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Pricing & Services

At Backwater Expeditions, we believe in offering fair, transparent pricing so you can enjoy your adventure without any surprises. Whether you’re renting one of our well-suited boats or booking a captain-led ecotour, we’ve got something to fit your needs. Please review our pricing details below.

17' Skiff Rental Pricing

Perfect for a self-guided exploration of the Chesapeake Bay’s backwaters, our 17' York River Skiff is available for daily rentals. Built locally and designed for shallow water cruising, this boat offers a simple, classic way to experience the region.

Maximum capacity: 4 persons.

Simple, stable, and easy to operate, the 17’ skiff is designed for a relaxed pace on the water — ideal for cruising, fishing, and exploring nearby creeks and shoreline.

Built for exploring local waters, not long runs.

Base Rental Rates (Dockside at Public Locations)

Step on and off the boat — it will be in the water and ready to go at your selected location:

$240/day Locations:

  • Davis Creek (New Point Comfort Lighthouse access)

  • Deep Point (Piankatank River)

  • Hole in the Wall Ramp (Milford Haven)

$220/day Locations:

  • Town Point Landing (East River)

  • East River Boat Yard

  • Warehouse Landing (Ware River)

$175/day Location:

  • Mobjack Bay Marina (North River)

If you don’t see your preferred ramp listed above, contact us to inquire — we’ll provide a customized delivery quote.

Residential Dockside Delivery

Have the boat brought directly to your dock or rental property.

  • Starting at +$50 (added to the closest ramp rate above)

  • Final delivery fee depends on the location of your dock and run distance

What’s Included

  • Fishing license for the boat

  • Safety gear (life jackets, fire extinguisher, etc.)

  • Full tank of fuel (enough for a full day of normal use)

Rental rates include one full tank of gas.

Additional Options

  • Penn Fishing Rod Rentals: $10 per rod

  • Ice, cooler, and other add-ons: Contact us for details

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23’ Carolina Skiff Charters

For a captain-led ecotour or private outing on the Chesapeake Bay, our 23’ Carolina Skiff offers a comfortable and spacious option for your group. This boat accommodates up to 6 guests (plus Captain) and is ideal for wildlife tours, exploring remote public lands, and custom trips tailored to your interests.

Your captain is a USCG Licensed Captain (OUPV-NC), Virginia Certified Ecotour Guide, Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (Shoreline Certified), Leave No Trace Certified, and certified in First Aid and CPR, with over two decades of experience as a first responder.

Fishing is not offered on captained trips. Fishing opportunities are available with the 17’ skiff rental only.

Charter Rates

  • 3-Hour Ecotour (up to 6 guests): $400

  • Additional Hour: $100

  • Sunset Cruise (3 hours): $400

  • Wildlife / Photography Tour (3 hours): $400

  • Customized Charters (up to 6 guests): Call for pricing based on your specific needs

What’s Included

  • Captain-led tour with a Virginia Certified Ecotour Guide

  • Bottled water

  • Safety gear for all guests

Add-Ons Available

  • Additional time: $100/hour

Additional Notes

  • Reservations require a $100 deposit, payable online or by phone

  • Rates are for full-day rentals and 3-hour charter blocks

  • Prices are subject to change based on availability and time of year — please confirm when booking

Click Here to Book and Check Availability

Check availability and make a reservation on our booking page. Reservation dates are secured by a $100 deposit, which can be made on our website’s booking page or over the phone at 804-581-0090. You will receive an immediate confirmation.

Be sure to book today — our fleet size is limited.

Note:
Use the “Pay Now” link to submit the $100 deposit only after speaking with us for services not listed on the booking page.

Booking & Rental Policies

  • Required Agreements:
    All renters must execute a rental agreement prior to departure. All charter guests and participants must execute a participant agreement, waiver, release, and assumption of risk prior to departure.

  • Valid ID & Payment Verification:
    A valid government-issued photo ID is required and must match the name on the payment method used to book.

  • Deposit:
    A $100 deposit is required to secure your booking and will be held during the rental. The deposit will be returned after the rental period provided the vessel is returned clean and without damage. Any damage may be billed to the renter, and the renter is responsible for all damage to the vessel or equipment during the rental period.

  • No-Show Policy:
    If you do not arrive within 30 minutes of your scheduled start time, the reservation will be considered a no-show and the $100 deposit will be forfeited.

  • Dock Conditions:
    Customer is responsible for ensuring the dock has adequate water depth and is protected from wave energy for safe access. If upon arrival the dock is deemed unsafe or inaccessible, we reserve the right to cancel the delivery and retain the $100 deposit.

  • Weather & Conditions:
    Trips may be rescheduled or canceled at our discretion due to unsafe weather or water conditions.

  • Dockside Delivery Approval:
    All dock locations are subject to approval based on water depth, access, and exposure.

  • Fuel Use:
    Rental includes a full tank of fuel. Running out of fuel and requiring on-water assistance or towing is not covered and may result in substantial costs to the renter.

  • Operator Responsibility:
    The renter is responsible for the safe operation of the vessel and for the conduct of all passengers. The renter assumes responsibility for any injuries, damages, or losses that occur during the rental period to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Weather Policy

We want you to enjoy your trip. If the weather for the day you booked isn't looking promising, contact us to request a different day, and we will accommodate you the best we can. We make the sole decision to reschedule or cancel due to weather on the morning of a rental. You may request a reschedule up to 48 hours before your trip, subject to schedule availability and our approval. If we cancel an outing due to inclement weather or poor conditions, we give our customers the option to reschedule their trip. If a trip cannot be rescheduled, a full refund will be issued. Please note, no weather refunds are given on multi-day rentals or package deals.

Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

  • 30 days prior to your reservation: Full refund, minus a $25 processing fee.

  • Within 15 days: Rescheduling or cancellations are at our discretion and are minus a $25 processing fee.

  • Cancellations must be requested via email to: backwaterexpeditionsllc@gmail.com​

Modification of Policies

We reserve the right to modify our policies and terms at any time.

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