Trips and Tours
Prerequisites for WROTC Trips and Tours
- Except where specifically noted, participation in WROTC Trips and Tours does not require any prior training in kayaking.
- All kayaking equipment will be provided by WROTC. If you wish to bring/use any of your own equipment, please check with the office prior to the event in order to ensure that your equipment is appropriate for the event in which you have enrolled.
- Participants must be at least 10 years old to take part in WROTC Trips and Tours. Participants who are at least 16 years old will have the option to paddle a solo or tandem kayak. Participants less than 16 years may be required to paddle tandem with a parent or legal guardian. Please check with the office prior to the event.
All our tours are now finished until Spring 2012. Can't wait until then? Check out our Winter Courses for fine tuning of your kayaking skills or call 757 431-8566 for further details and booking!
Back Bay is the largest watershed in Virginia Beach. Most of the marsh and swamp land surrounding the Back Bay is preserved and protected as part of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. These lush marshes, secluded swamps and surrounding areas are home to a variety of song birds, bald eagles, osprey, hawks, egrets, herons and river otter. The tour of this local treasure begins on the western bank of Back Bay, winds through a maze of tranquil marshes, sheltered black water tributaries of Back Bay and a bald cypress swamp. One of our most popular and rewarding trips; the paddling is relaxing and easy.
| Morning Tour | ||
| Check-in | 8:45 AM | Cost |
| Launch | 9:00 AM | $49.00 |
| Off the water | 12:00 NOON | inc. Kayak & gear |
| Afternoon Tour | ||
| Check-in | 12:45 PM | Cost |
| Launch | 1:00 PM | $49.00 |
| Off the water | 4:00 PM | inc. Kayak & gear |
Becky, Chesapeake, VA
During the summer months Virginia Beach's coastal waters are home to large populations of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. We maintain a respectful distanced so as not to harass these beautiful creatures however, given their curious and playful nature dolphin pods often approach and show off for us as we quietly observe their natural behavior. Paddling easy-to-use, sit on top kayaks this half-day tour offers the potential of close encounters with the ocean's friendliest, most playful mammals.
| Check-in | 8:45 AM | Cost |
| Launch | 9:00 AM | $55.00 |
| Off the water | 12:00 NOON | inc. Kayak & gear |
Paddling the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven River along the Bayside History Trail, our route is the historic waterway of early colonists. Launching from the Lynnhaven Boat and Beach facility near Shore Drive, we’ll explore coves and small bays along this early colonial waterway. We will refresh our knowledge of Virginia Beach’s ancestors through historic sites while past events are brought to life by our interpreter. 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 under a champion magnolia tree 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 complimentary tour of the historic Ferry Plantation House will complete this enjoyable day.
Please note that this is a "one-way" paddle terminating at the Ferry Plantation House. Shuttle service back to the put-in is not included but we are happy to assistance you in arranging transportation back to the Lynnhaven Boat and Beach facility.
| Check-in | 8:45 AM | Cost |
| Launch | 9:00 AM | $49.00 |
| Off the water | 12:00 NOON | inc. Kayak & gear |
Bring your friends and an appetite for this relaxing evening paddle to one of Virginia Beach's fine waterside restaurants. We meet our guests at the designated restaurant for the evening, shuttle to the put-in and then enjoy a leisurely and relaxing evening paddle returning to the restaurant where a wonderful dinner awaits. This is a great event for groups, friends, or families!
Please note that the price of this event does not include dinner, but we'll be glad to make dinner reservations for you.
| Check-in | 4:45 PM | Cost |
| Launch | 5:00 PM | $49.00 |
| Off the water | 7:30 PM | inc. Kayak & gear |
A relaxing, leisurely and enchanting paddle conducted on Owls Creek and “Lake Rudee” after the day’s boating activity has calmed down. This is a great event to introduce the family to kayaking. Padding along the shoreline, you will explore nearby creeks and enjoy beautiful sun set colors.
Duration: 2.5 hours, time to coincide with sunset
| Check-in | 4:45 PM | Cost |
| Launch | 5:00 PM | $49.00 |
| Off the water | 7:30 PM | inc. Kayak & gear |
This relaxing and enchanting paddle is similar to our "Sunset Paddle" on Owls Creek. The quiet of the evening and soft light of a full moon profoundly changes the mood and provides the opportunity to hear and observe the nocturnal creatures that inhabit this unique saltwater marsh environment as you navigate and explore the surrounding shoreline. This event is scheduled based on the phases of the moon; call or check our schedule for dates.
| Check-in | 6:45 PM | Cost |
| Launch | 7:00 PM | $49.00 |
| Off the water | 9:00 PM | inc. Kayak & gear |
Pocaty River originates in a cypress and tupelo swamp, and terminates at the North Landing River. Part of the 10,000 acre North Landing Nature Preserve, this region has a greater range of biodiversity than any other area east of the Blue Ridge and remains today as beautiful and unspoiled as it was in the 1600’s. A highlight of this tour is a view of the “Green Sea” from the top of The Nature Conservancy observation tower at the junction of the Pocaty River and the North Landing River. The “Green Sea” is made up of the surrounding pocosin and marsh lands; a spectacular one-of-a-kind view. This trip covers approximately 3 miles round-trip.
| Check-in | 8:45 AM | Cost |
| Launch | 9:00 AM | $49.00 |
| Off the water | 12:00 NOON | inc. Kayak & gear |
Morning 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, consisting of the surrounding pocosin and marsh lands, abounds with big cord grass, cattails and black needle rush. Pocosins are unusual wetlands because they are generally higher than their surroundings. Native Americans recognized this and called these communities “swamps on a hill.” Pocosin is the Algonquin word for that phrase. A pristinely clean marsh free of debris is silent testimony to its wilderness heritage and efforts of The Nature Conservancy.
| Check-in | 8:45 AM | Cost |
| Launch | 9:00 AM | $49.00 |
| Off the water | 12:00 NOON | inc. Kayak & gear |
Established in 1974, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge includes 111,200 acres of seasonally flooded wetland forests and contains some of the most important wildlife habitat in the mid-Atlantic region. Located near its center is the 3,100 acre Lake Drummond, the largest natural fresh water lake in Virginia. Surrounded for years by myth and legend, very few people visit this pristine “black water” lake lined with ancient and picturesque cypress and tupelo trees. We will access the lake either from the east putting in just off Route 17 and paddling the 3.5 mile feeder ditch into the Refuge or launch right beside the lake at the Interior Ditch, located on the southern side of the Refuge. Our naturalist who has worked in the Great Dismal Swamp for many years will relate the history, tall tales, botany and biology of this magical place a trip back through history. You will learn about the Native Americans who lived here, the Colonial Americans who attempted to tame this wilderness, the influences of modern industry, and the means by which this national treasure became a Wildlife Refuge.
After our kayak adventure on the lake, you are welcome to hike with us along the boardwalk trail with our naturalist to view the vast and unusual flora; it is doubtful that you will see one of the black bear who inhabit the refuge. This is a full-day trip, pack a lunch, snacks, and water.
| Check-in | 8:45 AM | Cost |
| Launch | 9:00 AM | $135.00 |
| Off the water | 4:00 PM | inc. Kayak & gear |
Offering a variety of paddling and exploration venues this adventure begins on Knotts Island, crosses Knotts Island Bay, winds through a maze of canals landing at Carova, N.C We then walk less than a mile (without kayaks) across this barrier island known as the Outer Banks to the oceanfront where we can beach comb and take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic Ocean. Bring a camera, as this region of the barrier island is often frequented by the wild horses that roam the Outer Banks. After lunch, it's back to our kayaks and, time permitting, a visit to Martin's Farm and Vineyard on Knotts Island where you may elect to stop, pick fresh peaches and other produce or sample the wines in the vineyard's air-conditioned tasting room. This is a relaxing day, a kayak trip out of the ordinary, and a great opportunity to take home some wonderful peaches and great memories!
This is a full-day trip; pack a lunch, snacks, and water.
| Check-in | 8:45 AM | Cost |
| Launch | 9:00 AM | $85.00 |
| Off the water | 4:00 PM | inc. Kayak & gear |
If you are a history buff, check out this awesome kayak trip back to colonial times. Over 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.
Your adventure will begin on Powhatan Creek where you will enjoy a relaxing, meandering paddle through scenic tidal wetlands to the James River; there you will see Jamestown Island and Jamestown Settlement from the water. Seeing the full-scale replicas of the three ships from a kayak will certainly give you an appreciation of the adventurous spirit of those 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 you will see on this trip; camera and binoculars are recommended.
This is a full-day trip, so pack a lunch, snacks, and water. We’ll stop creek-side for lunch.
| Check-in | 8:45 AM | Cost |
| Launch | 9:00 AM | $85.00 |
| Off the water | 4:00 PM | inc. Kayak & gear |
Overnight / Multi-Day Events
Prerequisites for Overnight / Multi-Day Events
- Except where specifically noted, participation in WROTC Overnight / Multi-Day Events does not require any prior training in kayaking.
- All kayaking equipment will be provided by WROTC. If you wish to bring/use any of your own equipment, please check with the office prior to the event in order to ensure that your equipment is appropriate for the event in which you have enrolled.
- Participants who are at least 16 years old will have the option to paddle a solo or tandem kayak. Participants less than 16 years may be required to paddle tandem with a parent or legal guardian. Please check with the office prior to the event.
We have conducted tours to various locations including state parks in NC and VA, the Caribbean, NC barrier islands, Bed and Breakfast kayak trips, and many more. We can always arrange a custom tour (with minimal instruction) for your company, family reunion, etc.
Click here for full details on all of our current instructional courses and trips.