Kiptopeke Concrete Fleet - Image 1
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Kiptopeke Concrete Fleet

4.7
·34 reviews·Cape Charles, United States

Explore eerie WWII concrete ships, a unique breakwater teeming with wildlife on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour for photos & wildlife

CrowdMedium
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Kiptopeke Concrete Fleet - Image 1

Kiptopeke Concrete Fleet

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour for photos & wildlife

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore eerie WWII concrete ships, a unique breakwater teeming with wildlife on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

4.7
(34 reviews)

"Kayak out to the ships, scary and excited with lots of sea bird watching too!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🛶 Kayak Rentals Available

Rent kayaks at Kiptopeke State Park for an hour or two to explore the ships up close.

🌅 Sunset Views

The sunsets here are incredible and a must-see.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Concrete Ships

The Concrete Ships

Chesapeake Bay, Kiptopeke State Park

Eerie WWII-era concrete ships forming a breakwater, teeming with wildlife.

Kiptopeke State Park Beach

Kiptopeke State Park Beach

Eastern Shore of Virginia

A peaceful, uncrowded beach perfect for relaxation and enjoying bay views.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife Viewing

Around the Concrete Fleet and park

Abundant birdlife and marine creatures inhabit the ships and surrounding waters.

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Planning Your Visit

Kayak to the Ghost Fleet

The Kiptopeke Concrete Fleet is best explored by kayak or paddleboard. Rentals are available at Kiptopeke State Park, offering a unique way to get up close to these WWII-era ships. Plan for a few hours to paddle out, explore, and enjoy the scenery. Instagram

Best Time for Sunsets & Wildlife

Visit during late afternoon for stunning sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay. This is also when bird and marine life are most active, making it ideal for wildlife viewing. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos & wildlife
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Calling all history lovers! The Concrete Fleet rests just off the beach of Kiptopeke State Park on the Eastern Shore of VA. It consists of just 9 of the 25 ships that were built during World War II. These ships were placed in 1948 and work as a breakwater. If you’re into history and enjoy paddling this is definitely worth the trip! Please note that there are signs that are posted to stay off th...
getoutdoors.va
138 likes • 3K views

🛶 Kayak Rentals Available

Rent kayaks at Kiptopeke State Park for an hour or two to explore the ships up close. Reddit

🌅 Sunset Views

The sunsets here are incredible and a must-see. Reddit

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/kiptopeke-s-concrete-fleet
dgk_fyrwrx
4 likes • 75 views
Was it worth it? 👇🚢💦⚓️ 📌 We’re sharing some more logistics & history below, but the short answer is yes… so save this for planning your trip to Virginia’s Eastern Shore ;) 🚢 Kiptopeke’s Concrete Fleet —> aka the Kiptopeke Breakwater 📍Kiptopeke State Park | Cape Charles, VA ⚓️ In 1942, the US Maritime Commission ordered two dozen concrete ships during a steel shortage that were built and ser...
happilyeverexploring
12.6K likes • 1.5M views

🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration

Dogs are welcome, and you can kayak out to the ships with your furry friend. Reddit

💰 Small Entry Fee

There's a modest fee to enter the park, but it's worth it for the experience. Reddit

Summer evenings are made for adventures on Virginia's Eastern Shore! Did you know you can boat around the concrete ships just outside of Kiptopeke State Park? Originally, these retired warships were placed around Kiptopeke to protect the old ferry dock. Now, it is a breakwater for the state park and also a habitat for all kinds of birds and fish! Have you ever seen the Kiptopeke concrete fleet...
visitesva
103 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🛶 Kayak Rentals Available

Rent kayaks at Kiptopeke State Park for an hour or two to explore the ships up close. Reddit

🌅 Sunset Views

The sunsets here are incredible and a must-see. Reddit

🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration

Dogs are welcome, and you can kayak out to the ships with your furry friend. Reddit

💰 Small Entry Fee

There's a modest fee to enter the park, but it's worth it for the experience. Reddit

🎣 Great for Fishing

This spot is also recommended for fishing enthusiasts. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(34 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Kiptopeke Concrete Fleet for its unique historical significance and natural beauty. The opportunity to kayak or paddleboard around the WWII-era concrete ships is a highlight, offering an adventurous and memorable experience. Many appreciate the peaceful, uncommercialized atmosphere and stunning sunset views.

"My bf is from the Eastern Shore and one of my favorite places is Kiptopeke. There’s a beach, kayak rentals, and you can launch your boat. The beach is nice and quiet. We take our boat out here and the ramp is nice and easy to launch and has a floating dock to tie up to. You can’t beat the sunsets here. It’s so beautiful. The protest is beautiful as well. I can’t wait for summer so I can go back to the beach to relax. There is a small fee to get in but I’m sorry I don’t know how much because my bf paid. Lots of parking."

kim fogle

"Awesome place. Kayak out to the ships, scary and excited with lots of sea bird watching too!"

Jennifer Fisher

"Beautiful-not commerical. Not touristy. Just peaceful and quiet. Dog friendly- can kayak out to the old ships to see up close. We loved it here."

Krystal Petitto

What People Like

Unique historical site
Kayaking/paddling adventure
Beautiful sunsets

What People Dislike

Limited dining options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Kiptopeke Concrete Fleet is located within Kiptopeke State Park on Virginia's Eastern Shore. You can drive directly to the park. For the best experience, consider launching a kayak or paddleboard from the park to get closer to the ships. Instagram+1

Yes, Kiptopeke State Park is well-marked and accessible by car. It's a popular destination on the Eastern Shore, making navigation straightforward. Reddit

While you can see the ships from the shore, kayaking or paddleboarding offers the most immersive experience. You can rent equipment at the park. InstagramReddit

Yes, Kiptopeke State Park has a nice and easy-to-use boat ramp with a floating dock, perfect for launching your own boat. Reddit

The ships are located in the water, so walking directly to them isn't possible. Kayaking, paddleboarding, or boating are the primary ways to get close. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is a small fee to enter Kiptopeke State Park. The exact cost can vary, but it's generally considered affordable for the access it provides. Reddit

It's advisable to check with the park or rental provider about advance booking, especially during peak season, to ensure availability. Reddit

Park hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Kiptopeke State Park website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours. Instagram

Standard boating regulations and any necessary permits for operating a vessel on the Chesapeake Bay would apply. Check with local authorities for specifics. Reddit

The ships are accessible whenever the park is open and conditions are safe for boating or kayaking. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Kiptopeke Concrete Fleet is a collection of nine World War II-era concrete ships that were sunk in 1948 to serve as a breakwater for a former ferry dock. They now form an interesting historical site and habitat. Instagram+1

The ships are a haven for various seabirds and marine life. Visitors often report seeing numerous bird species and fish around the concrete hulks. InstagramReddit

Kayaking near the ships is generally considered safe, but always exercise caution. Be aware of currents, boat traffic, and the condition of the ships. Stick to designated paddling areas. InstagramReddit

The unique silhouette of the concrete ships against the water, especially during sunrise or sunset, makes for dramatic photos. Wildlife sightings also provide great photographic moments. InstagramReddit

Kiptopeke State Park typically offers amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, and parking. Check the park's official resources for a full list. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Kiptopeke State Park itself may not have extensive dining options, the nearby town of Cape Charles offers several restaurants and cafes. Reddit

Yes, Kiptopeke State Park has picnic areas, making it a great spot to bring your own food and enjoy a meal with a view of the bay. Reddit

Food truck or vendor availability can vary. It's best to check with the park directly or bring your own provisions to ensure you have food options. Reddit

Cape Charles offers a range of dining, from casual seafood spots to more upscale restaurants, catering to various tastes. Reddit

Given that dining options within the immediate vicinity of the fleet might be limited, packing snacks and drinks is a good idea, especially if you plan to spend several hours exploring. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photographing the Kiptopeke Concrete Fleet. The soft light enhances the textures and atmosphere. InstagramReddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the ships and the surrounding bay. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography. Don't forget waterproof protection for your gear if kayaking. Instagram

From the water, you can get unique perspectives looking up at the ships. From the shore, try capturing the ships with the bay and sky as a backdrop. Instagram

Absolutely! The concrete ships are a habitat for many birds. Bring a telephoto lens if you're serious about capturing bird photography. InstagramReddit

Always check local regulations regarding drone usage in state parks and over waterways before flying. Ensure you have the necessary permissions. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kiptopeke State Park offers a unique adventure for families. Renting kayaks or paddleboards to explore the 'ghost ships' can be an exciting activity for older children and teens. The park also features a nice, quiet beach perfect for younger kids to play on. Reddit+1

Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as dining options are limited within the park. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially near the water and when kayaking. The historical aspect of the concrete ships can also spark curiosity and learning for young minds. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

The Kiptopeke Concrete Fleet is an excellent budget-friendly destination. The primary cost is the modest entrance fee for Kiptopeke State Park. Kayak rentals are available and reasonably priced per hour, offering a significant experience for the cost. Reddit

Packing your own food and drinks for a picnic is a great way to save money. Enjoying the natural beauty, the beach, and the unique sight of the concrete ships requires no additional expense beyond the park entry. Reddit

📸 Photographers

For photographers, the Kiptopeke Concrete Fleet offers a wealth of unique visual opportunities. The stark, industrial shapes of the concrete ships against the natural backdrop of the Chesapeake Bay are incredibly photogenic. Instagram

Aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic lighting. Wildlife photography is also a major draw, with numerous bird species frequenting the ships. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for the ships and a telephoto lens for wildlife. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

History of the Concrete Fleet

The Kiptopeke Concrete Fleet is a fascinating relic of World War II ingenuity. In 1942, the U.S. Maritime Commission commissioned the construction of 24 concrete ships as a response to steel shortages. These vessels were designed for shorter voyages and specific purposes, unlike their steel counterparts. Nine of these concrete ships were brought to Kiptopeke in 1948, where they were intentionally sunk to create a breakwater, protecting the old Chesapeake Bay ferry terminal from erosion and rough seas. Instagram+1

Today, these hulking concrete structures stand as silent sentinels in the Chesapeake Bay. They are a testament to a unique period in maritime history and offer a glimpse into the innovative solutions employed during wartime. The ships have since become a popular spot for history buffs and adventurers alike, providing a tangible connection to the past. Instagram+1

Exploring by Water: Kayaking & Paddleboarding

The most popular and recommended way to experience the Kiptopeke Concrete Fleet is by getting on the water. Kiptopeke State Park offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, making it accessible for most visitors. Paddling out allows you to get up close to the massive concrete hulls, observe the marine life that has made them their home, and truly appreciate their scale. Instagram+1

When paddling, remember to be mindful of the conditions. The Chesapeake Bay can have currents and chop, so assess the weather and your own abilities. It's a thrilling experience to navigate around these ghost ships, with many visitors describing it as both eerie and exciting. The clear, often turquoise waters surrounding the fleet add to the unique visual appeal. InstagramReddit

Beyond the ships themselves, the journey on the water offers beautiful views of the Eastern Shore coastline and the expansive bay. It's an opportunity to enjoy nature, spot various seabirds, and create memorable adventure photos. Instagram+1

Wildlife Haven

The Kiptopeke Concrete Fleet has transformed into a thriving ecosystem. The submerged and partially exposed concrete structures provide a stable habitat for a diverse array of marine life and seabirds. Visitors frequently report seeing numerous bird species, including gulls, terns, and various shorebirds, utilizing the ships as perches and nesting sites. InstagramReddit

Beneath the water's surface, the fleet also supports a healthy population of fish, making it an attractive spot for anglers. The breakwater effect of the ships creates calmer waters and attracts baitfish, which in turn draw larger predatory species. This makes the area a dynamic environment for both observation and fishing. Reddit

Experiencing the wildlife is a significant part of the Kiptopeke Concrete Fleet visit. Whether you're kayaking, boating, or simply observing from the shore, the abundance of natural life adds another layer of fascination to this historical site. InstagramReddit

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