full-Day Trips/Tours
Great Dismal Swamp – Lake Drummond
Your paddling trip starts at either the edge of Lake Drummond or the 3.5 mile feeder ditch along Rte.17, depending on how we elect to approach Lake Drummond. We will have a naturalist along who has worked in the Great Dismal Swamp for many years and can relate the history, tall tales, botany and biology of this magical place. Surrounded for years by myth and legend, very few people have ever seen Lake Drummond - the beautiful centerpiece of this National Wildlife Refuge. We will visit the canal built in the 1700’s by crews of George Washington. After our kayak trip on the lake, you are welcome to hike with us along the boardwalk trail with our naturalist to view some of the unusual plants that grow here. Join us for a trip back through history as you learn about the Native Americans who lived here, the Colonial Americans’ and modern industrial influences, and the path by which the U.S. Government through The Nature Conservancy came to own this national treasure. This trip should be on every paddlers "life list".
Since this is a full-day trip, we recommend that you pack a lunch, snacks, and water. Or if you prefer, we can provide lunch and drinks for a nominal cost.
Duration: 5-6 hours, including lunch break
Cost: $75.00, which includes boat and gear.
Back Bay Exploration
We begin our exploration in a sheltered blackwater tributary of Back Bay which we'll follow to the North Bay section of Back Bay, the largest watershed in Virginia Beach. The land surrounding most of our paddle is protected by the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and a variety of birds may be seen. The lush marshes and surrounding areas are home to bald eagles, osprey, hawks, egrets and herons. Once on the open water of Back Bay, we'll follow the shoreline toward the east or west, depending on the prevailing wind and surface conditions. A large, but shallow body of water, Back Bay can easily be affected by moderate winds. This is a full day version of one of our most popular half-trips.
Since this is a full-day trip, we recommend that you pack a lunch, snacks, and water. Or if you prefer, we can provide lunch and drinks for a nominal cost.
Time: 9:00:00 AM - 3:00:00 PM
Cost: $75.00, which includes boat and gear.
Knotts Island Paddle
We will meet on Knotts Island and cross Knotts Island Bay, wind our way through the canals to land at Carova, N.C. After this short paddle, we'll walk less than a mile (without kayaks) across this section of the Outer Banks to the oceanfront where we can take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean. Bring a camera, as this wide stretch of beach is often frequented by the wild horses that roam the Outer Banks. After a brief snack or lunch, it's back to our kayaks and if time allows, we’ll visit Martin's Farm and Vineyard. You may elect to stop and pick some peaches or sample the wines at the vineyard's air-conditioned tasting room. This is a relaxing day and a kayak trip out of the ordinary. This is a great opportunity to take home some wonderful peaches and great memories!
Since this is a full-day trip, we recommend that you pack a lunch, snacks, and water. Or if you prefer, we can provide lunch and drinks for a nominal cost.
Duration: 5-6 hours, including lunch break
Cost: $75.00, which includes boat and gear.
Powhatan Creek - Paddle to Jamestown
Nearly 400 years ago, three merchant ships - the Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery - left England on a voyage that ultimately set the course of American history. Reaching Virginia in the spring of 1607, the adventurous crews established America's first permanent English colony on the banks of the James River.
On this unique event, we'll put in on Powhatan Creek and enjoy a relaxing, meandering paddle through scenic tidal wetlands to the James River, where we'll view Jamestown Island and Jamestown Settlement from the water. Viewing the full-scale replicas of the three 1607 ships from a kayak will certainly give you an appreciation for the spirit and adventure of the 17th century colonists!
Powhatan Creek and its surrounding woodlands are home to a variety of wildlife. Osprey, bald eagles, geese, swans, ducks and turtles are some of the fauna that have been seen on past trips. You might want to bring your binoculars.
Since this is a full-day trip, we recommend that you pack a lunch, snacks, and water. Or if you prefer, we can provide lunch and drinks for a nominal cost.
Duration: 5-6 hours, including lunch break
Cost: $80.00, which includes boat and gear.