Tour de Seafood: Middle Peninsula Waterways
Explore the coast of two Chesapeake Bay towns (Gloucester and Mathews Counties) on the Middle Peninsula by kayak, charter and stand-up paddle board (SUP)! Taste the best of the peninsula’s seafood in-between waterway tours.
Trip Highlights
- Take a guided Kayak trip and learn about the history of the Tidewater Indian region before colonists settled.
- Reel in a fresh catch on a Chesapeake Bay fishing charter. Get down to your roots and pick some fresh blue crabs at happy hour off of Tabbs Creek!
- Take a Deadrise Boat Charter around the East River at sunset - shuck and slurp down a fresh raw oyster.
- Take the kayak around the third oldest Lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay and enjoy the beach.
Outfitters and Guides
Ideally located at the Severn River in Gloucester County, the Inn at Warner Hall stands on a neck of land that has been occupied and built upon from the mid-17th century. This waterfront plantation ties back to George Washington’s great-great grandfather and offers beautifully furnished rooms that tie in the history with period antiques. Arrive at Warner Hall to check in and enjoy the complimentary onsite activities of biking, canoeing, volleyball, and outdoor chess and checkers!
Following the check in at Warner Hall, you can spend the afternoon exploring one of Gloucester’s parks beginning with Beaverdam Park. Pack a lunch to go and enjoy a 3 mile hike along the reservoir and beautiful woodlands. Sit down at one of the picnic tables near the water after your hike and enjoy!
After lunch explore the waterways of Gloucester with an ecotour by Bay Country Kayaking. This 2.5-hour kayak tour explores the area where oysters grow, historical sights, and beautiful views of the Peninsula. Legend has it that Pocahontas, Chief Powhatan, and Captain John Smith would enjoy oysters at these sites. Big Island Aquaculture will explain the growing oyster industry and even shuck a couple fresh oysters for you along the route!
Ending your day at the York River Oyster Company, you will be able to sit and enjoy fresh seafood and live music out on the deck overlooking the water. Return to Warner Hall for your night stay.
Enjoy the complimentary breakfast at Warner Hall and save your energy for a fishing charter trip along the Chesapeake Bay out of Mathews County. Bay Fly Fishing organizes a sunrise charter trip designed around shallow water to catch striped bass, speckled trout, and redfish. Keep your catch of the day and enjoy it for dinner later in the evening!
After the sunrise charter make your way to downtown Mathews and enjoy lunch at Richardson’s Café. Make sure to visit the local shops and Mathews Visitor Center to commemorate your stay!
Check into Mathews County most popular waterfront bed and breakfast-Inn at Tabbs Creek. Enjoy the onsite activities including cornhole and giant shuffle ball, or rent a stand-up paddle board (SUP) or kayak and explore the surrounding creeks!
Later in the evening pick fresh steamed blue crabs and enjoy happy hour by the waterfront at the Inn OR in the fall, enjoy a fall oyster roast with grilled local oysters, Mac and cheese, and locally pulled pork BBQ.
After filling up on fresh blue crab, get on board the Helen Elizabeth Deadrise for a 2.5 hour sunset boat cruise and oyster tasting with Mathews Deadrise Charters and Chapel Creek Oyster Company (departs from Inn at Tabbs Creek dock - no driving necessary.)
Return to Inn at Tabbs Creek dock and wind down the evening by the firepit with smores, games, fish night light and an evening on the water.
Wake up and enjoy the gourmet breakfast at the Inn and pack up for the next adventure! Pick up sandwiches at Island Stop on the way to New Point Comfort Outlook for your departure.
Next will be a tour of New Point Comfort Lighthouse (NPC) with Mobjack Bay Kayaking! Paddle around the bay and see the 3rd oldest lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay. Originally surrounded by a beach, the lighthouse is now completely surrounded by water. Dolphins are frequent visitors on this trip!
Once you’ve had your fill of kayaking, stop at New Point Comfort Beach and explore at your leisure. Walk around the beach, enjoy lunch, and take a dip!
