Half-Day Trips/Tours

Back Bay Tour
Your trip begins in a sheltered blackwater tributary of Back Bay which we will 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 many birds may be seen. The lush marshes are home to bald eagles, osprey, hawks, egrets and herons. One of our most popular and rewarding trips, the paddling is relaxing and easy.

Time: 9:00:00 AM - 12:00:00 PM
Cost: $48.00, which includes boat and paddling gear
Dates: 4/26, 5/3, 5/4, 5/10, 5/11, 5/24, 5/31, 6/1, 6/7, 6/8, 6/14, 6/21, 6/22, 6/28, 7/5, 7/6, 7/12, 7/19, 7/20, 7/26, 8/2, 8/3, 8/4, 8/9, 8/16, 8/17, 8/23, 8/30, 8/31

"This trip was what we expected and more! Very personable guides - like going out with friends (friends who know what they're doing!)" Becky, Chesapeake, VA

Dolphin Quest
During the summer months Virginia Beach's coastal waters are home to large populations of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Respectful of these beautiful creatures, we never chase dolphins. We've found, however, that dolphin pods will often approach us as we quietly observe them and they often follow us as we paddle. 

Join us on this half-day tour, paddling easy to use sit on top kayak for potential close encounters with the ocean's friendliest, most playful mammals.

Time: 9:00:00 AM - 12:00:00 PM
Cost: $48.00, which includes boat and paddling gear
Dates: 6/8, 6/14, 6/15, 6/22, 6/28, 6/29, 7/13, 7/27, 8/4, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31, 9/7

"This event was exciting! The dolphins added to this as well as the background info on them. Thanks!" Jack, Virginia Beach, VA

Did you know that you can tell the age of young Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) by their color? In their first year, they have white bellies and dark brown backs and wings. In their second year, they become more uniform grayish-brown all over. In their third year, they develop their adult colors of a dark belly, white neck and light gray wings. When diving into the water after fish, pelicans inflate air sacks in their chest to cushion the impact. A pelican's large bill can hold 3 gallons of water!

Lynnhaven River Tour
Putting in at the Lynnhaven Boat and Beach facility on Shore Drive, we’ll paddle the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven River along the Bayside History Trail. While the shoreline and scenery won’t look like it did to early explorers or colonists, we will be paddling in historic waters. Along the route various historic sites and events will be discussed. We’ll venture into Pleasure House Creek, Bayville Creek, pass Church Point, Thoroughgood Cove, enter Witchduck Bay, view Witchduck Point, Witchduck Cove and finally paddle into a small part of what used to be called Cattyle Creek. We’ll take out near the historic Ferry Plantation House where we’ll have lunch and be entertained with a talk by “Grace Sherwood”, Virginia’s only prosecuted witch who was ducked in the Lynnhaven River on July 10, 1706. A tour of the historic home will complete this enjoyable paddle.

Note: This is a "one-way" paddle terminating at the Ferry Plantation House. Shuttle service back to the put-in cannot be provided by WROTC. Please let us know if you need assistance arranging transportation back to the Lynnhaven Boat and Beach facility.

Time: 9:00:00 AM - 12:00:00 PM
Cost: $48.00, which includes boat and paddling gear
Dates: 5/4, 6/21, 7/4, 7/5, 7/6, 7/19, 8/2, 8/3

PaddleFeast
Bring your friends and an appetite for this relaxing evening paddle to one of Virginia Beach's finest restaurants.  BluePete’s Restaurant, located on Tabernacle Creek just about a stones throw from the home of the Witch of Pungo, features local dishes served in a turn-of-the-century fish camp setting.
We meet our guests at BluePete’s, shuttle to the put-in at Lotus Garden and then enjoy a leisurely and relaxing paddle back to the restaurant where a wonderful dinner in a truly unique setting awaits.

This is a great event for groups, friends, or families!

Time: 5:00:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: $38.00, which includes boat and paddling gear
Dates: 5/23, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8, 8/15, 8/22, 9/5, 9/12

Note: the price of the event does not include dinner, but we'll be glad to make dinner reservations for you.


Eco Tour
Our scenic ecotours may be conducted in both fresh or salt water environments. Normally, our fresh water ecotours are conducted along West Neck Creek and our salt water paddles are on Lynnhaven Inlet and its surrounding waters. During various times of the year, these shoreline environments are home to many species of birds, including ducks, egrets, herons, osprey, hawks, songbirds and possibly bald eagles. Additionally, quite a few species of small mammals make their homes in the wetlands.
The plant life can be abundant depending on the season, and varies from the marsh hibiscus, wax myrtle, needlerush and marsh elder, among others. Led by an experienced naturalist, our ecotours are always interesting, informative...... and fun!

Duration: 3 hours
Cost: $48.00, which includes boat and paddling gear
Dates: TBA

"Loved the scenery, birds and cypress trees" Jane, Scottsville, VA

Sunset Paddle Tour
This relaxing and enchanting paddle is conducted on Owls Creek after the boating activity has calmed down. This is a great event to introduce the family to kayaking. Padding along the shoreline, we'll be able to explore the nearby creeks as the sun sets to the west. 

Duration: 2.5 hours
Cost: $45.00, which includes boat and paddling gear
Dates: TBA

Moonlight Paddle
This relaxing and enchanting paddle is similar to our "Sunset Paddle", except this event is specifically scheduled to coincide with the days around a full moon. Paddling the calm waters of nearby Owls Creek, we'll take advantage of the glowing moonlight to navigate the surrounding shoreline. 

Take advantage of the opportunity to view the serene waters of Owls Creek after sunset... on a moon and starlit evening.


Time: 7:00:00 PM - 9:00:00 PM
Cost: $45.00, which includes boat and paddling gear
Dates: 6/15, 7/3, 7/18, 7/19, 7/20, 8/29

Pocaty River Tour
Our private put-in site for canoes and kayaks is at the old farmers’ landing, used for transporting produce from the area since the late 1800’s. Pocaty River drains a cypress-tupelo swamp and terminates at the North Landing River. These rivers are now part of the 10,000 acre North Landing Nature Preserve thanks to The Nature Conservancy and the State of Virginia. With a greater range of biodiversity than any other area east of the Blue Ridge, the Pocaty remains today as beautiful as it was in the 1600’s. A highlight of this tour is the view from the top of The Nature Conservancy observation tower at the junction of the Pocaty River with the North Landing River (where we will stop for a lunch break). The “green sea”, defined here as the view of the pocosin and marsh, is outstanding. This trip covers approximately 3 miles roundtrip.

Duration: 3 hours
Cost: $48.00, which includes boat and paddling gear
Dates: TBA

Milldam Creek
Sunrise is a beautiful time to explore Mill Dam Creek. Abundant in wildflowers, this gently meandering stream begins in a hardwood forest and continues through the green sea to the North Landing River. A boardwalk trail borders a portion of the creek allowing for a short hike with birding opportunities. The green sea marsh abounds with big cordgrass, cattails, and black needlerush. This is a surprisingly clean marsh, free of debris - silent testimony to its wilderness heritage and The Nature Conservancy’s efforts.

Duration: 3 hours
Cost: $48.00, which includes boat and paddling gear
Dates: TBA