Looking to make a splash on your vacation to Williamsburg, Virginia? Head to the water for a mix of recreational 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
Head to the Yorktown waterfront for an unforgettable 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. The pirate adventure cruise is a family-friendly experience where the costumed crew fires a cannon and kids can help steer the ship.
Other on-the-water excursions in Williamsburg include daily cruises with Jamestown Discovery Boat Tours and Williamsburg Charter Sails, which allow you to sit back and relax to while enjoying the sights.
Freshwater & Saltwater Fishing
Try your luck at catching bass, perch, catfish, and other species in the waters around the Greater Williamsburg area — just be sure to get a permit first.
Located near the York River and the tributaries of Mobjack Bay — with convenient docking available in Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Gloucester, VA — Little Creek Reservoir Park offers a scenic overlook of a 996-acre reservoir where only electric trolling motors are permitted.
Freshwater and saltwater meet at York River State Park, a marshy preserve with three different areas for anglers. Jamestown Beach Event Park offers a newly restored beachfront, paddle-craft launch, and a designated fishing area. Find more fishing spots here.
Water Park Fun: Thrilling Slides to Relaxing Floats
Conquer the rides and slides of two Williamsburg water parks. Water Country USA is Virginia’s largest and makes for an exciting day of play. Highlights include 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.
Great Wolf Lodge encompasses a family resort, gaming arcade, and 67,000-square-foot indoor water park in one. The temperature inside the park is always 84 degrees so you can enjoy slide boarding, floating the lazy river, and rafting down a six-story funnel. Water park access is free with every stay!
Blueways & Paddling Trails
The water trails (also called blueways) around Williamsburg are ideal for exploration by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. You can rent rowboats, canoes, and pedal boats at Waller Mill Park, or kayaks and canoes at Chickahominy Riverfront Park. James City County Marina offers kayak and canoe rentals for exploring Powhatan Creek, one of the area’s most biodiverse waterways. Also, York River State Park offers canoes and kayaks for rent along picturesque Taskinas Creek; call ahead to check availability.
In Yorktown, Patriot Tours and Provisions rents kayaks and paddleboards for exploring along the York River and its shoreline beaches. They offer paddleboarding lessons by appointment.
Beach Time & Outdoor Pools
When you’re up for a swim, head to Yorktown Beach for some refreshing fun in the sun. The recreational beach boasts two acres along the York River, complete with a fishing pier, grassy picnic areas, and shower facilities.
If sand and surf aren’t your thing, Upper County Park and Chickahominy Riverfront Park each have an outdoor pool, among other amenities like volleyball courts and playgrounds.
More Fun on the Water & Beyond
From leisurely cruises aboard historic schooners to thrilling slides at world-class water parks, the Historic Triangle has a water activity for everyone. On land, you can enjoy biking, camping, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and more – discover all the ways to experience outdoor fun in Williamsburg!