While many people venture into the beach vacation city of Virginia Beach to relax on the sandy beaches, sunbathe, and take the occasional dip in the water, others are looking for water adventures. They want to go waterskiing, tubing, paddleboarding, and boating, and truly make the most of the water in this gorgeous part of the state.
With over 120 miles of rivers, bays, and tributaries, you’re certainly not short of options. If you’re not local to the area and aren’t sure where to get your water fix, here are some excellent places to start:
The Inland Waters of Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay
With your marine battery inspected, life jackets packed, and water sports gear ready to go, it’s time to head to Virginia Beach and get your water adventure underway. First stop: Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay.
These two scenic bodies are connected brackish water estuaries in Virginia Beach that are highly regarded for water activities, such as boating, kayaking, fishing, and waterfront recreation near First Landing State Park. Broad Bay is a wide-open space for powerboating, wakeboarding, tubing, and water-skiing, making it a hot spot for recreational boaters.
If you want somewhere a little quieter to try paddleboarding or kayaking, head into the residential bay of Linkhorn, with sheltered coves and calmer conditions. To get to these boating hotspots, use the public boat launch at First Landing State Park at the end of 64th Street.
The Narrows
The Narrows is a narrow tidal waterway connecting Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay. It boasts calm conditions for water activities like kayaking, swimming, and fishing. It’s also central to hiking and trail opportunities and is an access point to the Cape Henry Trail.
To get to The Narrows for boating, drive to the north end of the Virginia Beach oceanfront and turn onto 64th Street. Venture to the very end of the road for the beach area, trail access, and boat launch parking lot.
Lynnhaven Inlet
If you’re simply looking for a convenient and easy way to access open water for water fun, drive your boat down to the Lynnhaven Inlet. It has everything you need and more for a straightforward start and end to your boating adventures in Virginia Beach, including:
- Four concrete boat launch lanes
- A canoe/kayak launch area
- Boat trailer parking spaces
- Restrooms with shower and foot rinse areas
- Changing areas
- Car parking spaces
- Ice sales
Rudee’s Inlet
No trip to Virginia Beach is complete without exploring Rudee’s Inlet. Located at the south end of the oceanfront, it’s a hub for jet skiing, parasailing, fishing charters, and even waterside dining. It’s also a vibrant marina district with ample opportunities to go deep-sea fishing for tuna and marlin, and even see dolphins and whales.
As a boat enthusiast, you’ll likely also enjoy seeing the Rudee Rocket speedboat taking visitors along the coast. If you’re eager to hit the water at Rudee’s Inlet to gain access to local creeks and the Atlantic Ocean, learn at the Owl Creek Boat Ramp, which has four concrete boat launch lanes.
If your boat is fueled up and ready to go, it’s time to experience the best of Virginia Beach. Whether you prefer cruising, fishing, or getting your adrenaline pumping with water sports, you’ll find the perfect body of water in and around Virginia Beach. Attach the trailer, grab your supplies, and hit the road today.
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