hook on Facebook. We realized immediately that we had been missing out on an amazing birding hotspot, so we booked a hotel in Dover for three nights, and spent 8 hours a day for two days at Bombay Hook. The birds we saw were magnificent. On one tree across a field, we counted 30 bald eagles! I suspect that doesn't happen every day, but it did that day, and bald eagles flew overhead constantly. I suspect the reason Cape May is better known as a birding hotspot is because the town of Cape May is more inviting and lends itself to tourists who can come for birding, nice restaurants and spending time in a lovely, unique town. Dover doesn't offer that -- at all! However, we decided when we come back for the snow geese migrations, we're going to try Smyrna. From what we've read, it has some charm, and it's minutes closer to Bombay Hook, and it is more convenient for our commute. Even if we needed to stay in Dover every time we return (and we WILL return), it would still be worth it. If you love birding, you MUST, ABSOLUTELY MUST go to this wonderful place. Some of the birds we saw: brown thrasher, common yellow throat, green heron, redstart, flocks of American avocet, dunlin, black bellied plover, yellow warbler, egrets, great blue herons, kinglet, hummingbirds, plus soooo many more. Counting days till we can return. In the meantime, go on FB and "like" Bombay Hook and see if you can find that amazing video we watched.

We loved driving through this refuge and saw many birds, especially shore birds, egrets, herons etc
The only word of advice I would give is that hiking is not great during summer, as the flies and mosquitos are very bother some. But you can get great views and photos of birds just from the road.

When we lived in MD this was our goto place for bird watching. Visited around Thanksgiving and was not disappointed. Many ducks, geese, and shore birds. Only a few Snow Geese which was unusual, but saw lots on Route 9. We have visited probably every month of the year and in June, July, and Auguts the flies are terrible.

This a beautiful wild spot one of the few as Delaware is over built. The wildlife is abundant especially early morning and later in the afternoon. Become prepared with bug spray in the warm months!

You don't need a reason to visit this gorgeous place, go for spending some healthy time. I did quite a bit research in advance just to confirm that what place might be suitable for birding. One can easily drive and hike and keep watching wildlife and forest throughout the day. I specially loved Ibis, herons, and black necked stilt. As always, must keep enough water and snacks. And, do not forget to check website for season specific guidance.

We visit Bombay Hook several times a year: spring, summer, fall and winter (even in the rain). The 12-mile auto drive is ideal to take in all the wildlife in different habitats in different seasons especially in the summer months when biting flies are notorious. It usually takes us 3-4 hours to drive through the loop. Plenty of space to stop and view. There are also walking trails and observation platforms. The small visitor center does close in the summer but the restrooms are always available and a picnic pavillion as well. If you love birds, go there. If you love other wildlife like foxes, raccoons, bunnies, turtles, snakes and muskrats, go there. Bring some snacks and spend all day. Bring binoculars and cameras. You won't be disappointed.

One of my favorite National Refuges, Bombay Hook is an excellent spot for birding any time of the year. The roads wind around a series of ponds and lagoons and tidal marsh flats. The roads and walking trails are well maintained. Very highly recommended.

The headquarters has very clean facilities, and up to date list of birds recently seen, and an excellent little shop and museum. Stop in and have a look around. You will also surely see some interesting birds the feeders around the HQ.

Great location for taking pics of birds. I make trip to Bombay Hook at least two times a year. The birding is absolutely amazing in a peaceful quiet environment.

I had some extra time while visiting DE and decided to stop here. I am so glad I did. This refuge is amazing. The birds were everywhere! I stopped first at the visitor center and both the volunteer and staff member working were very helpful and kind. I am so happy that people like this are actively engaged in protecting and celebrating these kinds of places in our country. My only regret is that I was not dressed properly to spend time walking the hiking trails...there were also millions of bugs but that is to be expected.

All of the wildlife in this natural protected area is peaceful and a great place to spend the morning or afternoon. Most of the birds migrate here from all over the coast, so variety is always abundant. Also eagle and red fox.

Sunrise is a special time to visit. You can see and hear the refuge wake up. Never disappointed. Lots of wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Photography paradise. We go in the spring and the fall. Summer can be more than a bit buggy.

Was at the NWR at daybreak and was not disappointed. The birds were cooperating and were too busy with their lives to pay attention to the visitors. The wildlife Drive is 12 miles long and offers many differing viewpoints.

Perfect setup - 12 miles of gravel roads skirting several tidal pools, and you can stop at any point along the way to get a better look, and maybe take one of the short (1/4 mile or 1/2 mile) walks to an observatory tower. We were unprepared for the deerflies though, so we stuck close to our car. In some places it was breezy enough to stand outside without getting bit. We saw several new-to-us birds, including a mama Black-necked Stilt keeping a watchful eye on three young chicks!

We love driving from Philly down to Bombay Hook NWR. There is a wonderful drive-thru where you can spend the whole day. Remember though, what you see depends on how good you look and must have the cooperation of the animal residents. On this trip we saw numerous eagles, mature and immature, perched in the trees on the far side of the Shearness Pool. Many visitors just drove by. We saw Artic Geese, Canada Geese, numerous species of ducks and many other raptors, one of which was Harris Hawks. These hawks were all over the refuge, gliding up and down over the marshes. We didn't see any deer this trip, but maybe next time. If you are into wildlife watching, pack a lunch, take your time and definitely bring binoculars. A great location for the handicapped to view wildlife without having to leave the vehicle and the office location bathrooms are open all the time, with a handicapped port-a-potty about half way through the park. There is a small fee per car, but stop in the office and look into whether or not you are eligible for the different memberships or passes.

We loved it at Bombay Hook spending time with Birds of Paradise!
We went there for sunset and stayed overnight in a hotel and went back before sunrise the next day!

What an absolutely beautiful place this is.. tucked away from crowds.. the 12 mile slow drive was amazing!
They have 3 observation towers & 2 trails:)

The Raymond and Shearness pools were packed with birds .. Egrets, American Avocets,
Snow geese, and shore birds along with ducks and Canadian geese!
We saw quite a few herons too!
We saw one bald eagle and caught a pic of it about to fly away.. fabulous!
A friendly fox 🦊 made itself comfortable right next to the path in Shearness pool !
Aside from this, there’s lots of small black & brown birds too!

Just a few recommendations:
1) try to go sunset or sunrise time, since the birding is maximum then
2) wear bug spray to ward off bugs & ticks , so you don’t have to worry about this and enjoy your walks to the observation towers & trails!
3) you really can stay on the drive path and get in & out of your car quickly if you want
4) TAKE a good camera with you
5) ALWAYS TAKE BINOCULARS... makes it so so worth it!

All for just $4!!!
Will definitely go back again!

We visited the refuge on our way back from the beach and drove the wildlife loop. Saw egrets, herons, song birds...the bugs made it impossible to walk any of the trails- We tried one of the observatory towers but were swarmed by mosquitos-BRING REPELLANT!

This is a stop on the Delaware Birding trail I spent two days here. The refuge is incredable. I got 5 lifetime birds Hundreds of Snow Geese, American Avocets, Dunlin, Black Bellied Plovers, Nothern Shovlers, Green wing Teal. Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagles. Goldencrown Kinglets and swamp sparrows thos are just a few. There was a fox with kits. Birds are migrating

We try to drive thru Bombay Hook during each season every year. The birding is great. we have spotted and eagles, snow geese, Canadian Geese,semi palmated sand pipers, dunlin, dowitchers,yellow legs, semi palmated plovers,American avocets,American Black Ducks, salt marsh sparrows, sharp tailed sparrow,Northern pintails,greenwinged teals, Canadian geese, and snow geese. Mammals spotted includes a red fox, cotton tailed rabbits, wood chucks, gray squirrels, and white tailed deer. Truly a nature lover's paradise.

Absolutely beautiful wildlife refuge. If you are a bird watcher, you won't be disappointed. If you aren't, you may be inspired to become one, or just enjoy the scenic beauty this place has to offer. This is a big year for bald eagles, and we counted at least 8 during our visit. Vibrant songbirds are abundant, as are a multitude of shore birds. We counted 10 great blue herons one evening in one pond! More great egrets than I chose to count! I would make three important suggestions/observations: 1). Take bug spray; 2). Visit in the evening and stay until sunset to see birds in greater numbers; 3). Arrive before sunrise for the same reason as #2. Also, I almost forgot to mention that this is a rural area and no food or drinks are available at the refuge, so take a cooler!

We drive here 2 or 3 times a year from CT to go birding. In the winter months it is a great place to see massive numbers of Snow Geese. But there's a lot of other ducks, waterfowl, warblers, sparrows etc here at all times of year. We're never disappointed.

This place is a must see if you care anything at all about nature. There is a driving tour where you can stay in you car the whole time if that's what you like but we got out several times. The grounds and the waterfowl are just breathtaking! So very peaceful and it is so large. We spoke to a really pleasent ranger and he told us so much info about the place and all the birds and different kinds of wildlife. We are planning on going back in the winter to see what the ranger told us is thousands of Geese fly in and out of the park daily. Don't miss this park if you are in the area.

I've lived in Delaware my entire life and never knew about Bombay Hook until it was announced that it would be on Delaware's State Quarter for the next set of designs. I decided to take DE-9 (a scenic route) home from the beach once and saw the sign for it. On the way home from Dover, my dad and I decided to stop in an see what it was about. It is certainly out of the way. It is off of Route 9 (a small, lesser used N-S highway that often floods) East past several farms and country land. When we got there, we paid the entrance fee and drove around the park. I'm not big on bird watching, but the birds at the park were amazing. The huge birds were coating the trees and were all over the place. The road that you drive around to look at the birds is dirt and rocks so it would not be recommended after you've just washed the car.

There was a picnic grove at the entrance and several trails to hike around the park.

I would highly recommend that every Delawarean and every local bird watcher come to this hidden park.

Came over to see the birds. Wife tried out a new spotting scope she got for her birthday. Saw eagles, shockers, nesting swans, coots, all kinds of herons, and avocets. Nice viewpoints. Nice weather. Plenty of people there, but not too many. VC closed because of COVID.

In our family quest to visit national parks and take the junior Ranger oath as many times as possible, we found ourselves here... They do have a junior Ranger program. When you call them and ask them they tell you that. But they fail to tell you over the phone, before you drive an hour down here, is that the junior Ranger program is a scheduled program and it is a week-long and it is only during certain times like summer camps. It's a few ponds around in some fields and you're supposed to be looking at Birds. I never saw a picnic spot. The gift shop is not really much either. Unless you're just specifically wanting to do something in Delaware to check that off of your bucket list, I would not bother.

This was my first trip to the Refuge. You can view and photograph most of the birds without getting out of your car. The Refuge had some nice look out towers and short hiking trails. Bring and apply insect repellent. I was able to get a lot of nice photos of Birds and nature. Very pretty park, well kept and laid out. We spoke to several of the Park employees, they were very nice and helpful.
The roads were gravel and dirt, so they can be very dusty. It would be nice if there was a car wash right outside the park.

I enjoyed seeing the beautiful butterflies. It's nice that Bombay hook will lend you binoculars for the time that you are there. Inside the building, they have a little gift shop, and a place to look at stuffed animals and displays. On the very long trails there are plenty of pretty birds. However, bring your bug spray or mosquito spray because horseflies will follow your car. And mosquitos will bite occasionally. But if you ignore it all, you will see the beauty of bugs and birds and wildlife happily in the refuge.

While driving to NJ we decided to take an unplanned side trip to Bombay Hook Refuge as we enjoy wildlife and thought we could stretch our legs by walking the trails. We arrived around 3:45pm just before the nature center closed. The Ranger was very pleasant, the building has nice displays and the restrooms were clean. This is more of an auto tour than hiking tour. The trails to the viewing spots range from .25 to 1 mile. The first stop is Raymond Tower Trail which is a grassy trail through the woods to a 30 ft viewing tower. We got out of the car and noticed horseflies immediately. These insects were hungry and aggressive. We ran through the trail to get to the tower trying to avoid the insects. The view from the tower was beautiful with a nice variety of birds. After running back to the car it seemed as if the horseflies swarmed our car so we quickly got in only to find 5 horseflies inside the car. The Ranger had told us it was buggy today, but we didn't expect this. Thinking maybe the next trail might be less buggy we tried walking/running the Boardwalk Trail only to have the same experience with the horseflies. We enjoyed the rest of the park from our car. Despite the insects we enjoyed the refuge. We saw a red fox, bald eagle, deer, muskart, turtles and a wide variety of birds. To enjoy your visit we recommend you wear long pants and long sleeves, bug spray, a hat and bring your binoculars and camera.

This is a place that I discovered maybe three yeas ago and since have been there about 20 times. Each time I go, it is a new adventure. It is very well maintained. It is a National Wildlife Refuge, not a national park.

I have seen deer, fox, raccoons, thousand of snow geese, avocet, huge numbers of shore birds and song birds. Bring along a Birding Field Guide, binoculars, camera and just enjoy the beautiful nature of this place. For those of you who like Bald Eagles, you will definite see them. Just this past summer, I saw about 30 to 40 of them on the mud flats. But remember that what you see will change each time you go. It is totally up to the wildlife.

You can get a list of all of the birds see at the Refuge in the office as you drive in to the parking lot. Also just outside the bathrooms to the left of the office you will see on the wall a list of recently spotted birds.

What a wonderful walk through the marshes. Hundreds (thousands?) of White Canadian Geese afloat. What a racket they make—nature at its best.

We had another good visit to this refuge, with the wildlife drive providing many opportunities to see various species of birds, including many bald eagles and ospreys this time. The ponds always have a good mix of water birds. There are some trails for those who want to stretch their legs.

Birder heaven. 16,000 acres on the Atlantic flyway with a wide variety of habitats. Many well marked trails with flat terrain, Wildlife Drive is 12 miles.
Very nice Visitor's Center with picnic pavillion, guest shop, clean restrooms.
Dogs on leash ok. Hunting permitted.
Dawn to dusk. Check website for free tours. Fee for entry.

Obviously it depends on when you visit add to what you'll see. The area is well maintained and take will marked. It does get hot in the summer but fall and spring are great. If you are bird people, it's a nice place to visit.

We enjoyed a visit to Bombay Hook NWR on parts of three days earlier this week. Obviously overcast conditions made for better picture taking then full or partial sun.

Mosquito repellent was a must even when in the vehicle as rolling down windows for picture taking invited the little pests in for a visit. Folks with issues with poison ivy need to be mindful of its presence even along roadside areas when pulling over for viewing. And, high roadside vegetation made viewing a bit challenging (compared to what we experienced in late winter).

But, we enjoyed a nice visit seeing several shorebird species for the first time, various waterfowl, bald eagles, egrets, hawks, a peregrine falcon, savannah sparrows, gulls, a fox, white-tailed deer, crabs, and terrapins. Got reasonable pics of marbled godwit, stilt sandpiper and both lesser and greater yellowlegs. Was interesting to see the shift in locations of several species as the tide went out in the tidal salt marsh.

One “target” species, blue grosbeaks were in the area based on timely internet reports of birding sightings. A staffer at the visitor center said she saw some a couple days ago near the first stop sign into the refuge from the visitor’s center. Sure enough, one morning a male was atop the stop sign and in nearby vegetation tending to the needs of a fledgling! Although not in breeding colors, the male was easily recognizable.

The number of fellow visitors was much less than in late Feb. All we spoke with were pleasant and quite helpful in identifying birds, commenting on cameras, etc. And, we did not feel out-of-place being novice birders as more than one mentioned being new to birding or not knowing what we thought were more “common” birds for the area. A couple of times we were the only visitors along a particular stretch and were treated to sights of an eagle soaring overhead, the northern harrier diving through flocks of smaller shorebirds, or a beautiful red fox trotting on the road.

We were glad we stayed a couple of nights at a motel in nearby Smyrna as such provided opportunity to explore the refuge during am/pm conditions and different sun/cloud conditions. Our next trip might be in early spring particularly to see shorebirds in breeding conditions and to take advantage of shorter vegetation for easier bird viewing.

A lot of different types of Birds migrate here. They have a loop trail you can drive to see the different types of Birds. They also have other types of animals their. If you are into bird watching , this is an excellent place to go. They also have some short trails you can hike on. They also have some observation towers which you can climb.
A word of caution, if you are going to get out of your car and look or photograph or hike . Be sure to wear long pants abs shirt, and bring bug spray. It's buggy. Which is good for the Birds.

In my quest to visit all 50 states, Delaware was only 1 of 3 that I had left. I caught a cheap flight to Philadelphia and drove the 2 hours south to Smyra, DE to take photos at sunrise. I was not disappointed. The reflection of the sun on the bay was magnificent. I then spent the next 4 hours driving the 12 miles throughout the refuge enjoying the shorebird, mammal and reptile sightings. If you are ever in the area do yourself a favor and stop by the refuge.

Bombay Hook has a wonderful wildlife drive that meanders through out the park. There are various stops with viewing towers and short walks along the way. Some of the paths are boardwalks as well. The birding is fabulous pretty much any time of year. The Visitor center is well stocked with books/tshirts and helpful info, as well as helpful rangers. A not to miss attraction if you are interested in seeing the wildlife of the region. I have visited numerous times, the most recent being last week. I was with a birding group on a rainy day--we saw 56 species and were thrilled.

We visited the refuge while staying with family in Delaware for Thanksgiving. It is a nice auto tour spot, with plenty of pull off areas to enjoy the birds if that is your pleasure. There were a few very short, very easy hiking trails we went along as well that provided nice views of the landscape as well.

Bombay Hook NWR is a great place for naturalists, birders, photographers, etc.! A long, winding driving trail, with short (1/4 to 1/2 mile) walking trails, viewing platforms of (I'm guessing here) 30-40 feet in height, and a floating pier or two, give you a great opportunity to see birds of all kinds. I saw mostly geese and ducks, with an occasional heron and songbird, during my visit on a high-30s, mid-January, day. I'm looking forward to returning in the spring when nesting occurs and the photo opportunities are more plentiful.

Amazing seeing all the snow geese & other birds. Saw many different birds along the wildlife drive and got some good pictures. Would definitely stop again if in the area.

For a very cheap price, you and a car load of your friends can venture into the Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge to observe the animals hanging out on the marshes. We saw countless migrating shore birds, ducks, falcons, herons, geese. We enjoyed the fall colors along the short paths to more obscure lookouts. It was hours of fun for $4 a car. Can't wait to go back!

We went mid-week in April and the facility was pretty empty. You can just stay in your car and take the drive around the facility however, there are short walking tours and towers you have to walk up. We saw a lot of wildlife: otter (at least we think it was an otter), Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, etc. You should bring decent binoculars. There is a small park headquarters where you enter the facility. This is the only place with bathrooms.

This is the most amazing wildlife refuge. It is a twelve mile auto tour through a salt marsh. There are several shirt walking trails with the longest being a mile, but you can get some amazing sightings without leaving your car. There are three observation towers, visitors center and restrooms.

We saw so many birds - glossy ibises, about 30 bald eagles, indigo buntings, herons, egrets, black neck stilts, etc. You can check their website for the latest sightings. We also saw snapping turtles mating, a fox swimming through the marsh, a raccoon, watersnakes, frogs, and diamondback terrapins. It was fantastic. We spent hours there because there was so much to see.

If you want to walk the trails, take bug spray. At the visitor center there is a small store and nature center. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend this as a must see if you are in the area.

Bombay hook is a new place for us. We had read about it and decided to put it on our list. We are sure glad we did. What a great reserve. Lots of shore birds. some of which we had never seen before, like the Avocet. We were able to see and photograph a Bald Eagle, red foxes, harriers, egrets, dunlin. cormorant, heron, and many species of ducks. If you enjoy birds, make this a must visit place. We were here the weekend just before Sandy hit. The drive most likely has some damage so I would check before coming here in the next few weeks. As for mosquitoes, we missed them. But that could have been because of the nice breeze coming in from "Sandy". Then again, mosquitoes are something you have to put up with when visiting marshland areas like this. We will definately be back. Great place.

I have been to Bombay Hook NWR, 5 times over the past 10 years. I have come at different months of the year. Each season has a different variety of birds. Sometimes there are are very very few birds, but there is always something worth seeing, even though it is a 2 hour drive for me to get there.
For me, it is worth buying a $15 Federal Duck Stamp so that you can get into any and all NWRs for free.
For my most recent trip there in April, there were almost no birds - and yet I obtained wonderful photos of kingbirds, great blue herons, snowy egrets in mating plumage, and great horned owls. There were also little blue herons and avocets in mating plumage there.
When I have come in the fall, I have also photographed dunlins and snow geese.
You can see some of my images at my gallery at FineArtAmerica.com . (Search for Keyword: Artist = bitman .

Great birding site
Well marked trails
Driving loops. Nature trails visitors center
Well worth the trip
Off the beaten path

This refuge consists of of 15,978 acres, and is about 10 minutes away from Dove, Delaware. The refuge is excellent for birding. There are different habitats here, including tidal saltwater marshes, forests, and freshwater ponds. You basically drive around this huge preserve and pull over on the side of the road when you want to view the surroundings. There are some trails, as well as observations towards, and a boardwalk through one marsh area. There is a small visit center with a small gift shop at the entrance of the refuge.

Real nice place to either drive through or hike....did a 5k hike the first time and are planning to go back again for a longer one. Lots of different bird to see ( herons, ducks to name a few.)

$4/ car and $2/ bike and less for Delaware residents. They will lend you binoculars and a bird book with your name and phone number as collateral, just make sure it's back before 4 when the staff leaves. The staff was very helpful at the visitors center. They let me know which places would be buggy and which would be less. They keep the water cooler filled and suggested that I make sure I have enough water for the trip. There are scheduled talks but I didn't participate in any of them. The one I observed was well attended.

I did drive all of the loops except Finis Pool. As I drove I thought about what it would be like to be biking. The road is hard packed dirt with small stones. It was very dusty and I think it would be unpleasant when cars drive by although the dust settles quickly. Out in the open there were minimal mosquitos and biting flies (green heads) but in the shade and in the woods I hustled to get where I was going. Because of the mosquitos, the only wooded trail I took was the Raymond Tower Trail. At the top of the tower there were opportunities to see different kinds of birds than can be observed on the marshes.

I really enjoyed the Boardwalk Trail. It was cool, not buggy and went through tall grasses, marsh and some open water. In the distance I could see flocks of birds in trees. It was also fun to wait out the fiddler crabs and see them re-emerging out of their holes.

Mostly I stopped along the road to observe flocks of birds in the mud flats and marshes. The traffic was minimal at the time of my visit and there were several groups of photographers. There is ample signage letting you know what you might expect to see. A camera with a telephoto lens would be useful as many of the flocks are at a distance.

The Allee House was closed, I think, under construction, a the time of my visit. There were signs letting me know this but I drove down there anyway.

Highly recommended for birdwatchers. The park is a little out of the way so I am guessing it doesn't get super crowded. I wore lightweight long pants and long sleeved shirt and a brimmed hat even though it was hot (90's). Bug repellant would be very useful.

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Delaware Bay areas are a gem for migratory waterfowls, warblers and others avian species. The breathtaking view of Snow Geese flyby is something one visitor can’t afford to miss. Thousands of them are arriving and busy feeding and gaining enough nutrition before starting next leg of their journey. Bombay Hook and Prime Hook areas are been their common place in this winter. Those who are visiting east coast, give it a shot, you won’t regret spending some hours watching nature so close. 😍

We always take the time to detour to a National Wildlife Refuge when we see one on our way. (We were driving from Wilmington to Dover.) Bombay Hook did not disappoint! We drove the 12 mile loop, and stopped at a few easy trails that led to observation towers. We felt we had the whole place to ourselves, since we saw no other humans from atop the towers, but we did see so many ducks, cranes, and herons. We made full use of both our binoculars and our camera. We also enjoyed the boardwalk trail. If you have a National Parks Pass, admission is free!

My wife and I visited this wildlife Refuse today and was quite surprised at the wildlife that we observed. Tons of waterfowl .... Bald Eagles, Great Blue Heron, Snow geese by the thousands, Red Tailed Hawks, Swans, Mallard Ducks and More. A surprise at every turn. Be sure to take your binoculars and camera! What a fabulous wildlife reserve !

Beautiful scenery for pictures or a relaxing hike. Abundant wild life of many varieties and a great place to get back to basics in seeing the natural beauty of our great state! We took a Cub Scout hike here and the boys really enjoyed spotting all the animals!

I went in mid-May and was treated to about 8 types of warblers (at the Raymond pool observation tower) and many waterbirds-- wallets, dunlins, stilts, and more. The visitor center has bathrooms, a gift shop, picnic area, and purple martin boxes for entertainment. It's such a find-- no wonder it got a National Park quarter!

This is a nice place. Not recommended to go with family. It is strongly recommended for those who are birds lover and likes to walk through trail. There were couple of trails and the view of Delaware Bay river was awesome.

It was ok for a quick drive to see the marsh and a few birds. Was hoping for some hiking, but some trails were closed and some were so short, I wouldn't call it a hike. Walked up two towers, nice view. Thought we would spend some time there, but it really wasn't worth it.

Really nice park with great views of nature and wildlife. They’ve done a great job of making this a drive though park so you can see pretty much everything from the road and even get great photos from the car. However the bugs were terrible! I guess you’re literally in a swamp so keep that in your expectations.

Probably one of the best National Wildlife Refuges we've been to, and we have visited quite a few. Bombay Hook is very well planned, maintained, and managed. The Visitors' Center leaves nothing to be desired, and the staff and volunteers were all helpful, friendly, and professional.
The variety of wildlife is extensive. We were there primarily for birding but also saw deer and a young Red Fox. Bird variety is dictated by season, and we were fortunate to witness some of the early arriving Snow Geese that the refuge is noted for.
Someone had complained about mosquitos in an earlier review. I had sort of disregarded that as a minor factor, but after visiting Bombay Hook in mid-October I can attest that they are a factor. So do be prepared and carry some insect repellant - that should keep them at bay.
A wonderful place, we highly recommend it.

So glad these places are kept pristine for the public. We saw a fox besides all the great birds. We saw someone with a power boat and wished we could go around on the water.

This is a large bird sanctuary with many species of land and sea birds located right near Dover Air force Base. Passes are available for a small fee and you an spend as much time as you like (during business hours). Staff here is helpful and informative.

This area is part of the National Parks wildlife refuge system and anyone with a Nat'l parks pass can enter free.

For bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike, Bombay Hook is a nice way to spend part of your relaxation time. The wildlife refugee has 14 miles of roadway, trails to explore, a few observation towers, and a welcome center equipped with bathroom facilities and picinic tables. The cost is $4 which is standard and worth it. My husband and I enjoy traveling through the refuge looking for migrating waterfowl. I like to photograph wildlife and he uses his binoculars.

This is a great place for birders and nature lovers. There were mosquitoes so plan accordingly. We saw a lot of snow geese, ducks, Canada geese, fox, deer and shore birds. You can go at your own pace thru the drive or stop and hike. There is an entrance fee.

We travelled a long way on route 9 to get to this place . Eventually we were pointed to a place off Route 9. When we got there there was a big warning sign and the the gates were closed so we turned around in disgust and were very disappointed.

Loved the 12 mile wildlife drive. If you have mobility issues, this was a great way to see the refuge. The visitor center was great and the staff helpful with giving you an overview of the drive. Birding was great and I loved that there are fresh and saltwater areas.

My husband and I drove here for the day during our visit to Baltimore after hearing that it was a birdwatcher's paradise. It is about 2 hour drive one way. I wasn't disappointed. Not only is the auto tour route through the saltmarshes beautiful, but there are many stopping points along the way with 1/4 mile hikes to boardwalks and viewing platforms throughout the refuge. We saw 50+ species during our 4 hour visit during the second week of April. Definitely worth the drive if you are a birdwatcher.

Tips: If you plan on getting out and walking around at all (we walked all but one of the trails), this really does take about 4 hours to complete the tour. There is a small "nature center", if you can call it that, at the refuge entrance with bathrooms/flush toilets and one more parking area inside the refuge with a port-a-potty, so plan accordingly. This park is in the middle of nowhere, so it is a good idea to bring water and pack a lunch. We had no problems with bugs in April, but did find one lone tick crawling around on my sleeve later that evening, so keep that in mind! Entry fee is $4 per car. If you have a scope, bring it! We only brought binoculars, which were great for looking at the majority of birds we saw, but made identifying the large flocks of sandpipers out in the marshes impossible.

I live in TN but 2 - 3 weeks every year, I visit this refuge to take bird photos. It is my favorite place in the USA. In 2021, I saw over 30 different types of birds plus foxes, rabbits, snakes, turtles and raccoons. It is a great place to go if you like birds but have difficulty with walking. All of my photos are taken from my car or next to my car on the auto tour road which goes through all kinds of habitat. I go the last week of April and the first two weeks of May for these reasons: 1) Quantity and diversity of birds (Check seasons of wildlife on the official government Bombay Hook website so you see the birds you want to see); 2) the water hasn't been lowered so the water birds are closer to the shore (June was not good in 2020 for this reason); 3) the songbirds are plentiful; 4) less biting bugs because weather is cooler; 5) kids still in school so less crowded on weekdays. Tips: Get there within an hour of sunrise for the best experience. It dies off around 10:00A at this particular time of year so don't arrive at noon and be disappointed. It's a long wildlife drive but it is paved and there are speed bumps. Use the restroom at the Visitor's Center when you arrive. There are portable johns by some trailheads. Bring bug spray. If you have a DSLR camera, don't go lower than a 300mm lens on the extended end. Check for current Covid rules on the official government website before you go.

This is a beautiful refuge. There's a nice visitor's center with a great gift shop with a lot of reasonably priced items and clean restroom facilities. The staff are very friendly. We first went to Bombay Hook in 2003 and returned in 2012. The first time we went a tick crawled onto my son's shirt. We kept the windows up and didn't walk off the gravel after that. There are a lot of waterfowl and wildflowers to see and the auto trail is quite nice. Be warned that it's hot as blazes and there are bugs everywhere. We enjoyed colonial New Castle after going here.

Different birds are here different times of year.be warned during the summer large amount of flies are present long sleeves and pants are a good idea if you are going to venture out of your car. Fun being able to see so much wildlife so close right from your car.

Even though I live in Delaware I had never been to the Bombay Hook Nature Refuge. Since I wanted to visit and it is the only place in DE to get a senior national parks pass we made plans to spend a Saturday afternoon there since the weather forecast was good. It is about an hour drive from Newark, DE. We took the scenic route using the back roads with the top down for a lovely drive.
The Refuge its open from a half hour before dawn to a half hour after dusk. These are there best times for seeing the mammals. The visitor center opens at 9 am. The single visit fee is $4 per car. There are different passes you can purchase and the National Parks pass is good here.
Bombay Hook is 14000 acres of Wetlands preserve and home to many migratory birds. It is a bird watchers paradise. We forgot our binoculars, not being bird watchers, but I recommended them to have the fullest experience. The Refuge has a wilderness trail you can drive with several stop off walking trails. Most are an easy .25 mile and one is 1 mile. There are a few observatory towers you can easily climb. All spots are well marked with informational postings. You can pack a picnic and there are picnic benches at several spots. There is no place to purchase even a drink so at least bring a cooler with some drinks. We're went on April 29 a Saturday and it was not at all crowded. We spent about 3 hours there.
There are water snakes and I have a snake phobia and we saw a few. They don't bother you at all they just creeped me out.

We will definitely return probably in the Fall. I highly recommend this as a wonderfully place to experience unspoiled nature. Bring bug spray.

The visitor center was closed and our car was attacked by flies. We did see a number of blue heron, egrets, red winged blackbirds, and yellow warblers. We will return in November or December. Skip the summer and wait till fall.

An extensive wildlife drive makes Bombay Hook a popular destination. We took the drive through multiple habitats and past a number of freshwater ponds while salt water was immediately on our right. Go slow, take it all in.

We enjoy coming here and walking the trails they have set out among all of the nature.

Obviously if you are a bird watcher this is the place for you! Plus all of the other wildlife to be found.

My husband and I chose a gorgeous spring day to visit the wildlife refuge. I was impressed by the huge size - so much open and unspoiled land. The area was just beautiful and so peaceful and quite. There are thousands of birds and my husband really enjoyed taking photographs of the landscapes and water areas as well as a few bald eagles. You drive through the refuge by car (although you could possibly ride a bike) on the gravel roadway. There are a few short trails that you can walk on to get to observation towers a few stories high to get a better look. Great way to spend a relaxing day and enjoy nature.

Our main reason for visiting Dover was to visit Bombay Hook. It's a nice wildlife preserve with a lot of shore birds. We didn't know what to expect since it's near the end of the shorebird migration, but we were pleasantly surprised at the diversity of raptors we saw. Not much in the way of mammals, but a real treat when you saw something other than a wading bird! Excellent driving loops, nice trails, but the green-head flies and the mosquites and the biting deer flies in August were really bad...spent much of the weekend covered in bug spray, and even that wasn't quite good enough. It's a beautiful place, with diverse bird life, and a nice change of pace from our mountain home. I was a little disappointed the store was closed, but timing is everything.

I would give it the full 5 stars but we had issues with horseflies and other flies wanting to attack us (even though we had bug spray on), so we were not able to enjoy the trails. I believe we will have a better time when it is cooler outside and fly-free. This refuge is very large. The roads are not paved, so be careful with your speed.

Visited late Sept about ten days after Hurricane Irene and found the circular drive was closed. It was possible to get part way round and re-trace the route back, but the area of main attraction around Raymond Pool was closed due to storm damage repairs being made. Nevertheless we were able to park up by Shearness Pool and at other parts to watch things. Sightings included numerous dragonflies, butterflies, various ducks, hereons, egrets, cormorants, least terns, avocets, a solitary snow goose, and millions of biting insects. The entry fee was waived for our visit, although normally would apply. Potentially well worth a visit, when fully open.

I try to come here at least 3-4 times a year (especially love snow geese time of year). I tend to stay away in summer due to green eye flys (they are vicious). Nice for birds and other wildlife plus great scenery. Great driving loops and a few small hiking trails. A few tower lookouts. my last visit was this past weekend but typically I come spring and fall and sometimes in winter.

Beautiful place to visit. There are easy trails to walk, and several nature drives. Like any wildlife refuge, the variety of birds/animals depends on the season. Did see a variety of shore birds.

This park is all about birding. Everything is focused on that from the lists available at the park office to the binoculars they loan you if you need them. And it doesn't disappoint. In a recent visit (May 16, 2016) there were warblers galore, indigo buntings, blue grosbeaks, many different types of swallows, numerous eagles, a fabulous Barred owl (hanging out in the middle of the day) and I haven't even mentioned the shorebirds, which are the main attraction there.

The nice thing about this park is the way it is laid out. For the main path, you can ride in your car. Then all along the way are pull-offs with walking trails out to viewing points along the marshes and through spaces with trees. There is a mix of boardwalks and regular paths with some viewing towers. The only thing missing are some bird blinds - although the birds didn't seem to mind the people watching them.
We spent hours there, spotted many species of birds, and had a great time. We will be back when the horseshoe crabs come in to look for Red Knots, and then again in the fall.

Whether you want to go and enjoy beautiful boardwalks, beautiful birds, or just the joys of seeing spectacular landscapes, then you will not want to miss this place! Great egrets, blue herons, sandpipers, Canada geese, fiddler crabs, osprey...there are so many birds coming and going all the time! It's especially fun to watch some of the smaller birds as they hunt for creatures to eat out in the dry flats. They are such curious little animals! Make sure to bring plenty of bug spray at this time of year especially as the deer flies are out. There are several signs around the property cautioning of ticks as well. The Lone Star tick, whose bite causes meat allergies, has been seen in the area as well. Even if you don't want to get out and hike around, you can see plenty of birds from the road. There's handicap access too! Overall, you cannot miss it!

I love going here. Great trails and a wonderful place to see a huge variety of Delaware Native birds. Perfect spot for any photographer! They continue to add trails to this fantastic spot. 12 mile auto tour or Bike ride!

Great if you know your birds. Otherwise there wasn't any other animals to see. Staff was very nice and helpful.

This is a beautiful refuge which includes the protected salt marsh of Delaware. It is easy to access and there are both walking trails and a car ride through the park.. Speed limit is slow so you can stop and look at the birds at any place. We saw a variety of birds and ducks during our visit. It was fall and the mosquitos were minimal, but I think they can be bad in the summer. This would not prevent me from visiting again. It is peaceful and beautiful

We drove down Route 9 from Odessa which was a great country drive. The park has a wonderful auto tour with a guide that you can pick up from the welcome center. When we visited the welcome center was closed, but the bathrooms were open and there were maps and other informational booklets in the bathroom area. We drove all around the auto trail which is marked with numbers, but don't be fooled by the map! It may look like you can exit the park along one of the co-existing roads, but you can not! You must exit where you entered the park. We saw beautiful birds, rabbits, a deer and beaver.There are several well marked hiking trails and board walks; however, we were unable to hike because of the swarms of deer and horse flies! Luckily we could see a lot from the comfort of our car and it was well worth the drive. A must do for nature lovers!

We spent a sunny Sunday afternoon driving and walking around the wildlife refuge with our dog. The place is for birders, but we enjoyed the short hikes and slow drive even without binoculars or a zoom lens. It's only $4 per car, and there is a bathroom and maps in the visitor center and a port-a-potty at Bear Swamp pool lookout tower parking area. All trails were flat and well-maintained. A couple trails were even wheelchair-friendly.

We were in the area and my wife loves natural beauty and wanted to see this nature preserve. Off season instead of green there are seas of earth tones. There were still a lot of migratory birds, as well as, the locals. Numerous birdwatchers with very expensive looking cameras getting their photos. We even got to experience a fox and bald eagles off in the distance. Off of the road that you follow in your car there are small trails, boardwalks and observation towers if you choose to use them. We enjoyed every moment of our time there and hope to return. The visitor center was closed when we visited. The honor system requests you pay four dollars for your visit. Highly recommended.

I'm not a big bird watcher, but went with family to the wildlife refuge over the holiday break. The weather was cool, so we stayed in the car most of the time. We saw bald eagles scaring off flocks of snow geese; various ducks (mallards, green-winged teals, pin-tails, greater yellow leg) and swans, a herrier hunting, and even a belted kingfisher which we watched fishing for awhile!
It was worth the trip, and I'd recommend to anyone looking to spend some relaxing time in nature.

Either auto tour or walking the trails and climbing the observatory towers are both great ways to see the wildlife. Some birds appeared to be very photogenic. Went during temporary no fee period for Delaware state parks due to covid. We saw fidler crabs, butterflies, bees, geese, gulls, red winged black birds, herons, osprey, catbirds, woodpeckers, flickers, etc. Leased dogs are also allowed. Would go again during feeding or mating periods to see more wildlife.

We visited bombay hook in the spring so bugs were not a problem. The visitor center was open and very helpful. The scenery was nice and we did see some beautiful birds however We were more interested in visiting the Allee house which is a historic home that sits on this property. Unfortunately the Allee house was closed and fenced off for construction.

I was hoping to see a few birds, but I saw hundreds if not thousands. Sadly I’m not good at identifying shore birds but took lots of pics & will study them. The birds actually swarmed there were so many. It’s a great place!

We visited in March and although most of the Artic Swans and Snow Geese were gone, we still did see quite a few. We also observed bald eagles in the trees and flying overhead. There was quiet a few Great Blue Herons and lots of ducks of all varieties. I also got to see a fox. The wildlife drive is very nice, especially for seniors who cannot walk the trails.

This is a lovely wildlife refuge filled with hundreds and hundreds of shore birds, egrets and herons included. We enjoyed walking a couple of trails and since we visited in April, we had no issues with mosquitoes. The refuge is very quiet and the visitors all seemed respectful of the need for it to stay that way. Two or three hours here will be sufficient to walk and birdwatch and enjoy the marshes. We much preferred this refuge over Prime Hook.

Beautiful refuge, and you can tour by car
There are short walks you can take as you drive through, some with boardwalks. The welcome center was small, but worker was friendly and helpful. They are finishing a new center, and it looks beautiful
Cost was $4 per car, pay with cash or check
Saw so many birds! Egrets, blue heron, copper hawks, tundra swans, wood ducks, snow goose, terns and more
Highly recommend a visit, only 45 min from Rehoboth beach area.
Just past Dover AFB, we saw quite a few planes in the air and landing, lots to see in the skies here!

This is a wonderful, peaceful place. We biked through the park (although we weren't 100% sure we were supposed to) and enjoyed the birds and the flowers. THERE WERE NO BUGS. WE SAT AND ATE A PIC NIC. We were in the park on a warm (but not hot and sunny) day for close to 2 hours. We almost didn't go because of earlier comments on bugs

This national wildlife refuge is outstanding for bird life. We went in April so no problem with flies and easier to spot birds.
Forgot our binoculars and the office loaned us some ! We saw
Baby great horned owl, screech owl,black rat snake,baby turtle , plovers, warblers,ducks, loons etc!
Gravel road not good for biking, not much hiking

Took six grandkids on a couple of the nature walks. Well set out and easy to navigate. The observatory towers gave us the grand views of several ponds and marshes. Bald eagles were on display in two different areas and the snow geese put on quite the show when they took off from the water. Mosquitoes were still biting with a warm day. Need some colder weather to knock out those suckers! Overall, a wonderful few hours of enjoying this well set-up area. Volunteers performed their duties well and were extremely helpful.

It has been many years since we visited Bombay Hook and my wife and I had a great time in-car birding on a very hot, buggy day. The highlight of the show was the refuge’s star accidentals, a group of four roseate spoonbills who have settled in to the largest pond area. Although summer is not the best time for birding, we saw osprey, eagles (including a pair of juveniles), great and snowy egrets in abundance, great blue herons ((including one chasing another in flight), an assortment of challenging shore birds, and numerous other species. A wonderful few hours of birding.

I decided to visit in the evening around 5 pm to catch great light for photographing birds and other wildlife. I drove in and from that moment, wasn't able to roll my window down once during my time there because of the nasty, very large, aggressive flies swarming my car. As I drove, they threw themselves into my car, like they were auditioning for a Lord of the Flies movie. Some decided they were obviously too tired and used my car as a free taxi service. Even the windshield wipers did not distract them and they seemed to enjoy the bath. I drove through Bombay on the gravel roads and after a half hour of not finding many birds at all and bored out of my mind, I decided to head home. On more than one occasion did I look down on my passenger seat to whisper a sad apology to my camera, who wanted nothing more than to be held and used. It took more time driving around a few more bodies of water until I could find the exit. After reading the great reviews, what disappointment this trip was. I'd like to give it a try again but not this summer.

The day we went to Bombay Hook, it could have been called the Mosquito Farm. But in all fairness, that is a seasonal thing. We just chose a Hot and Humid day to go through an area that has marsh area. What is nice is there is a self driving tour of about five miles (8 km) through the various parts of the Refuge. In the Refuge there are multiple settings of wooded, ponds, marsh and swamp like settings. There are trails to walk, observation towers and multiple settings and it does attract Migrating Waterfowl. Being a Refuge it attracts lowland wildlife. Also being a Refuge it has many types of waterfowl, and Raptors who are attracted to water. Open all year, but check first. Small admission fee.

If you decide to visit during the month of January, here are some tips.

✔️Bring exactly $4.00 in cash to pay the entrance fee.
✔️Bring a pen to complete the entrance card.
✔️Pack a roll of transparent tape if you would like to tape the entrance card to your windshield.
✔️Due to the glare from the water, pack sunglasses.
✔️Remember to bring your zoom lens, binoculars, and scope.
✔️Bring your own food and water. While trash cans are available, a trash bag may be helpful.
✔️Do you have enough gas? Fuel? Epi pen? Medicine?
✔️As cellular coverage is hit-or-miss, does someone know where you are?
✔️The bathrooms are OPEN.
✔️Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
✔️Suggestion: Turn OFF your music so as to enjoy the sounds of bird life.
✔️If you are in a rush, skip this one altogether.

Summer brings many heron and egfets. Also flies. Fortunatly you can see most of the place without ever leaving your car.

The Refuge is very well set up with a drive that also has walks and observation towers. Sunset is a good time to visit.

This is a must do for all birders. It is worth the drive to Dover, DE. We spent an entire day in the refuge birding, walking and viewing the wild life. Ask at the visitors center what birds were seen recently and where. A bus tour was available on Saturdays but was not running during our visit. Call ahead and make a reservation because the tour fills up quickly.
We appreciated stopping at the visitors center prior to our visit for an informative exhibit and helpful staff and volunteers. Pamphlets were available and the park staff was most helpful explaining the trails and wildlife and where to best view them.
There were well marked walking trails and an easily navigated driving trail that was open all day.

We drive over 2 hours to get here REGULARLY! something for everyone and nature at every turn... every season every weather condtion! AMAZING for migration . Marshes fields shore woods ponds you name it.... I have seen for FIRSTS as a nature photographer here than anywhere....

We had a simply lovely afternoon here on a warm sunny late September afternoon. Unfortunately, we were between seasons for the best viewing of the birds. Nevertheless, we did see wonderful flocks of egrets, ducks, and other small waterfowl. We also saw a large Fox who instead of fleeing immediately into the brush, seemed to keep wanting us to follow him slowly down the gravel road. The paths and observation towers were all well-maintained with terrific views, and at least in this season there were virtually no insects. The place was not at all crowded and the views across the marshes were spectacular. Highly recommended.

This is a great place for pictures taking. The nature beauty of the waterfowl and wildlife is awesome. The sunrise and sunset are amazing. Bring a good camera.

Well, we learned not to go to Bombay Hook in early summer. From the moment we paid at the entrance, flies began bombarding our vehicle. They we very aggressive and did not relent throughout our drive through the refuge. Still, we enjoyed the views from behind "quarter inch glass", and will definitely try again in the fall.

Spectacular views of large marshlands are the centerpiece of this NWR. Great place to do some bird watching as well. Visited on a rainy day which added to the stark beauty. Only cautionary note is that you should being potent mosquito repellent if you intend to get out of your car.

The refuge is a really great place,if you're into birds. It is on the coastline. There are trails to hike.They have a small visiting center.There is a nice auto road,that you can view from either side. Of course depending on the time of year & tide,you will see different things.I think the bugs can be crazy in the summer. So you may need bug spray.

I made a planned stop here on my drive down scenic Route 9 en route to Dover to see the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover AFB and the third part of the First State National Monument, Delaware's first and only National Park Service unit. Both were under 15 miles south.

Entrance fees are:
$4.00 - car or motorcycle
$2.00 - bicycle or hiker
$12.00 - annual pass
Free - anyone under age 16
Free - Interagency Pass or America the Beautiful Pass

The Visitor Center has a refuge tour map, some literature, some small interpretative displays, restrooms, and a small gift shop.

Although not among the 75 largest national wildlife refuges in the United States, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is sizable, covering 16,250 acres and extending eight miles along the coastline along Delaware Bay. It provides habitat for wildlife. Some 80% of the refuge is tidal salt marsh with a mix of meadows, mud flats, tidal pools, rivers, creeks, and tidal streams. The upland area includes forests, freshwater impoundments, brushy and timbered swamps, and fields of herbaceous plants. This diversity of habitats supports diversity of animal life.

The main objective of this refuge is to support migrating geese and ducks. The water and marsh areas provide most of the food for the birds. However, what I found so special about this refuge is that local corn and soybean farmers in the surrounding area plant winter crops, such as winter wheat and clover, just for the birds. Some farmers also donate corn.

For wildlife observers, there is a 12-mile wildlife drive, three observation towers, and five hiking/walking trails---two of which are wheelchair-accessible. There are plenty of opportunities for wildlife photography, too.

There are a number of interpretative displays so one’s visit can be very educational.

The Shearness Pool which is not far from the Visitor Center is the largest of four fresh water impoundments. During my visit, there were a lot of species of ducks in this area. Although there were none that I saw, this is a likely place to see southern bald eagles, according to one of the game wardens. There was also a trap for ducks so the wardens could band them for tracking.

The Tidal Saltmarsh on the other side of the road was full of snow geese at the time of my visit. There must have been over 400 of them that day.

Next was the Wildlife Food Plot which was planted with bicolor lespedeza. Other food plots have buckwheat, millet, and autumn olive.

Further along was the Loafing Area which is a resting area for wading birds. There was one lone snowy egret half-hidden in the edge of the marsh grasses. I got one brief good look at him. He was impressive.

Another place of interest was the Woodland which is home to deer, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and opossum. It was planted with many different trees and plants. I recognized white oak which had turned red, American sweet gum which had turned orange, and black tupelo which had turned a nice rich shade of red. Since my visit was near the peak of the foliage season, this area was very colorful.

Another main point of interest for me was the Allee House, a historic country-style farmhouse built in the Queen Anne period in 1753. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has period furniture. It’s open for tours in the spring and fall on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This is where I took a hike along Duck Neck Road near the house. With near-peak foliage, it was a very enjoyable trek.

Bring your camera, binoculars, and insect repellent. And, if you’re a hiker, bring your walking stick or trekking poles. I had mine with me but didn’t need them because I did not venture into the woods.

This refuge is very well kept and well managed. It was obvious that a lot of thought went into creating the habitats with man-made freshwater pools which were kept very clean.

I enjoyed my visit here.

At the gift shop, I got a pair of pair of small owl earrings for $9.95 that were handmade by an artisan from Pennsylvania.

For those who participate in the Blue Goose Passport, the passport for the National Wildlife Refuge System, the passport cancellation stamp is at the office window. The stamp had blue ink. The upper part says: BOMBAY HOOK in bold capital letters; the lower part says: National Wildlife Refuge in title case. And, of course, the flying blue goose is in the center circle.

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Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is only minutes from Dover, DE. The Refuge is clean and brimming with water birds and birds of prey, including Red Tail Hawks, Northern Harriers, Horned Owls and Magnificent Bald Eagles.... Seasonal treasures such as Teal Winged Ducks, Ruddy Ducks, Pin Tail Ducks, Snow Geese and the Snowy Owl visit during the Winter months... Any time of year this Refuge is a must visit for birders, wildlife photographers and nature lovers... The tour road has many stops loaded with various wooded and marsh views. If you love nature and it's wild creatures, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a must visit. I will return again and again when in the Dover area. If your visit is in the Summer months, please do not forget the bug spray and be prepared to bring back some deer flies in your car..

Bombay Hook is a birder's dream. We spent the better part of two days there during the first week of May (11 hours on one day) and saw over 51 different species of birds (only counting those we got a clear enough look at to identify), 16 of which were lifers for me. Bald eagles (at one point I saw 5 together!), egrets, herons, sandpipers and other waterfowl galore. We also saw warblers, thrushes, orioles and grosbeaks, to name a few. Many of the birds can be seen from your car as you follow the Wildlife Drive. There are also several walking trails, some leading to viewing towers, and photo blinds. The longest trail is only a mile. The refuge includes freshwater ponds, saltwater marshes, forests, and fields -- a variety of ecosystems where we saw birds, turtles, frogs, and a fox. This was one of the most beautiful and nicest wildlife refuges I've visited in the mid-Atlantic area. If you're in the area and not a serious birder, it's still worth a drive through.

Enough paths to walk, still cool enough in early June (it rained, that helped). For those who can't walk, plenty to see while driving & pulling to the side of the road. Blue grosbeak, indigo bunting & barred owl were the highlights of this trip.

I took the Saturday van tour this morning and it was really interesting. Hardly any bird sightings since the water areas - fresh and salt - are frozen, but my guide knew lots about the history. I’ve been visiting for years but I learned a lot about Bombay Hook this morning.

Hi, we are planning to visit Bombay Hook tomorrow, April 12th. Was checking out their website for hours. It states the visitors center is open tomorrow, but when I called tje phones weren't in order. Has anyine been there to confirm that it is, in fact, open? We are driving from southern nj and want to be sure before we make the drive. Thank you!!

This is a much bigger area than Prime Hook. The volunteer there said Bombay Hook had a new visitor center & to take a look.

The visitor center IS new, but there isn't much there. We used the bathrooms. There are no displays. There's a gift shop, but it was closed on a Saturday morning for "inventory".
I picked up a park map & we left.

There's a $4 admission fee, but they aren't too worried about taking your money. There were 2 envelope posts & both were crammed full of envelopes.

We were of course there at the wrong time of year for migrating birds, but there were still birds there. There's a 12 mile auto tour road that's not bad - as long as you don't take out the birders that stop up the road. Not only do they block the lane with their car, they end up with their tripods directly on the other side! Jeez!

There's only 4 trails here & all are short. We did the boardwalk trail which is partial boardwalk & packed dirt. It's a .25 loop trail. We were delighted to view the crabs running around & darting into their holes. Also dodging raccoon poop on the boardwalk.
The Bear Swamp Trail is also a .25 loop trail with some boardwalk.
The other 2 trails go to observation towers & are .25 there & back.
Mosquitoes were bad, but we sprayed.

Nice roads,beautiful marshrs,trees and very easy to drive around and see all wonderful birds.We seen White Eregts , Bald Eagles,golden eagles, great blue herons,and they were all easy to take pictures of.

I would recommend this place to anyone who loves nature. You can take a trail in which you can bring your car or bike with you. You can also get down from your car and see the scenery. These slow speeds allow you to see nature's beauty. This auto trail is 16 miles long and takes about one hour to complete without any stops. However, you can choose how you want to spend your time. There are three observation towers in which you can take a small walk and enjoy a scenic view. Also, you can get out of you car anytime you like. This place is also out of the city and very relaxing. It is also a very affordable fee to enter.

Possibly one of the best places on the East Coast to view waterfowl, namely large numbers of dabbling ducks and snow geese. There are miles of trails that can walked as well as an extensive road network around various freshwater impoundments all bordered by natural salt marsh.

Make sure you have 4 singles since that is what the entrance fee is and if the information/giftshop isn't open you need exact change for the pass to use the park.

Different times of year will give you different birds to look at. I haven't been there in the summer but would imagine the are plenty of mosquitoes since the park is mostly marshland. There is a house on the property that is supposed to be a museum but it looks like it has been closed for a while. They have a couple of observation towers that offer some great views.

Basically if you are into birds and nature in general this is a fun way to spend a few hours, if you are a photographer bring a big zoom lens since in most cases you aren't going to get that close to the wildlife.

We spent an afternoon driving and walking through this large wildlife refuge. It is along Delaware Bay but you cannot really see the bay as the road takes you through the marshlands and wetlands but stays a good distance from the coastline. The tidal pools were filled with geese, ducks, herons and many other birds. I wish we had brought binoculars as they were pretty far away. There are some towers to climb in different parts of the refuge to get a view from up high. There is a nice small visitors center with bathrooms, picnic tables and displays of stuffed birds.

This is one of the more equipped locations. We visited today as part of the Blue Goose Passport Program. It’s a good think we had our book because the gift shop was closed! This is a pet peeve of mine s d the sane thing happened when we went to Patauxtent Wildlife Refuge. If business bourse are 8-4 then so should the gift shop! That is part of the experience for me.

No matter, there is so much to do here that we will be back. Today, we visited the visitors center and did a very detailed auto tour. The weather was awful, we were in the midst of a heatwave and the bugs were relentless. Even being inside the car we were being attacked. The pictures are all from the auto tour.

When we return, we will bring bikes to ride all through the auto road and pull off to see the Allee House, the Observation Tour, and hike the many different trails. We can’t wait to return!

There are picnic tables everywhere, a junior program for families, and a very family friendly environment. The worker there even offered to lend us a pair of binoculars.

My only complaint is that the gift shop was closed! That is a waste, it could be making money for the preserve and allowing me to buy things for my classroom!

What a neat place! We really enjoyed our 2 visits there. It is a 12 mile dirt road which goes in a loop, passing many marsh and fresh water areas with a variety of birds. I believe we were a bit late in getting the variety that Bombay would offer We photographed egrets, heron, duck varieties and when we retuned back in the evenings we managed to photograph the most amazing sunsets reflected on water we ever had the pleasure to see. It was magical! The visitor center, where you start, offers you some displays of wildlife from within the refuge. It is very well kept and offers clean rest rooms. A large part of the refuge can be seen from your car as you drive along the dirt roads. The stops are very well signed as to direction. The trails were beautiful as the leaves were in full fall foliage and made for a quiet walk. The trails are anywhere from 3/10 to a mile, all flat and east to navigate. We saw fox on the way back to the center after dark which was a plus and so beautiful. When the tide goes out the birds all wait in the shallow waters for the fish to come by on the way back in. The egrets and heron did not flee immediately and we were able to get some real nice photos. I will definitely return to see the spring migration.

One of my favorite places to bird any time of the year. It is known for waterfowl and shorebirds. The nice roads loop around to see various habitat, small visitors center and some portipottys along the way.

Beautiful wildlife refuge with a great 12 mile driving loop and several trails and lookout towers. Amazing array of birds and butterflies in Summer. There is also an historic 18th century homestead, Allee House. Most important? Plenty of bug spray. They have clean bathrooms at the very helpful information office. The info office closes at 4pm. Driving south from NJ, we got on route 9 in Odessa and found it a lovely country drive.

This is my third trip to Bombay Hook and this was by far my best photography trip to date.

The property is easy to navigate with unlimited birdwatching / photography opportunities.

I'm already planning to return this fall.

This is a fabulous hotspot for birdwatching on the Delaware coast, in any season. Very few people or cars. Refuge has an auto trail with easy pull off and viewing, and has 5 short trails on the scenic drive, 3 of which lead to observation towers, and 2 others with boardwalks or trails into the marsh. Nice visitor center with bathrooms and guides to trails, small gift shop open limited hours. About 20 minutes from Dover, and an hour from .Rehoboth Beach. Can do a great birding weekend by combining this with Prime Hook which is about 45 minutes south.

This Refuge provides excellent wildlife viewing with opportunities to view from a vehicle, as well as on several walking trails. There are educational displays and an above-average gift shop.

A coastal wetland smack in the middle of the Atlantic Flyway? Yeah, don't pass this place up. We stopped here a few years ago for a couple hours while on our way to the Chincoteague NWR. Very first thing we saw was a red fox trotting along the roadside, completely ignoring the gawkers and huge camera lenses pointed at him. Four years and two weeks later, we pay another visit... and as soon as we leave the Visitor Center for the loop, there's a female red fox bounding though the tall grasses. You can't help but get lucky here.
They have feeders and bird houses set up around the center to attract goldfinches and purple martins as well as the usual assortment of hats, field guides, etc., and bathrooms.
Drive the loop slowly and pull over often; every trail and lookout have something to offer anyone who love nature. The Fennis pool was full of large bullfrogs; we saw several black rat snakes along the Parson Point Trail. The Raymond Pool had a bunch of Black-necked Stilts mixed in with the usual sandpipers and small waders while the Shearness Pool boasted lots of Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Cattle Egrets, and more. We saw several Yellow Warblers and Eastern Kingbirds along the Bear Swamp Trail, and many others.
Pick a low-tide weekday morning and you'll have most of the refuge to yourself... if you come in the summer, take LOTS of bug spray (it IS an enormous wetland after all) and water. In any case bring good binoculars or a scope here ANY time of the year and you won't be disappointed.

We spent much longer at the refuge that we expected because the views were so lovely. Most people seem to drive the auto loop and never get out of their cars, which is a shame. The salt marsh boardwalk takes you right out into the marsh, and each of the three observation towers (reached by very short walks) gives you an aerial view of a different freshwater pond and the many birds feeding and wading and swimming there. We're not avid birders but still enjoyed all the wildlife, including a red fox which waited and guided us along part of the drive. I recommend making a brief stop at the visitor's center before entering the refuge to pick up a map and get your bearings.

This is a wonderful spot for nature lovers, especially birds that live along coastal regions. There is a 12 mile driving tour through the refuge, with a number of stops along the way with short trails, viewing towers, etc. We were also treated by a military plane landing at Dover Air Force base, which is very close by.

If you decide to visit during the month of January, here are some tips.

✔️Bring exactly $4.00 in cash to pay the entrance fee.
✔️Bring a pen to complete the entrance card.
✔️Pack a roll of transparent tape if you would like to tape the entrance card to your windshield.
✔️Due to the glare from the water, pack sunglasses.
✔️Remember to bring your zoom lens, binoculars, and scope.
✔️Bring your own food and water. While trash cans are available, a trash bag may be helpful.
✔️Do you have enough gas? Fuel? Epi pen? Medicine?
✔️As cellular coverage is hit-or-miss, does someone know where you are?
✔️The bathrooms are OPEN.
✔️Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
✔️Suggestion: Turn OFF your music so as to enjoy the sounds of bird life.
✔️If you are in a rush, skip this one altogether.

This was our first visit to the refuge. There had been a cold snap, so many birds had headed south. But the mallards, snow geese, Canada geese, and other birds were still around. Great trails through woods and grasses that are great for family hikes. There are a couple 2-story high lookout towers in the park, and give a great vantage point of the vast refuge. Bring binoculars and cameras. And if you want to walk on the trails close to the water, bring waterproof shoes for mucking about.

We enjoyed everything but the mosquitoes and other bugs that decided they liked me. We enjoyed the park and will go back when I won't be eaten. Beautiful park and we love the many different birds..just a nice peacefull place. I was there to take pictures....

Splendid day outing with something for everyone-handicap accessible boardwalks, observation towers - 3 flights , driving loops one way. Plenty of water fowl to spot! Bring bug spray for summer jaunts in the woods. $4 per carload and they have a visitor center too.

Enjoyed parts of three days in late February. Arrived late afternoon on a Sunday to get a feel for the place. Was great to be able to pay entrance fee via the envelopes near the entrance. Was concerned about being able to exit the refuge if the gate closed (based on sunset). Learned the gate automatically opened once vehicle was close enough to trigger the mechanism. Excellent brochure on trails, various waterways, etc. Arrived around 0730 the next day. Was somewhat overcast. Great for observing waterfowl and various species were in abundance particularly along access roads. Relatively few other vehicles. Drove all over the refuge and walked all the trails. When the tide was out the exposed mud flats were host to quite a variety of waterfowl and a few shorebirds including American avocets. During such time saw several great blue herons catching fish at outfalls of the freshwater ponds. On Tuesday noted quite an increase in vehicles. And, as the day was very sunny saw fewer waterfowl both in numbers and species. And, they were less likely to be seen along the pond banks adjacent to roadways. Some, like the Canada geese seemed to be more fidgety when humans were walking the roads on Tuesday than overcast Monday. Noted the green-wing teal in particularly were very sparse relatively speaking compared to the flocks we saw on Monday. Staff at the visitor’s center were very helpful.

Encourage visitors to use the observation towers. Short walks and no other visitors. Nice to be able to use binocs and spotting scope to look for less common species scattered here and there. In total, saw maybe 40-plus species including three bald eagles. Not being well versed in calls we undoubtedly missed seeing/identifying songbirds in wooded areas. Saw a red fox on two different occassions.

Will certainly return to see shorebirds and others as spring progresses.

This place is great ! Visitor center has indoor restroom and a cute little gift shop. Lots of bird displays
On the road that you drive around the preserve, you will see lots of different wildlife.
Saw an eagle in a tree eating a fish, can’t count the number of herons, Fox, ducks galore and a big beaver
Took a hike around some boardwalk like structures through a marsh.
It’s a must see place

The bathroom in the building is closed, for no reason, looks like they decided to use dirty plastic outhouses instead of keeping a bathroom in a building operating for public use.

We spent 2 days birding here, mostly by car. The shorebird species changed daily. Numbers were excellent. Great opportunities to study each bird with spotting scopes. Nice visitor center.

Had friends visiting from out of state and decided to take them to Bombay Hook NWR. We were mortified to see how unkept everything looked. The outside area by the visitor center had high grass and looked shabby. We are frequent visitors of both Bombay and Prime hook facilities.
I don’t know what changed from last year but we started walking the trail with the boardwalk and had to turn around and come back because the trail was overgrown with brush. There was no trimming on the sides of the roads either. I understand what a wildlife refuge is and that it should remain natural however, these refugees belong to the public and should be made accessible and a pleasure to visit. In the six years I have been visiting I had never seen it look this bad. Someone should look into where our tax dollars are going as they are not going for gas for the mowers which don’t seem to be getting used.
In the photo you can barely see the top of the sign

This is one of the important birding spots on the east coast. In February, it mainly hosts waterfowl, of which we saw plenty. Snow Geese, Pintails, Coots, Canada Geese, and many more, were easily viewable from the road that circles several managed basins. We positively ID's 15 species, and a couple of others were doubtful (too far, even with a scope). We also saw a Red Fox (the only mammal!).

The highlight was two Bald Eagle nests, each boasting two adults taking turns brooding their clutch. Although the nests were visible from afar, we needed the spotting scope to really see the birds. Even very good binoculars were not adequate to bring them in.

Bonus for a February visit: no mosquitoes! For much of the year, they are a major nuisance, and one doesn't want to leave the car.