Get out on the water: Virginia’s Eastern Shore is unique in its waterways. Having access to both the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean gives for a variety of water-based activities. Whether you enjoy saltwater fishing or want to launch your kayak in a quiet creek, there is plenty of opportunity to get out on the water.
Please note, while not all locations have kayak and paddle board rentals, lots of businesses will deliver wherever you need them. Check out rental options here, and see who will deliver to you.
For more information regarding Virginia’s Eastern Shore nearby waterways, check out Explore Our Seaside and Virginia Water Trails.
Guided Ecotours
Photo Credit: Eastern Shore Boat Tours
Photo Credit: Martina Coker with Eastern Shore Birding
Photo Credit: Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce
One of the most immersive ways to enjoy the waters on all sides of the Eastern Shore of Virginia is to spend a day doing a guided tour, either by boat or kayak. Local guides are a plethora of knowledge able to tell you old tales of life on the water or point out unique seabirds. Spend an afternoon paddling along Onancock Creek, boating out of Wachapreague to the Barrier Islands, floating by the quiet Ghost Fleet of Kiptopeke State Park, or spotting wild Chincoteague ponies. Your guide will only enrich the experience with their knowledge and expertise.
Find guided ecotours.
Guided Fishing Trips
Photo Credit: Cape Charles Fishing Adventure
Popular fish include red drum, black drum, flounder, toadfish, tautog, speckled trout, marlin, tuna, kingfish, spades, and cobia to name a few. Depending on the season and whether you choose to fish in the Chesapeake Bay or the Atlantic Ocean will depend what kind of fish you catch. Local fishing guides know the water like the back of their hand. If you’re looking for a guide who will bring you to the best places, this is the trip for you. Some guides even offer clamming, crabbing, musseling, dolphin watching, and more.
Find a fishing guide.
Guided Hunting Trips
Photo provided by High N’ Dry LLC
Photo provided by High N’ Dry LLC
Waterfowl including ducks, rails, and geese are some of Virginia’s Eastern Shore’s most exciting coastal hunting trips. Local guides will have you hiding behind your duck blinds in layers of clothes on a cold winter morning before the sun rises. Dust off your decoys, get the dog ready, get your waders handy. It’s time to get hunting.
Find a hunting guide.
Ride Solo
Enjoy the calm waters of the bay or the current of the sea.
It’s common to spot dolphins during a cruise in the summer. Photo Credit: Eastern Shore Boat Tours
No matter where you go, it’s sure to be a nice ride!
Be the captain of your own ship, there are lots of boat and kayak launches on all corners of the Eastern Shore. If you don’t have your own equipment, there are many vendors who have kayak and SUP board rentals for you and your family to paddle around the creek in. If you like to find your own adventure, doing it yourself can be a lot of fun.
Find rentals.
Comments are closed.