Boating On The Rappahannock & Chesapeake Bay

Home / Boating On The Rappahannock & Chesapeake Bay

Chesapeake Bay Boating Destination

Virginia’s River Realm’s prime location at the mouth of the Rappahannock River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay makes it the perfect spot to tie up at a marina for a long weekend or anchor off in a protected creek during a trip up or down the Bay. With 25+ marinas along our 465 miles of shoreline, you can find haven within strolling or biking distance of our 8 Great Small Towns for dining, shopping, and entertainment on your transient stay.

Planning Your STAY ABOARD

Virginia’s River Realm is unlike other boating destinations on the bay! You’ll find peace and serenity along our shorelines, with all of the essentials for a fun stay inland.

Waterfront restaurants where you can dock & dine, service yards & outfitters for your boat, and places to dock or anchor are plentiful throughout the Realm.

─ Tie Up or Anchor Out ─

Find Your Marina or Anchorage

Our numerous marinas offer many different experiences for your transient stay in the River Realm. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort atmosphere or a quiet creek to escape to, we have your perfect place to anchor out or tie up for a long weekend stay.

Find Your Slip

Virginia’s River Realm is home to over 25 marinas! You can always find a slip to call home during your weekend stay or for an extended stay on the Rappahannock River & Chesapeake Bay!

Tides Inn Marina

The Tides Inn’s marina provides the beauty and tranquility of a secluded harbor. Located on Carter’s Creek, 11 nautical miles from Windmill Point, the floating dock marina accommodates up to 24 vessels ranging from small weekend cruisers to 150-foot yachts. Featuring electricity, water cable TV and pump-out services, our exceptional amenities and activities are offered to all who chose to spend the night docked at the Tides Inn Marina. This marina is just a short bike ride from the beautiful town of Irvington, where you can finding more dining, shopping, and activities.

Deltaville, Virginia

Deltaville is known as “The Boating Capital of The Chesapeake Bay”, and for good reason. With a resident population of under 1,000 and 15+ in this small area on the Bay, it’s safe to say that Deltaville has more boats than people. You’ll have not trouble finding a slip or a place to anchor in Deltaville’s creeks.

Regent Point Marina On Locklie's Creek

Regent Point Marina, located in topping, makes for easy access to the Chesapeake Bay and simple cruising of the Rapphannock River. It’s ideal location on Locklie’s Creek means it’s just a quick dinghy ride across to a favorite restaurant from travelers from all over – Merroir.

Urbanna Town Marina

The Urbanna Town Marina is just a short, scenic stroll to the small town of Urbanna, where you’ll find historic treasures along the way. Follow along and learn about Urbanna’s Colonial history with the Museum In The Streets Guided Tour, as you pop into the shops and local restaurants.

Anchor Out In Jackson Creek

This busy inlet is harbor for many beautiful homes, marinas, and boats. Join in on some local fun at the Jackson Creek Sandbar or at favorite waterfront hangout, Deltaville Tap & Raw Bar.

Windmill Point Marina

Windmill Point Marina is located right where the Rappahannock River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Their great location, beach and, pool make a fantastic place to dock your boat for the night, weekend or season. Your slip is yours at night, and you can escape by boat during the day to explore the River Realm’s 8 Great Small Towns, as you hop creek to creek.

─Get some work done on your stay─

Boatyards & Services

Life aboard a boat can come with repairs and upgrades. Our award-winning service yards are here to help, and if you need a place to lay your head while the work is being done, there’s plenty of ways to stay on land, as well.

Custom Yacht Service >>

True North Boatworks >>

Yankee Point Marina >>

Rivertime Marina & Boatyard >>

Regent Point Marina >>

Norton Yachts >>

Deltaville Yachting Center >>

Chesapeake Cove Marina >>

Deltaville Boatyard >>

Chesapeake Boat Basin >>

─ Dock & Dine ─

Waterfront Restaurants You Can Reach By Boat

There are a number of restaurants you can reach by boat (or by dinghy) along our shorelines. You can embrace local flavor, and enjoy gorgeous waterfront views from your table while you dine.

The Tiki Bar at Windmill Point Marina

It’s always a good time at the Tiki Bar at Windmill Point Marina. This venue has live music, casual dining, and gorgeous views of the Chesapeake Bay. Dock at the marina and walk up to the sandy beach bar for a cold beer and tasty fare!

Fish Hawk Oyster Bar At The Tides Inn

Discover the Tides Inn’s most recent Irvington restaurant concept, Fish Hawk Oyster Bar, featuring seafood classics, burgers, indoor raw bar, creative cocktails and much more. Enjoy a casual, upbeat vibe as you dine waterfront overlooking Carter’s Creek or poolside. A vintage boat filled with Grab and go items and a team member’s friendly smile will great you at the door as if you were family. Open everyday from 11am – 9pm

The Captain’s Lounge at Yankee Point Marina

Find a slip at this marina located on the Corrotoman River and enjoy some delicious, casual waterfront dining in their restaurant located above the Ship Store. They have a great menu for refueling with delicious sandwiches & wraps, tasty appetizers, and beers on tap!

Urbanna Seafood & Raw Bar

Urbanna Seafood and Raw Bar restaurant is a hidden local secret, where you’ll experience the most beautiful sunsets in Urbanna. Tucked away on Robinson Creek, Urbanna’s Seafood waterside dining allows you to arrive by car, by boat or the Urbanna Trolley, stop#17. Catch a glimpse of the soft shell crab shedding tanks and the fishing boats bringing in the restaurant’s fresh catch of the day! Come satisfy your seafood craving here!

Portside Grill on Urbanna Creek

Portside Grill is a family owned restaurant located in the historic town of Urbanna, Virginia. Their menu features New American cuisine, seafood, steaks, burgers, sandwiches, and, of course, oysters. Their focus is on ‘bay and farm’ to table. They offer dockside dining (indoor and outside), a full bar, cozy lounge and a family friendly atmosphere! Come by boat, kayak, car or walk from the town of Urbanna. Boaters are welcome to tie up at the marina or along the bulkhead next to the restaurant while they enjoy dining and drinks inside the dining room or outside on the patio.

Merroir

On the banks of the Rappahannock River, overlooking where the oysters are grown, owners, Travis & Ryan Croxton like to call Merroir a “tasting room,” just so people know to expect something different. Everything is either served raw or cooked on an outdoor grill, small-plate-style, and beautifully paired with craft brews and world-famous wines. Each menu item is singularly-focused, seasonal, and ever-changing, so there’s always a surprise in store. Beautiful majestic views and fresh from the river oysters is an experience you cannot miss!

Deltaville Tap and Raw Bar

Deltaville Tap & Raw Bar is located at the Deltaville Marina. They offer cozy dining indoor and out with spectacular views of Jackson Creek just off the Chesapeake Bay. When arriving by land or by sea, Deltaville Tap & Raw Bar will greet you with friendly and smiling staff, and locally inspired dishes. Restaurant Docking can be found at the marina’s transient Dock A. Call ahead for help navigating. So come join us, dine like the “locals”, and Experience the Deltaville Way.

─ All Of Your Boating Essentials ─

Retailers & Outfitters

New lines, fenders, life jackets….. whatever you need, our retailers & outfitters have your back with all the boating gear.

Horn’s Middlesex ACE Hardware

Hurd’s Hardware

Don’t let the name fool you! Hurd’s Hardware located in Deltaville, Virginia has it all. Everything you need for your DIY projects is here, as well as boating gear & marine products, attire, home decor & gifts, and so much more. Whatever you need, you can probably find it at Hurd’s.

West Marine

Virginia’s River Realm is lucky to have a West Marine right in the heart of Deltaville. They carry all the gear. supplies, and advice you need to enjoy the water. Get your boat ready at West Marine: Life Vests, Fishing Gear, Fishfinders, Kayaks, Stand Up Paddleboards, Marine GPS.

Nauti Nell’s

Since 1994 Nauti Nell’s has specialized in nautical gifts for the boating public and in providing used boating equipment, hardware, boats, and motors on consignment. Gifts are housed in the 1400 sq. ft. shop with a large back room for consignments and an area outside with access through the shop.

Deltaville Yachting Center Boater’s Boutique

Deltaville Yachting Center’s Ship Store & Boaters Boutique has everything you need to make your boating experience more enjoyable. Their parts department stays well-stocked with Yanmar, Cummins and Mercruiser specific parts, plus a variety on impellers, zincs, belts and more. You can also find a selection of convenience items for your galley, medicine chest or personal hygiene need: everything from Dramamine to fly swatter, they have your back. Looking for a more boutique shopping experience? They also have dozens of boater-favorite lines of swimwear, cover-ups and apparel to keep you in style aboard.

─ borrow a boat for the weekend ─

Boat Rentals & Charters

It doesn’t have to be a BYOB (bring your own boat) experience in the River Realm. Boat rentals, bareboat charters, and licensed captains are at the ready to take you out for a day (or more) of exploration on the Rappahannock River & Chesapeake Bay.

Sail and Surf Adventures

Sunset cruises, full-day sailing adventures or epic surf trips – Sail & Surf Adventures has a coastal Virginia adventure to suit you! They aim to provide an atmosphere that allows for reflection and rejuvenation from busy life ashore. Step aboard their 36’ fully refitted sailboat, Galene, and immerse your senses in life at sea. They sail to off-the-beaten-path islands and islets where nature abounds. Keep your eyes peeled for ospreys, bald eagles and even dolphins!

Urbanna Cruises

You never know what you’ll discover exploring the uniquely beautiful waterways of the Middle Peninsula. Every cruise brings a new experience. Urbanna Cruises’ Captain Phil Loftis is your host on the waterways of the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck, Virginia aboard our comfortable and stable 24’ pontoon boat with 360° viewing.

Rappahannock River Charters

Escape the traffic and enjoy the beauty of the Rappahannock River with your friends and loved ones. Experience a breath-taking sunset cruise aboard Miss Nicole. There’s so much to see while on the cruise: wildlife and fishing, the beautiful landscape of the Northern Neck – all while cruising on our historic Rappahannock River. Captain William Saunders has over 31 years of successful operating experience and is renowned for his attention to detail, safety and excellent service. They’re moored on Carter’s Creek in the beautiful Town of Irvington, and offer fishing tours, as well as scenic day and sunset cruises.

Norton’s Sailboat Charters

The world’s best sailing is on the Chesapeake Bay (and we’re not biased a bit). Norton’s Sailing Charters invites you to come see for yourself. Norton’s Sailboat Charters is on of the only sailing charter companies in the lower Chesapeake Bay, and their location on Broad Creek marina at the mouth of the Rappahannock River is an easy half-days sail to dozens of anchorages and destinations.

Start Planning Your Family Vacation To Virginia's River Realm

Download Our Family Vacation
Itinerary Planner

Design your own ideal family vacation from our suggestions above! Decide where your “home-base” will be from the many ways to stay throughout the River Realm, and plan all of the things you will see, eat, and do while you’re here!