For those cruising through or along the Chesapeake Bay, the Virginia’s River Realm Loop offers a rewarding detour from the main north–south run. Just inside the mouth of the Rappahannock River, you’ll find deep-water anchorages, full-service marinas, and welcoming towns, all within easy, protected hops—perfect for a long weekend or an unhurried week. This sheltered circuit pairs smooth navigation with the culture, dining, and history of some of the Bay’s most inviting river communities.

Whether you’re craving fresh seafood right off the dock, a quiet night on the hook, or an afternoon of shopping and exploring, this loop highlights the best stops and experiences along the way.

Deltaville

A long-time haven for Chesapeake boaters, Deltaville offers three distinct stopover options, each with its own appeal:

Fishing Bay – Deep, well-protected, and peaceful, Fishing Bay is ideal for secure anchorage with the option to tie up at a welcoming marina offering floating slips, fuel, and comfortable amenities.

Jackson Creek – Closer to town and services, Jackson Creek provides both marina and anchoring options. Jackson Creek Marina accommodates vessels up to 130 feet, with fuel, pump-out, showers, laundry, bikes, and full repairs via Deltaville Boatyard. The North Branch offers all-weather protection, while the South Branch offers a quieter setting and a pleasant walk into town.

Broad Creek – A vibrant, full-service harbor with multiple marinas, repair yards, and provisioning options. Thanks to a recent dredging project, the channel now offers safer, more reliable access for deeper-draft vessels—read more about it on Waterway Guide.

From any of these harbors, you’ll find marine supply stores, casual and fine dining, and all the services a cruiser could need.

Upriver on Locklies Creek, Regent Point Marina offers transient slips, scenic views, and easy access to nearby anchorages. Across the creek, the renowned Merroir restaurant serves its signature raw and roasted oysters with sweeping views of the Rappahannock River — the very waters where they’re harvested. Courtesy transportation or pre-arranged rides via Southern Belle make it easy to reach additional attractions.

Known for its walkable downtown, rich history, and lively dining and shopping scene, Urbanna is a favorite stop for cruisers. Tie up at URBBY Marina, Urbanna Town Marina, or anchor nearby with dinghy access to town. Each November, this small town of just 500 residents swells with more than 55,000 visitors for the annual Urbanna Oyster Festival, a beloved celebration of the Bay’s seafood heritage.

For those with extra time and shoal-water confidence, a side trip upriver to Tappahannock offers even more small-town charm. Anchor off and dinghy into Hoskins Creek, then walk or arrange a ride to town for dining, shopping, and exploring the historic district. Navigation requires close attention to channels and depths.

Offering some of the prettiest, most protected anchorages in the region, the Corrotoman River is also home to Yankee Point Marina, which welcomes all vessels, including catamarans, and offers a Dock & Dine special—20% off dockage and 10% off at their on-site Black Duck restaurant.

Peaceful anchorages, Carter’s Cove Marina, and the nationally-recognized Tides Inn Resort & Marina make Carter’s Creek a standout stop. Irvington’s charming, walkable streets are lined with boutique shops, refined dining, and even a micro-vineyard. Courtesy transportation and bikes make getting around easy.

At the river’s mouth on Windmill Point, Windmill Point Marina offers slips, fuel, and on-site dining at the lively Tiki Bar. Enjoy the newly developed Westland Beach and boardwalk, or plan to attend Taste on the Point in November, a reimagined version of the popular Taste by the Bay festival. Transportation is needed to visit White Stone for shopping and dining.

Scenic Indian Creek offers good depths, beautiful waterfront homes, and excellent anchorages. Chesapeake Boat Basin extends a special welcome to Loopers—book through Dockwa with code thegreatloop2 for a free second night. Courtesy transportation brings you to Kilmarnock’s charming Main Street with 55+ boutiques, eateries, breweries, and events like the Music on the Half Shell summer concert series and the Fall Festival.

With protected waters, well-equipped marinas, and a warm welcome at every stop, the Virginia’s River Realm Loop is a must-do Chesapeake Bay side trip. Whether you spend a few days or a full week, you’ll enjoy smooth cruising and the kind of small-town hospitality that makes this region unforgettable.

Learn more and plan your trip at virginiasriverrealm.com.

?And be sure to download the Virginia's River Realm App to help guide you on your loop journey.