Boat Tours | Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Guests observing dolphins from Atlantic Explorer boat

Dolphin Watching Boat Tours

Now cruising! Enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly ride on the Atlantic Explorer to see bottlenose dolphins and other coastal Virginia animals like seabirds, sea turtles, and more. Guests will join the Aquarium's knowledgeable educators on board to learn about their unique sightings while on the water. Tours are approximately 90 minutes. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed and tours are weather-dependent.

Ticket sales support the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation to provide quality care for the Aquarium's animals, offer educational programs, conduct research and conservation work, and operate the nationally recognized Stranding Response Program.

Book a Boat Tour

Dolphin Watching Tour Ticket Rates

Aquarium Members receive $2 off each boat tour ticket.

Adult

$30 | Ages 12+

Youth

$24 | Ages 3-11

Child

$5 | Ages 0-2

Boat Tour Schedule

Planning a boat tour with us? Take a look and see when we're heading out to sea!

View Our Tour Calendar

Specialty Boat Tour

Tall Ships Boat Tour

June 17 & 18 | 6PM-9PM

Be a part of history and welcome the international tall ships of Sail250 ® Virginia, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, as they gather at Lynnhaven Anchorage before their passage into Norfolk.

Capacity is limited. The boat tour will be about three hours. Bar drinks and snacks are available for purchase on the Aquarium’s boat.

Buy a Tall Ships Boat Tour Ticket

What to Expect on Tours

Book Ahead

Advanced online reservations are strongly encouraged.

Age Requirements

All ages are welcome on Atlantic Explorer trips, but tours may not be appropriate for younger guests.

Boarding Time

Passengers should report to the Aquarium Boat Dock (near the outdoor Seal Exhibit) at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled tour.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available on the boat, as well as refreshments for purchase.

Seating

The Atlantic Explorer offers outdoor seating as well as an interior seating in a climate-controlled cabin.

Bag Policy

Please leave backpacks or large bags locked in your car.

Cooler Policy

Alcohol and large coolers are not permitted aboard the boats.

Refund Policy

Tickets are non-refundable unless the tour is canceled by the captain.

Group Discounts

Discounts for Atlantic Explorer tours are available for groups of 15 or more.

Accessibility

The Atlantic 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.

Boat Tour Field Trips

Children watch dolphin swim in ocean from boat.

Book a Class Boat Tour

Bring your students on a boat tour with us! We offer dolphin watching tours from spring into fall, and whale watching tours during the winter. To reserve a tour, contact Guest Services at (757) 385-3474, extension 3.

A whale breachs in front of the Virginia Beach coastline.

Whale Watching Boat Tours

Check back later in 2026 for information on our next winter whale watching season! This incredible winter boat tour lets you coast along our shoreline in search of 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. Tour schedules are subject to change. A portion of all ticket sales supports our education, research, and conservation initiatives.

Responsible Whale Watching

We Are Proud Participants Of Whale SENSE!

Whale SENSE is a voluntary education and recognition program offered to commercial whale-watching companies in the U.S. Atlantic and Alaska Regions. Sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, Whale SENSE recognizes companies committed to responsible whale-watching practices.

Learn More About Whale SENSE

Tour Operator

Rover Cruises

Our dolphin and whale watching tours are operated by our partners at Rover Cruises.

About Rover Cruises

Have Questions?

Learn more about our Boat Tours on our FAQs page!

Frequently Asked Questions