The city of Chesapeacke is actually a bay that is the largest estuary on the east coast of the United States. This basin on the Atlantic Ocean covers 166 534 km² and no less than 150 rivers flow through its canals. It is considered the second largest city in Virginia and is spread over 3 states: Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. It has 220 000 inhabitants who enjoy ten kilometres of seafront with industries, shops and private homes. This bay due to a meteorite fall of 2 to 5 km in diameter, 35 million years ago, is little depth (2 meters on average). It was the scene and witness of the great battle of Chesapeacke on September 5, 1781, which led to the independence of the United States. As well as the slave trade in the country, particularly for tobacco cultivation. The relief configuration made possible tobacco plantations of incredible sizes like those of George Washington or William Fairfax. The climate that one can have in the region is continental with hot and humid summers and mild and rainy winters. For centuries, fishing was the main activity of the inhabitants as the bay was populated with aquatic fauna and especially seafood. Its name'chesapeacke' also means'good Algonquin fishing area'. But this food tank was so used that in the 70's the bay sea area was the first place on the planet to be declared a dead sea area. Pollution made it impossible to oxygenate the fish. Many initiatives have been put in place to improve water quality, but polluting companies are still active upstream from the bay. The city centre being little developed for tourism, the visit of the swamps of the Great Dismal Swamp will allow you incredible family walks. Take a tour of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge for a guided tour of the area's wildlife. Finally the Chesapeacke arboretum offers you discoveries of the fauna through workshops. Excursions to Chesapeake The locals meet few international tourists and they are always very happy to welcome Europeans. Restaurants and bars are open all day for fish and seafood menus. The ecological concern is always respected that is why you will easily find products of local farmers on the tables.