Virginia Beach, VA Marine & Fishing Forecast

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the tides in Virginia Beach, VA today?

Virginia Beach, VA experiences two high tides and two low tides each day. Tide times and heights are sourced from NOAA station data (Station 8638863) and updated daily.

What is the best time to fish in Virginia Beach, VA?

The best fishing in Virginia Beach, VA is typically one to two hours before and after each tide change, when current movement activates feeding. Solunar major and minor periods shown in the forecast can also indicate peak fish activity windows.

Is it safe to boat in Virginia Beach, VA today?

Check the live wind forecast above for current boating conditions near Virginia Beach, VA. Winds under 15 mph are manageable for most inshore boats, but factor in wave period and tidal current at inlets. Always review the official NOAA marine forecast before heading offshore.

What is the water temperature near Virginia Beach, VA?

Water temperature data for Virginia Beach, VA is sourced from the nearest NOAA station (8638863). In Virginia, seasonal temperature swings significantly influence which species are active and where they can be found — check current readings in the tide panel above.

What wind conditions are expected in Virginia Beach, VA today?

See the live wind chart above for today's detailed hourly wind forecast near Virginia Beach, VA, including speed and direction from Open-Meteo model data. Wind direction affects water clarity, bait movement, and which shorelines will fish best.

Fishing in Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach is the southern anchor of the Chesapeake Bay mouth, and the fishing spans from the shallow flats of the lower bay to the offshore canyons holding tuna and marlin. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel creates one of the most productive artificial reef structures on the East Coast, and it's a short run from the Virginia Beach waterfront.

Planning Your Trip

The Bridge-Tunnel structure holds an extraordinary concentration of fish. Spadefish, cobia, flounder, and sheepshead stack around the concrete islands and pilings throughout the warm months. Summer cobia fishing at the Bridge-Tunnel is outstanding — fish up to 60 pounds cruise the surface and can be sight-cast on a calm day. Red drum run the outer beaches and the bay mouth in Fall.

Offshore, the Norfolk Canyon is one of the East Coast's most productive tuna grounds in October and November. Yellowfin and bluefin tuna, mahi, and white marlin are the Summer and Fall targets on the canyon edge. Closer to shore, nearshore wrecks hold black sea bass and flounder year-round.

The Chesapeake Bay mouth has complex tidal currents where the bay outflow and the ocean tide interact. Conditions can shift quickly near the Bridge-Tunnel and the inlet. Check both tide and wind before heading out, and plan your anchoring position with the current in mind.

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