New Point Comfort (Mobjack Bay) in Virginia

Trip Overview

New Point Comfort is the place where the Mobjack Bay meets the Chesapeake. The trip begins in a small marshy creek and ends on a pretty beach. Launching from the observation area is best as long as the wind is not hard out of the south or south east.

The water here is clear and full of healthy sea grasses. Dolphin are not uncommon around here in July and August (a pest to kayak fishermen as they are after the same thing). Egrets, herons, and larger sandpiper species dominate the marsh shoreline. As the marsh grass gives way to sand, terns and other gulls are more common. There is an Osprey nest on top of the duck blind.

The closer one gets to the lighthouse, the more chop there is on the water. Even on calm days, conditions can change. So, keep a weather radio handy. If paddling into the Chesapeake is not possible, just walk around the point and enjoy the remoteness of this place. By all means, try to go on a weekday or an off-season weekend. Boaters frequent the beach in the summer. Avoid the place on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor day.

Accommodations:

Visit the Mathews County Visitor's Center (Sibbley's General Store) for a listing of bed & breakfast inns. The New Point Comfort Campground welcomes tent campers.

Fees:

No fees are required. But, by all means, leave no trace

Directions:

From business rt 17 in Gloucester, take rt. 14 into and through Mathews Court House. Turn Left in Bavon following the sign for the Lighthouse and a right after crossing the marsh.

Resources:

NOAA Chart 12238 will be your best guide

www.mathewsblueways.org has maps of the entire county water trail.