MONETA BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Two-hour narrated cruise around Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare
A narrated sightseeing cruise from Moneta that circles key lake landmarks — useful for planning what you’ll see, what’s included, and practical booking details.
Two-hour narrated cruise around Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare.
The Virginia Dare departs from its dock in Moneta for a two-hour, narrated sightseeing cruise that runs rain or shine. As the boat leaves the marina you pass the Smith Mountain Lake State Park—known for its walking trails and sandy beach—then follow a captain-determined route that may include dam views, island clusters and lakeside developments.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Smith Mountain Dam and State Park
One of the first sights after leaving the dock is Smith Mountain Lake State Park with its walking trails and sandy beach; the cruise may also include views of the Smith Mountain Dam.
Three named islands and ridge-top landforms
The route can take you past Goat, Turtle and Bride islands and two other landforms that are actually ridge tops—features commonly pointed out on the narrated cruise.
Historic and quirky lakeside development
Narration highlights include Nantucket-style housing developments, one of the oldest condominium developments on the lake, an antique carousel and one of the area's oldest tobacco barns, plus occasional osprey nests.
What the day feels like
What the cruise feels like
For two hours the Virginia Dare follows a flexible route set by the captain, offering narrated context as you glide past state-park shoreline, islands, lakeside developments and wildlife such as osprey nests; the operator runs the cruise rain or shine.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and where to watch expectations.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The cruise duration is two hours and operates rain or shine; plan for a fixed two-hour outing regardless of light precipitation.
No outside food or drinks are allowed aboard; the operator offers a menu and a bar for purchase of beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks.
An optional food package is available (pulled-pork BBQ sliders, chicken salad sliders, sweet-and-sour meatballs, cheese and crackers, potato salad, fresh fruit, cookies, sweet iced tea and water); bar purchases are extra.
Upper-level seating is limited and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis; the boat departs from the operator’s dock.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the sightseeing cruise?
The cruise lasts two hours.
What are the ticket prices?
Cruise-only fares are $30 for adults (ages 11 and up) and $20 for children (ages 10 and under); fares that include food are $45 for adults and $30 for children. Tax and a 6% booking fee will be added.
Is food provided or available on board?
There is an optional food package with items such as pulled-pork BBQ sliders and sides; a bar is available for purchase of beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks. No outside food or drinks are allowed.
Will the cruise run in bad weather?
The Virginia Dare runs rain or shine.
How do I know my booking is confirmed?
You will receive an email immediately after booking with further information about your trip.
Is upper-level seating guaranteed?
Upper-level seating is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.