Hidden Gems
For the sailor chasing salt spray and serenity, the southern Chesapeake Bay holds a trove of anchorages and swimming holes where the water is inviting and the vibe is blissfully off the radar.
While the northern bay tends to hog the spotlight, those who drift south of the Rappahannock River know the magic of a well-placed dunk in an untouched cove.
Here are five unquestionably dunk-worthy holes in the southern bay where you can anchor, cannonball and exhale:
Godfrey Bay, Piankatank River
Tucked in off the Piankatank, this wide cove is the stuff of barefoot dreams. Protected from the wind with a sandy bottom perfect for holding, Godfrey Bay is a favorite for raft-ups and lazy afternoon swims. You’ll often find dolphins cruising by and osprey overhead. Bring a float and a cold drink and let the current do the drifting.
Best for: warm afternoon swims, float parties, paddleboarding.
Local tip: venture ashore and walk the beach—just watch the jellyfish in late summer.
Mill Creek, Cape Charles area
Just north of the more well-known Cape Charles harbor, Mill Creek offers solitude, shallow depths and surprisingly clear water for the bay. It’s quiet enough to hear your own splash, and it has a soft bottom that’s gentle on your toes. The sunsets here are absolute fire.
Best for: sunset swims, overnight anchorages, peaceful escapes.
Local tip: if you’re lucky, the water clarity here can rival that of Tangier Sound.
Back Creek, Deltaville
A sailor’s haven that doubles as a dunk spot, Back Creek gives you access to marinas and services while still offering a few out-of-the-way nooks to anchor and cool off. It’s the kind of place where one jump in turns into three.
Best for: clean dips after provisioning, friendly cruising community.
Local tip: grab ice cream at Deltaville Marina and make it back to your boat before it melts.
Little Bay, north of Windmill Point
If you blink, you’ll miss it and that’s what makes Little Bay a treasure. Just outside the mouth of the Rappahannock River, this hidden anchorage is ringed by sandy shallows that beg for barefoot exploring. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to keep secret… but I can’t help bragging about it.
Best for: beach landings, crystal-clear dunks, drone-worthy scenery.
Local tip: get there early on weekends. Locals love it too.
Old House Cove, York River
Sheltered, peaceful, and just remote enough, Old House Cove near Sarah Creek is a sweet little pocket off the York River. Here, the water warms early in the season. The surrounding tall trees, birdsong and the occasional deer make every swim feel earned.
Best for: early-season dunks, nature lovers, calm overnight stops.
Local tip: ideal jumping-off point for a run to Yorktown or Gloucester Point.
Final word
The southern bay isn’t just a sailor’s playground, it’s a floating invitation to slow down, anchor out and plunge in. Whether you’re sailing a coastal cruiser or dinghy-hopping from the mothership, these dunk-worthy holes are sure to cool you off and keep your bay cruising log colorful.
So go ahead—kill the engine, drop the hook and dive in. These are the dunk holes that define summer in the southern Chesapeake.
Lisa Wright is commodore of the Stingray Harbour Yacht Club. Boating Tips, Safety and Stories is a column shared by Yankee Point Yacht Club, Rappahannock River Yacht Club, Regent Point Yacht Club, Stingray Harbor Yacht Club and the Northern Neck Sail and Power Squadron.
