Boat Tours
Boat Tours are staffed by knowledgeable marine educators engaging in responsible viewing practices, research, and conservation.
Weather Notice
Due to forecasted weather conditions, the 11am whale watching tour has been canceled for Saturday, March 18.
Dolphin Watching Boat Tours
A portion of all ticket sales supports our education, research, and conservation initiatives.
Tickets are now available for our spring tours beginning March 18! Our excursions offer an unforgettable journey in search of Virginia's most common and charismatic marine mammal: the bottlenose dolphin. If you are ready to find adventure, make memories, and inhale the fresh air, then come let the salty ocean mist kiss your cheeks and the offshore breezes fill your lungs. Learn from our knowledgeable educators about our other Virginia coastal animals like majestic seabirds, curious sea turtles, and unique fish species. Find details on each tour option below! Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed and all tours are weather-dependent.
Atlantic Explorer
Join us for our traditional 90-minute tour aboard the Atlantic Explorer. This is a great opportunity for passengers of all ages!
Atlantic Scout
Tours begin April 29! Our new low-riding vessel, the Scout, offers a 70-minute experience for guests ages 6 and up that brings you even closer to wildlife.
Dolphin Watching - What to Expect
- All ages welcome.
- Guest capacity is 110.
- Restrooms are available on the Explorer, as well as refreshments for purchase. Interior seating is available in our climate-controlled cabin.
- The Explorer is accessible for manual wheelchairs. The captain and crew can assist anyone needing to transfer from a motorized to a manual wheelchair for the tour.
- Please leave backpacks or large bags locked in your car.
- Discounts for Atlantic Explorer tours are available for kids and groups.
- Tickets must be purchased in advance through online-only ticketing.
- Passengers should report to the Aquarium Boat Dock (near the outdoor Seal Exhibit) at least 45 minutes prior to their scheduled tour.
- Guests ages 6 and up are welcome.
- Guest capacity is 38.
- Restrooms are available for urgent use only.
- Guests must be able to navigate stairs.
- Please leave backpacks or large bags locked in your car.
- Tickets must be purchased in advance through online-only ticketing.
- Passengers should report to the Aquarium Boat Dock (near the outdoor Seal Exhibit) at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled tour.
Dolphin Watching Schedules
March 18 Through April
- Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays | 2:00pm
- Saturdays & Sundays | 11:00am*, 2:00pm
- Spring Break (April 8-April 15) | 11:00am, 2:00pm, 4:30pm
*No 11:00am tour on March 25
May 1 - May 26
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays | 2:00pm
- Saturdays | 11:00am, 2:00pm, 4:30pm
- Sundays | 11:00am, 2:00pm
April 29 - May 26
- Tuesdays and Thursdays | 11:00am
- Saturdays and Sundays | 12:00pm, 2:30pm
May 27 - September 4
- Daily | 10:30am, 1:00pm, 3:30pm
- Wednesdays & Saturdays (Starting May 31) | 6:00pm
May 27 - September 4
- Daily | 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm
- May 28 (Memorial Day) | 6:00pm
- September 3 (Labor Day) | 6:00pm
Dolphin Watching Tour Rates - Atlantic Explorer
| Ticket | Public Price | Member Price | Public Group | School |
| Adult (Ages 12+) | $28.95 | $26.95 | $24 | $24 |
| Youth (Ages 3-11) | $22.95 | $20.95 | $20 | |
| Child (2 & Under) | Free | Free | ||
| Student | $20 |
Dolphin Watching Tour Rates - Atlantic Scout
| Ticket | Price |
| All Guests (Ages 6+) | $38.95 |
Group Tour Rates
Private group tours are available to book. Please contact Guest Services to learn more and reserve one for your group.
Special Boat Tours
Sunset and Moonrise Cruise
Returning in Spring!
$46.95 (Members $41.95)
Join us for a special cruise to witness nature’s changing of the guard as we capture a spectacular sunset and the rising of the full moon out over the water of the Atlantic Ocean. This excursion will depart from the Aquarium Boat Dock promptly, and passengers should report to the dock 45 minutes early.
Ocean Collections Boat Tour
Returning in Spring!
$28.95 (Members $26.95)
Experience our most interactive tour, a great opportunity for families! Passengers are invited to assist in the collection of fish, invertebrates, and plankton using the same tools and methods as marine scientists. Put your observation and investigation skills to the test as we identify adaptations that marine animals possess to survive in their special habitat. Please arrive at 8:30am for sign-in and boarding.
Whale Watching Boat Tours
A portion of all ticket sales supports our education, research, and conservation initiatives.
Whale watching season has concluded for Winter 2023. Tours typically run from mid-December into March.
This incredible 2-2.5 hour winter season tour brings you as close as possible to commonly observed species like acrobatic humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins, as well as an immense variety of seabirds and waterfowl. Whale sightings are not guaranteed and all tours are weather-dependent.
Boat Quests
Make your next boat tour unique and even more exciting with a Boat Quest. Click on the titles below to select your quest! These can be printed out and brought with you on your tour.
Know Your Nos
Boat Quest
Learn the rules of the ocean and find these signs during your tour.
Fish on the Fly
Boat Quest
Fishing birds? See if you can spot these feathered fishers during your boat tour.
Spot a Jelly
Boat Quest
They aren't always easy to spot, but see how many jellies you can find on your tour!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have a question, be sure to visit our FAQ page for more information on Boat Tours.