Using Boats in Virginia Beach, VA: Seaside Boating Options

Virginia Beach offers excellent boating opportunities with diverse waterways to explore. You can find everything from fishing charters to pontoon rentals and powerboats for water sports in this coastal paradise.

The city provides access to multiple bodies of water, including the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, and Lynnhaven Inlet. These varied environments create perfect conditions for different boating activities throughout the year. Let’s explore the world of using boats in Virginia Beach, VA!

Types of Boats Suitable for Virginia Beach Waters

Virginia Beach offers diverse waterways that accommodate various vessel types. From the protected waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the open Atlantic and the Gulf Stream, your boating options vary based on where you plan to navigate.

Sailboats and Sailing Conditions

• Sailboats between 22-35 feet work well in Virginia Beach waters. The Chesapeake Bay provides excellent sailing conditions with moderate winds and protected waters for beginners and experienced sailors alike.
• When sailing near Virginia Beach, be aware of afternoon sea breezes that typically pick up around 1-3 PM. These predictable winds make for ideal sailing from late spring through early fall.
• For overnight trips, sailboats with cabins let you explore the bay’s many anchorages and marinas. If you’re interested in ocean sailing, choose boats with deeper keels and sturdier construction to handle the Atlantic’s stronger conditions.
• Local sailing clubs offer rentals and lessons if you’re new to sailing but want to experience Virginia Beach from the water.

Powerboats and Speed Restrictions

• Center console boats between 23-25 feet are highly recommended for Virginia Beach waters, providing versatility for both bay and offshore activities. These boats handle well in varied conditions while offering enough space for fishing gear and passengers.
• In Rudee Inlet and the Lynnhaven River, maintain no-wake speeds. These areas have strict enforcement to protect shorelines and docked vessels. Outside these zones, be mindful of speed restrictions that vary seasonally.
• Pontoon boats work excellently for relaxed family outings in protected waters and are available for rent throughout Virginia Beach. Their stable platforms make them perfect for entertaining and swimming stops.
• For water sports enthusiasts, dedicated ski boats or wakeboard boats provide the right power and wake characteristics for pulling skiers and boarders in the calmer waters of the bay.

Fishing Boats and Gear Recommendations

For Virginia Beach fishing, boats with ample deck space and rod holders are essential. Offshore fishing requires vessels 25 feet or larger with twin engines for reliability when targeting marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi.

Bay fishing works well with smaller craft in the 18-23 foot range. Look for boats with shallow drafts to navigate the flats where flounder and striped bass feed. Consider boats equipped with livewells to keep bait fresh during long fishing days. For fall striper and tautog fishing, walk-around cabin boats provide needed protection from cooler temperatures and spray. These boats combine fishability with comfort for varied conditions.

Essential fishing gear includes:

• Medium-heavy rods with conventional reels for striped bass
• Circle hooks (conservation-minded and required for some species)
• Wire leaders for bluefish and Spanish mackerel
• Fish finder/GPS combo units

Kayaks and Paddleboards for Coastal Exploration

• Sit-on-top fishing kayaks excel in Virginia Beach’s protected waters. These stable platforms allow you to access shallow areas unreachable by larger boats, particularly around Lynnhaven Inlet and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
• Ocean kayaks with longer hulls (12+ feet) handle Virginia Beach’s coastal waters better than recreational models. For open water paddling, choose kayaks with sealed bulkheads and self-bailing features for safety.
• Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) work wonderfully for exploring calm morning waters and provide excellent viewing of marine life below. Inflatable SUPs offer convenience if you’re traveling or have limited storage space.
• Guided kayak tours through the local waterways provide a perfect introduction to paddling Virginia Beach. These tours often include wildlife viewing opportunities and historical information about the area.

Best Boating Spots in and Around Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach offers incredible boating experiences with diverse waterways for every type of boater. From sheltered bays to open ocean adventures, you’ll find perfect spots to drop anchor or cruise along scenic shorelines.

Chesapeake Bay Hotspots

The Chesapeake Bay provides some of the most enjoyable boating experiences near Virginia Beach. You can easily access the bay from multiple launch points around the area. York River Yacht Haven stands out as an excellent marina with top amenities for boaters and allows liveaboards near Williamsburg.

When exploring the Chesapeake, plan to visit:

• Yorktown waterfront – historical views and protected anchoring
• Hampton Creek – calm waters ideal for beginners
• Little Creek – military ship watching and decent fishing spots

The bay’s western shores offer numerous coves perfect for swimming and picnicking. Water conditions here tend to be calmer than the open ocean, making it ideal for families with young children or those new to boating.

Navigating the Lynnhaven Inlet

Lynnhaven Inlet connects to a network of protected waterways that are perfect for day cruising. Once inside Lynnhaven, you can cruise down Broad Bay to the Oceanfront at Laskin Road. The area features:

• Broad Bay – filled with scenic coves
• Linkhorn Bay – perfect for anchoring and relaxation
• First Landing State Park shoreline – beautiful natural views

Hundreds of coves in Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay provide perfect spots to anchor and escape the crowds. Local dining options include The Surf Rider restaurant, accessible by boat for a unique dining experience. Be mindful of tide schedules when navigating the inlet, as low tide can create challenging conditions. The channel is well-marked but can be narrow in spots, requiring careful attention.

Exploring the Waters Near the Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore offers a completely different boating experience with less crowded waters and pristine natural environments. Cape Charles makes an excellent day trip destination from Virginia Beach, with protected harbors and a charming downtown.

Key Eastern Shore boating attractions include:

Natural areas:

• Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge
• Mockhorn Island Wildlife Management Area
• Smith Island’s shallow bays

The eastern side of the Chesapeake Bay offers calmer waters than the Atlantic side, though you should always check weather conditions before crossing. Public docks in small Eastern Shore towns welcome visitors, often with reasonable or no fees.

Seaside Destinations Near Norfolk

Norfolk’s proximity to Virginia Beach creates additional boating opportunities within easy reach. The Elizabeth River and surrounding waterways connect several interesting destinations.

Popular Norfolk-area boating spots include:

1. Downtown Norfolk waterfront – with restaurants and cultural attractions
2. Lafayette River – scenic cruising with wildlife viewing
3. Hospital Point – protected anchorage with city views

Rudee Inlet provides numerous boat tour options if you prefer guided experiences. You’ll find everything from fishing charters to dolphin watching tours departing regularly. The Norfolk Naval Base offers impressive views of military vessels from designated boating channels. Remember to maintain required distances from naval installations and follow all security guidelines when boating in this area.

Fishing Opportunities While Boating

Virginia Beach offers outstanding fishing experiences for boaters with access to both the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean waters. The region provides year-round fishing possibilities with diverse species and locations accessible by boat.

Saltwater Fishing Regulations

Before casting your line in Virginia Beach waters, you must obtain a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license. These can be purchased online or at local tackle shops. Current regulations include:

• Size Limits: Many species have minimum size requirements
• Catch Limits: Restrictions on how many fish you can keep per day
• Seasonal Restrictions: Some species have designated fishing seasons

You should check the Virginia Marine Resources Commission website before your trip as regulations change yearly. Always carry your license while fishing and be prepared to measure your catch. Ethical fishing practices like using circle hooks and proper catch-and-release techniques are strongly encouraged to maintain fish populations for future generations.

Popular Fishing Locations

Virginia Beach boaters enjoy exceptional fishing spots both inshore and offshore. The Chesapeake Bay Light Tower is a renowned fish magnet attracting various species throughout the year. Other productive locations include:

Inshore Options:

• Lynnhaven Inlet and Rudee Inlet for flounder and speckled trout
• The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel pilings for sheepshead and tautog
• Little Creek for striped bass and redfish

Offshore Adventures:

• Near-shore wrecks and artificial reefs (12-20 miles out)
• The Norfolk Canyon for tuna and billfish
• The Gulf Stream (approximately 30 miles offshore) for world-class big game fishing

These diverse fishing grounds make Virginia Beach ideal for both novice and experienced anglers.

Safety and Navigation

Boating in Virginia Beach requires knowledge of local regulations and awareness of navigational challenges. Being prepared and informed is essential for a safe experience on the water.

Understanding Local Boating Laws

In Virginia, all operators of boats with motors of 10 horsepower or greater must follow specific regulations. You need to be familiar with these rules before heading out.

Virginia Marine Police conduct regular inspections to ensure you have the required safety equipment onboard. This includes:

• Life jackets for each passenger
• Fire extinguishers
• Visual distress signals
• Sound-producing devices
• Navigation lights

Make sure your boat is properly registered with current decals displayed. Speed limits vary by location, with many areas enforcing “no wake” zones near shorelines, marinas, and crowded areas. Alcohol restrictions on the water mirror those on the road. Operating a vessel while intoxicated is dangerous and illegal.

Navigational Challenges and Shoaling

Virginia Beach waterways present unique navigational challenges, particularly shoaling – the buildup of sand that creates shallow areas. Lynnhaven Inlet is especially notorious for its shifting sandbanks and changing depths. Always check tide charts before heading out. High tide provides more clearance over shoals, while low tide can expose hazards. Navigational markers in Virginia Beach waterways follow the standard red-right-returning system.

You should:

• Stay between channel markers
• Watch for depth changes, especially after storms
• Maintain slower speeds in unfamiliar areas
• Use updated charts or electronic navigation tools

The Army Corps of Engineers regularly dredges federal navigation channels, but conditions can change rapidly. Local knowledge is invaluable, so don’t hesitate to ask marina staff about recent changes.

Emergency Services and Resources

In emergencies, quick access to help can make all the difference. Virginia Beach has extensive marine emergency services available. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains stations in the area with 24/7 response capabilities. Program their emergency channel (VHF Channel 16) and local number into your communications devices.

Stay alert and aware of other boats, swimmers, and obstacles. Before heading out, always:

1. File a float plan with someone onshore
2. Check weather forecasts specifically for marine conditions
3. Prepare a waterproof emergency kit with first aid supplies
4. Ensure your communication devices are charged and working

The Virginia Beach area offers several towing services for non-emergency breakdowns. Consider membership in a boat assistance program for peace of mind during mechanical issues.