Kayaking Back Bay

Back Bay Wildlife Refuge is a calm water area located near Sandbridge, Virginia.  There are numerous freshwater creeks that feed into the Bay, creating diverse ecosystems.  Many of the canoe and kayak outfitters are located near Muddy and Ashville Creeks.  There are cypress trees with hanging Spanish moss, especially in areas of North Bay.   If you are very quiet and observant you may see whitetail deer, owls, white egrets, snakes, great blue herons, and even turtles.  

Back Bay is shallow and in some parts may not be any deeper than six feet, but in open water the wind can be a strong force to paddle against.   Most of what appears to be vegetated solid ground is really semi-floating clumps of plants. 

Carry your own supplies including drinking water.  Be sure to wear your life vest at all times.

Back Bay has a very low salinity and is not affected by moon tides.  There are massive communities of Phragmities marshes, a wetland plant species that dominates the shorelines where native species of Black Needle Rushes once thrived.  In the headwaters of the freshwater creek the cattail, cyprus, and lily pads appear.   Some pines, maples, water tupelo and wax myrtle may also make an appearance.  In spring there are many bird species, like osprey, prothonotary warbler, egret, heron, turkey vulture, and red-tailed hawk.

Kayaking and canoeing through the lily pads are discouraged and certain areas are prohibited for that use.  Unfortunately the ingress and egress for boats are in competition for these same areas.  If you make the entire loop around Back Bay be prepare to spend a good portion of the day.