Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail
This site is still under development. Guard Shore offers a myriad of possibilities for wildlife viewing depending upon the time of year. The extensive open bay ecosystem provides a vast viewing area to scan for wading birds, waterfowl, terns and gulls. Mudflats and sand spits exposed at low tide may attract feeding shorebirds, especially during migration. The site's maritime loblolly pine stand may offer endless migrant passerine viewing possibilities.
At the end of Route 684
Bloxom
, VA 23308
Email: Glen.Askins@dgif.virginia.gov
Website: www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/site.asp?trail=1&loop=CES&site=CES15
Phone 1: 804-367-1000
A Virginia Clean Marina
Designated a "VIRGINIA CLEAN MARINA" it hosts unique mix of commercial, industrial, recreational vessels in its protective basin boasting 95 slips, 1000 feet of dock space with 44 new floating slips, new restroom and shower facilities and a seafood restaurant on site. Whether for work or play, it provides access to the greatest fishing areas on the Chesapeake Bay. The Harbor’s state-of-the-art public boat ramps are enjoyed by pleasure and sport fishing crafts as well as charter boats that run expeditions daily.
Smitty Dize and his crew provide Welcome Packages for transient boaters with a variety of information about the Town and its businesses. Please see Smitty to receive yours.
11 Marina Road
Cape Charles
, VA 23310
Email: TownHarbor@CapeCharles.org
Phone 1: 757-331-2357
Fun for the Whole Family
Open
March 1 - November 30, 2013
Fishing and Crabbing Piers
Boat Ramp and Marina
Playground for the Kids
Clubhouse with Video Games and Pool Tables
Large Country Store
Cable Television on Selected Sites
Seasonal Sites Available
30' x 60' Swimming Pool
PO Box 122, 8128 Beebe Road
Chincoteague Island
, VA 23336
Email: TomsCovePark@verizon.net
Website: www.TomsCovePark.com
Phone 1: 757-336-6498
Phone 2: 757-336-6738
(Fax)
The Town of Chincoteague owns five boat ramps - at the Curtis Merritt Harbor of Refuge (at southern tip of the Island), at the Town Dock (across from the fire house), at Memorial Park (along the East Side road), Fir Landing (off Deep Hole Road). In order to use one of the ramps, you must purchase a ramp user decal from the town office at 6150 Community Drive. Decals cost $20.00 and are valid for one year (starting April 15th). Some boat rental businesses also have their own boat ramps and slips.
Deep Hole Road
Chincoteague Island
, VA 23336
Phone 1:
The Town of Chincoteague owns five boat ramps - at the Curtis Merritt Harbor of Refuge (at southern tip of the Island), at the Town Dock (across from the fire house), at Memorial Park (along the East Side Road), Fir Landing (off Deep Hole Road). In order to use one of the ramps, you must purchase a ramp user decal from the town office at 6150 Community Drive. Decals cost $20.00 and are valid for one year (starting April 15th). Some boat rental businesses also have their own boat ramps and slips.
East Side Road
Chincoteague Island
, VA 23336
Phone 1:
The Town of Chincoteague owns five boat ramps - at the Curtis Merritt Harbor of Refuge (at southern tip of the Island), at the Town Dock (across from the fire house), at Memorial Park (along the East Side road), Fir Landing (off Deep Hole Road). In order to use one of the ramps, you must purchase a ramp user decal from the town office at 6150 Community Drive. Decals cost $20.00 and are valid for one year (starting April 15th). Some boat rental businesses also have their own boat ramps and slips.
6150 Community Drive
Chincoteague Island
, VA 23336
Email: RRitter@Chincoteague-VA.gov
Phone 1: 757-336-6519
Large commercial waterman's marina with two boat ramps and several docks.
Bulkheads protect mouth of harbor.
Ample parking
Food available
Greenbackville Harbor
Route Description:
Explore the shoreline of Chincoteague Bay near Greenbackville Harbor. The harbor at Greenbackville is a well used waterman's marina, and paddlers must be aware of power boat traffic. Use the boat ramp nearest the harbor exit rather than the one you pass immediately upon entering the marina area. Paddle out of the harbor and past the breakwater. Turn right (Southwest) and head back toward the coastline. As you paddle past the fringe marshes that line the coast, keep an eye out for Powell Creek and then Swans Gut. Access to these creeks is limited by the tide, but they provide excellent opportunities for coastal exploration and wildlife viewing. Return to the boat ramp by retracing your route along the coast.
Advanced Paddlers:

Greenbackville to EA Vaughn Kayak Trail
Just across the state line in Maryland is the E.A. Vaughn Kayak Trail (near Stockton, Maryland) with launch sites at Taylor's Landing and George Island Landing. The trail explores the waters and creeks in and around the E.A. Vaughn Wildlife Management Area and Mills Island. You can connect to the E.A. Vaughn Kayak Trail from Greenbackville by paddling North. For more information go to www.delmarvalite.org.
Harbor Drive
Greenbackville
, VA 23356
Phone 1: 757-787-5700
In winter this site provides a good chance to view a diversity of waterfowl. Access is difficult due to riprap between the parking area and the shore, but viewing from the upland and docks is possible. The plantings of trumpet vine and other herbaceous nectar producers attract butterflies for viewing in the warmer seasons. Also attracted to the site in the summer are birds including the orchard and Baltimore oriole. Nesting tree swallows can be spotted on pilings over the water in summer. Osprey nest on the nearby channel marker. The Landing also serves as a canoe and kayak launch.
From Wachapreague Interpreted Marsh, return to SR 180W and go 4.2 miles to US 13. Turn left on US 13 and drive 0.4 miles to SR 180W. Turn right on SR 180W and travel 3.3 miles to Pungoteague. Turn left at the stop sign and take the next right onto SR 180W. Take SR 180W 2.0 miles, bear right at the store, and continue for 0.8 miles into Harborton. Bear left at the County Dock and drive 0.2 miles into the Harborton Landing site.
14244-14266 Shore Drive
Hacksneck
, VA 23422
Phone 1: 757-787-5726
Launching Fees Apply
Nature rules at a beautiful bay beach, where calm, shallow waters are perfect for small children, and the fun doesn't stop there. A boat launch, fishing pier, (or surf fish right off the beach), picnic and excellent camping facilities combine with walking/biking trails allowing exploration of scenic maritime forests and dunes. Pets are allowed on leash only. Top 100 Family Campgrounds by ReserveAmerica. 5 sun-filled cabins with rocking chairs on porches sleep 16 each.
3540 Kiptopeke Drive
Kiptopeke
, VA 23310
Email: Kiptopeke@dcr.virginia.gov
Website: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/kip.shtml
Phone 1: 757-331-2267
Launching Fees Apply
The Wise Point Boat Ramp, as part of the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, is managed to provide wildlife-oriented recreation including fishing, hunting and wildlife observation. Access to the ramp is from Route 13 and Route 600 (Seaside Road) through the refuge onto Ramp Lane.
Hours of Operation (boat ramp and parking area closed all other times):
Fees and Passes (required for parking and/or launching):
General Ramp Rules and Regulations:
Amenities include:
Reminder:
Due to the critical nature of their habitats for wildlife, Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge and Skidmore Island (part of the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge) are closed to the public. Trespassing (including boat landing or walking on the beach) is prohibited.
Off Rt 600 just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
Kiptopeke
, VA 23310
Email: FW5RW_ESVNWR@FWS.gov
Phone 1: 757-331-2760
(Refuge Headquarters)
The Harbor is considered one of
the best hurricane holes on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay and boasts
basic marine facilities and other amenities for sailors seeking a unique small
town atmosphere.
If no answer, contact Town Hall at 757
787-3363 (Mon-Fri 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Slip rental reservations are
recommended. 16 slips.
End of Market Street
Onancock
, VA 23417
Phone 1: 757-787-7911
The pier extends 200 feet into Saxis Harbor and terminates with a 100-foot t-head. The pier is handicapped accessible and ADA compliant. The pier is lit and is open 24 hours a day. Anglers visiting the Saxis Fishing Pier catch croakers, spot, white perch, trout, striped bass, bluefish, flounder and other Chesapeake Bay fish. Bait is available locally including peeler crab or soft crab baits. There is no fee to use the Saxis Fishing Pier although a valid saltwater fishing license is required.
xxx
Saxis
, VA 23427
Phone 1:
Little City by the Sea
The "Little City by the Sea" shines with small town friendliness. A few interesting shops sell local art and gifts but its setting along emerald green marshes is the scene stealer.
Marinas provide an active charter fishing fleet, boat slip rentals, bait and tackle shop and boat rentals to explore the pristine barrier islands and bird life.
Dining on great seafood with water views is provided by a superb restaurant, and sandwiches for picnics can be had at the quaint general store.
PO Box 242, 6 Main Street
Wachapreague
, VA 23480
Email: WacTown@verizon.net
Website: www.Wachapreague.org
Phone 1: 757-787-7117
(Town Offices)
Phone 2: 757-787-1930
(Marina)
Transient - Weekly - Seasonal Slips Available
68 Slips up to 60 feet
Multi-year Discounts of Slips!
Charter Boats
Boat Rentals
Double Wide Ramp
Fuel - Gas & Diesel
Marine Hardware
Ice - Showers
Snacks - Beverages
Efficiency Unit
Complete Line of Offshore Tackle
"Knowledgeable personnel to serve and assist you."
PO Box 136, 15 Atlantic Avenue
Wachapreague
, VA 23480
Phone 1: 757-787-4110
Phone 2: 757-710-4818
(Mobile)