Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina in Moneta, Virginia, offers an outdoor experience that challenges and rewards in equal measure. Located on the shores of Smith Mountain Lake, the marina serves as a gateway to waterborne adventures—whether you’re navigating calm coves or chasing the wind on open waters. Here, the lake seems to beckon, with its currents nudging you toward discovery and the shoreline whispering secrets just beyond each bend.

Start your visit with a boat rental or a guided cruise, perfect for all skill levels. The lake covers 20,600 acres, making it ripe for fishing, wakeboarding, or simply cruising to private beaches few have seen. The marina’s location in Moneta is easily accessible from Roanoke, making it an ideal basecamp for both casual and seasoned water adventurers.

On land, the surrounding trails carve through mixed hardwoods, offering hikes with varied terrain and moderate elevation gains. One popular path, the Booker T. Washington National Monument Trail, stretches about 3 miles round-trip with elevations rarely exceeding 300 feet. It offers shaded forest stretches and open clearings where the afternoon sun draws patterns on the earth. The trail edges close to glistening creeks, daring hikers to pause and listen to the water’s steady rush.

To make the most of your outing, timing matters: early mornings bring calm waters and cool air, ideal for cruises or kayaking. Afternoons can stir winds that challenge wakeboarders and sailors but invigorate more advanced boaters. Take care to hydrate thoroughly and wear sturdy shoes—water-resistant if you plan to explore wetland edges or rocky shorelines. Packing layers is wise too, as moneta’s weather can shift swiftly when the lake wakes up under afternoon breezes.

Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina is more than a spot to rent a boat; it’s a launch point into a landscape fiercely itself—water shaping shore, trails threading forest, and open skies urging movement. Respect the lake’s moods, prepare for varied terrain, and you’ll unlock an outing that’s both invigorating and accessible, grounded in clear logistics with a pulse of adventure.