Sailing into Spring: Boating Experiences at the Tides Inn
May 05, 2025
As spring blooms along the shores of Carter’s Creek, the Tides Inn invites guests to embrace the season by getting out on the water. From peaceful morning cruises to creative workshops on the waves, the resort's boating experiences provide a refreshing perspective on the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay region. Here are some of our top offerings.
Watercolor on the Water: For those seeking creative inspiration, our Watercolor on the Water class seamlessly blends art and nature. Led by resident artist Theresa Schneveis, this floating workshop encourages guests to paint the vibrant landscapes and wildlife they observe while enjoying a peaceful cruise. The experience concludes with celebratory mimosas.
Bird Watching Cruise: Step into the role of citizen scientist during this expert-led boat ride with resident horticulturist Matt Little. Guests have a good chance of spotting native bird species like herons and ospreys, along with a variety of local flora.
Cove Cruise: This guided boat tour offers a relaxed journey along the creek during which you’ll learn about the history of the Northern Neck, the region’s oyster industry and the wildlife. It’s an ideal outing for guests who appreciate a sense of place with their time on the water.
Early Risers Cruise: There’s something special about mornings on Carter’s Creek. With a warm cup of coffee in hand, guests can start their day on the Early Risers Cruise—a quiet journey along the water, listening to the animals awaken.
Sunset Wine Cruise: As the sun dips below the horizon, the Sunset Wine Cruise offers a front-row seat to golden hour. Sip on a curated selection of wines paired with seasonal cheeses and fruits while soaking in the views.
Duffy Boats: Explore Carter’s Creek at your leisure with a Duffy boat rental. The electric boats accommodate up to eight guests and are available for 90-minute outings. Enhance your private tour with a gourmet picnic basket prepared by the resort’s culinary team, or choose a captain-guided option for a more curated experience.
Sailing Charters: Captain Clay Dingledine brings more than two decades of sailing experience to every excursion aboard his boat, Galene. Guests may book a personalized lesson or simply relax as Captain Clay navigates the surrounding waterways, offering insight into the art of sailing. As he describes it, “Something special about a sailing excursion is that magical moment when the engine turns off and the boat is gliding along propelled by the wind—time slows down. It’s a wonderful way to spend time on the water exploring the surrounding waterways.”
Simply Sailing: For guests new to sailing, the Simply Sailing course offers a hands-on way to learn the ropes while experiencing the joy of navigating the water. This foundational program introduces key terminology, techniques and safety practices.