Do I need prior kayaking experience to join the tour?

No, the tour is designed for beginners with full instruction provided by the guides.

Are life jackets provided?

Yes, all participants are given personal flotation devices suitable for youth and adults.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, children aged 7 and older may participate but must paddle tandem with an adult if under 15.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours may be rescheduled or canceled due to unsafe weather conditions, with refunds or rebooking options available.

Where do we meet for the tour?

Meet at Owl Creek Boat Ramp located at 717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.

Is parking available at the launch site?

Yes, there is free limited parking in the Owl Creek gravel lot and additional metered parking nearby.

Explore Rudee Inlet: Two Hour Kayak Nature and Dolphin Tour in Virginia Beach | Kayak | Eco Tour

Just off the coast of Virginia Beach lies Rudee Inlet, a serene waterway where the sprawling Atlantic meets tranquil estuarine channels. This Two Hour Kayak Nature and Dolphin Tour offers an unforgettable way to navigate these glassy waters and witness remarkable wildlife in their natural habitat. Paddlers aged seven and up can embark on a guided excursion, choosing from single or tandem sit-on-top kayaks perfectly suited for novices and families alike. Launching from the Owl Creek Boat Ramp at 717 General Booth Blvd, the tour takes advantage of the calm currents of Rudee Inlet, a hotspot for diverse marine life and coastal birds. With the knowledge and guidance of local instructors, participants learn fundamental paddling techniques that build confidence and skill, turning every stroke into an opportunity to explore. The team adapts the route daily based on tides and weather, maximizing wildlife encounters and scenic value. What sets this tour apart is its focus on the region’s rich ecosystem. Kayakers often spot playful bottlenose dolphins rising near the boats, and bald eagles soaring overhead. Observers might glimpse river otters or seals basking on nearby rocks, while the wooded shoreline occasionally reveals shy herds of deer. If conditions allow, the group ventures beyond the inlet’s calm to the ocean’s edge, where gentle swells add excitement and the chance for close encounters with dolphin pods. This blend of education and exhilaration is emblematic of Virginia Beach’s commitment to eco-conscious outdoor adventure. The tour is notable for its accessibility — families with children are welcomed, with safety protocols ensuring young paddlers always share a tandem kayak with an adult. Instruction is thorough yet approachable, making it ideal for first-timers who want to develop skills while immersing themselves in nature. The outfitter provides all necessary gear, including paddles, life jackets, and quality sit-on-top kayaks optimized for stability. Strategically located in Virginia Beach, Rudee Inlet serves as a gateway to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and Atlantic coastal wildlife. This kayak tour highlights the area’s balance of marine biodiversity and human stewardship, offering eco-tours that foster appreciation without disruption. Whether you’re passing through the city or seeking an active, family-friendly adventure, this kayak tour combines the thrill of ocean proximity with soothing estuary paddling. The opportunity to glide alongside swimming dolphins, framed by sun-dappled shores and open sky, makes it a standout activity on Virginia Beach’s outdoor itinerary.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for beginner paddlers in average physical condition; low-impact activity

Wildlife

Bottlenose dolphins
American bald eagles

History

Rudee Inlet has long been a critical estuarine gateway supporting both Native American fisheries and colonial trade routes in Virginia Beach.

Conservation

Tours are run with a strong emphasis on minimizing disturbance to wildlife and protecting water quality in the sensitive inlet environment.

VB Surf Sessions is a Virginia Beach-based surf and paddle sports company that runs lessons, camps, guided tours, private events, and equipment rentals on Croatan Beach, Rudee Inlet, and nearby waterways. The company offers multi-day surf camps (five-day and three-day), single-day programs, drop-in sessions, private lessons, and specialized instruction such as SUP surf and stand up paddleboard guided tours. Rentals include softtop and performance surfboards, stand up paddleboards, kayaks, tandem kayaks, bodyboards, skimboards, wetsuits, and beach cruisers for visitors seeking gear on site. Instruction emphasizes safety, small instructor-to-student ratios, and progressive skill development tailored to all levels from beginners to experienced riders. Seasonal offerings run during peak months and select private lessons and rentals are available year-round; several guided paddling tours operate April through September and highlight local wildlife including dolphins and bald eagles. Private events and group bookings provide customizable half-day surf camps for birthdays, weddings, corporate team-building, and other large gatherings. VB Surf Sessions is featured on The Adventure Collective and works with local beaches and waterways in Coastal Virginia. The business provides gear, local surf knowledge, and guided nature excursions to help guests connect with the ocean and coastal ecosystems. Third-party listings, tourism guides, and local partners list VB Surf Sessions as a resource for surf instruction, SUP tours, kayak dolphin tours, and beach equipment rentals in Virginia Beach. Instruction staff are experienced local surfers and paddling guides familiar with Virginia Beach conditions, safety protocols, and local tide and weather patterns to support safe learning for guests.

Base locationVirginia Beach, Virginia

Tours offered26+

Specialtywater-activities

StewardshipLeave No Trace