Eastern Shore Wildlife Refuge and Barrier Island 1/2 Day Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate physical fitness recommended; the tour involves gentle walking and boat cruising.
Overview
Discover Virginia’s coastal beauty on a half-day guided tour of the Eastern Shore Wildlife Refuge and Barrier Islands. Experience diverse wildlife, scenic views, and the tranquility of untouched nature packed into a memorable adventure.
Eastern Shore Wildlife Refuge and Barrier Island 1/2 Day Tour
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the beauty of Virginia's Eastern Shore on a family-friendly kayaking tour through Raccoon Creek. Perfect for all skill levels, you'll paddle among vibrant marine life and explore Racoon Island's unique flora and fauna. This memorable adventure combines nature, fun, and learning for paddlers of every age!
Our most popular trip since 1999! Perfect for paddlers of all skill levels including first-time kayakers
Overview
Our most family and beginner-friendly tour, the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge has some of the finest sheltered coastal marsh in Virginia. On this tour guests will paddle through Raccoon Creek, home to local blue crabs, dozens of species of fish, and our famous seaside oysters. We will then guide you across the Virginia Inside Passage to land on Racoon Island, a seaside barrier island which we will explore on foot looking for the amazing local flora and fauna which call our barrier islands home.
Price does not include gratuity.
Start Time:
A guide will contact you 1-2 days prior to your trip to arrange a start time based on that day's high tides. To get a rough idea of when your trip will begin you can look at when the high tide is for the day of your trip by following this link, https://marineweather.net/tide/smith-island-uscg-station-va-tides
Duration:
Around 2 hours
Included
- Tour guide
- All the gear needed
- Life jacket
- Boat
First time paddlers and kids welcome!
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers for variable weather
Coastal weather can change quickly; wearing layered clothing ensures comfort throughout the tour.
Bring binoculars and a camera
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience with binoculars and don’t forget your camera for capturing scenic moments.
Sun protection is a must
Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to stay protected during exposure on open beaches and wetlands.
Check weather conditions before booking
Weather impacts accessibility and comfort, so review forecast updates before your scheduled tour.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Osprey
- Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
History
The barrier islands have served as vital fishing and trade sites for centuries, with some islands hosting historic lighthouses dating back to the 19th century.
Conservation
SouthEast Expeditions emphasizes eco-friendly practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact and promoting habitat preservation for coastal wildlife.
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Adventure Hotspots in Norfolk, Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars
Crucial for spotting and identifying wildlife from a distance during the tour.
Sun hat or cap
Provides shade and protection from sun exposure during outdoor activities.
Waterproof jacket
Helps stay dry and comfortable in case of rain or wind.
spring|fall|winter specific
Camera with zoom lens
Capture stunning landscapes and wildlife moments in detail.