For the couples that love a little adventure in their vacations, a kayaking tour in Virginia may be the perfect getaway. Consider “roughing it” with affordable campsite accommodations or add a bit of luxury to your agenda with a stay at a bed and breakfast or spa retreat. Book one of these tours and kayak some of Virginia’s most beautiful and romantic waterways during your next couple’s vacation.

Craven Expeditions—Middle Peninsula

Take on one of several tours offered by Craven Expeditions near the Chesapeake Bay. Explore low-laying marshlands and spot eagles and songbirds on the Poropotank River, or paddle around the historic New Point Comfort Lighthouse and bring a picnic for the sandy shores. 

Places to eat on the Middle Peninsula:
Places to stay on the Middle Peninsula:

SouthEast Expeditions—Cape Charles

Paddle Your Glass Off Kayak Tour
Photo Credit: Sam Dean @sdeanphotos

A kayaking trip with SouthEast Expeditions on the Eastern Shore of Virginia can range from a quick 2-hour paddle to a multi-day excursion, but their most romantic options involve wine and local seafood. The Kayak Winery Tour includes a tasting flight at Chatham Vineyards, where you’ll take a break from kayaking the Chesapeake Bay to savor delicious Virginia wines. On the Kayak Clamming Tour, you’ll learn about the environmental importance of shellfish and dig up some of Virginia’s tastiest Littleneck clams. 

Places to eat in Cape Charles:

Places to stay in Cape Charles:

Adventure Kayak & SUP—Chesapeake

Explore one of the geological wonders of the East Coast with Adventure Kayak & SUP. The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Preserve is viewed by naturalists and scientists as one of the best outdoor laboratories in the world. For a more romantic experience, book an Adventure After Dark to paddle under the stars and see how the coast comes alive at night. 

Places to eat in Chesapeake:

Places to stay in Chesapeake:

New River Outdoor Adventures—Galax

New River Camping & Kayaking
Photo Credit: Jeff Greenough

With a variety of floats and rentals, you can create the perfect outing with New River Outdoor Adventures. There's a scenic 2-mile float, six and 8.5 mile options, and a more lengthy 14.5-mile float. Canoes, tubes, and tandem kayaks are available to rent along with traditional kayaks. 

Places to eat near Galax: 
Places to stay near Galax: 

Surf & Adventure—Virginia Beach

Take going out to eat to a new level on a Dinner Tour with Surf & Adventure. All the tours offered by the company will take you to scenic and exciting places, but the Blue Pete's Tour drops you off right in front of the Pungo mainstay Blue Pete's. Enjoy seafood or a steak to unwind after an evening of exploration. 

Places to eat in Virginia Beach:

Places to stay in Virginia Beach:

Keep planning your Virginia Beach adventures

Riverside Outfitters—Richmond

CSX A-Line Bridge
Photo Credit: Take One Aerial @takeone.aerial

Based in Virginia’s capital on the James River, Riverside Outfitters is a popular hub for water activities in the region. The Flatwater Tour is best for those looking for a serene, peaceful experience on the river. On this two hour kayaking tour, you’ll get a glimpse of wildlife and can take a break on one of the islands to eat lunch. Riverside also offers rafting and tubing if you're seeking more thrills (or just more time on the water). 

Places to eat in Richmond:
Places to stay in Richmond:

Keep planning your Richmond adventures

Clinch River Adventures—St. Paul

In the Heart of Appalachia region, Clinch River Adventures offers kayaking tours that range from a short 45 minutes to over seven hours on the water. And with four access points along the Clinch River where you can get in the water, you can decide to stop or continue your journey to suit your needs.

Places to eat near St. Paul:

Places to stay in St. Paul:

Twin River Outfitters—Buchanan

Kayaking with Twin River Outfitters
Photo Credit: Sam Dean @sdeanphotos

Kayak the Upper James River in the Blue Ridge Mountains with Twin River Outfitters. They offer trips from two hours to five full days in length along one of the most scenic sections of the James, including recommendations for campsites that sit on the river banks.

Places to eat near Buchanan:
Places to stay near Buchanan:

Shenandoah River Outfitters—Luray

Kayak down this scenic bend in the Luray area with Shenandoah River Outfitters. Rent a kayak for just a few hours with the Sampler Trip, a kayaking escape perfect for beginners that features spectacular mountain views and abundant wildlife. Or plan a trip that lasts several days and takes you all the way from Bixler’s Ferry to Front Royal. If you plan an overnight trip, there are campgrounds and cabins available on-site. Camp Outback borders the George Washington National Forest and has 25 campgrounds available for more modest accommodations. The cabins sit on the Shenandoah River and range from a simple two-room cabin to larger retreats that offer comforts like a hot tub in a private gazebo, picnic area with a charcoal grill, and a fire pit for you to snuggle close during the cooler evenings on the river.

Places to eat in Luray:

Places to stay in Luray:

Fairy Stone State Park—Stuart

Fairy Stone State Park
Photo Credit: Chad Williams @echadwilliams

Like many Virginia State Parks that have waterways running through them, Fairy Stone State Park has rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes available for rent during the summer season. Take your own private tour of the 168-acre Philpott Reservoir for a romantic kayaking adventure.

Places to eat near Stuart:
Places to stay near Stuart:

Rapidan River Kayak Company—Orange

Located in Orange, Rapidan River Kayak Company is just a few miles outside of the downtown area and four miles from James Madison’s Montpelier. Book a couple’s kayaking trip before exploring the historic estate of the former Virginia-born President.

Places to eat near Orange:
Places to stay near Orange:

Still searching for the perfect getaway? Discover more outdoor adventures for couples or look up kayak rentals at a variety of state parks.