Boat Tours
Boat Tours are staffed by knowledgeable marine educators engaging in responsible viewing practices, research, and conservation.
Leaders in coastal & marine environment conservation
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!
Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed and all tours are weather-dependent.
You can also click the button below to see the most up-to-date schedule should a tour need to be canceled.
Dolphin Watching Schedule
April 1-30
- 11:00am Saturday & Sunday
- 2:00pm Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
NOTE:
- There is no 11:00am tour on April 13
- Please see our Special Spring Break & Holiday Tours for more.
May 1-27
- 11:00am Sunday & Saturday
- 2:00pm Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
- 4:30pm Saturday
NOTE:
- Please see our Special Spring Break & Holiday Tours for more.
May 28 - September 5
- Daily tours | 10:30am, 1:00pm, 3:30pm
- 6:00pm Wednesday & Saturday
NOTE:
- Please see our Special Spring Break & Holiday Tours for more.
Spring Break Tours | April 9-16
- 11:00am Daily
- 2:00pm Daily
- 4:30pm Daily
Holiday Weekends | Special tour dates
- 6:00pm Memorial Day weekend | May 29
- 6:00pm Labor Day weekend | September 4
NOTE:
- There is no 11:00am tour on April 13
Dolphin Watching Rates
| TICKET | PUBLIC | MEMBER | ADD-ON |
| Adult/Senior | $28.95 | $26.95 | $26.95 |
| Child (3-11) | $22.95 | $20.95 | $20.95 |
| Infant | FREE | FREE | FREE |
Group Rates
Adult/Senior | $23.00
Child (3-11) | $18.00
Infant | 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.
Whale Watching Tours
Stay tuned for next winter! 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
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.