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As you cruise around the mid-Atlantic, drop anchor at Hampton, VA’s, bustling port. This popular boating destination is located near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay where the James, Elizabeth and Nansemond Rivers converge. Hampton’s regional network of waterways has played a key role in its growth. This coastal community is home to one of the world’s greatest natural harbors and the beaches on the Chesapeake Bay.
Attractions for history buffs include The Emancipation Oak where the Emancipation Proclamation to liberate slaves was first read in the South, Virginia Air & Space Science Center with exhibits on training astronauts at nearby NASA Langley Research Center, several historic lighthouses, and churches where parishioners have worshiped for centuries. The Hampton History Museum pulls it all together under one roof. The most beloved history buff attraction is Fort Monroe National Monument, the site of the first African landing in English North America in 1619 where the enslaved found sanctuary during the Civil War.
If being on the Bay stirs up fresh seafood cravings, Hampton will not disappoint. The town is packed with eateries that dish up crab cakes, rockfish and other local delicacies. After a hearty meal, stroll around the Phoebus neighborhood or the vibrant downtown and stretch your legs by visiting shops, galleries, breweries, pubs and antique stores.
Your trip isn’t complete without a Hampton Queen cruise to see the Chesapeake Bay or a sunset stroll at Buckroe Beach. Immerse yourself in the dynamic local culture, where festivals embracing themes from pirates to jazz and bluegrass come alive. For an in depth look at the exciting events lined up during your visit, be sure to explore Hampton's Calendar of Events.
As you cruise around the mid-Atlantic looking for summer fun, drop anchor at Hampton’s bustling port. During its 400-year history, it has attracted adventure seekers from explorers and pirates to astronauts and race car drivers, earning its reputation as a happening destination.
Located near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay where the James, Elizabeth and Nansemond rivers converge, Hampton’s regional network of waterways has played a key role in its growth. In 1607, English Captain Christopher Newport landed here with a ship full of settlers who would establish Jamestown.
Soon after, a maritime defense structure was erected at Old Point Comfort on the peninsula’s southern tip, which served as a strategic military position from the Colonial Era to the Civil War and beyond. Named Fort Monroe after the fifth U.S. president, it was decommissioned in 2011, leaving a gorgeous stretch of sand up to Buckroe Beach and a six-sided fort for the public to explore. Its Casemate Museum includes the cell where Confederate president Jefferson Davis was imprisoned.
Other attractions for history buffs: The Emancipation Oak where Lincoln’s document to liberate slaves was first read in the South, Virginia Air & Space Science Center with exhibits on training astronauts at nearby NASA Langley Research Center, several historic lighthouses, and churches where parishioners have worshiped for centuries. The Hampton History Museum pulls it all together under one roof.
If being on the Bay stirs up fresh seafood cravings, Hampton will not disappoint. The town is packed with eateries that dish up crab cakes, rockfish and other local delicacies. After a hearty meal, stroll around the Phoebus neighborhood or the vibrant downtown and stretch your legs by visiting shops, galleries, breweries, pubs and antique stores. Arts venues include Hampton Coliseum, American Theatre and Charles Taylor Visual Arts Center. Summer festival themes range from pirates to jazz and bluegrass.
Bluewater Yachting Center
757-723-6774
Only a mile off the ICW, Bluewater is in a deep protected basin that accommodates boats up to 200 feet long on floating docks with 1,500+ feet of side-to-side docking.
Old Point Comfort Marina
757-788-4308
Located at historic Fort Monroe, this full-service marina accommodates 300+ boats up to 50 feet long with amenities ranging from a restaurant and ship store to fuel and pump out.
The Deadrise
757-788-7190
Visit this casual waterfront restaurant in historic Fort Monroe at the Old Point Comfort Marina and treat yourself to excellent local seafood and stellar sunsets on the deck.
Brown Chicken Brown Cow
757-788-7500
Organically raised chicken, beef and pork dishes are served indoors at this upbeat eatery or outside on the patio that also hosts Bow Wow Happy Hour for friendly pets on Monday evenings.
Mango Mangeaux
757-224-9189
French, Creole and Neo Soul cuisines are presented with pizazz for breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner at this delightful bistro and rooftop.
Schlesingers Steakhouse
757-599-4700
This classic upscale steakhouse sizzles with seafood, steaks, chicken, chops and pasta amidst white linen and soothing modern décor.
Bull Island Brewing Co.
757-884-8884
Tie up at the dock of Hampton’s oldest waterfront brewery to sample craft beers, seafood, sandwiches, pizza and pub fare topped off with a lively atmosphere.
Conveniently located just 1 mile from the ICW at the mouth of the Hampton River, the vibrant waterfront community of Hampton, Virginia, is a cruisers' delight, made even better by the area's premier marina, Bluewater Yachting Center.
Bluewater is a 202-slip facility complete with deep protected floating docks and can host vessels up to 200 feet. Whether transients choose to unwind by the private swimming pool, reserved for marina guests only, retreat to the expansive picnic area to grill, or rent one of the available bikes to explore the beautiful surroundings, the property is an ideal dockage option for cruisers looking for a true destination marina.
Additional amenities include immaculate restroom and laundry facilities, a recently upgraded Wi-Fi system that facilitates fast browsing, a ship's store for basic provisioning needs and high-speed fueling stations. Plus, the excellent on-site Surfrider Restaurant is worth the trip in and of itself. The mouthwatering seafood dishes draw locals and transients alike, from catch-of-the-day specials to the fan favorite, she-crab soup.
Adjacent to the marina is its sister operation, Bluewater Yacht Yards, a full-service yard with a top-notch reputation that's capable of any level of work, from mechanical repairs to custom teak cabinetry. Combined, the marina and full-service yard cover an impressive 8 acres, and comprise one of the best, most comprehensive destinations for boaters on the Southern Chesapeake Bay.
In season, Bluewater Yachting Center also offers guests complimentary water-taxi services to nearby downtown Hampton, a scenic excursion across the harbor that takes in views of historic Hampton University and the old,waterfront markets. There are numerous,great restaurants to check out in Hampton, and several visit-worthy attractions nearby, including the Virginia Air and Space Center, Fort Monroe National Monument, and the Mariners' Museum and Park.
As 2018 approaches, the Bluewater brand is preparing for its highly anticipated 50th anniversary, which marina manager David Farlow believes will be one of its best years yet. With continual upgrades, the Bluewater facilities consistently maintain excellence. Whether cruisers are looking to dock and dine, get a tune up, or stay for an extended period of time, Bluewater Yachting Center should definitely be on the must-visit list.
Marinalife members receive $0.05 off per gallon of fuel at Bluewater Yachting Center.
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Premier marina owner and operator, Suntex Marinas, expanded in the mid- and southwest by scoring two expansive properties. Reserve your spot at the 258-slip Roosevelt Lake Marina in Roosevelt, AZ, or Port of Kimberling Marina in Kimberling City, MO, boasting 1,000 wet slips and 400 dry slips. Guests can enjoy upscale amenities, boat rentals, lodging accommodations and stunning lakeside views at both locations.
Bahamas Hosts World-Class Wahoo Tournaments
Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina in the Bahamas is known for amazing attractions, watersport excursions, top-notch fishing, delicious seafood and tons of events. This fall, the marina hosts two world-class fishing tournaments attracting anglers and visitors from around the world. Be sure to catch the new Viking Yacht Owners Wahoo Weekend Tournament November 9 – 12 and The Slicker Wahoo Tournament on December 9.
Visit Hampton for Scenic Autumn Cruising
Climb aboard the newly renovated Hampton Queen and cruise past buildings that date back centuries. Enjoy all-new sunset tours and sightseeing excursions traveling from downtown Hampton to the destroyers, subs and aircraft carriers stationed at Norfolk Naval Base. Sit back and relax in climate-controlled comfort or step out on the deck for a front row view of Hampton’s highlights including Virginia Air & Space Science Center, Hampton University, The VA Medical Center, Fort Monroe, Fort Wool and Old Point Comfort Lighthouse.
Live the High Life while Saving a Dime
If you sail south this season, cruise to Key West and dock at Conch Harbor Marina to enjoy onsite amenities including a large pool, fuel dock, restaurants, a West Marine, plus a convenient walk to Key West’s top attractions. Book your stay around fall events such as the Key West Fantasy Fest extravaganza October 20 – 29, Offshore World Championship speedboat race November 5 – 12 and Key West Film Festival November 15 – 19. Mention Marinalife for 10 cents off per gallon of fuel! To book, visit Conch Harbor's website.
United States Powerboat Show
Annapolis, MD, October 5-8
United States Sailboat Show
Annapolis, MD, October 12-15
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Fort Lauderdale, FL, October 25-29
St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show
St. Petersburg, FL, January 18-21
When the English Colonists who established Jamestown sailed through a watery passage into the New World in 1607, there were no charts, lighthouses, or daymarks. They often used familiar English sobriquets as names for the places and rivers that they "discovered" in Virginia -- Cape Charles, Cape Henry -- but Captain John Smith's map of Virginia, in use for seventy-five years, also recorded many of the native tags given by the indigenous people, including the Chesapeake Bay.
These days, the area at the confluence of the James River, Elizabeth River, and the Chesapeake Bay -- collectively known as Hampton Roads -- is still a great place to explore by water.
Norfolk and Portsmouth are on opposing banks of the eastern branch of the Elizabeth River, and the shipyards and marinas lining both sides make this a splendid starting point for a cruising adventure in the region.
On the Norfolk bank are the Waterside Festival Marketplace, Waterside Marina (757-625-3625), and Town Point Park. The naval museum, Nauticus, which has the World War II-Era Battleship Wisconsin as its centerpiece, is adjacent to Town Point Park and is an easy five-minute walk from Waterside Marina. Also, a former 1873 church now turned into a tavern, the Freemason Abbey Restaurant, is only a four-block trek from Town Point Park.
The Elizabeth River Ferry provides a convenient, interesting, and inexpensive means of crossing the river from Norfolk to Portsmouth. A one-way ride costs $1.75 and runs every 30 minutes. Portsmouth boasts a plethora of boatyards and marinas.
Tidewater Yacht Marina (757-393-2525), located at mile marker 0 on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), houses some of the best marine facilities in Hampton Roads along with Ocean Yacht Marina (757-321-7457). Both are set in the heart of Portsmouth's Olde Towne, a charming historic maritime district with the country's oldest operating U.S. Naval Hospital and loads of shopping and dining options.
The Naval Shipyard Museum, Portsmouth Lightship Museum, and the Children's Museum of Virginia are also nearby, and the Olde Towne Courtesy Shuttle provides passenger service within the Olde Towne district.
Cruisers who like to explore should check out this Historic Hampton Roads boating itinerary.
Lynnhaven Inlet, on the Chesapeake Bay side of Virginia Beach, is approximately 22 nautical miles from Waterside and Olde Towne. The voyage requires sailing down the Elizabeth River, around Lambert's Point and into Hampton Roads. Along the way, cruisers will sail past the Norfolk Naval Base, over and under the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, and under the Lesner Bridge into the Lynnhaven River.
Lynnhaven Bay was the site of a notorious 18th-century pirate battle, and Lynnhaven oysters gained renown worldwide for their succulence and distinctive flavor. Long Bay Pointe Marina (757-321-4550) is located on Wolfsnare Creek, a tributary of the Lynnhaven River. This first-rate boating resort is about five minutes from the Chesapeake Bay and ten minutes from the Atlantic Ocean. The 215-slip marina with floating docks can accommodate boats from 20 to 200 feet. Amenities include a tackle shop, fish-cleaning facilities, climate-controlled restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and easily accessible parking. Restaurants are located on the premises.
First Landing State Park, the site where English colonists first came ashore in 1607, is within walking distance. The park features 20 miles of hiking and bicycling trails and a mile and a half of beach.
Cape Henry and its two lighthouses are located ten miles east of Lynnhaven Inlet via Shore Drive (Route 60), on the Joint Expeditionary Base-Fort-Story. The Old Cape Henry Lighthouse, built in 1792, is open to visitors for a fee.
Passing through Lynnhaven Inlet into the Chesapeake Bay on a northerly heading will put sailors on course to Cape Charles. An easterly bearing will put the crew on a course to Cape Henry -- and the Atlantic Ocean.
Cape Charles, on Virginia's Eastern Shore, is 25 nautical miles from the mouth of Lynnhaven Inlet. The cruise to Cape Charles will involve passing through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel at some point. While small craft may pass under the bridge trestles, larger craft must pass over either the Thimble Shoals Channel Tunnel or the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel Channel. On the Eastern Shore side of the bridge tunnel, larger vessels can pass under the North Channel Bridge.
The town of Cape Charles was founded by Alexander Cassatt and William L. Scott in 1864. It was the southern terminus of the New York, Philadelphia, and Norfolk Railroad. The outgrowth of railroad tracks from Maryland to Cape Charles opened markets in the Northeast to Eastern Shore produce and seafood. By employing steamboats and railroad barges, the newly established port created a link to Norfolk. Cape Charles grew rapidly and quickly became the economic and domestic hub of Northampton County.
These days, Cape Charles is the gateway to the ecosystem of the Virginia Coast Reserve, a coastal barrier biosphere comprised of mainland watersheds, lagoons, and tidal marshes. Because of where it's situated, it also serves as a kind of convenience store for super yachts in need of fuel and provisions as they cruise the Atlantic coast.
Cape Charles Yacht Center (757-331-3100) is a full-scale service facility, with short-term and long-termboat slips and dry storage. All types of mechanical systems are designed, serviced, and installed on site. Guests also get complimentary shuttle service to all Cape Charles attractions. The 75-ton Marine Travel Lift (a 650-ton lift is currently under construction), gently and expeditiously removes and returns bigger craft to the water, and the deep-water floating docks can easily accommodate large yachts for transient or longer visits.
Hampton is in the heart of the Hampton Roads region, about 22 nautical miles from Cape Charles on Virginia's Eastern Shore. The entrance to the Hampton River is just beyond Old Point Comfort, where the channel passes between Fort Monroe National Monument and Fort Wool and over the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.
Bluewater Yachting Center (757-723-6774) is adjacent to Blackbeard's Point on the port side at the mouth of the Hampton River -- where Blackbeard's severed head was posted on a pole as a warning to other pirates in 1718. The full-service marina offers diesel and premium gasoline, a full parts department, and factory-trained technicians. It also has a swimming pool, a coin-operated laundry, bicycle rentals, and the ever-popular Surfrider Restaurant.
A complimentary water shuttle is available on demand to transport guests from the marina to the center of downtown, where the Hampton History Museum illuminates the city's past, from the native Kecoughtan Indians through the 20th century. The Hampton Carousel was built in 1920, and its 48 intricately carved horses and two elegant chariots were recently restored. The Virginia Air & Space Center serves as the official visitor site for Hampton's NASA Langley Research Center.
Hampton has had a reputation for hospitality since Captain John Smith and his men were welcomed and treated kindly by the Kecoughtan people during the winter of 1608-1609. The four century-old tradition continues to this day. The Hampton River Waterfront has five marinas all on its own, and is an ideal stopping point for boaters traveling the Chesapeake Bay or the Intracoastal Waterway. If you can, hit the town during the annual, nationally acclaimed Blackbeard Pirate Festival in June -- it's a swashbuckling good time.
