Looking to spend time Kayaking? Looking for “kayaking near me?” Well, Portsmouth is nestled on the shores of both the Elizabeth and James Rivers, close to Mile Marker Zero on the intercoastal Waterway, and a short-hop to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. There are numerous creeks with still water ideal for the novice kayaker and fast flowing, deep water for the most experienced. Kayaking is so popular here that there is even a kayaking and stand-up paddle board race each year called Portsmouth Paddle Battle. But one of the best ways to explore is taking a slow scenic paddle at your leisure? Here are 3 places, with 8 ways to get you kayaking this summer. Whether you’re doing it solo, in tandem, with a local guide, or with a group of friends, we’re confident you’ll love these choices.
A 93-acre, beautifully landscaped park along the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River, which includes a nine-hole executive golf course with a 30-station lighted driving range, a challenging natural grass putting course, a pro shop, learning center, and Footgolf. The park also features a new state-of-the-art kids’ playground, tennis, picnic shelters, a covered amphitheater, and a concession stand. City Park offers a 220’ fishing pier, boat launch and retrieval piers for personal pleasure boats and watercraft. Short term trailer parking available (with a small fee for non-Portsmouth residents). At City Park, you can launch your own kayak from dawn until dusk and make a day of it with the family and friends. Grab a small shelter and grill, hit the water, and let the kids ride a train. Here, everyone will find something to keep them entertained the whole day.
1. Explore the Western Branch
You can paddle in open water or explore the tidal plains in the adjacent creeks. Look for egrets, herons, ducks, and other water fowl. You may even spot a dolphin or an otter. Ever dream of owning waterfront property? Paddle down the Elizabeth River and discover the diversity of waterfront properties in Portsmouth.
A beautiful, 142-acre land preserve in the Hoffler Creek watershed. It was previously used as farmland, this last parcel of the Hoffler Creek watershed has been preserved throughout the years to house over 200 species of birds, including the Bald Eagle. Here you can rent or even bring your own kayak to paddle through the tidal waters. With over 3 miles of trails, you can experience four separate habitats in a short distance. They have a deck overlooking the lake, creek, and salt marsh, and even bird blinds throughout the Preserve. You can bring your own or rent one from them. Daily rentals are available through October. With it being a popular activity, it’s best to give them a call to make sure they have one before you go. They offer several guided tours throughout the warmer seasons and even groups up to 16 people!
2. Launch Your Own or Rent One of Theirs To Support the Preserve
The kayak launches are about a half mile from the parking area. However, for those who are renting kayaks, the friendly staff at Hoffler Creek is happy to take you on a golf cart and help you get in and out of the water. You have two options: launch onto Lake Ballard where you will see salt marshes, turtles, larger mammals, and more. Or, put in creekside and discover the many nooks and crannies of this gorgeous waterway, which connects to the James River! You might see a bald eagle flying overhead or a fish jumping out of the water. Launches available Tuesday – Sunday’s between 10:00 am and 2:30 pm. Fees range from $15 flat rate if you have your own kayak, $25 per hour for a single kayak, and $35/hr for a tandem kayak. Or join the Hoffler Creek Foundation and save. All proceeds benefit the Preserve and all prices are subject to change.
You’ll launch onto Lake Ballard under the full moon and learn about the preserve’s unique history and wildlife. You can even paddle off on your own for a more intimate experience.
4. Sunset Paddle
Experienced guides take you on a kayak tour of Hoffler Creek as the day winds down and catching the sunset over the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel from the James River.
5. Salt March Paddle
Take the twists and turns of Hoffler Creek with an experienced guide while learning about this expansive marsh habitat and its inhabitants while enjoying the wildlife.
This 40-acre park offers two mile of multi-use, easy nature trails to explore an urban oasis off Paradise Creek. The park is an excellent example of wetland restoration and it’s just one component of the larger, on-going creek restoration that began in 2001. Interpretive signs along the trails tell the story of how many local partners came together and restored the park’s eleven acres of salt marsh to a natural state, bringing back a part of the Elizabeth River, once thought to be dead. Here, you can bring your own kayak or tour on one of theirs on a group tour. Paradise Creek offers a free ADA accessible kayak launch just a few minutes from the parking lot. This undiscovered park is the result of a joint effort between the City of Portsmouth and the Elizabeth River Project.
6. Guided Kayak tours
Paradise Creek Nature Park staff will guide you through the marsh maze and show you this wonderful ecosystem they’ve worked to restore. Then, you’ll head out into Paradise Creek – once on the creek, the tour takes you down to an oyster bed, then head back in.
7. Kayak Volunteer Litter Clean Ups
This kayaking experience is far from the casual trip, but you’ll feel great that you are helping to keep our watersheds clean for the natural ecosystem and for others to enjoy.
8. Self-guided Kayaking
Bring your own kayak or canoe and navigate 11 acres of their restored wetlands, then wonder out into Paradise Creek and eventually reach the Elizabeth River. The launch is a short distance from the parking area.
Portsmouth Paddle Battle
And don’t forget about the annual Portsmouth Paddle Battle. Test your skills on the Elizabeth River. The Race Course starts from High Street Landing in Olde Towne and runs to the Hammerhead Crane at the Shipyard and back. Racers love this course for its many challenges as well as for the opportunity to paddle in the shadow of large ocean-going tankers and cargo sips. The race happens every September. You can read about some of the details from last year on our blog.
Visit the official Portsmouth Paddle Battle site to register for the race. It’s open to kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders. Come for the race, stay for the party.
Looking for more things to do outdoors? Then visit our other blogs on the outdoors & events that go on throughout the year here. Or, you can visit our Outdoors page here.
8 Ways to Kayak in Portsmouth, VA.
June 7, 2023
Fun Ways to Kayak in Portsmouth
Looking to spend time Kayaking? Looking for “kayaking near me?” Well, Portsmouth is nestled on the shores of both the Elizabeth and James Rivers, close to Mile Marker Zero on the intercoastal Waterway, and a short-hop to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. There are numerous creeks with still water ideal for the novice kayaker and fast flowing, deep water for the most experienced. Kayaking is so popular here that there is even a kayaking and stand-up paddle board race each year called Portsmouth Paddle Battle. But one of the best ways to explore is taking a slow scenic paddle at your leisure? Here are 3 places, with 8 ways to get you kayaking this summer. Whether you’re doing it solo, in tandem, with a local guide, or with a group of friends, we’re confident you’ll love these choices.
City Park
1. Explore the Western Branch
You can paddle in open water or explore the tidal plains in the adjacent creeks. Look for egrets, herons, ducks, and other water fowl. You may even spot a dolphin or an otter. Ever dream of owning waterfront property? Paddle down the Elizabeth River and discover the diversity of waterfront properties in Portsmouth.
Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve
2. Launch Your Own or Rent One of Theirs To Support the Preserve
The kayak launches are about a half mile from the parking area. However, for those who are renting kayaks, the friendly staff at Hoffler Creek is happy to take you on a golf cart and help you get in and out of the water. You have two options: launch onto Lake Ballard where you will see salt marshes, turtles, larger mammals, and more. Or, put in creekside and discover the many nooks and crannies of this gorgeous waterway, which connects to the James River! You might see a bald eagle flying overhead or a fish jumping out of the water. Launches available Tuesday – Sunday’s between 10:00 am and 2:30 pm. Fees range from $15 flat rate if you have your own kayak, $25 per hour for a single kayak, and $35/hr for a tandem kayak. Or join the Hoffler Creek Foundation and save. All proceeds benefit the Preserve and all prices are subject to change.
TAKE ONE OF THE GUIDED TOURS
Visit the Events Page on the website for upcoming tour dates. Tours are $40 per kayak.
3. Full Moon Paddle
You’ll launch onto Lake Ballard under the full moon and learn about the preserve’s unique history and wildlife. You can even paddle off on your own for a more intimate experience.
4. Sunset Paddle
Experienced guides take you on a kayak tour of Hoffler Creek as the day winds down and catching the sunset over the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel from the James River.
5. Salt March Paddle
Take the twists and turns of Hoffler Creek with an experienced guide while learning about this expansive marsh habitat and its inhabitants while enjoying the wildlife.
Paradise Creek Nature Park
6. Guided Kayak tours
Paradise Creek Nature Park staff will guide you through the marsh maze and show you this wonderful ecosystem they’ve worked to restore. Then, you’ll head out into Paradise Creek – once on the creek, the tour takes you down to an oyster bed, then head back in.
7. Kayak Volunteer Litter Clean Ups
This kayaking experience is far from the casual trip, but you’ll feel great that you are helping to keep our watersheds clean for the natural ecosystem and for others to enjoy.
8. Self-guided Kayaking
Bring your own kayak or canoe and navigate 11 acres of their restored wetlands, then wonder out into Paradise Creek and eventually reach the Elizabeth River. The launch is a short distance from the parking area.
And don’t forget about the annual Portsmouth Paddle Battle. Test your skills on the Elizabeth River. The Race Course starts from High Street Landing in Olde Towne and runs to the Hammerhead Crane at the Shipyard and back. Racers love this course for its many challenges as well as for the opportunity to paddle in the shadow of large ocean-going tankers and cargo sips. The race happens every September. You can read about some of the details from last year on our blog.
Visit the official Portsmouth Paddle Battle site to register for the race. It’s open to kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders. Come for the race, stay for the party.
Looking for more things to do outdoors? Then visit our other blogs on the outdoors & events that go on throughout the year here. Or, you can visit our Outdoors page here.