Photo by Jackie Nunnery
Getting out in nature, whether it be on a river or trail, is why people are drawn here. Bikes, kayaks and boats are all great ways to explore and experience that beauty, but what do you do if you are without one? Why rent, of course.
In addition to the convenience of traveling lighter, you can have all of the fun without any of the worry. Depending on where you travel in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, there are many options and experiences to choose from.
Anyone operating a personal watercraft or boat with a motor greater than 10 horsepower and that is registered in Virginia must take a boating safety course unless they have already taken a NASBLA approved safety course and still have the card/certificate. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website provides links to its free classroom course as well as other online courses available for a fee. . Many boat rental services have links to approved safety test options.
Richmond County
Menokin/Rappahannock Outdoor Adventures
4036 Menokin Road, Warsaw
https://www.menokin.org/kayak
804-333-1776
Located on the grounds of historic Menokin, Rappahannock Outdoor Adventures offers SUP and kayak rentals for an easy paddle along Cat Point Creek. You can go it alone or immerse yourself in nature with early morning and sunset guided tours with Menokin education director Alice French.
“It’s an amazing, beautiful landscape with easy water so you can meander and discover,” said French. “You get a special experience” that can include sightings of bald eagles, osprey, turtles, and river otter or sounds of countless songbirds. Because most of the creek is surrounded by land that is part of a conservancy or the Rappahannock River Valley Wildlife Refuge, “you’ll feel like you’re the only person in the world.”
Guided paddles are about two hours or if you are feeling truly adventurous you can rent and explore hourly. For those new to kayaking, French advises to check the weather before you leave, always travel with someone and most importantly “take your time. It’s not a race.”
Lancaster County
Tackle Cove
73 Seafood Lane, Irvington
salestacklecove@gmail.com
Daily kayak rentals with fee for delivery.
Paddle On
150 North Main Street, Kilmarnock
294 Windjammer Lane, White Stone
210 Oyster Road, Urbanna
Easy to use rental kiosks are available anytime with a swipe of a card at Town Center Park in Kilmarnock, the Windmill Point landing in White Stone or the Urbanna Town Marina. Just select the equipment, the length of time, sign the digital waiver and you are good to go.
Co-owner Lauren James said the kayaks, which weigh 39 pounds and are 10-feet long, are fairly easy to transport in the back of a pickup truck. However, delivery options are also available for most locations in Lancaster, lower Northumberland and upper Middlesex counties.
Recommended routes:
- Kilmarnock—spend time exploring nearby Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve (intermediate level) or launch next to the Great Wicomico Fishing Pier and travel upriver to the Bush Mill Natural Area Preserve (beginners)
- Windmill Point—beginner and expert levels around Fleets Island
- Urbanna Creek—beginners and intimidate level route on Urbanna Creek
An interactive map of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula water trails by skills level is available https://virginiawatertrails.org/.
Returns are just as easy. Simply bring the rentals back to kiosk and lock them back into place. All locations are close to restaurants to relax after your time on the water.
Belle Isle State Park
1632 Belle Isle Road, Lancaster
804-462-5030
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/belle-isle
This park, on the banks of the Rappahannock River, offers kayak rentals to explore the tidal waters of Mulberry Creek or Deep Creek. Enjoy the sights of blue herons and hawks or enjoy the sounds of bull frogs. Picnic shelters located near the kayak launch offer a place rest and refuel after the trip.
Bike rentals are also available. The park’s many trails with low elevations make for a leisurely, family-friendly ride and where you just might spot white-tailed deer or wild turkeys.
Westmoreland County
Westmoreland State Park
145 Cliff Road, Montross
804-493-8821
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/westmoreland
Located on the Potomac River, this park offers kayak and SUPs rentals where you have a one-of-a-kind views of the Horsehead Cliffs and expansive views of the Potomac. Picnic areas and sandy beaches are a relaxing spaces to relax and recharge.
Colonial Beach
One of the most charming things about this town is the much loved and ever present golf cart. While you can drive a car or truck through town, why would you when you can travel in open air with summer breezes?
Custom Carts
614 Colonial Avenue
540-899-2278
https://custom-cartz.com/
Beach Cart Rentals
823 Colonial Avenue
804-761-1594
T and T Cart Rental and Sales
500 Colonial Avenue
540-280-7009
https://www.tandtcarts.com/
Middlesex County
Norton’s Pontoon Rentals
97 Marina Drive, Deltaville
804-776-9211
https://www.nortonyachts.com/pontoon-rentals
With room for up to 12 people, daily and weekly pontoon rentals are great for families to cruise and tube the Rappahannock. See sidebar for boating requirements.
Mathews County
Mobjack Kayaking
757-645-6251
Daily rentals with delivery to Mathews locations.
Historic Yorktown
Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown
While Riverwalk Landing’s charming streets, lined with shops and restaurants, are great for strolling, the Riverwalk and York River are great for biking and kayaking too. Afterwards, stop by for a bite at nearby restaurants or picnic on the sandy beach.
Patriot Tours & Provisions
321 Water Street
757-969-5400
https://www.patriottoursva.com
Kayak and paddle board rentals launch from the private beach at the Yorktown Watermen’s Museum next door. Electric bikes, beach cruisers and children’s bikes are also available to rent.
Other options
Boatsetter is like an Airbnb for boats. Search based on location, boat type, even if you need a captain.
