That time of the year is almost here again: spending a lovely day at the beach.
And there is no better beach for locals and visitors than Virginia Beach, right?
With so much to do and so many adventures to be had, we decided to pick out some of the best ways you and your family can have the most fun on the water. With crystal clear water and refreshing temperatures, the water at Virginia Beach is just waiting for you to get in.
It doesn’t matter if you’re casting a line, hoping to catch a big ole fish, or going on a kayaking adventure, there is something to do on the water for everyone.
1. Kayaking
If you’ve got your own kayak, you’re good to go to explore the numerous waterways around Virginia Beach, such as the inland waterways off of the Chesapeake Bay.
However, if you need to rent a kayak, you are in luck. There are local outfitters like Surf and Adventure Company and Go Kayak! that make it super easy to get on the water.
If you want a guided adventure at which you can even see some wildlife, such as dolphins, make sure you check out Tula Adventure Sports located in the Chesapeake Bay District. You might even have a dolphin swim right up to your kayak to say hello.
If you work up an appetite while kayaking, there’s no better place to stop than Surf and Adventure Company’s Blue Pete’s Dinner Tour. You will have a blast. The tour will take you through the Spanish moss-adorned bald cypress trees of the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, all the way to Blue Pete’s, a popular restaurant that’s been around since 1972.
2. Paddle boarding
Not only is stand-up paddle boarding a great way to be on the water, but it’s also a fantastic and unexpected workout.
You can rent stand-up paddle boards from Rudee Inlet Stand-up Paddle and let the adventure begin.
Did you know that people even do yoga while using a stand-up paddle board? If you’ve taken a yoga class or two, you’ll love the classes offered by SUP Barre on the water in First Landing State Park. You get all the strength training from a regular yoga class, and add in the extra challenge of balancing on water. How cool is that?
3. Surfing
Surfs up, dudes!
This may not be like catching a wave in Hawaii, but Virginia Beach is a great place to learn how to surf, if you never have before.
Local surf shops like Pungo Board House and VB Surf Sessions offer everything you need to be successful at surfing, from equipment to lessons. You’ll be able ride those East Coast waves before you know it.
4. Parasailing
There are no better views of Virginia Beach than up in the air, right?
You’ll get all the views, as well as all the thrills, when you go on a parasailing adventure. Rudee Inlet is the take-off point for several parasailing tours like Adventure Parasail, Pirate Parasail and Air America Parasail.
Flying 1,000 feet above the water is an experience that every one should try, at least once.
5. Oyster Farm Tour
Lynnhaven oysters were near extinction about 12 years ago, but thanks to habitat revitalization efforts from the folks at Pleasure House Oysters, the river’s oyster population is thriving -- which is a very good thing, since Lynnhaven oysters are coveted around the world for their size and saltiness.
You can learn all about this type of oysters, as well as why they’re so important to our waterways and the ecosystems. The tour captain, Chris Ludford, will give you a history lesson about the area that you just won’t find anywhere else. And the best part is that you’ll get to taste the oysters straight from the water.
6. Fishing
Is there anything more relaxing than fishing?
At Virginia Beach and surrounding areas, the type of fish you can catch is practically endless.
You’ll find croaker, spot, flounder, striped bass, tautog, sea bass, trout, bluefish, skipjack, cobia, mahi-mahi, Spanish and king mackerel, puppy and red drum, yellowfin and bluefin tuna, white and blue marlin, amberjack and wahoo, just to name a few.
There are plenty of places from which you can launch your boat, and you can even rent out a half or full day charter to get your fishing on.
In December, Virginia Beach holds the annual Waterman’s Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout, which is now the largest rockfish tournament in the country.
7. Virginia Aquarium Craft Brews Cruise
If you want to enjoy the waters of Virginia Beach and you’re not really seeking any thrills or workouts, you have to go on a Brews Cruise with the Virginia Aquarium.
You and your friends will enjoy drinks and food aboard the aquarium’s Atlantic Explorer. The event is two hours long and happens on the third Friday of the month. Sign up fast, because the boozy boat trips fill up quickly.