Marina Way
Colonial Beach is a boater’s paradise with its scenic shoreline, abundant marinas, calm waters, sandy beaches, breathtaking sunsets, diverse marine life, and a vibrant boating community.
Marinas
Colonial Beach offers a range of marinas that cater to boating enthusiasts, providing top-notch facilities, convenient access to the Potomac River, ample dock space, exceptional services, and a welcoming atmosphere for an unforgettable boating experience
.
Charters & Fishing
Fishing in Colonial Beach is a delight for anglers, with its prime location on the Potomac River. Abundant fish species, including bass, catfish, and perch, make for exciting fishing adventures in a picturesque setting.
.
Bait & Tackle
Explore Colonial Beach’s premier bait and tackle shops for a successful angling adventure. Find top-quality gear, expert advice, and a wide selection to enhance your fishing experience on the Potomac River.
Marinas
Colonial Beach is a haven for boating enthusiasts, boasting several marinas that cater to both locals and visitors. These marinas provide a range of services and amenities to ensure a delightful experience on the water.
With their convenient locations along the Potomac River, boaters can easily access the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. The marinas offer a variety of boat slips, accommodating vessels of different sizes. They also provide fueling stations, pump-out facilities, and well-maintained docks.
Boaters can take advantage of on-site amenities like restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Additionally, many marinas offer boat rentals, repairs, and a knowledgeable staff ready to assist with any boating needs.
Colonial Beach’s marinas create an inviting environment for boaters to enjoy the beauty of the area while providing excellent services and facilities.
Visit https://marinawaycbva.com/ for more details on local marinas.
Colonial Beach Yacht Center
1787 Castlewood Drive
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
(804) 224-7230
www.cbycamarina.com
Latitude 38º 13’ 49”N and Longitude 76º 57’ 48”W
Colonial Beach Yacht Center is a located on the Potomac River at the mouth of Monroe Bay, which is renowned for its protected harbor, deep water, and beautiful sunsets. The 8-foot deep channel to Monroe Bay provides an easy access to the Potomac River and is the deepest harbor and midpoint from Washington D.C. to the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay. Colonial Beach Yacht Center can be found at latitude 38º 13’ 49”N and longitude 76º 57’ 48”W. Colonial Yacht Center is a family-owned and operated facility with open and dry slips that can accommodate vessels from 18 to 118 feet. The fuel dock occupies the inside of the peninsula to the starboard as you enter the channel. Both long-term rental and transient slips are available. The marina has a store, kayak rentals, boat brokerage, fuel and pump-out station, full service boat yard, and a restaurant on site. There is a recently renovated, air-conditioned and heated bathhouse, slip side water and electric services, boat ramp, wireless internet, sandy swimming beach, and a grassy picnic area.
The Boathouse Marina
829 Robin Grove Lane
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
(804) 224-7644
billbowmansr@aol.com
http://theboathousemarina-va.com/
Latitude 38º 14’ 26”N and Longitude 76º 57’ 44”W
The Boathouse Marina is a full service marina located on Monroe Bay in scenic Colonial Beach, Virginia. It is a boater-owned and boater-friendly marina with 35-40 slips and dry land storage availability. The Boathouse Marina has both covered and open slips and can accommodate both transient boaters and long term rentals. The marina has new floating docks and fixed docks. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a courtesy car or golf cart, 24/7 access to a Captain’s Lounge with TV, showers, and laundry facilities. A gas grill is also available on the outside patio. The Boathouse Marina has personnel to handle all repair and restoration services including carpentry, interior remodeling, painting, diesel and gas engines, running gear and electronics on wood and fiberglass boats. With a 25-ton Travel Lift they can haul most boats for cleaning, painting and general maintenance. The Boathouse Marina has a large Ship’s Store is stocked with many necessary items. If it’s not in the store, they will order what you need and have it available in short order.
With a 25-ton Travel Lift we can haul most boats in the area for cleaning, painting and general maintenance.
Ice House Marina
119 Monroe Bay Avenue
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
(703) 774-6932
www.icehousecb.com
Latitude 38º 24’ 78”N and Longitude 76º 96’ 52”W
Nightingale Marina
101 Monroe Bay Avenue
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
(804) 224-7956
Latitude 38º 14’ 42”N and Longitude 76º 57’ 56”W
Nightingale Marina has 36 open slips. It is a family owned and operated marina. There is an attached motel with 5 air-conditioned rooms with cable television. The marina has a bathhouse with showers. Come to Nightingale for a quintessential small-town experience. Jan takes all reservations by hand…no computer reservations here! She will treat you like family. A beautifully decorated yard and gazebo make for excellent star gazing. Grills are available for cooking up the catch of the day.
Bayside Marina
11 Monroe Bay Ave
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
(804) 224-7570
www.baysidemarina.org
Latitude 38º 14’ 85”N and Longitude 76º 57’ 58”W
Bayside Marina is the closest marina to downtown Colonial Beach and all the events on Town Hill. Bayside is approximately 1 city block from the walk-able downtown area, and about 3 blocks from the sandy beach. You can stroll to Tiki Bars, restaurants, the art district, the grocer, and more. The docks at the marina are new and most have 30 and twin 30 amp service. The marina has 39 slips that can accommodate vessels up to 50′ with a 4′ draft. The marina has new, air-conditioned boathouses, a waterfront picnic area with grills for cooking out, and ample parking. If you want a boutique style marina with a five star restaurant….you found it. The Los Hermanos Cantina serves authentic Mexican food and delicious margaritas! Come enjoy Colonial Beach…a quaint and funky riverside town nestled on the Potomac River in Virginia’s Northern Neck region.
Parker’s Marina
1004 Monroe Bay Avenue Castlewood Drive
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
(804) 224-0895
Latitude 38º 13’ 49”N and Longitude 76º 57’ 48”W
Parker’s Marina is located at latitude 38º 14’ 16”N and longitude 76º 57’ 41”W and is one of the oldest marinas in Colonial Beach. It has 38 seasonal slips. Parker’s Marina is being renovated with new timber, water lines and upgraded electric. After a day of success, you can use Parker’s fish cleaning station to help prepare dinner. Stop by or call for a slip in this quiet, historic marina where Old Glory is always flying high – a Jr. Parker tradition.
Monroe Bay and Winkie Doodle Marinas
554 Lafayette Street
Colonial Beach, VA 22443
(804) 224-7544
www.monroebaymarina.com
Latitude 38º 14’ 38”N and Longitude 76º 57’ 56”W
Charters and Fishing
Chartering a boat in Colonial Beach on the Potomac River offers an exceptional opportunity to explore its scenic beauty and indulge in thrilling fishing adventures. With a wide range of charter options available, anglers can select the perfect vessel to suit their preferences and group size. Experienced captains and guides accompany these charters, sharing their knowledge of the river’s prime fishing spots and techniques. Whether it’s chasing bass, catfish, or other prized species, a chartered boat provides access to remote areas and ensures a productive day on the water. Additionally, the comfort and amenities onboard, such as fishing equipment, refreshments, and comfortable seating, enhance the overall fishing experience, making chartering a boat an ideal choice for anglers seeking both convenience and memorable angling memories.
Island Marina and Charter Fishing
Captain Wes
301-536-6392
captainwesjackson@yahoo.com
Offering fishing charters and cruises aboard a comfortable 42 ft Bay Built boat certified for up to 12 passengers We catch fish!
Reelmn Charters
Captain Foster Frog Auringer
804-224-1400
804-456-6193
aa4407@aol.com
https://www.facebook.com/ReelmnFishingCharters/
Our Captains provide a great day on the water either trolling for rockfish or bottom fishing for various species. We are a family-oriented business and love to have families onboard. Lowest rates around.
Bait and Tackle
When it comes to fishing in Colonial Beach on the Potomac River, selecting the right bait and tackle is essential for a successful angling experience. The river boasts diverse aquatic life, and understanding the preferences of the fish species is crucial. For targeting bass, popular bait choices include soft plastic worms, jigs, and crankbaits, while catfish enthusiasts often opt for chicken liver, nightcrawlers, or stink baits. Tackle selection depends on the fishing technique employed, with spinning or baitcasting rods and reels being common choices. Rigging with appropriate weights, hooks, and leaders ensures optimal presentation and effective hooksets. By matching the bait and tackle to the specific conditions and target species, anglers can increase their chances of landing a prized catch in the Potomac River.
Kimmie Ann Bait and Tackle
3030 Kings Highway
Colonial Beach, VA
804-224-5606
kafishing@yahoo.com
https://www.facebook.com/KimmieAnnBaitandTackle/
Live Minnows and Eels, Custom Rock Fish Lures, Fresh & Saltwater Tackle. Calcutta and Brackish Apparel, Peelers and Bloodworms.
7-Eleven
401 Colonial Ave
Colonial Beach VA 22443
804-224-7660
https://www.7-eleven.com/
Assortment of fresh & saltwater tackle.
History of Boating in Colonial Beach
Colonial Beach, a water-front municipality in Westmoreland County, Virginia was settled in 1650 by the great-great grandfather of President James Monroe. For years, watermen were the primary occupants of Colonial Beach and many industries revolved around boating and the bounty of the Potomac River.
In the late 1800s, the town began to attract visitors seeking respite from the bustling cities. The tranquil waters of the Potomac became a popular retreat for boating enthusiasts, with steamboats ferrying passengers to and from Colonial Beach. These steamboats offered a leisurely mode of transportation and opened the town to a wider audience.
In the early 1900s, the advent of recreational boating gained momentum in Colonial Beach. The town’s natural beauty and proximity to Washington, D.C., made it an attractive destination for weekend excursions. Wealthy individuals from the capital city built summer homes along the riverfront and arrived by private yachts, establishing Colonial Beach as a fashionable getaway.
Throughout the 20th century, boating continued to flourish in Colonial Beach. The construction of marinas and docks facilitated the growth of the boating community, accommodating both local residents and tourists. Pleasure cruises, fishing charters, and water sports activities became popular attractions, drawing visitors from far and wide.
Today, Colonial Beach remains a vibrant boating destination. Its marinas offer modern facilities, boat rentals, and access to a variety of water-based activities. The town hosts boating events and festivals, including regattas and fishing tournaments, which celebrate the enduring maritime traditions of the area.
The history of boating in Colonial Beach reflects the town’s evolution from a quiet riverside village to a thriving boating destination. It continues to attract boating enthusiasts who appreciate its scenic beauty, tranquil waters, and the rich heritage of maritime recreation.