Going Kayaking in Hampton Roads in Virginia

The gorgeous Tidewater area of Virginia, also referred to as Hampton Roads, offers a wide variety of sun-filled activities for tourists and locals alike.  From sandy beaches and amusement parks to aquariums and zoos, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and the surrounding areas have activities that are sure to please everyone.  The Hampton Roads area is also well known for its huge sea kayaking areas.

The oceans, bays, and inlets of Hampton Roads place forward sea kayakers miles and miles of peaceful and scenic waterways.  Here are a number of kayaking tours available in the area, including ecological tours that examine the wondrous plant and animal life of the Tidewater area.  More experienced kayakers can rent gear from one of the many outfitters located throughout the area or can result in their own gear to delight in their own adventure in one of the well loved Hampton Roads kayaking areas.  

Rudee Inlet is a fantastic launch site for beginning kayakers or those looking for a small, simple paddle.  Just outside of the oceanfront area of Virginia Beach, the Rudee Inlet boat launch is right by the well loved marine science museum.  A variety of fish, birds, and plant life are visible along the shores near the launch and to the south of the ramp.  The southern part of Rudee Inlet ends after about half a mile.  To the north of the ramp, a further half a mile out, is the entrance to the Atlantic Ocean.  Watch out for other boaters while paddling this section.  Fishing in the inlet is brilliant, especially around the bridge just before the ocean.  The Rudee Inlet boat launch provides plenty of parking for cars and trailers and here are two money-making campgrounds nearby as well as a disorder park with oceanside camping conveniences.

At the northern end of Virginia Beach’s oceanfront strip is the Lynnhaven Inlet, which feeds into both the Atlantic Ocean and the Lynnhaven Waterway.  The honestly new boat launch charges a .00 fee for kayaks and can be quite busy during peak season.  The channel leading to the sea is generally full of jet skis and large motorboats, but the waterway is ideal for kayaking in Hampton Roads.  The saltwater marshes of the Lynnhaven Waterway are home to several species of birds, including the Bald Eagle.  The waterway also provides a fantastic view of some of the best residential real estate in Virginia Beach.  Here are several resorts and hotels nearby, as well as First Upstairs hallway Disorder Park with a campground.  Beware of wind and tides around the Lynnhaven Inlet because it can have a drastic affect on the water condition and deepness.

If you are looking for a fantastic area for a weekend kayaking trip in Hampton Roads, try Fake Cape Disorder Park, a land barrier linking Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.  Fake Cape is surrounded by the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, so here is no door to vehicles.  Here are several ways to enter the park while kayaking, but the waters of the Back Bay are recommended for experienced paddlers only.  If you plot to camp in one of Fake Cape’s four primitive tent campgrounds, you will need reservations and will most likely want to leave from the Small Island City Park boat launch in Sandbridge, just south of Virginia Beach.  Overnight parking is permitted as long as your camping confirmation letter is visible in the dash.  Barbour Hill Bay is 6.9 miles from the launch and offers a boat ramp and camping, while the bay side of Fake Cape Upstairs hallway offers the same and is 8.7 miles away.  Ocean camp sites are also available, but here is no boat upstairs hallway on this side.  Fires are not permitted inside the prak, so result in along a small camp stove, like the Coleman Breeze, if you plot to cook during your stay.  Kayaking to Fake Cape is a fantastic Hampton Roads kayaking day trip for advanced kayakers as well.  Picnic areas are easily reachable from the boat ramps.

Tagged with: Going • Hampton • Kayaking • Roads • Virginia

Filed under: Kayak Tours

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