Chesapean Outdoors
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Chesapean Outdoors offers highly engaging guided dolphin kayaking tours, distinguished by expert guides who actively find abundant dolphin viewing opportunities and provide rich educational commentary on local wildlife and history. A key differentiator is that guides capture and share high-quality photos and videos, allowing families to fully immerse themselves in the experience without needing to document it themselves, guaranteeing memorable close encounters with dolphins, including babies, and other marine life.
Key Highlights
- ✓Expert guides (e.g., Matt, Hunter, Jay) are exceptionally skilled at locating dolphins, maximizing viewing opportunities (saw 'a ton', 'many to count', 'close up').
- ✓Guides are highly knowledgeable about the area, its history, and local wildlife (dolphins, birds, crabs, turtles, osprey, Spanish mackerel, pelicans), providing educational commentary.
- ✓Guides proactively take high-quality photos and videos throughout the tour and share them (via Airdrop, sending to everyone), allowing parents to fully enjoy the experience.
- ✓Offers incredibly close encounters with dolphins, often swimming right near kayaks, close enough to hear them breathe, including sightings of 'lil baby ones'.
- ✓Guides demonstrate patience with group members experiencing physical difficulties, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.
- ✓Kayaks are described as 'great' and 'easy to handle', with guides explaining equipment pre-tour.
Standout Features
- ⭐Guides double as professional photographers/videographers, capturing and sharing memories for participants.
- ⭐Guaranteed close and frequent dolphin sightings due to guide expertise.
- ⭐Rich educational component about marine biology and local history.
- ⭐User-friendly kayaks with pre-tour equipment explanation.
- ⭐Potential for beautiful sunset views on evening tours (e.g., 5:30 tour).
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Check the weather forecast carefully and be prepared for potential postponements if conditions are stormy; aim for a 'sunny day' for the best experience.
- →Consider booking the 5:30 tour for the added bonus of experiencing the tour right before sunset.
- →Don't worry about bringing your own camera or phone for photos/videos; the guides will take care of capturing high-quality memories for you.
- →Be ready to learn; guides provide extensive information about the ecosystem and history.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Tours are weather-dependent and may be postponed due to stormy conditions; recommend planning for a 'sunny day'.
Price & Value
No specific pricing information is provided in the reviews. However, the consistent 5-star ratings and unique offerings (expert dolphin finding, included photo/video service, highly knowledgeable guides) suggest a high perceived value for the experience.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Guides are noted for their patience with group members experiencing 'physical difficulties', suggesting some level of accommodation or understanding for varied physical abilities, though no specific accessibility features (e.g., for wheelchairs, sensory needs) are explicitly mentioned for the kayaking itself.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No information about food or drink policies is mentioned in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •No information about parking is mentioned in the reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Not mentioned, but guided tours typically have a controlled group size, suggesting a more personalized experience rather than an overcrowded one.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Guides explain 'the boats and equipment before we went out', indicating a pre-tour safety briefing regarding the kayaks and gear. The presence of multiple, knowledgeable, and helpful guides also implies a monitored and safe environment.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Booking on days with anticipated stormy weather to prevent postponements and ensure optimal viewing conditions.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Eco-tours (Kayaking)
Duration: 2 hours
Enjoy the thrill of kayaking with Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in the Chesapeake Bay. These small-group, guided kayak tours allow you to see these magnificent animals up-close in their natural environment. Little or no experience is necessary to use Chesapean's sit-on-top kayaks to explore the coastal waters of Virginia Beach. Guides will help you launch and navigate along the coast.
Includes:
- •sit-on-top kayaks
- •guides
First Landing State Park Eco-tours (Kayaking)
Duration: 2 hours
Kayak the tranquil waters of First Landing State Park and witness the beauty of this unique tidal environment. These small-group, guided kayak tours lead you past awe-inspiring views and native wildlife such as: herons, egrets, kingfishers, ospreys, and even dolphins and bald eagles on occasion. Paddle under majestic oaks covered in Spanish Moss until you reach Eagle Point. Your guide will touch on some local history as well as any local wildlife you may encounter.
Includes:
- •sit-on-top kayaks
- •guides
Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Enjoy the beauty of a sunset paddle on the Chesapeake Bay. This tour combines gorgeous views with epic dolphin experiences. You will get up-close with native wildlife while witnessing local landmarks such as the Cape Henry Lighthouses and Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel get lit up and transformed by the sun as it slips over the horizon. Experienced, local guides will ensure a relaxing twilight paddle.
Includes:
- •kayaks
- •guides
North End Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tour
The ultimate sunset dolphin experience. Launch off the beach at the North End and ride the tide past the historic Cape Henry Lighthouses and into the Chesapeake Bay. As you round the cape you will be greeted by pods of dolphins. Witness the glory of the lighthouses being lit up by the evening sun and the silhouette of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Ease into the beaches at First Landing State Park, where complimentary snacks and beverages are provided. Shuttle back to your vehicle after the tour.
Includes:
- •kayaks
- •guides
- •complimentary snacks
- •complimentary beverages
- •shuttle back to vehicle
Downtown Norfolk Kayak Tour
A unique way to experience the downtown Norfolk waterfront. A guided kayak tour paddling around Nauticus, the historic battleship Wisconsin, Towne Point Park, Waterside District, and other points of interest.
Includes:
- •kayaks
- •guides
Ocean Stand Up Paddleboard Dolphin Tour
Duration: 1.5 hours (paddling)
Experience the ultimate Stand Up Paddleboard adventure. Combine the thrill of Paddleboarding with the joy of Dolphin Watching without fighting the tide or wind. This is the only ocean SUP tour in Virginia Beach that allows you to paddle down current for an hour and a half while dolphins cruise alongside you. Chesapean will shuttle you back to your vehicles while guides take care of the equipment.
Includes:
- •Stand Up Paddleboards
- •guides
- •shuttle service
First Landing State Park Stand Up Paddleboard Eco-Tour
Duration: 1.5 hours
A small-group, guided Stand Up Paddleboard tour through the peaceful waters of First Landing State Park. Little or no experience is necessary to explore the backwaters of First Landing State Park. Guides will help you launch and navigate the park while you take in beautiful sceneries and see herons, ospreys, and other animals.
Includes:
- •Stand Up Paddleboards
- •guides
Linkhorn Bay Stand Up Paddleboard Eco-Tour
A small-group, guided Stand Up Paddleboard tour through the calm waters of Linkhorn Bay first thing in the morning or as you watch the sun set over the Bay. Little or no experience is necessary to enjoy a relaxing paddle with friends or family. Guides will help you launch and navigate Linkhorn Bay.
Includes:
- •Stand Up Paddleboards
- •guides
First Landing State Park Sunset Stand Up Paddleboard Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Enjoy your favorite sunset Stand Up Paddle of Linkhorn Bay with a fun and relaxing twist. Launch from the docks at Chesapean's Headquarters and ease into Linkhorn Bay. From there you'll paddle your way to The Narrows of First Landing State Park to hang out on the beach while enjoying a magnificent sunset. Includes a complimentary boat ride back to the dock.
Includes:
- •all equipment
- •complimentary snacks
- •complimentary beverages
- •complimentary return boat ride
- •guides
First Landing State Park Bike Tour
Duration: 2 hours
A small-group, guided Bike tour through the peaceful trails of First Landing State Park. Meet at Chesapean's Headquarters and take a scenic ride through the Oceanfront Boardwalk, Virginia Beach's North End, and First Landing State Park on your choice of mountain bike or Fat Tire Beach Cruiser. Guides will help you navigate the scenic trails.
Includes:
- •mountain bike or Fat Tire Beach Cruiser
- •guides
Surf Lessons
Duration: 2 hours
Private and small-group lessons to teach surfing. Instruction can be catered to your skill level. Lessons are conducted at the North End Beaches away from the crowds with an experienced instructor.
Includes:
- •soft-top long board
- •experienced instructor
Corporate/Group Packages
Customized experiences for groups and corporate outings. Activities can be catered to meet your group dynamic or purpose, ranging from relaxing corporate retreats to structured team building. Options include kayaking, SUP, surfing, and biking.
Includes:
- •customized activities
- •guides
Adventure Camps
Adventure Camps for Kids.
Kayak Fishing Camps
Events & Schedule
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Experience is required for the Ocean Stand Up Paddleboard Dolphin Tour.
📅Booking Policy
- • Minimum of 4 people required for: First Landing State Park Eco-tours (Kayaking), North End Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tour, Downtown Norfolk Kayak Tour, Ocean Stand Up Paddleboard Dolphin Tour, First Landing State Park Stand Up Paddleboard Eco-Tour, First Landing State Park Sunset Stand Up Paddleboard Tour.
- • Reservations must be made by phone for: First Landing State Park Eco-tours (Kayaking), North End Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tour, Ocean Stand Up Paddleboard Dolphin Tour, First Landing State Park Stand Up Paddleboard Eco-Tour, First Landing State Park Sunset Stand Up Paddleboard Tour.
- • For Surf Lessons, the company reserves the right to suggest a change in time due to tides.
- • For Corporate/Group Packages, call 757-961-0447 and ask for Matt Redford to customize an outing.
🚗Parking Information
- • Shuttle provided back to your vehicle for North End Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tour.
- • Complimentary boat ride back to the dock for First Landing State Park Sunset Stand Up Paddleboard Tour (implies parking at dock).
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Rx Capo
6 months agoWe had an awesome time for the dolphin kayak guided tour. Matt was a great guide. He knew exactly how to find the dolphins to maximize our viewing. He also was very knowledgeable about the area and its history. We saw a ton of dolphins and learned a lot. Highly recommend this adventure!
Hope O'Krane
9 months agoWe did the 5:30 dolphin tour and had a great experience!! Our trip had been postponed twice due to stormy weather, but it was totally worth the wait! The dolphins were very active and we got lots of great videos! Our guide, Hunter, was super helpful and told us a bit about the animals and Chesapeake Bay. Highly recommend if you happen to be in the area on a sunny day! Our tour ended right before the sunset, it was such a beautiful evening to remember!
Dave LeClair
10 months agoJay was a fantastic guide. He was patient with some members of the group who were having physical difficulties while keeping the exploration fun for the rest of us. We saw lots of dolphins and he took photos and videos and sent them to everyone. Would definitely recommend using this company for dolphin kayaking.
laura demers
a year agoThis was so much fun. The 3 tours guides were great. They were so friendly and very knowledgeable. They answered questions, provided information about the area, and told us a lot about the dolphins, birds, crabs, and turtles we were seeing. The kayak was great easy to handle.The guide explained the boats and equipment before we went out. We saw a lot of dolphins that were swimming right around our kayak very close up. It was a great time. The guide Also provided photos that they took during the trip.
Susan Boyd
2 years agoI did the kayak with dolphins tour today and it was so awesome! We saw so many dolphins close up, too many to count really! Close enough to hear them breathe when they came up by our kayaks. Even some lil baby ones🥰 I highly recommend this tour. Our guide was wonderful and even took pics and videos and then later airdropped them to us so we could just enjoy the time on the water with the beautiful dolphins. We also saw osprey, Spanish mackerel, lots of pelicans and some other birds. Wonderful adventure!