While Sandbridge may be known for its beach, off the beaten path is the gorgeous Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. Take guided kayak tours through the bay with one of the amazing guides at Surf and Adventure Company. Don't believe us? Read the article below and plan your trip now!

The constant roar of the fighter jets that make you feel like you are on the set of Top Gun gives way to the quiet sounds of gentle breezes. The neon lights of shopping and arcades dim to put the spotlight on the tall marshy grasses. Tall oceanfront hotels transform into residential beach front homes.

As much as I love the buzz and energy of Virginia Beach’s resort area, Sandbridge may be where my heart is.

Sandbridge Virginia is located 15 miles south of Virginia Beach’s resort area, sitting on 5 miles of pristine beach and sand dunes. This off the beaten path, secluded getaway is home to another somewhat hidden gem, known to locals at Back Bay, which I had the opportunity to explore as a guest of the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau and Surf & Adventure Co.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge spans over 9,250 acres across the Back Bay Watershed. Honestly, ten years ago, I am not sure I would have even noticed the possibility or serenity of the Back Bay. Sure, I have always loved being on the water…but my preference was always the ocean and the sand.  Not that I have become a rugged outdoorsmen, but somehow- maybe because of my age, maybe because of life…finding the off the beaten path or hidden travel gems is one of the things I love most about taking trips to new places.

If finding off the beaten path destinations is one of the things I like most, kayaking is the mode of transportation that best fits the bill. Sitting at almost water level in a kayak, whether you are kayaking off the beach, in a lake or on the tributary to a massive watershed like Back Bay, there is a perspective that you get from the kayak that is singularly unique.

Kayaking in Virginia Beach, in the resort area would put me up close and personal with the dolphins, but taking an eco kayak trip or tour with an experienced paddler, like one of the guides at Surf & Adventure Company in Sandbridge, who knows the ecosystem of the waterway, opens up  magical doors and secrets that you might otherwise miss. Having a kayak trip guide makes it easier to spot wildlife and enables you to explore areas that, if you are like me- and adventurous only to a point, you might never have ventured.

During our trip, my fabulously knowledgeable guide David suggested a quick detour on the way back to the dock.  We set off on a very narrow and relatively shallow path, ducking under marshy branches, testing my paddling skills, in hopes of spotting a family of local residents that David thought might be home. This was no ordinary family though…this family was a family of eagles, in a nest, high above the water. Two of the eagles were sitting comfortably in their nest, as if they were waiting for us (talk about wishing I had brought the other lens for my camera!)

Kayaking the Back Bay watershed, from the narrow tributaries to the wide mouth of the open water was by far one of the highlights of my trip to Virginia Beach.  Surf & Adventure Co., offers several kayak tour options including the Eco Tour that I took, Lunch Box Tours and Dinner Tours, making it the perfect active travel choice for a girl’s trip, families, couples or even solo travelers.