Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina
Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Arrived at 5:40 and the boat was pretty full - so definitely get there sooner than you think! There’s dinner available ($45) and an option to just do the cruise ($30), which is what we did. It was a lovely evening and we saw the dam, learned about some of the history of the homes and the lake itself and saw some wildlife along the way. Highly recommend standing outside on the bow of the boat to get the air and experience that. The captain will let the kiddos ‘steer’ for as long as they want, which was really fun for them. Drinks are affordable and they do specials! Staff were so kind and accommodating. We really enjoyed! I think if all the speakers on the top level worked, we could have heard him better but we didn’t mind missing a couple things here and there. Good for groups and kids too! Family photos with the gorgeous mountainous and sunset views were perfect.
Lydia Kennedy
00
We went to the Portside bar to eat. We came by boat and you can park your boat to the right of the restaurant as you're approaching. They didn't open until 4pm so we had to come back. Super friendly staff and owner. So dog friendly that you can sit anywhere with your dogs. They bring you drinks and bowls with water for your dogs. Which I thought was pretty cool. The food is limited to maybe 8 or 10 items. Just bar food. Still tasted good. Had the shredded pork nachos, Cuban sandwich and a hamburger. I've read some of the other comments and it is what it is. If you're looking for a huge menu list that carries Michelin stars than this isn't for you. But if you want friendly people, good drinks and something to snack on with a great view and dog friendly. This is it.
F U
40
I was so impressed with the Virginia Dare cruise and I'd go back in a heartbeat. I went on the Pirate Cruise on Pirate Days weekend, not really knowing what to expect. I wish they could run more of those cruises because it was incredible. The Virginia Dare doesn't so much as join the water battle but IS the water battle. We left the marina, visited another one, and then made our way over to the bridge by Bridgewater Plaza, all the time being "attacked" by smaller personal boats equipped with everything from water guns to hoses pumping water from the lake. Everyone on the top level was completely soaked. Luckily, the lower level is enclosed so you could sit in a water free zone and still enjoy the activity.
Beth Barton
10
Don't get me wrong, it was fun, the staff was friendly, the capt was knowledgeable of the area, and it was a great way to spend a few hours of our vacation. 3 stars is mainly for the food. Ticket price doubles for food, which was all cheap appetizer food. Yes, it was the appetizer cruise, but for the price I was expecting better quality. Only beverage choice is water. Again, for the price they could have offered at least a soda. I think this is a quality outfit, and a solid 4 to 5 star experience if you don't order the food. Just buy cruise tickets and get a drink at the bar, and enjoy the scenary.
Snow Band
20
The boat ride was really great. Our church group brought the food and it was very tasty. The staff was very nice, very helpful and they had a great time and we could tell that they enjoyed their jobs. The weather was really nice and we all enjoyed a great late afternoon and early evening. The sunset was really nice, and it was only then that the fall air started to get a bit nippy. This was my second outing on the boat and I would go a third time. The only downside was we had to wait for about 15 minutes longer than we wanted to, to board the boat.
Brian Munday
00
We enjoyed the cruise. Beautiful views and excellent service on this cruise.
Enaas Shawkat
00
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