Suggestions for trip to Bush Gardens by boat

HomePort

HomePort

New Member
Nov 27, 2012
284
Rock Hall, MD
Boat Info
2015 Prestige 550 Fly
Engines
Cummins QSC 8.3 / 2x600CV + Zeus
It sounds like a nightmare to me but we're doing it for the kids -- a trip to Busch Gardens in August. I've heard the marinas close to Busch Gardens on the James River side offer no protection. Any recommendations for marinas on the York River side or better alternatives?

Thanks in advance.
 
First see if you can use the Kingsmill Marina. Be sure to tell them you wish to go and use the spa and all. It is protected. Next would be York River Yacht Haven on Sara's Creek. Plenty protection and a great Marina. If you need the numbers I will get them for you.
 
If they do have space, Kingsmill would be my first choice as well. They have shuttles to the Williamsburg activities. Last time I was there, the fee was $100 per night regardless of length.

http://www.kingsmill.com/recreation/marina/


My next choice would be Governors Land. I believe you would have to get your own transport to Busch Gardens.

http://governorsland.com/marina.html

after that would be River's Rest on the Chickahominy River. Again you would need to Uber it.


http://www.riversrest.com

Of note..... River's Rest is for sale. I have not been there in 5 years.

==========================

dwna1a.....could he fit under the arch and berth at Jamestown?
 
Converse48 said:
Kingsmill is not protected from southerly winds (last time I was there, 2009).
Click to expand...

They have a wall built around the marina now and from what I understand it is pretty well protected from wave action.

For Bush Gardens, Kingsmill would be the spot to pick. Another great spot is Smithfeild Station but it is down near the James River Bridge. It would be closer to BG than Sara's Creek. The Peck family run the Marina and restaurant. They have some of the best food on the river. It also would be a great place for the adults to go. Lots of places in the town, all within walking distance. Both places can handle a boat of your size with no problem.

what is your over all height and draft? IF you could fit under the bridge 11'6", but with the fly bridge I don't think you could make it into Jamestown Marina.

If there is anything I can help with just send me a email. I live, work, and boat in the area.
 
dwna1a said:
They have a wall built around the marina now and from what I understand it is pretty well protected from wave action.
Click to expand...
That's cool. It really needed one! We had to cut our stay short the last time there. Which was a shame because it is a really nice resort!

For the locals... are their any viable options on the York River?
 
Last edited:
HomePort said:
It sounds like a nightmare to me but we're doing it for the kids -- a trip to Busch Gardens in August. I've heard the marinas close to Busch Gardens on the James River side offer no protection. Any recommendations for marinas on the York River side or better alternatives?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...


In Newport News - Deep Creek has 2 marinas and the Warwick Yacht club. Leeward Marina at the base of the James River Bridge is a good place as well, however it is a challenge to get a bigger boat in.
 
York River Yacht Haven is just before the bridge on Sara's Creek. They have a nice restaurant, pool, and laundry / showers. Also a full yard with lift for any emergency repairs.

I think you could also dock in Yorktown. Lots to do in that area.
 
dwna1a said:
They have a wall built around the marina now and from what I understand it is pretty well protected from wave action.

For Bush Gardens, Kingsmill would be the spot to pick. Another great spot is Smithfeild Station but it is down near the James River Bridge. It would be closer to BG than Sara's Creek. The Peck family run the Marina and restaurant. They have some of the best food on the river. It also would be a great place for the adults to go. Lots of places in the town, all within walking distance. Both places can handle a boat of your size with no problem.

what is your over all height and draft? IF you could fit under the bridge 11'6", but with the fly bridge I don't think you could make it into Jamestown Marina.

If there is anything I can help with just send me a email. I live, work, and boat in the area.
Click to expand...


Thanks! We're almost twice as high as the bridge clearance so I think that is out for us. I'm leaning toward Kingsmill and will call them tomorrow to see if they can take us.
 
Converse48 said:
That's cool. It really needed one! We had to cut our stay short the last time there. Which was a shame because it is a really nice resort!

For the locals... are their any viable options on the York River?
Click to expand...

+1 for York River Yacht Haven. Absolutely beautiful place. I saw it for the first time a couple of weeks ago. WOW... Just WOW!

The public docks are very nice as well. My stepson got married in Yorktown. It's like a mine Williamsburg without the massive crowds and with a beach! Very nice place.
 
I made this trip the first week of August. Boat ran great! We stand at York River Yacht Haven and had Enterprise "pick us up". All worked as planned, We did 2 days at Busch Gardens and Water Country. About a 20-25 minute drive. Could definitely have stayed more. The marina and people were very nice as advertised. Recommend very highly.
 
Glad to hear you guys had a good time. We have stayed at the Yacht Haven before and it is a great spot. Also, glad to hear it is an easy trip to the parks as that was more my concern. What made you decide to stay there over Kingsmill if you even considered it?
 
I was going to ask the same question. What happened to KM?

The folks over at York River are great and some very good food at the restaurant.
 
Personally, I didn't have time to go to Kingsmill. Coming from the north it is A LOT further to have to go all the down to Norfolk and then up the James.
 
Good point the difference in distance versus the gain in location is tough. We are starting a bit closer than you so the run is much shorter. Looking on Active Captain it appears there are still concerns with Southernly Winds at Kingsmill so it might have to be off the list unless I hear from someone whose been there recently.
 
Someone said there is a new break wall, and Google seems to support this (see pic). Active Captain may have older info.
kingsmill.jpg
 
I posted that, and yes there is a wall out and somewhat around the slips. The late October winds and river traffic still can whip the river up. We have a nice NOA weather bouy at Church Point. Use its data to help plan your trip. IF and that's a big IF you fit under our bridge, come into Jamestown. Be very sure to look into our depth and bridge heights! I will even loan you my slip.
 
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