Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge contains over 9,250 acres, situated on and around a thin strip of coastline typical of barrier islands found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Habitats include beach, dunes, woodland, farm fields, and marsh. Approximately 10,000 snow geese and a large variety of ducks visit Back Bay refuge during the peak of fall migration, usually in December. The refuge also provides habitat for other wildlife, including loggerhead sea turtles, piping plovers, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles. Back Bay refuge is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia – south of Sandbridge, Virginia at the southern end of Sandpiper Road. Biking, hiking and tram rides available. Outdoor facilities are open daily dawn to dusk. The Visitor Contact Station hours are 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. weekdays, 9:00 AM – 4:00 P.M. weekends. The Visitor Contact Station is closed Sundays, November through March; closed holidays with the exception of Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge 4005 Sandpiper Road (757) 721-2412 www.bbrf.org
Kayak Nature tours offers Sea Kayaking and Dolphin trips in Virginia Beach, VA. Kayak First Landing, Virginia’s most popular State Park or surf launch into the Atlantic on our Dolphin Adventure sea kayaking trip at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Paddle the tree-lined Blackwater River, explore the deserted Beaches of the Eastern Shore, or escape to Back Bay, next to Sandbridge in Virginia Beach. Kayak Nature Tours offers these and a variety of other kayaking trips to make your outdoor kayaking experience one you will never forget. The Hampton Roads area is full of wonderful kayaking for the outdoor enthusiast. There is the isolated Lake Drummond in the Dismal Swamp, Goodwin Island in Yorktown, the James River on the Peninsula, Corova & Knotts Island, N.C. along with so many areas along the Chesapeake Bay. Whether you seek the Adventure of the Dolphin tour or you want to kayak in the serene calm of another flat-water trip, Kayak Nature Tours is your local outfitter in Virginia Beach and all of the surrounding areas. Book your kayaking trip with us today! Kayak Nature Tours 110 West Randall Avenue Virginia Beach, VA (757) 480-1999 www.tidewateradventures.com
This National Natural Landmark is Virginia’s most visited state park and one of the first state parks. It was established in 1936 (formerly Seashore State Park). The park’s new name reflects its unique history as the site of the landing of the first permanent English Settlers in 1607. The park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including 19 miles of hiking trails, bike trail, a boat ramp, picnic areas, campsites, and cabins. Visitor center exhibits in the natural area explain the uniqueness of this environment featuring lagoons, cypress swamps and Spanish moss. First Landing State Park is located on Cape Henry in North Virginia Beach. This 2,888 acre park offers a wide range of activities for visitors. Regardless of how long you can stay, for a few hours or for a full day, you can have a nice time visiting the park. First Landing State Park 2500 Shore Drive Virginia Beach, VA (757) 412-2300 www.first-landing-state-park.org
A 50-passenger pontoon boat, the Rudee Explorer, provides a glimpse of the last undeveloped salt marsh in Virginia Beach, the Owls Creek Salt Marsh. During the 30-minute cruise Aquarium educators introduce visitors to Owls Creek’s special ecosystem and some of its inhabitants. Trips leave from the dock adjacent to the Aquarium’s Bay & Ocean Pavilion. Cruises are offered April through mid-October. Call (757) 385-FISH for more information. Tickets may be purchased at either Aquarium building. Special pricing is available for qualifying groups, please call (757) 385-0300. Prices and departure times are subject to change. Check our website for admission fees and for more information. Cruise the Creek (757)385-FISH www.virginiaaquarium.com
Experience a chance to see bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat and learn about the Aquarium’s research. This 90-minute excursion is both fun and educational for adults and children. Cruises are offered April through October. Call (757) 385-FISH for more information. Prices and departure times are subject to change. You may purchase tickets at the dock, or purchase discounted vouchers with your Aquarium admission. For school or group trip information, call (757) 385-0300. Check our website for admission fees and for more information. Dolphin Watch Boat Trip (757)385-FISH www.virginiaaquarium.com
This park is a pristine ocean-to-fresh water bay habitat. Just south of the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, it’s accessible only by boat or a five mile hike by foot or bike. Park Size: 4,321 acres. Beach Size: 5.9 miles of beachfront, extending to North Carolina line. Vehicular access to False Cape State Park is prohibited because the park is land-locked on the southern end of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Those wishing to visit the park for the day must either bike or hike through the refuge (via beach or interior trails, and the interior trail is closed from November 1 through March 31), or boat or canoe in down Back Bay. You can also take the Terra Gator, a specially designed vehicle that minimizes impact to this special environment, during this period. The Back Bay Restoration Foundation operates a tram that leaves from the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (4005 S. Sandpiper Rd. in Virginia Beach) and travels through the wildlife refuge. The trek allows visitors to explore the park for two hours in the Barbour Hill contact station area or ride farther to False Cape’s Wash Woods area. This area has a church site and cemetery. The […]