The numerous creeks and miles of shoreline that give this peninsula between the Rappahannock and Piankatank Rivers its delta-like topography provide havens for numbers of boats far greater than its year-round population (3:1) The town is literally at the end of General Puller Hwy. (SR 33) where it fades out at Stingray Point, named by explorer Captain John Smith to mark his near death experience in 1608 after tangling with a stingray in the shallows of the peninsula. There is no well-defined downtown but rather an eclectic collection of structures strung along either side of the highway (which is actually just a two-lane road).

In the past Deltaville has laid claim to the title of Boatbuilding Capital of the Chesapeake and, indeed, for over a century supplied watermen with wooden workboats of all types and sizes, of which the most well-known is the round sterned "Deltaville Deadrise." As recently as the late 1970s there were about 20 boatbuilders in the town but it is now almost a lost art. There are still sailmakers, canvas shops and a huge West Marine. 

For provisioning and other supplies, Deltaville Market (804-776-6131) is biking distance from the marinas at the "business end" of town. For those who prefer to cook their own food, J & W Seafood (804-776-6400) is on the way, selling a broad range of fresh seafood and deli items as well as a nice selection of wines and microbrews. Merryvale Farm (seasonal) is near the Deltaville Market.