Boat Tours
Boat Tours are staffed by knowledgeable marine educators engaging in responsible viewing practices, research, and conservation.
As leaders in coastal & marine environment conservation, the Virginia Aquarium boat tours have been bringing the ocean to you since 1989.
A portion of all ticket sales supports our education, research, and conservation initiatives.
Dolphin Watching Boat Tour
Join us for an unforgettable 90-minute excursion aboard the Atlantic Explorer and experience 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. Book a tour soon, breathe deeply, and find adventure again!
Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed and all tours are weather-dependent.
Dolphin Watching Schedule
October 1 - 24
- 11:00am Saturday and Sunday
- 2:00pm Sunday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
At times our tours must be canceled. Please check our Daily Events Calendar to see if a tour is still available.
- 2:00pm October 11; Holiday tour
At times our tours must be canceled. Please check our Daily Events Calendar to see if a tour is still available.
Dolphin Watching Tours
| TICKET | PUBLIC | MEMBER | ADD-ON |
| Adult/Senior | $27.95 | $25.00 | $25.95 |
| Child (3-11) | $21.95 | $19.00 | $19.95 |
| Infant | FREE | FREE | FREE |
- Tickets must be purchased in advance through online-only ticketing.
- Passengers should report to the Aquarium Boat Dock (near outdoor Seal Exhibit) at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled tour.
- Face coverings are required for all unvaccinated passengers(2 and older) while onboard and for all passengers while inside the cabin. Face coverings are available for purchase from our gift shop.
Whale Watching Boat Tours
This 2-2.5 hour 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. Tours typically run from mid-December to early March.
Whale sightings are not guaranteed and all tours are weather-dependent.
Tickets are on sale NOW!
Whale Watching Schedule
December 18-23
- 2:00pm Daily
December 26-31 (No tours on December 24 or 25)
- 10:00am Daily
- 2:00pm Daily
January 1-2
- 10:00am Daily
- 2:00pm Daily
January 5-31
- 10:00am Saturday & Sunday
- 2:00pm Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
January 17
- 2:00pm
February 1 (Tickets not yet on sale)
- 2:00pm
February 21 (Tickets not yet on sale)
- 2:00pm
Whale Watching Rates (Tickets will go on sale soon.)
| TICKET | PUBLIC | MEMBER | ADD-ON |
| Adult/Senior | $34.95 | $32.95 | $32.95 |
| Child (3-11) | $29.95 | $27.95 | $27.95 |
| Infant | FREE | FREE | FREE |
Group Rates
Adult/Senior | $28.00
Child (3-11) | $23.00
Infant | FREE
More tour dates will be available in February and March. Stay tuned.
Boat Quests
Make your next boat tour even more exciting with a Boat Quest. Click on the titles below to select your quest!
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have a question, be sure to visit our FAQ page for more information on Boat Tours.