Visitor Information

On this page we have compiled information to help you plan your next trip to Bombay Hook NWR. For more information, call the refuge at (302) 653-6872 Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm or email the web master.

Please click on the following links to quickly see the information you need.

Wildlife drive Open every day of the year from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.

Visitor Center: Open weekdays all year from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Open weekends from the beginning of March until the end of June and from the beginning of September until mid-December. Weekend hours are from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Blue Heron Gift Shoppe: When the Vistor Center is open the Gift Shoppe will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Since the Shoppe is operated by volunteers these hours are not guaranteed. Please check the Friends' Facebook page for the latest information.

• Please note that all fees must be paid using cash or check. Credit and check cards are not accepted for the payment of fees.
• Active Duty Military Pass (Must be issued by the staff): FREE
• Automobile or motorcycle (and occupants): $4.00 per day.
• Hiking, bicyling: $2.00 per day per person. Children under 16 years old are free.
• Commercial van & bus tours: $20.00/vehicle with 20 people or less, $30 for a vehicle with more than 20 people.
• Bombay Hook Refuge Pass: $12.00/Year
• Bombay Hook accepts Federal Duck Stamp; and Interagency Annual, Senior, and Access passes for federal recreational lands, including refuges; are honored.
• Passes are on sale in the refuge Visitor Center.

• Restrooms: Handicapped-accessible facilities located at the Visitor Center are open 24 hours a day. Additionaly, toilets are located at Bear Swamp Trail and Pasture Point Pond.
• Food and Drink: Food and drink are not available at the refuge. The nearest store is about six miles away.

• From Dover - Head north on Route 13 to Route 42, Fast Landing Road. Turn right (East) on Route and follow it to Route 9 in Leipsic. Turn left (North) onto Route 9 and follow it for 2 miles to Whitehall Neck Road Turn right onto Whitehall Neck Road and follow it to the refuge entrance.
• From Smyrna - Follow Route 13 south to Road 12 (Smyrna-Leipsic Rd.) Turn left (East) and follow Road 12 for 5 miles. Continue for 0.25 miles after Road 12 merges with Route 9, then take a left onto Whitehall Neck Road which will bring you to Bombay Hook.
• From Points south of the Dover AirForce Base - Follow Route 1 north to Exit 91, Kitts Hummock, Leipsic, Route 9. At the end of the ramp turn right and move left to follow Route 9. After you pass through Little Creek stay to the right to remain on Route 9 towards Leipsic. On leaving Leipsic you will go over the Leipsic River. A mile after you cross the river turn right onto Whitehall Neck Road and follow it to Bombay Hook.
• From the Route 1 toll road take exit 114 (Smyrna-South exit). At the end of the ramp turn right at traffic light onto Route 13 North. Turn right at next light onto Road 12 East (Smyrna-Leipsic Road). Follow Road 12 for 5 miles. Continue for 0.25 miles after Road 12 merges with Route 9, then take a left onto Whitehall Neck Road which will bring you to Bombay Hook..

• Weather: Get a complete weather forecast for Smyrna, Delaware including air quality here.
• Sunrise and Sunset: Get sunrise and sunset times for Smyrna, Delaware here.
• Tide Tables: Get current tidal information.
• Pollen: The local pollen report and forecast is available here.