10 Best Water Activities to do in Virginia Beach

10 Best Water Activities to do in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach(VB) is one of the most relaxing coastal vacation locales around, it can also be one of the most exhilarating.  With miles of coastline and meandering waterways, Virginia Beach is home to an aquatic playground of fun and adventure. From Cape Henry to Sandbridge, you will find that Virginia Beach has an incredible amount of adventurous water-based activities that are both fun and safe. That’s why over six million visitors choose Virginia Beach to unwind, relax and be entertained every single year. There are many fun things to do here for singles, couples and families. In order to experience Virginia Beach the right way on your vacation, take time to engage in water activities!

The city offers the most ideal beach activities such as dinner cruises, kayak tours and rentals, surf camps, standup paddle boarding, parasailing, wakeboarding and much more. The water activities available in Virginia Beach are offered throughout the whole summer and the early months of fall and will certainly be a blast for the entire family. When you choose VA Beach, you’re not just making a healthy and safe choice for your ocean vacation, you’re also making a fun one. With the profusion of waterways that run through Virginia Beach and feed into the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, there may be no better way to explore the beauty of our area than by floating right through it. Whether you’re in search of a physical challenge or you just want to spend a day floating around, there is no shortage of adventures to be had. Here are some of the best activities to get out and enjoy the water in Virginia Beach.

 

Human-Powered Water-Based Activities in Virginia Beach

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

For over four hundred years, the Chesapeake Bay has lured explorers seeking adventure, wonder, and fun. Today, these waters are yours to explore. Imagine being surrounded by nothing but tranquil waters and pristine landscapes, far away from crowds, cars and technology. With over 121 navigable miles of waterways and 35 miles of ocean and bay beaches, Virginia Beach is full of kayak and paddleboard destinations. Furthermore, there are plenty of places to rent a kayak, canoe or SUP. Many offer guided tours, which are highly recommended for first-timers and those who want to get the most out of their experience. A stand-up paddle board (SUP) will enable you to explore one of the last great salt marsh habitats on the East Coast. You can even take your yoga practice to the next level with SUP Barre on the water in First Landing State Park. The hour-long session combines the rigorous full-body workout that you’d expect, with an added element of balance that can only come from standing on a board in the water.  

Kayaking is one of our favorite ways to explore our waterways if you don’t have your own or you have the option to rent from a local outfitter. Dolphins are frequent visitors to the calmer inland waterways off of the Chesapeake Bay and they might even swim right up to your kayak! For a more focused adventure, book Surf and Adventure Company’s Blue Pete’s Dinner Tour, for an unforgettable kayaking experience. The tour takes you through moss-adorned bald cypress trees of the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge to Blue Pete’s, a popular Pungo staple since 1972, for an unbeatable seafood dinner. Interestingly, a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) can be transformed into a kayak. All you have to do is add the seat and modify your paddle. The best SUP companies specifically design their boards so a kayak seat can be easily added and you paddle effortlessly.

Surfing

Surfing has been woven into the fabric of who we are in Virginia Beach which is an exposed beach break that usually has waves and can work at any time of the year. Virginia Beach has become the home of the esteemed East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC), the longest continuously-running surf contest in the world, and produced a host of well-known wave riders. The best of the best compete at ECSC, including more than 200 of the world’s top professional male and female surfers, as well as an estimated 300 amateur surfers. Whether you’re a novice, a “grommet” or a seasoned pro the waves are prime for all. In addition to the competition, visitors may enjoy food and drink concessions and live music on the beach. To plan your trip, check out our surfer’s guide to ECSC weekend.

For those hopping on a board for the first time, Virginia Beach often offers the right conditions to safely ease into the action. If you are serious about honing your craft, many lessons and camps are offered at the Oceanfront and in Sandbridge, which will help you dive into what it takes to ride that East Coast wave. The instructors make the lessons fun, safe and an experience of a lifetime and some schools even offer surf camps for the kids. Local surfing legends, Pete Smith and Bob Holland Jr. opened Smith and Holland Surf Shop on 19th Street, the first surf shop of its kind in the state of Virginia. Smith would later go on to open the popular Freedom Surf Shop, which kicked off a series of local outfitters. Surfing in VB is such fun as surf shops are located conveniently throughout the city and especially down at the oceanfront. Get all that you need for your day surfing and get down to the beach and catch that wave.

Surfing Spots in Virginia Beach

1st Street Jetty:-

The 1st Street Jetty is one of the main surf spots at the beach. The jetty makes for a natural reef which help waves build up for some of the best surfing on the East, especially with the right swell and wind conditions.

Virginia Beach Pier:-

You will see a lot of surf action is on both the South and North ends of The Virginia Beach Pier. And just like the jetty the pier also acts as a natural reef enabling waves to curl up for fun surf sessions.

Croatan:-

Over the Rudee Inlet Bridge you can find a more private surfing spot on the beaches of Croatan. Although the local’s would much rather I keep that a secret, Croatan gives visitors more of that private beach feeling with a little more space to yourself.

Fishing

Whether you’re an experienced angler or a complete beginner, Virginia Beach is the perfect place to spend time fishing along the coast or out on the water. Many visitors are drawn to the area by its beautiful beaches, local restaurants, historic parks and unique attractions, others are drawn to Virginia Beach for its world-class fishing opportunities. Whether you like salt-water fishing or freshwater fishing, fishing on the water or fishing from the pier, this destination has the perfect fishing opportunity all. What better way to indulge in fresh, local seafood than to catch it yourself? Virginia Beach is the “striped bass capital of the world,” but you can also find rockfish, tautog, flounder, tuna and more! The Chesapeake Bay is the country’s largest and most important inshore fishery. The bay is most famous for producing 80–90% of the world’s Striped Bass.  Spend the day along the shore with your fishing pole in hand! There are a number of fishing piers along the Virginia Beach oceanfront, including the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier. Located along the boardwalk, the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier features a gift shop and seafood restaurant.

Enjoy beach fishing along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean which is also known as surf fishing, beach fishing is a very popular pastime although it does require a license. A plethora of fish can be caught right along the coast and you don’t need an arsenal of expensive equipment to get started fishing from the beach or off the pier. Alternatively, there are a number of options available when it comes to offshore fishing in Virginia Beach. For those feeling adventurous, there are numerous guided deep-sea fishing tours off the coast of Virginia Beach. These full-day trips often leave shore before sunrise and include long days out on the water. Freshwater kayak fishing is also a common hobby in the Virginia Beach area. There are a number of boat launch sites and freshwater fishing hot spots along the local lakes and rivers. While this type of fishing requires a bit more coordination and equipment, it’s a unique and fun way to spend a day out on the water.

Snorkelling

Snorkeling is a fun, inexpensive way of exploring bodies of water and Virginia Beach is an obvious destination for snorkelers as it covers 28 miles of public beach. The best time is in July, the average temperature is around 86 degrees (higher heat waves being typical). Virginia waters tend to be warm from August to October, which is the prime time to go snorkeling as the waters will be at their clearest. For the best snorkeling experience, book a trip to explore the “Graveyard of the Atlantic. You will get to explore shipwrecks and artificial reefs inhabited by a host of sea creatures like fish, rays, and turtles. Snorkeling via beach entry can leave you a bit disappointed, as the water is not clear enough to see anything on most days. Sandbridge Beach is widely considered part of Virginia Beach, but it has a 4.5-mile shoreline of its own. It’s less popular and less crowded, making it an ideal spot to practice your snorkeling abilities.

Sunset Beach in the Chesapeake Bay has an abundance of sand dollars in mid-summer, and its water is known to be calm, enhancing the visibility of the snorkeler. Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Islands also known locally as CBBT, sits within the view of the Atlantic from the Chesapeake Bay. The series of four islands support the bridges and tunnels for the CBBT to the Eastern Shore of Virginia providing an interesting diving experience with a great variety of marine life such as muscles, oysters and clams. Sometimes the beaches don’t always have the best visibility, as the water is often not clear enough however, on a perfect day, you could have the best snorkeling experience ever, see lots of underwater species and have a jolly good time, so never discard an opportunity to strap a snorkel on!

Learn more about things to do in  Chesapeake Beach.

Motorised Waterbased Activities in Virginia Beach

 Jet Skis

Jet skiing is a high-speed water sport that is great for developing your balance and coordination skills as well as your leg muscles. There are many great locations in VB where you can get a great introduction to jet skiing. Of all the water sports, jet skiing is probably the easiest to pick up. It’s also probably the fastest and it’s the adrenaline attached to that speed that attracts thousands of people to the sport. At Rudee Inlet you will see them gliding over the waves as you relax on the beach, whipping around in sharp 360-turns. If you are looking for an exciting day on the water, you can find wave runners and jet ski rentals up and down the beach. Let the breeze blow through your hair as you hit speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Choose from one-, two- or three-person jet skis to take out into the open ocean for some serious fun!   Better still you can go on jet ski tours which are geared towards giving you a fun experience while admiring nature and the Cape Charles peninsula. All jet ski tours are planned in advance based on weather and tide forecasts. The tour will enable you to admire a variety of wildlife during the excursion and the views along the coastline are fantastic. If conditions permit you can be rewarded with dolphin sightings. Keep in mind dolphins are wild animals and no one can guarantee sightings.

Parasailing – The Bird’s eye view Activity

 

Parasailing, also known as parascending or parakiting, is a recreational kiting activity where a person is towed behind a vehicle while attached to a specially designed canopy wing that resembles a parachute, known as a parasail wing. It is a very peaceful experience. You climb through the air at a steady, gradual pace. You won’t feel your stomach drop like you’re on a rollercoaster. Of course, if you want a more wild ride, just talk to your captain about a few extra dips in the water and the other tricks he has up his sleeve. Experience the most exhilarating views of Virginia Beach can be found 800 feet above the sand and surf. Hop on board a speedboat and feel the exhilaration of flying through the air. Parasailing adventures are both exciting and safe, and there are many places in Virginia Beach to take advantage of this extreme activity. You can fly single, double or even triple with a family member or friend, and either stay dry throughout the whole ride or get dipped—it’s completely up to you! Parasailing in Virginia Beach is an opportunity for high-flying thrills, panoramic views and excitement. Soar hundreds of feet in the air, being pulled by a speedboat, allowing you to see local landmarks, the Atlantic coastline and even dolphins. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront is the best spot for parasailing in the city. The wide ocean gives you plenty of room to fly high. There are several sports outfitters near the Oceanfront that offer parasailing experiences.

The Best Virginia Beach Boat Tours

 Dolphin Tours

Journey in search of Virginia’s most common and charismatic marine mammal: the bottlenose dolphin. Get an up-close look at Virginia Beach’s amazing wildlife and incredible sights.  Dolphins are never far away from our beaches, especially around sunrise and sunset. Keep an on eye on the horizon, and you’re bound to see a few rounded fins skimming the surface. The best way to experience dolphins, however, might be to get out on the water with them. Head to the harbor at Rudee Inlet, where the seafaring options are endless. Hop aboard one of many popular boat tours and watch the wake as dolphins race to keep pace. Cruise along the coast in search of playful dolphins, lighthouses and gorgeous sunsets! The relaxing ocean excursion is accompanied by narration by an experienced crew, who will share their knowledge and answer your questions.

Your skilled guide will navigate the waters to get you the best look at Virginia Beach’s marine locals. Many boats include a climate-controlled cabin and some may have a snack bar and a full adult beverage bar. A dolphin-watching cruise is an essential trip for both the aquatic enthusiast and the fun-seeking vacationer. Each 90-minute experience is narrated by experts who are ready to share their knowledge. Be ready to find adventure, make memories and inhale the fresh air, let the salty ocean mist kiss your cheeks and the offshore breezes fill your lungs. Learn from knowledgeable educators about other Virginia coastal animals like majestic seabirds, curious sea turtles and unique fish species.

Visit Virginia Beach Aquarium.

Lynnhaven River Oyster Farm Tour- Pleasure House Oyster Farm

 

If you’re into oysters, do yourself a favor and visit a farm to appreciate your favorite bivalve on a whole new level. Oyster aficionados, curious travelers, foodies and water lovers alike can hop aboard the Pleasure House Oyster farm boat tour to cruise the waters of the Lynnhaven River, learn about the legendary Lynnhaven Oyster and slurp up a few succulent bivalves. Whether you’ve already treated your palate to a legendary Lynnhaven Oyster or have yet to take your first slurp, Pleasure House Oysters will delight your senses as you set out on the Lynnhaven River for an on-the-water experience unlike any other. See how Lynnhaven Oysters are harvested, all while enjoying their legendary flavor while you are in the Lynnhaven. The Waterman Tour is designed for those looking for a more hands-on experience, the Waterman Tour includes the Tasting Tour plus the opportunity to get in the Lynnhaven. Put on some water shoes and get knees-deep in the Lynnhaven River, while exploring our Farm, handling gear and picking up oysters (as well as crabs, eels and fish pots, when in season). Groups of up to six people can bring their own bottle of wine and enjoy their choice of a two-hour “Tasting Tour” or a four-hour “Waterman Tour,” which provides a truly hands-on oyster-farming experience.

Whale Watching In Virginia Beach

If whale watching is something you’d like to experience while in VB, there is a certain time you should visit! Did you know whales prefer to swim around the east coast with during a particular time of year? To see whales, you will need to plan your Virginia Beach vacation for the winter months. December through March is the ideal months to see the enormous and beautiful beasts known as humpbacks, as these are the times that they are migrating through the area. Because whales migrate based on water and air temperatures, it’s difficult to determine the best time for whale-watching. While the prime months for sightings are typically January and February, whales have been spotted in large numbers as early as December. As the temperatures cool in early winter, large whale action starts to heat up. Humpback whales that spent the summer fattening on food in northern feeding grounds, start to make the journey south toward warm tropical waters to mate and birth calves. But not all of them finish this long trip. Some whales stop along the mid-Atlantic coast, including our shorelines, feeding on the plentiful supply of local menhaden and other small fish. Boat tours offer the opportunity to encounter awe-inspiring marine wildlife right where they live, in the water. During our Whale Watch boat tours guests might see humpback whales, or even encounter fin, minke, and right whales.

Land-Based Water Activities

Ocean Breeze Waterpark

In 1974, Ocean Breeze Waterpark began with three mat slides and the distinction of being the only waterpark in Virginia Beach. Close to 50 years later, the park has grown to over 30 slides, rides and attractions and strives to be the family destination of choice for locals and tourists alike. Ocean Breeze Waterpark is only 2 miles south of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and the only full-scale water park in Hampton Roads. Ocean Breeze Waterpark has over 30 slides and attractions including our one million-gallon wave pool, quarter-mile tubing river, pirate-themed water playground for the littlest buccaneers and Operation Splashdown, the six-story family raft ride!  You don’t have to go far to experience the Caribbean Island paradise feel. Ocean Breeze Waterpark is less than 2 miles south of the Virginia Beach oceanfront and is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Enjoy on site restaurants and annual events like the Great American Splash. Or, experience a true escape in one of our poolside cabanas.

Click here to discover more about Virginia Beach.

Practical Information

Address: 849 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Phone: (757) 422-4444
Park Calendar: https://www.oceanbreezewaterpark.com/hours/
Park Opening and Closing Dates: May 22 – Sept 11