Weather Notice

Due to forecasted weather conditions, the 11am whale watching tour has been canceled for Saturday, March 18.

Dolphin Watching

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.

https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/assets/SMP_5650-1_2022-07-27-190049_tcoc.jpg

Atlantic Explorer

Join us for our traditional 90-minute tour aboard the Atlantic Explorer. This is a great opportunity for passengers of all ages!

EXPLORER DOLPHIN TOURS
https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/assets/DSC05116-Edit-1.jpg

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.

SCOUT DOLPHIN TOURS

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

TicketPublic PriceMember PricePublic GroupSchool
Adult (Ages 12+)$28.95$26.95$24$24
Youth (Ages 3-11)$22.95$20.95$20
Child (2 & Under)FreeFree
Student$20

Dolphin Watching Tour Rates - Atlantic Scout

TicketPrice
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

https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/assets/SunsetCruise-03-1.jpg

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.

SEE YOU IN SPRING!
https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/assets/Images/Experiences/Boat-Tours/Ocean-Collections-Boat-Tour.jpg

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.

SEE YOU IN SPRING!
Boat tour headline

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.

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.