Looking to make a splash on your vacation to Williamsburg, Virginia? Head to the water for a mix of experiences spanning action-packed and exhilarating to blissfully peaceful and relaxing. Whether you’re seeking the cool thrills of water park slides or craving the coastal scenery and serenity of a kayaking trip, you’ll find your kind of fun on the water.
Sailing & Boat Tours
Make your way to the Yorktown waterfront for an unforgettable boating and sightseeing cruise with 🔺Yorktown Sailing Charters. Set sail aboard the majestic tall ship Alliance II for a daytime or sunset cruise along the Chesapeake Bay, the York River, and nearby waterways. The Historic Yorktown route takes you past storied sites like the Yorktown Battlefield and Victory Monument. Young sailors can help steer the ship, keep watch for treasure, and even witness the firing of a cannon during the pirate adventure cruise.
You can also enjoy the region’s famous sights and scenic beauty with daily cruises offered by Jamestown Discovery Boat Tours.
Kayaking, Canoeing & Paddleboarding
Explore the water trails (also known as blueways) at your own pace by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. Discover the top paddling spots and find out where to rent your own gear to glide through serene stretches and winding inlets. The area’s rich ecosystems make it easy to encounter wildlife.
In Yorktown, rent kayaks and paddleboards from Patriot Tours and Provisions to coast along the York River and its shoreline beaches, or take a guided tour along the Powhatan Creek with Best Williamsburg Tours.
Freshwater & Saltwater Fishing
Try your luck at catching bass, perch, catfish, and other species in the waters around the Williamsburg area. Whether you’re fishing from shore or by boat, you’ll likely need a fishing license before heading out.
Set out on the waters of Little Creek Reservoir Park, where the 996-acre reservoir unfolds amid the beauty of the York River and the nearby tributaries of Mobjack Bay. The convenient docking available in Williamsburg and Yorktown makes it easy to start your journey. Plus, only electric trolling motors are permitted, making the experience quieter and more peaceful.
Discover where freshwater and saltwater converge at York River State Park, a marshy preserve with three different areas for anglers to explore. Or spend a day at Jamestown Beach Event Park, where the beachfront, easy paddle-craft launch, and a designated fishing area create the perfect setting for relaxing on and around the water.
To fish some of the deepest waters of the York River, head to the Yorktown Fishing Pier. It’s open year-round, the fishing is free, and no license is required, whether you’re a resident or just visiting. In late spring (March-April), Chesapeake Bay blue crabs and striped bass are abundant. In summer, the warmer waters are ideal for reeling in croaker, flounder, and speckled trout. Trout and puppy drum remain active through the fall, while winter brings a strong run of rockfish.
Water Park Fun: Thrilling Slides to Relaxing Floats
Conquer the rides and slides of two Williamsburg water parks. Cool off at Water Country USA, Virginia’s largest waterpark, for a fun-filled day of adventure. Take on attractions like the spiraling Colossal Curl mega-slide, Surfer’s Bay wave pool, and the 75-foot drop of Vanish Point’s tower, along with special splash zones for little ones.
Find splash-worthy fun year-round at 🔺Great Wolf Lodge, where a family resort, gaming arcade, and 67,000-square-foot indoor water park come together under one roof. The temperature inside the park always stays at 84 degrees, so you can enjoy slideboarding, floating the lazy river, and rafting down a six-story funnel. Best of all, water park access is free with every stay.
Beach Time, Outdoor Pools & Splash Pads
When you’re up for a swim, head to some of the best beaches in the Williamsburg area. Yorktown Beach boasts two acres along the York River, complete with swimming areas, grassy picnic areas, a fishing pier, and shower facilities.
If sand and surf aren’t your thing, spend a relaxing afternoon at Upper County Park, where you can lounge by the outdoor pool, play a game of volleyball, and let the kids loose on the playground. Or, let the little ones run around at the splash pad at Chickahominy Riverfront Park.
More Fun on the Water & Beyond
From leisurely cruises aboard historic schooners to thrilling water park slides, experience water in every form in the Historic Triangle. Discover more about boating, sailing, and paddling, or explore all the ways to find outdoor fun in Williamsburg.