61°
Sunny
0%
58
Virginia Beach County, VA · Atlantic Ocean
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
4005 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
A 9,250-acre USFWS refuge south of Sandbridge with roughly 3 miles of undeveloped Atlantic beach backed by dunes, marsh, and maritime forest. Managed for migratory waterfowl — the northernmost mile is closed to recreation year-round. No lifeguards, no swimming amenities; a walk-on wildlife refuge, not a resort beach.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
NWS alert active · 61°F air
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 61. Northwest wind 10 to 14 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 49. Northwest wind 9 to 14 mph.
Weather
- 61°F air — chilly for a beach day
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
Water
- 63°F water — chilly — expect a gasp entering
- 4.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- NWS alert active — small craft advisory issued november 7 at 12:53pm est until november 8 at 10:00am est by nws wakefield va
58 /100
good
13 Swim
54 Sunbathe
72 Walk
72 Photo
Best for walking today
Small Craft Small Craft Advisory
Small Craft Advisory issued November 7 at 12:53PM EST until November 8 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Wakefield VA
Full NWS statement
* WHAT...North to northwest winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 3 to 5 ft expected. * WHERE...Coastal waters from Fenwick Island DE to Chincoteague VA out 20 NM, Coastal waters from Chincoteague to Parramore Island VA out 20 NM, Coastal waters from Parramore Island to Cape Charles Light VA out 20 NM, Coastal Waters from Cape Charles Light to Virginia-North Carolina border out 20 NM and Coastal waters from NC VA border to Currituck Beach Light NC out 20 NM. * WHEN...Until 10 AM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Atmosphere
Air Temp
61°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
10 to 14 mph
NW
Rain
0%
This Afternoon
Air Quality
28 Good
Ozone · Hampton Roads
UV Peak
3 Moderate
Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~67m
Burn-free before 10 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
62°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
63°F
Cold
Next High Tide
6:34 PM
3.2 ft · in 1m
Wave Height
4.6 ft
10s · ESE swell
Water Quality
No recent sample
Last reading 7w ago: clean
USGS · not a current condition
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:33 AM
Sunset
5:01 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:20 AM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 12:51 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 6:34 PM | High | 3.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:38 AM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| 7:00 AM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 1:31 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:14 PM | High | 3.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:14 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:36 AM | High | 4.0 ft |
| 2:07 PM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 7:51 PM | High | 3.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:48 AM | Low | 0.3 ft |
| 8:11 AM | High | 3.9 ft |
| 2:41 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:28 PM | High | 3.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:23 AM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| 8:47 AM | High | 3.8 ft |
| 3:17 PM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| 9:06 PM | High | 2.9 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:59 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 9:26 AM | High | 3.7 ft |
| 3:56 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| 9:47 PM | High | 2.8 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:38 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 10:06 AM | High | 3.5 ft |
| 4:40 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 10:30 PM | High | 2.7 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8638999, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
62°
Sunny
0%
66
64°
Sunny
0%
68
67°
Sunny
0%
72
65°
Sunny
0%
72
64°
Mostly Sunny
12%
67
58°
Slight Chance Rain Showers
24%
45
What to Bring Today
- recommended Wetsuit or expect a chill Water is 63°F
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Refuge parking lot at the visitor contact station off Sandpiper Rd; free with paid entry. Small lot; fills on spring/fall weekends and peak migration days.
Dogs
Pets prohibited year-round (since April 1, 2011). Service animals excepted.
Entry Fee
$5/vehicle Apr 1 – Oct 31; free Nov 1 – Mar 31. Federal interagency passes (America the Beautiful) accepted.
Address
4005 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge today?
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge dog-friendly?
Pets prohibited year-round (since April 1, 2011). Service animals excepted.
Is there an entry fee at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
$5/vehicle Apr 1 – Oct 31; free Nov 1 – Mar 31. Federal interagency passes (America the Beautiful) accepted.
Are there lifeguards at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
No lifeguards are stationed at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
Amenities at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge include restrooms, picnic area.
When is the water warmest at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
Atlantic water temperatures peak in August. Northern beaches (ME, NH, MA) run cool — typically 60-68°F at the summer peak. Mid-Atlantic (NJ, DE, MD, VA) hits 74-76°F. The Carolinas and Florida Atlantic warm into the 80s and stay swimmable from May through October.
Where is Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge located?
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is in Virginia Beach County, VA, at 4005 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS