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Dolphin Watching Tour
Dolphin Watching Tour
Virginia Beach
view website200 Winston-Salem Ave. (Tours leave from Rudee Inlet)
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
757-385-3474
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Boat Tour
Dolphin Watching Tour Description
Seeing dolphins swim around a huge tank and flip and twirl on cue is amazing, but it doesn't come close to the thrill of seeing schools of dolphins out in the ocean just feet away from your boat's edge. This 90-minute ride aboard the 65-foot Rudee Flipper leaves from the southern end of the main Virginia Beach strip, hugging the shoreline as it makes its way toward the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Along the way, riders learn about coastal landmarks, bottlenose dolphin social behaviors, and the latest dolphin research studies, which provide the perfect build-up for the main attraction: dolphins by the dozen frolicking in the Bay.
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: The ride to and from the area where the dolphins congregate is half the fun for adventure-loving kids, but will be excruciating for those uncomfortable on the water.
School-Age Kids: Elementary school kids will surely want to get wet, and will delight in their attempts to do so. Bring a towel or a change of clothes.
Planning Notes
- Tickets, please. Tickets can be purchased at the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center or at the dock.
- Children 3 and younger are free. Tickets for kids 4-11 are $14; those 12 and older are $18.
- Pick your spot. Listen carefully to the warnings about which side of the boat to sit on to avoid getting wet -- or to increase your chances. One 9-year-old got soaked through to his socks about 15 minutes into the tour, much to his delight -- and his mother's dismay.
- Don't be late. You must be on the boat at least 15 minutes before departure time.
- No guarantee. Dolphin-sightings are not guaranteed. If you're visiting Virginia Beach early or late in the season, ask about the likelihood of seeing dolphins before booking.
Just the Facts
Hours: Tours offered June through October, typically at 11 a.m., and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., with one additional evening cruise. Limited cruises are offered in September and October.
Fees: $10-$20
Recommended Time: 1 - 2 hours
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