Cash, credit card, or Venmo
For more info go to the ABOUT tab, then click DETAILS ABOUT YOU Join us for an unforgettable adventure with Captain Vic's Smith Mountain Lake boat tours! He is a licensed USCG 50 Ton Master Captain and has boated on SML since 1988 so he knows his way around the lake. Experience Smith Mountain Lake with SML's unrivaled charter boat captain. Captain Vic’s services allow
you to relax rather than wondering where you are on the lake and navigating around boating hazards, wakeboarders, and tubers. Most importantly you can enjoy the water without worries. See the breathtaking beauty of Smith Mountain Lake from a unique perspective as you cruise along its pristine waters. Our expertly guided tours showcase the lake's stunning landscapes, including the picturesque SML State Park and the impressive engineering marvel, the SML Dam. Up to six passengers will enjoy the serene charm of the lake, discovering hidden gems and scenic vistas that can only be witnessed by water. This is a journey filled with awe-inspiring sights and memories that will last a lifetime! Lifejackets, safety equipment, and fuel are provided. All you need to bring is sunscreen and your camera. CAPTAIN VIC BIO
Graduate of the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA
Originally from Alexandria, VA
Property owner on Smith Mountain Lake since 1988
Married to Robin whose family has owned lake property since 1965. (Before Full Pond Day!) Two sons - Casey and Austin. One grandson - Mason. Two rescue dogs
Mediocre bass guitar player
High school football official since 1984
USCG licensed captain since 2021
One of two captains on the VA Dare, a sixty-three foot 19th century replica paddle wheeler located on SML
FAQs
📍How long is the charter and where do you go? The charters are about 1.5 hours long. We depart from either the VA Dare Marina or Bernard's Landing. We will travel to the SML State Park where you may see Ospreys and perhaps an eagle. We will circle Emerald Island, a private island with two full time homes located on this water locked body of land. Heading down the Roanoke River we will pass another home located on “Goat Island.” (You will need to book the charter to find out how this island claimed it’s name.) Look for the dolphin and whale tail sculptures on the point. Then we head up the Blackwater River to see the "What About Bob?" house where the Bill Murray/Richard Dreyfus classic movie was made. We will head back downriver to the SML Dam passing the "Boat Church" and perhaps sailboats, fishing charters, and wakeboarders while we travel along the base of Smith Mountain. We will pause at the dam for photos and an explanation regarding how the dam operates as a battery and how it causes the Roanoke River to flow uphill. Then we will round Rock Island to perhaps catch a glimpse of more Ospreys and Herrons as we head back to home.
📍How does the weather affect the charter? If the weather is good we will go out. If it's bad we won’t go out. This decision will be made by the captain. If inclement weather is expected, we will send you a text message that it’s possible the trip may be canceled at the last minute. If it rains we will get wet. If it's windy we will see splash and spray. You will get wet. Steady winds over 15mph may be grounds for cancellation. When it's cold (below 50 degrees) we may cancel the charter. We don't play around with thunderstorms. The charter will be canceled😒 .
📍Is There a Bathroom on the Boat? NO
📍Is There Shade on the Boat? Partial shade is provided by a bimini top. As we travel around the lake shade and sun will alternate. Wear your sunscreen!😁
📍Do I need to bring lifejackets? NO. We supply properly sized USCG approved life jackets for all passengers. Note the USCG requires all passengers age 13 and under to wear a life jacket at all times when on board the boat. When registering for your charter please let us know how many passengers are age 13 and under
📍Can I bring food and drinks on the boat? Yes you can (just remember to bring enough for your captain too😉 ). However, all liquids must be in a container with a closed top. Adult beverages are permitted for those over 21 (you do not need to include the captain for adult beverages 😂)
📍Can I go swimming, fishing or participate in towed water sports? Sorry no. We cannot accommodate swimming, fishing, skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, etc. requests.
📍Do infants count as one of the six allowed passengers? Yes. The USCG puts a maximum headcount on our boats. That headcount doesn't consider size, weight, or age.
📍Is the boat handicap accessible? Sort of. You must be able to take two steps down to get into the boat and two steps up to get out. Even though we are boarding in a designated No Wake Zone the boat may be rocking a bit. If you have mobility issues or do not have help getting into and out of the boat, Captain Vic charters may not be much fun.
📍What's the best time to take a cruise? Anytime. But if the Virginia summertime heat and humidity 😰 aren't your thing a morning charter may be best.
📍Can I bring my dog? Yes you can if Fido is well behaved, on a leash, and will enjoy the boat ride. Note we do not provide dog life jackets. 🐕
📍How much does it cost, how long is your season? We operate from appoximately April 1 to November 15. A 1.5 hour charter for up to 6 passengers is $250.00 weekdays/$300.00 weekends for the boat. Payment is processed at the end of the charter. We accept cash, credit cards and Venmo.
📍How do I cancel or reschedule? You can cancel or modify your reservation up to 24 hours in advance by calling or texting us at 434-610-4064☎️.
