Williamsburg and James City County are premier locations for boating and fishing enthusiasts to live and visit in Virginia. The James River is just a short distance from the Chesapeake Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway. Marinas near the James River are a wonderful, restful berth for boaters and offer the amenities, and sometimes- dining. Inlets and coves used since colonial times and perhaps longer allow the boater a pleasant respite from the busy James River channel, which carries boats from the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel to the piers of Richmond, Virginia. There are several well-maintained public boat launches in the area that lead into the James or Chickahominy Rivers, or allow access to lakes or reservoirs.

Jamestown Yacht Basin (757)-229-8309

http://www.jamestownyachtbasin.com

If it is convenience to the James River you are searching for, the Jamestown Yacht Basin is located on Powhatan Creek, nearby Historic Jamestown, just a five-minute boat ride from the James River. Speed boats and jet skis are permitted to launch from this marina. Boats coming via the Colonial Parkway, on trailers, have a 12 foot height restriction, due to tunnels. The Yacht Basin has 125 wetslips, but they are usually booked, so call ahead. The fully functional marina has a boat launch and stocks boat supplies, ice, gas, and marine fuel. Fish caught in the immediate area include catfish, croaker, striped bass, and large mouth bass. Jamestown Yacht Basin is the only covered marina in James City County.

Kingsmill Marina (757)-253-3919 http://www/kingsmill.com/recreation/marina.asp If docking and dining is on the plan for the evening, Kingsmill Marina is a pleasant place to unwind. It