I love the fact that Hampton Roads has so many beautiful natural areas to explore. The winter months can feel a bit dull, but from spring through fall, there’s always something new to discover, especially near the water. For my birthday last week, Daniel surprised me with a sunset dolphin kayak tour in Broad Bay at Virginia Beach, and it ended up being one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in the area.
We booked our tour with Go Kayak! Paddle with a Porpoise, and I truly can’t say enough good things about it. From the scenery to the experience itself, everything exceeded my expectations.
A Quick Look at Go Kayak!
Before getting into the tour itself, I have to highlight the company. Our guide, Bryan, who also happens to be the creator of Go Kayak!, made the entire experience feel personal and engaging.
He took the time to learn everyone’s names right away, which immediately made the group feel more connected. Throughout the tour, he shared fun facts about the area, pointed out wildlife, and guided us confidently through the bay.
Tours launch from the boat ramp at First Landing State Park, which is already one of my favorite spots in the area. Being able to explore it from the water just made me appreciate it even more.
There are three tour times each day, morning, midday, and sunset, and each one lasts about two hours. We chose the sunset tour, and I’m so glad we did.
The Views Alone Are Worth It
Before this trip, I had never explored Broad Bay, and it completely surprised me.
We paddled past oyster beds, marshlands, and beautiful waterfront homes, all while the sky slowly shifted into sunset colors. It was easily one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen, and being out on the water made it even more special.
There’s also something really fun about being out there with other boaters. People waved, cheered us on, and created this unexpected sense of community on the water.
You’ll Learn More Than You Expect
One of my favorite parts of the tour was how educational it was.
Bryan pointed out everything from oyster beds to osprey nests and even bald eagles. He explained how the ecosystem works and gave insight into the behavior of the dolphins we were following.
I had no idea, for example, that it’s illegal to touch wild dolphins or that you’re not supposed to pursue them. Instead, you observe from a respectful distance and let them come to you if they choose.
It added a whole new layer to the experience and made it feel more meaningful.
It’s a Workout, But a Fun One
I’ll be honest, kayaking in the bay is a bit more intense than I expected.
Between the waves and the wake from passing boats, it definitely takes some effort. My arms were feeling it pretty quickly, especially since we had just moved that weekend and were already worn out.
But once we found our rhythm, it became really enjoyable. The guide made sure we took breaks, and once we spotted dolphins, we paused often to watch them.
Even if you’re not super athletic, you’ll be fine. It’s more about pacing yourself and enjoying the process.
It’s Surprisingly Great for Teamwork
The tour uses double kayaks, which means you have to work together.
At first, it felt a little awkward trying to sync our paddling, but once we figured it out, it was actually really satisfying. It turned into a fun challenge and a great way to build communication.
By the end of the tour, we were moving smoothly and felt like a well-coordinated team.
And Yes, There Are Dolphins
Of course, the highlight of the entire experience was seeing dolphins in the wild.
There’s something completely different about being at water level in a kayak compared to watching from a boat. It feels more immersive and a lot more exciting.
We followed a group for nearly an hour, watching them feed, travel, and occasionally surface close enough to give us an incredible view. Every time one popped up, it felt like a little adrenaline rush.
Final Thoughts on the Dolphin Kayak Tour
No matter where you are, dolphin kayak tours are such a unique and interactive way to explore the water. But this one in Virginia Beach was especially memorable.
Whether you’re visiting the area or you’ve lived here for years, it’s absolutely worth trying. Our entire group was local, and everyone loved it just as much as a tourist would.
If you’re looking for something active, scenic, and a little different, this is definitely one to add to your list.
Have you ever done a dolphin kayak tour, or would you try one? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Happy travels!
