Above Pea Patch Island the Delaware River begins to turn industrial. Chemical plants, shipyards and refineries line the shores while tugboats, tows, freighters and tankers are in the channel. Recreational boat amenities are few in this area and those located on the Delaware River are not always well protected. At the lower end of the Sunoco Refinery on the western shore is the Delaware–Pennsylvania State line. The entire opposite side of the Delaware River and Delaware Bay is New Jersey territory. Commercial traffic can be monitored on VHF Channel 13.

The City of Philadelphia is located about 35 miles above the Delaware River entrance of the C&D Canal. This is an exciting and easy port for cruising boats to reach and offers something for everyone (particularly history buffs).