Boat Tours
Boat Tours are staffed by knowledgeable marine educators engaging in responsible viewing practices, research, and conservation.
Dolphin Watching Boat Tours
A portion of all ticket sales supports our education, research, and conservation initiatives.
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
Our 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.
- Alcohol and large coolers are not permitted aboard the boat.
- Discounts for Atlantic Explorer tours are available for kids and groups.
- Tickets must be purchased in advance through online-only ticketing.
- Tickets are non-refundable unless the tour is canceled.
- 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.
- Alcohol and large coolers are not permitted aboard the boat.
- Tickets must be purchased in advance through online-only ticketing.
- Tickets are non-refundable unless the tour is canceled.
- 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
September 5 - September 30
- Tuesday through Friday | 2:00pm
- Saturday | 11:00am, 2:00pm and 4:30pm
- Sunday | 11:00am and 2:00pm
October 1 - October 15
- Wednesdays & Fridays | 2:00pm
- Saturdays & Sundays | 11:00am and 2:00pm
October 9 | 2:00pm
September 5 - September 30
- Tuesday through Friday | 11:00am
- Saturday and Sunday | 12:00pm and 2:30pm
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
Twilight Cruise
A special cruise to enjoy the open ocean in a new light.
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.