You've come to Sandbridge Beach, VA, for serenity, peace, and privacy. But your kids (ages 6 and up) are clamoring for a thrilling adventure. What do you do? That's easy. Only 11 miles away via Sandbridge Road and Upton Drive, you'll find world-class treetop ziplining at Adventureworks Wetland Zip Tours, 1304 Prosperity Road, just south of Virginia Beach.
Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon till 4, this recreational paradise covers 60 unspoiled acres of coastal forest and wetland. It's so close to the ocean you can smell the tangy salt spray. Yet it's a world apart from the traffic and noise of Virginia Beach's crowded Boardwalk.
So, it's ideal for a leisurely day trip from your Sandbridge vacation rental.
What, Exactly, Is Ziplining?
Short answer: It's gravity-powered transit from Point A to lower Point B.
Unlike most other forms of transport, ziplining is 100% eco-friendly. There's no gas. No electricity. No fuel of any kind. Nothing but the sheer force of gravity, nature's purest propellent.
The zipline itself is a free-moving pulley suspended from a rugged steel cable mounted on a slope. In ages past, such aerial runways were used to move food, mail, and other supplies to people in isolated areas. Today they provide rip-roaring thrills for nature-loving adventurers.
Adventureworks Ziplining: An Adrenaline Rush for All Ages, 6 and Up
Some ziplining outposts are cluttered with fussy extras - obstacles, rope courses, etc. But Adventureworks offers ziplining pure and simple in a pristine natural setting.
Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned veteran, it's an unforgettable experience - about as close to flying as you can get without sprouting a pair of wings. And, while no adventure sport is totally risk-free, this one is considered safer than hang-gliding or parasailing.
Multiple Options for Aerial Excitement
Adventureworks offers nine different ziplines of varying lengths and heights. Some lines range up to 1,000 feet long and up to 60 feet high. Several skim just a few inches above the forest floor.
Each nine-line tour lasts between an hour and 90 minutes, depending on group size. You can arrange a tour for any number of participants:
- Yourself alone
- Just you and your sweetheart
- Your immediate family
- Any group of up to 8-10 people
What if you have more than 10 in your party? No problem. Call ahead for discount pricing and special information.
First and Foremost, Make Sure You're Physically Eligible
Most people can handle aerial ziplining, but it's best to be on the safe side. At Adventureworks, all participants should be at least 6 years old and in moderate to good physical condition. Youngsters under 18 must sign a release form unless they're accompanied by a parent or a guardian.
Who should avoid ziplining?
- Pregnant women
- People with heart, leg, or back conditions
- Anyone who's seriously ill
- All those above the recommended weight limit (275 lbs.)
Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis, but you must check first by calling ahead.
How to Book Your Adventure
You can reserve your tour online anytime up to 12 hours before your scheduled departure. If you'd prefer to book within the 12-hour window, call 757-216-9891 to reserve a slot.
A standard tour costs $49 per person, with special group rates available. Plus, once a month, around the time of the full moon, you can opt for a magical night-time tour for $69 per person.
How to Prepare for Your Tour
Bring sunglasses, a camera, and bug spray. And, above all, dress appropriately.
You'll want to wear sturdy closed-toe shoes - no flip-flops, high heels, or flimsy sandals - plus comfortable clothing suitable for hiking. Long pants or jeans are ideal; after all, wetlands tend to be wet! In cooler weather, be sure to layer, as temperatures deep in the forest is maybe a few degrees lower than elsewhere.
No need to bring bottled water: Adventureworks provides several convenient water stations.
What to Expect During a Typical Tour
First, you'll meet with the friendly, experienced staff for training, instructions, and safety prep. You'll be outfitted with a helmet, strapped into a sturdy harness, and safely suspended from a zipline.
Then, off you'll go, soaring through lush, leafy treetops above shimmering swamps and marshes.
The degree of the incline determines how fast you'll go. Depending on which zipline you're using, you can reach speeds up to 35 miles per hour.
All in all, it's a heart-pounding ride. And, at the same time, it's also a fascinating "eco-tour." As you zip along, you'll have ample opportunity to savor your scenic surroundings. You'll get to see what coastal wetlands are like (without having to slog through a swamp). And who knows? You may even spot a few colorful forest critters.
All This, Just 20 Minutes Away from Sandbridge Beach, VA
And there's much more even closer - sun, surf, and spotless white sand. Gather the family right away and head off to your coastal getaway.
