Virginia Beach isn’t just for sunbathing, boardwalk strolls, or oceanfront dining. For paddlers who know where to look, it’s a coastal playground of tidal rivers, inland bays, and open ocean.
It doesn’t matter if you’re gliding through a quiet freshwater creek or chasing dolphin pods in the Chesapeake Bay, the variety is what makes this place stand out.
Let’s break it down. You’ll get the top launch spots, what kind of sights to expect along the way, who to rent from, and how to stay safe out there—just real guidance from someone who’s paddled just about every shoreline around here. Let’s get into it.
Where to Launch Your Kayak in Virginia Beach
Different skill levels call for different launch spots. Virginia Beach has options for everybody—from seasoned paddlers looking to take on the surf to casual kayakers who just want to float through a peaceful marsh at sunset.
Atlantic Ocean Launch Points (For Advanced Paddlers)
If you’re experienced and looking for open-water adventure, the Atlantic side is where the action is. Be prepared for changing tides, waves, and wind.
Top Launch Spots
- Rudee Inlet Marina – Close to the Oceanfront and loaded with amenities.
- Little Island Park (Sandbridge) – Great beach access and parking, but check the surf forecast before heading out.
- Owl Creek Boat Ramp – Offers a nice transition between flatwater and open ocean.
- Birdneck Launch & Hutton Circle – Smaller, less busy options near Rudee Inlet.
- Dozier Bridge – Good for early morning launches when it’s still calm.
What you’ll get here: fast currents, dolphin sightings, and wide-open blue. It’s gorgeous, but it’s no place for trial runs. If you’re unsure, go with a guide.
Chesapeake Bay Launch Points (All Skill Levels)
The bay is calmer and more forgiving. Perfect if you’re newer to kayaking but still want to see something special.
Launch Areas
- Chic’s Beach – A local favorite. Gentle waves, great sunsets, and typically less crowded than the Oceanfront.
- First Landing State Park – One of the best places to ease into coastal kayaking with direct access to Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay.
On a good day, you can paddle toward the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and catch sight of dolphins cutting through the water or rays gliding just beneath the surface.
Inland Bays & Rivers (Perfect for Beginners and Casual Paddlers)
These waterways feel a bit like a secret—quiet, scenic, and sheltered from the wind. They’re also ideal if you’re looking to squeeze in a sunset paddle after work.
Highlights
- Lynnhaven River – Over 150 miles of shoreline and marshes. Tons of birdlife. Feels like paddling through a living postcard.
- Linkhorn Bay – Calm water, framed by forests and quiet neighborhoods.
- North Bay & West Neck Creek – Serene routes with minimal boat traffic.
You’ll also find launch access from several public parks—bring a foldable cart and you’re good to go.
First Landing State Park (For Nature Lovers & History Buffs)
Launch at Broad Bay, and paddle about three miles toward Linkhorn Bay. You’ll pass through wooded shorelines, marshes, and sometimes hear ospreys screeching overhead. The park sits on land where English colonists landed in 1607, so you’re literally paddling through history.
Keep an eye out for:
- Bald eagles
- Blue herons
- Cow-nose rays
- Bottlenose dolphins
You can rent a kayak right in the park, too—super convenient if you’re visiting.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (For Wildlife and Eco-Kayaking)
Located way down near the southern end of the city, Horn Point gives you access to an 8,000-acre haven of freshwater creeks, cypress trees, and wetlands. You’ll be sharing the water with:
- River otters
- Bobcats (on land, don’t worry)
- Deer
- Migrating shorebirds
- Ducks and geese galore
It’s peaceful, raw, and feels miles away from everything—because it is.
Stumpy Lake (Best for Moonlight Kayaking)
There’s a local tradition around here: when the moon is full, head to Stumpy Lake. The trees literally grow out of the water, and as the light shifts, everything glows. You’re not here for speed—you’re here for stillness. It’s quiet, eerie, and gorgeous.
Local outfitters offer guided moonlight paddles. Bring bug spray and a low-lumen headlamp.
Pungo Ferry Landing Park (Easy Access, Good for Groups)
Located in the rural Pungo area, this park has:
- Sandy shores to launch from
- Big parking lot
- Easy access to Back Bay
Good for families or paddling with friends. You can bring a cooler, grill out, and make a whole day of it.
What to See While You Paddle
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The waterways around Virginia Beach aren’t just about getting from point A to B—they’re packed with sights that shift with the seasons.
Wildlife You Might Spot
- Dolphins – Most common near the Oceanfront and Chesapeake Bay.
- Egrets & Herons – Especially around Linkhorn Bay and the Lynnhaven.
- River Otters – Best bet is Back Bay or Horn Point.
- Bald Eagles & Ospreys – Nesting in tall trees near First Landing and Back Bay.
- Cow-Nose Rays – Sometimes swim right under your kayak in the summer.
It’s never guaranteed, but if you’re patient and paddle quietly, nature shows up.
Scenic Views Worth the Paddle
- Sunsets over Linkhorn Bay – The sky turns every color you can name.
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel – Impressive up close, especially from a kayak.
- Tree tunnels at Horn Point – Like floating through a swampy fairy tale.
- Quiet neighborhoods along Lynnhaven – Great mix of nature and coastal charm.
Historical Landmarks
- First Landing State Park – As the name suggests, it’s where English settlers made their first landing in 1607. You can still see interpretive signs and natural shoreline where it all happened.
- Tidewater region – Paddling along the Lynnhaven River gives glimpses into the area’s colonial history, plus old homes and fishing villages.
Want a Guided Tour Instead?
If you’re not sure where to start—or just want to make sure you see dolphins—guided tours are a great option. Here’s a short breakdown of the most reliable companies in town.
| Company | Specialty | Launch Area | Highlights |
| Chesapean Outdoors | Dolphin & sunset tours | Linkhorn Bay, North End | Small groups, great for wildlife |
| GoKayak! | Nature and dolphin tours | Rudee Inlet, First Landing | Family-friendly, relaxed pace |
| Kayak Nature Tours, Ltd. | Wetland and bay tours | Back Bay, Chesapeake Bay | Great for eco-education |
| Tula Adventure Sports | Dolphin-focused | Chesapeake Bay | Fun and energetic guides |
Most of them provide everything—kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry bag, and even water. Some even offer photo packages.
Specialty Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
Sometimes it’s the little extras that make a paddle unforgettable.
- Blue Pete’s Dinner Tour: Start at Back Bay, paddle through wildlife-rich waters, and finish the evening with dinner at Blue Pete’s Restaurant. It’s casual, delicious, and completely unique to Virginia Beach.
- Moonlight Tours at Stumpy Lake: Glide through mirror-like waters as the moon reflects off the tree trunks. Magical doesn’t even cover it.
- Kayaking Events: Look out for local races or charity paddles on the Visit Virginia Beach events calendar.
Virginia Beach Kayaking Events & Guided Tours – 2025
| Date | Event | Location | Description | Organizer |
| April 19 | Guided Kayak Paddle | First Landing State Park | A 2.5-hour paddle exploring the park’s waterways, led by the Bay Experience Team. | Virginia State Parks |
| May 22 | Nature Excursion – Wildlife Kayak & Wine Tour | Virginia Beach | A full-day experience combining kayaking with wildlife observation and a wine tour. | Virginia Aquarium |
| May 30 – June 1 | Jackalope Festival | Virginia Beach Oceanfront | While primarily an action sports festival, it features water sports demonstrations, including kayaking. | Jackalope Festival |
| June – August | Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours | Linkhorn Bay & North End | Evening paddles aimed at spotting dolphins against the backdrop of a sunset. | Chesapean Outdoors |
| June – August | Dolphin & Nature Tours | Rudee Inlet & First Landing State Park | Guided tours focusing on dolphin sightings and exploring local ecosystems. | GoKayak! |
| June – August | Dolphin Kayak Tours | Chesapeake Bay District | Paddle alongside dolphins in the calmer waters of the bay. | Tula Adventure Sports |
| June – August | Kayak Nature Tours | Back Bay, First Landing State Park, Chesapeake Bay | Explore wetlands and prime dolphin-spotting locations with experienced guides. | Kayak Nature Tours, Ltd. |
| June – August | Blue Pete’s Dinner Tour | Back Bay Wildlife Refuge | Combine a scenic paddle through Back Bay with a meal at Blue Pete’s restaurant. | Surf and Adventure Company |
| June – August | Moonlight Kayaking | Stumpy Lake | Experience the tranquility of nighttime paddling under the stars. | City of Virginia Beach |
Renting a Kayak in Virginia Beach
You’ve got options—whether you’re planning ahead or just find yourself with an open afternoon.
Self-Service Kiosks
Available at select parks, these work like bike rentals. Just scan a QR code, use an app, and go. It’s an easy way to try kayaking without much commitment.
Park Rentals
At places like First Landing, you can rent solo or tandem kayaks by the hour. Affordable and reliable.
Local Outfitters
Companies like Adventure Parasail, Chesapean Outdoors, and GoKayak! offer rentals even if you’re not joining a tour. Just call ahead.
Quick Safety Tips (Don’t Skip These)
- Wear a life jacket—Yes, even if you’re a great swimmer and even if the lifeguard is near you. It’s the law.
- Check tides and wind conditions before launching, especially if you’re on the ocean.
- Tell someone your plan, including where you’re going and when you expect to return.
- Avoid bothering wildlife—especially in protected areas like Back Bay.
- Stick to your skill level—If you’re just getting started, don’t launch into the surf.
Final Thoughts
There aren’t many places where you can kayak through calm tree-lined creeks in the morning, chase dolphins by lunch, and then catch the sunset over a historic bay—all in one day. But Virginia Beach pulls it off.
Whether you’re renting a kayak on a whim or planning a full-on weekend paddle tour, you’ll find the waters here welcoming, wild, and full of surprises. Just pick your route, pack your water bottle, and don’t forget to look up—there’s always something worth seeing out there.
