This or That? Bombay Hook vs. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuges

It can be hard for people to know if Bombay Hook or Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is better to visit, so it’s time for another “This-or-That” post, where we break it all down for you. At first glance, the two wildlife refuges may appear to be very similar as they are both situated on the Delaware bayshore and offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

But once you take a closer look, you’ll realize that the two refuges have several things that make them very different. And depending on what you want to do and see during your visit, one refuge might be a much better fit than the other.

Both Bombay Hook and Prime Hook are National Wildlife Refuges, meaning they are managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Neither of them are national parks and therefore do not offer as many amenities as you might expect to see in a national or state park. The main purpose of a wildlife refuge is, as you probably already guessed, to provide and preserve habitat for a variety of wildlife.

So which refuge will you choose to visit next? Let’s help you make that decision.

Visitor Centers

Interior of Bombay Hook visitor center

Both Bombay Hook and Prime Hook have brand new, welcoming visitor centers. The visitor center at Bombay Hook was completed and opened to the public in late 2023, and the visitor center at Prime Hook opened in April of 2025. 

Hiking Trails

While both Bombay Hook and Prime Hook offer hiking trails, if you’re looking to get some decent mileage in, Prime Hook might be a better bet. Prime Hook offers a total of about 5 miles of walking trails, with each trail traversing through varying habitats. From upland forested areas and meadows, to both salt marsh and freshwater wetlands, the trails here offer quite a variety of scenery.

Bombay Hook has several walking trails, but most of the trails are short jaunts that spur off from the main wildlife drive. The Boardwalk trail (0.5 mile loop) provides visitors with access to the marsh and views of the creek, and the Parsons Point trail (0.5 miles, one-way) offers a shaded, wooded option. The Forest Discovery Tree trail is the longest trail at 2.7 miles long and the trailhead is located by the main parking lot near the visitor center.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife Drive at Bombay Hook

Observation deck at Bombay Hook

It’s no secret that wildlife viewing can change from day to day and from location to location. Both locations are ideal for birding and other wildlife viewing, however if you’re itching to spot a variety of birds, Bombay Hook might be a better choice. Wildlife Drive at Bombay Hook is surrounded by water on both sides of the road, providing ideal habitat for shorebirds and wading birds. In addition, there are several observation towers scattered throughout the refuge to provide visitors with elevated views of the impoundment areas.

Observation deck on the Dike trail at Prime Hook

Although Bombay Hook may have more opportunities to view wildlife, Prime Hook has no shortage. Prime Hook has one observation tower at the end of the Dike trail with views of the open bay and wetlands. Prime Hook’s trails through the upland forest and meadows will also provide more opportunities to spot deer, fox, and songbirds.

Bicycling

Bombay Hook wildlife drive

For cyclists, Bombay Hook is where you want to be. Wildlife Drive is open to bicycling and although cyclists will be sharing the road with vehicles, the speed limit is 15 mph and drivers typically make frequent stops, making it a pretty safe option for those on bikes. If you choose to pedal the entire loop and back to the visitor center, it is about 9 miles total.

Biking on the main roads of Prime Hook is permitted, but you’ll only be able to ride about 1.5 miles since the trails are designated for hiking only.

Water Access

Foord's Landing at Prime Hook

Although both Bombay Hook and Prime Hook are located along Delaware’s bayshore, Prime Hook is the only spot to access the water, as Bombay Hook does not have any beaches, piers, or kayak launches.

Canal launch behind Fowler Beach

At Prime Hook, paddlers can launch from several different spots. Foord’s Landing is probably the most popular place to paddle, with access to Prime Hook Creek, the refuge’s official canoe trail. Refuge staff advise paddles to only venture west from the launch, as the east portion of the trail is silted in. Paddlers can also launch at Turkle Pond and along the canal behind Fowler Beach. 

Fowler Beach at Prime Hook (closed seasonally)

If you just want to access the water and skip the paddling, you can enjoy Fowler Beach which is part of the refuge, but is about a 15 minute drive from the main visitor center area. Fowler Beach is typically closed in spring and summer for shorebird nesting seasons, so be sure to check with refuge staff for the most up to date closure information. In addition to Fowler Beach, Fleetwood Pond also offers water access with a small fishing pier available to visitors.

Entrance Fees

Entrance sign at Bombay Hook

Prime Hook does not have entrance fees, but Bombay Hook’s Wildlife Drive does charge a fee. Daily and annual passes are available at minimal charges. You can even pay online in advance of your visit for convenience.

Dogs

While many wildlife refuges prohibit dogs from visiting, both Bombay Hook and Prime Hook allow dogs as long as they are kept on a leash, however the Fowler Beach portion of Prime Hook prohibits dogs.

Now that you’ve had a chance to read through all the different amenities and activities at each refuge, you’ve probably decided which spot is best for your next visit. If you’re still undecided, don’t fret! Most visitors can visit both Bombay Hook and Prime Hook in the same day, so pack your picnic lunch and enjoy an action-packed day at Delaware’s national wildlife refuges!