Virginia Beach is an awesome destination for all kinds of tourists, all year round. And this is not just because of its gorgeous beaches. If you are a paddle boarder or are looking to become one, the coastal city has more to offer than you can imagine.
Paddle boarding in Virginia Beach is a truly magical experience. You can paddle under the moonlight, explore remote secluded locations, or go looking for dolphins, river otters and so much more.
To help you have an amazing experience here is all the important information you need.
Best Stand Up Paddleboarding Spots in Virginia Beach
1. Rudee Inlet
Known for its waterfront restaurants, Rudee Inlet is a must-visit.
While there, get a paddleboard and explore the Atlantic Ocean. You can watch fishing boats as they come and go.
For an even better experience, book an Eco tour. Let experienced locals lead you through the best routes. You will see beautiful birds, and if you’re lucky, dolphins, seals, and other marine life.
After your stand up paddleboarding tour, get into one of the restaurants and enjoy some of the freshest seafood you will ever have.
If you are feeling adventurous, there are many more thrilling water sports you can try. You can even go on a night fishing trip in a boat.
2. First Landing State Park
Paddleboarding at First Landing State Park is peaceful and easy. It is perfect for beginners or paddlers who are looking for a calm adventure.
Guided tours will help you navigate the park and see all the hidden gems.
This is a great spot for paddleboarders who love watching wildlife. The beautiful park is home to a number of animals including ospreys and herons.
The waterfowl at Broad Bay will even allow you to get close with your paddle board or kayak.
3. Chesapeake Bay
Your Virginia Beach paddleboarding experience wouldn’t be complete without a Chesapeake Bay tour.
If you are up for the challenge, paddle to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. It will be worth it, especially if you decide to wait and watch the sunset. You get to have a good time, burn calories while paddle boarding and take epic photos, all in one tour.
Sounds like quite the adventure, doesn’t it? But that’s not all. If you get lucky, you might spot a dolphin or two.
4. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
How would you like to explore a national wildlife refuge on your paddle board? And get this: motorized boats are not allowed.
There’s nothing quite like stand up paddling or kayaking in a quiet location. You won’t have to worry about annoying vessels zooming past you every few minutes.
The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia Beach is one of the best spots for paddlers who enjoy bird watching. You can expect to see the bald eagle, geese, ducks, swans, osprey, gulls, among others.
Virginia Beach SUP Tours and Rentals
You don’t need to be an experienced paddler to enjoy the above locations. You don’t even have to bring your own paddleboard.
1. Tula Paddle Sports
Whether you are looking for SUP lessons, guided tours or to rent a SUP, Tula Paddle Sports will sort you out.
In their one-hour lesson, you will learn the basics, touring, surfing, and all the necessary skills.
Their tours are suitable for paddleboarders of all skill levels. You will launch into Long Creek and enjoy spectacular views along the way.
Tula Paddle Sports have different kinds of paddle boards including race and surf-specific paddleboards.
2. Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle
At Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle, there is something for everybody.
They offer SUP yoga fitness tours, waterfowl and wildlife sightseeing tours, group tours, and Eco tours where you search for dolphins and other marine life.
The paddleboards are in good condition and they will provide you with all the safety accessories.
Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle also has surf SUP lessons and tours.
3. Ebbing Tides
If you consider yourself an adventurous paddler, you have to check out Ebbing Tides. They provide SUP lessons, rentals, tours, and much more.
Their tours are amazing and you are sure to have a fantastic time. They include sunset SUP yoga, sunset paddle tour, PHP eco tour, dolphin watching tour, moonlight paddle, and twilight glow paddle.
4. VB Surf Sessions
VB Surf Sessions will help you if you are looking to explore Virginia Beach waterways on a paddle board.
They have interesting SUP guided tours and you might see dolphins, deer, bald eagles, river otters, and many other wild animals.
In addition to SUP rentals, VB Surf Sessions also offer Surf camps and SUP lessons for beginners.
Conclusion
Virginia Beach, Va is an amazing destination for paddlers. The paddleboarding spots are so many, you can’t exhaust them all. There is something for everyone, from total newbies to pros looking for a challenge.
Which of the above places would you like to explore on a SUP?