Best Kayaking in Virginia Beach

Located at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Beach is a water lover’s wonderland. Kayakers know that nothing beats dipping a paddle into water and gliding into a gorgeous landscape. Whether you’re new to kayaking or an experienced paddler, Virginia Beach offers a wide range of waterways and scenic routes to explore. Prime paddling options include rivers, bays, marshes, lakes and streams, and, if you’re the experienced type, open ocean. The waterways of Virginia Beach offer sweet serenity, dazzling scenery and the chance to get up close and personal with nature and wildlife. 

Dolphin Kayaking in Virginia Beach

Kayaking alongside dolphins is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Virginia Beach. The calm, protected waters near the Chesapeake Bay and First Landing State Park are known for frequent dolphin sightings, especially during the warmer months. Paddlers often spot dolphins swimming and surfacing nearby, offering a unique, up-close view of these incredible marine animals in their natural habitat.

If dolphin kayaking is on your wish list, book a guided tour with local outfitters like Chesapean Outdoors or GoKayak!. Prefer to go on your own? Launch near Chic’s Beach or First Landing State Park, both offer easy access for paddlers of all skill levels. For the best chance of spotting dolphins, plan your trip for early morning (around sunrise) or late afternoon, when the water is calmer and sightings are more frequent.

Experience Beginner’s Bliss

Kayaking is like riding a bike, except that you use your arms instead of your legs. Paddling is easy to learn, but it does take balance, rhythm and upper-body strength. On a guided tour, you’ll probably do about 1.5–2 hours of total paddling. If you’re unsure you’re up to the task, or if you weigh less than 100 pounds, you might want to bring a paddling buddy and share a double kayak.  

Also: you will get wet! Some tours and outfitters use sit-on-top kayaks, so there’s splashing involved (in the cooler months, most use covered kayaks.) Calm, sheltered Rudee Inlet, at the south end of the Oceanfront, is a great place for that first-time paddle. Ready to get on the water? Explore local outfitters and guided kayak tours in Virginia Beach like Virginia Beach Watersports to start your adventure.

Use a Kayak Vending Machine

DIY Kayak rentals are now available at some Virginia Beach parks, courtesy of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation. Self-service kiosks are available at Munden Point Park in Pungo, Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area, Chesapeake Bay, and Stumpy Lake Natural Area, Inland District, operating from April through November.

Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone, download the app, and follow the prompts to rent a kayak. Designed for paddlers age 18 and up, kayak rentals come with paddles and a personal flotation device; BYO sunscreen, bottle of water and sense of adventure, and you’re ready to hit the water.

Put In and Cast Off

Paddling is a great way to reach some prime local fishing spots. Try your luck against local swimmers like stripers, bluefish and tautog. Popular launching points include Dozier Bridge, Hutton Circle, Birdneck Launch and Owl Creek Boat Ramp. Most local outfitters offer kayaks suitable for fishing, including Tula Paddle Sports.

Seas the Day or Skirt the Narrows

Are you an experienced paddler hoping for a truly exhilarating excursion? Head out to the open ocean. Rudee Inlet and Little Island Park in Sandbridge are great launching points. Rent your gear from a local shop such as VB Surf Sessions in the ViBe Creative District. They can even deliver the kayak to you.

Prefer something a little calmer? The skinny waterway known as The Narrows borders First Landing State Park. Think minimal traffic, calm waters and delightful wildlife watching. Look for blue herons, ospreys, kingfishers, bald eagles, egrets, and cownose rays as you go. Launch your vessel at Broad Bay and paddle to Linkhorn Bay, a three-mile trip, or book a guided nature tour with GoKayak! or Chesapean Outdoors.

Meander Through the Marshes

Slip into the saltwater marshes of the Lynnhaven River in the Chesapeake Bay District and watch your cares melt away as you choose your adventure along 150 miles of moderately challenging shoreline. Use caution, as the river and its tributaries can be as deep as four feet or as shallow as three inches. Be sure to note the tides and prevailing winds; they can dramatically impact the depth of the water.

Fill Your Insta Feed

The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most treasured beauty spots in Virginia Beach. It’s considered one of Virginia Beach’s most iconic natural attractions, alongside the King Neptune statue. Located in Sandbridge, the refuge features 9,000 acres of natural splendor — so those Instagram photos will practically take themselves. Launch at Horn Point Creek and paddle through freshwater swamps, brackish waters, and under canopies of trees. For a more guided experience, consider booking a tour with Surf & Adventure Company.

Dinner with a Dip

For those days when your sun-baked sack lunch loses its appeal, here’s a much tastier way to go: Blue Pete’s Dinner Tour, an excursion offered by Surf & Adventure Company. Visitors will find plenty of great dining options in Virginia Beach, but few that come with a scenic paddling adventure. In Sandbridge, Surf & Adventure Company offers guided kayak tours through the pristine waterways of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge that begin and end near Blue Pete’s in Pungo, a waterfront restaurant known for its local seafood.

Paddle through cypress-lined creeks and quiet marshes before heading in for a well-earned meal. It’s a unique way to experience the area’s natural beauty while enjoying one of its longtime local favorites. The company also offers lunchbox tours featuring a guided paddle and a tasty lunch. Trips launch from Surf & Adventure Company’s dock, with access to tributaries of Back Bay and the open waters of North Bay.

Know Before You Go

Planning ahead can make your kayaking experience in Virginia Beach smoother, safer and more enjoyable. Whether you’re paddling through quiet creeks or along the coastline, a few key tips can help you make the most of your time on the water.

Tides and weather conditions can significantly impact your kayaking experience, especially in areas like West Neck Creek and the Chesapeake Bay. Rising tides can make paddling easier and help you navigate shallow areas, while outgoing tides may require more effort and planning. Always check local tide charts and weather conditions before heading out.

Bringing the right gear ensures a comfortable and safe trip. Be sure to pack well so that you have everything you need out on the water. Here are a few things to bring:

• A Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD), which is required for all paddlers

• A dry bag to protect valuables

• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat

• Bug spray (especially when paddling near Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge)

• Plenty of water

Looking for more water fun? Check out our guide to stand-up paddleboarding in Virginia Beach.