Dolphin Watching Boat Tours
A portion of all ticket sales supports our education, research, and conservation initiatives.
Returning Spring 2023! 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 Tour Info
- All ages welcome.
- 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.
- Discounts for Atlantic Explorer tours are available for seniors, kids and groups.
- Tickets must be purchased in advance through online-only ticketing.
- Passengers should report to the Aquarium Boat Dock at least 45 minutes prior to their scheduled tour.
Looking For Fun And Unique Things To Do In Downtown Richmond Try A Trip Along Rva’s Waterfront
The boat tours travel along downtown Richmond’s historic Canal Walk and review centuries of Richmonds history, from Powhatans Chiefdom to the first commercially successful electric streetcar in the world, all while traveling in authentically styled, flat-bottomed boats. Travelers can see the unique Triple Crossing railroad, tobacco warehouses that have been converted into trendy lofts, the Virginia Capital Trail, the Low Line gardens and James River wildlife.
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Whale Watching Boat Tours
A portion of all ticket sales supports our education, research, and conservation initiatives.
Stay tuned for Winter 2022! 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 watching tours typically run from mid-December to early March.
Whale sightings are not guaranteed and all tours are weather-dependent.
The Boat Tour You Can Only Take In Virginia Will Bring Out Your Inner Adventurer
One of the best parts about living in Virginia is the opportunity to experience all kinds of adventures, from rugged mountain hikes to historic walks and just about everything in between. Todays feature activity is one that relatively few know about, but almost everyone who experiences it agrees that its a must: Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise. Operating from Norfolk, this fascinating boat tour will showcase the worlds largest naval base from a truly unforgettable perspective. Heres more on this boat tour in Virginia that belongs at the top of your bucket list.
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Fun And Romantic Sunset Cruise In Norfolk
The evening cruise is our most popular for adults, couples, groups of friends, and company outings. It is not recommended for children under the age of 8 , Both fun and romantic, the sunset cruise is the perfect way to spend an evening. Explore the working harbor and stunning waterfront of Norfolk, then enjoy natures spectacle as the sun goes down.
Enjoy live music and a cold beverage from the bar on board while you take in the views as night begins to fall. Its a peaceful way to end the day and a wonderful moment to share with a loved one or your friends.
Come aboard our comfortable schooner and enjoy the views of the Elizabeth River on this memorable cruise! Reserve your spot today.
Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises
Experience the most popular way to see the worlds largest naval base and the Port of Virginia. Two-hour cruises depart daily from Nauticus, home of the Battleship Wisconsin, in Downtown Norfolk. Cruise past the vessels that ensure our freedomdestroyers, cruisers, submarines, aircraft carriers and more. A fascinating fact and fun-filled narration is provided. Snack Bar and restrooms on board. #1 tour in Norfolk on TripAdvisor.
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Popular Norfolk Harbor Cruise Resumes With New Accommodations To Protect Guests From Covid
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NORFOLK, Va. One of Norfolk’s favorite tours resumed Saturday, with new adjustments having been made to account for conditions created by COVID-19.
Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises – an opportunity to see the US Navy ships based or berthed currently in Norfolk from the water – began conducting its two-hour narrated tour of Norfolk’s waterfront on Saturday. For now, the Victory Rover will depart from Nauticus every day except Monday at 2 p.m.
TripAdvisor ranked the tour #1 of 19 available in Norfolk, with them describing it this way: “The Captain provides a fascinating and entertaining commentary aboard this Coast Guard inspected vessel. Cruising the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River you will see the sights of one of the worlds busiest sea ports including the worlds largest naval base, home of the Atlantic Fleet: Destroyers, Guided Missile Cruisers, Submarines, Aircraft Carriers and more.”
In terms of COVID-19 protection, the company has this information posted on their website:
“The health and safety of our guests and crew is our utmost priority with that in mind please be aware of the following prior to cruising with us:
Our Private Charters Offer Flexibility Customization And Are The Perfect Outing For Field Trips Celebrations And Intimate Gatherings
Canal cruise private charters are available as one- or two-hour private boat tours that are a favorite for family reunions, celebrating birthdays, engagements, corporate retreats, business groups, churches, clubs and so many more group outings. Private charters may be scheduled for any day and time during the season, but must be reserved a minimum of two weeks in advance.
Customers may choose for their cruise to be historically narrated, or they can choose to forgo the historic narration and take in the sights while listening to light music over a provided speaker or simply conversing with their fellow guests. The boats can be outfitted with tables of various sizes that can accommodate light refreshments or a more formal, catered meal .
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How Much Is It To Cruise The Victory Rover
The two-hour narrated naval base cruise costs $29 for adults, $19 for children ages 4 to 12, and is free for kids ages 3 and below. If you plan on going with a group of fifteen or more, the group rate for adults is $27 and $17 for children 4 to 12. Also, boxed lunches are available for groups, if requested, from Panera Bread Company.
Norfolk Naval Base Tours Dont Get Better Than Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises
If you tour the naval base, there are plenty of vessels to cruise from, but the Victory Rover is a solid pick.
Victory Naval Base Cruises take you on a two-hour journey through the nations most extensive naval base and share fascinating facts along the way.
In 1986, Rover Cruises on the Norfolk waterfront began, and in 2001, the Victory Rover was added to the fleet. From there, the Norfolk Victory Rover became a staple figure that takes passengers on a journey while informing them about the history behind the naval base.
The Victory Rover accommodates 149 people and offers a climate-controlled cabin so that you can sit comfortably. Large windows surround the vessel, giving you an excellent base view. In the main cabin, you can find restrooms, a gift shop, snack bars, and a bar with all your favorite refreshments if youre feeling thirsty. The cruise follows the smooth water of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor.
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Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise
The Victory Rover makes 2-hour narrated cruises past Naval Station Norfolk. It departs from Nauticus on the downtown waterfront. Enjoy a fascinating and entertaining commentary along the way aboard this Navy-themed vessel. See aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, guided missile cruisers and all of the other ships that form the world’s most powerful fleet. On board, guests will enjoy plenty of comfortable seating, clean restrooms, air-conditioned enclosed deck, open-air upper deck, snack bar and souvenir shop.
Reservations are available. Bring a camera and binoculars.
Naval Base Harbor Cruises & Tours In Norfolk Va
No matter which vessel you decide to take a cruise on, youre guaranteed to see some jaw-dropping ships. Youll learn a thing or two about the worlds largest Naval base while seeing vessels you may have never thought existed. Overall, Norfolk Naval Base tours are perfect for military families to enjoy a day at sea together.
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Sail On The Elizabeth River And The Port Of Virginia
Set sail with the friendly and experienced crew of this 125-passenger sailing schooner. We offer daytime and sunset Norfolk Harbor cruises under sail on the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and the Port of Virginia. Help hoist the sails, take a turn at the helm, or just relax as the captain points out the sights of the historic Norfolk Harbor. Sunset cruises feature live entertainment.
This elegant ship with her distinctive red sails is Coast Guard inspected for safety. Comfortable seating is available on the shaded upper deck and in our air-conditioned below-deck area with ship store, bar, and restrooms. Our sails have been popular for families, weddings, field trips, group outings, and company parties since 1986. Cruises depart from the Waterside Marina in Downtown Norfolk. Come aboard and sail with us!
What Is There To Do
All aboard…it’s time to see Norfolk from a completely different point of view on the Victory Rover!Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises can take your family on a water adventure all about the Hampton River Harbor and Elizabeth River.The ship can take nearly 150 on a family fun journey of fun facts and great views. The climate controlled main cabin has super large picture windows, so you can be inside or outside to enjoy the view of Norfolk moving past.The top deck has a large amount of shade too, so you get the best of both worlds!The Victory Rover also has refreshments, souvenirs, and comfortable seating – so it might be like a home away from home!The cruise route will take you past some pretty special sights of the city. You will spot the Portsmouth Naval Hospital, the Shipyards, and the Norfolk Naval Station the World’s LARGEST Naval Base! This Naval Station is home to Aircraft Carriers, Assault Ships, Submarines, and Destroyers – so it’s pretty important to the maritime history! (And they make for a great experience for your cruise!Those ship loving children will love cruising past all of the harbor traffic, too, including tugboats, commercials ships, and barges. The Victory Rover Naval Base is an education for you too, because the Captain offers you his expert narration over the sound system as you make your way past the sights. You can’t ever learn enough fun facts!Have a family water adventure in Norfolk – aye aye Captain!
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Cruises Of The Norfolk Naval Base
If one would like to get a glimpse of this mighty naval base, then enjoy a Norfolk Harbor cruise aboard the Victory Rover. On the cruise one will be able to see destroyers, submarines, and other vessels while taking in the sights of the harbor.
The Norfolk Harbor Cruise is a two-hour Narrated Naval Base Cruise with the captain providing entertaining and fascinating commentary on the navy and base. The tour departs daily from Nauticus, home of the Battleship Wisconsin.
One will see destroyers, aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, submarines, guided missile cruisers, and more.
The Victory Rover that one will cruise on provides plenty of comfortable seating, an air-conditioned enclosed deck, an open-air shaded upper deck, a snack bar, and a souvenir shop.
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Hampton Roads Naval Museum At Nauticus & The Battleship Wisconsin
The Hampton Roads Naval Museum presents 225 years of naval history in the Hampton Roads region. The museum is also responsible for the historic interpretation and day-to-day operations of the Battleship Wisconsin.
The Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the entrance to the Battleship Wisconsin are located on the second floor of Nauticus: The National Maritime Center in downtown Norfolk . There is no on-site parking, but there are several city operated parking garages within walking distance.
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What To Know About The Naval Base At Norfolk
The American naval base in Norfolk is the largest American naval base and the most powerful in the world. It is the home port of the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Forces Command with the largest concentration of naval forces with around 75 ships and 134 aircraft.
The Naval Station Norfolk stretches for 4 miles along the waterfront of Hampton Roads peninsula. The station supports the operational readiness of the US Atlantic Fleet, providing facilities and services to enable mission accomplishment.
- Largest: The Norfolk Naval Base Is The Largest Naval Base In The World
- Supports: The US Atlantic Fleet
- Newport News Shipbuilding Yard: Where The Super Aircraft Carriers Are Built
- Number of Ships: Around 75 Naval Ships and Many More Aircraft and Other Facilities
The Norfolk naval base is home to four carrier strike groups and their assigned ships – that alone is perhaps more powerful than any other navy in the world.
Not far from the naval base is the Newport News Shipbuilding yard – it is this shipbuilding yard that builds all the super aircraft carriers of the U.S. navy.
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Set Sail With Our Friendly And Experienced Crew In Norfolk Va
I imagine a lot depends on how the weather is, but we lucked out. It was calm , and the skies were clear. Not too hot either. We got to experience a perfect sunset, and even got a bonus moonrise out of the deal! The ship’s Captain was great and explained everything as we were sailing. As it got to sunset time, a musician entertained the ship by walking around and taking requests. It was fun all around and everyone seemed to enjoy it.
I have been on this cruise four times now. It is great! The crew is friendly and knowledgeable. The boat is extremely clean and very comfortable. There are two very clean bathrooms onboard. They sell adult drinks, sodas, and snacks. Also, there is a musician that walks around singing and playing the guitar. He plays fun sing-along songs by a variety of artists. This cruise is my favorite thing to do in Norfolk!!! I will be back for a fifth time later this summer!!
This was probably a highlight for me, I absolutely loved it and told my husband I couldnt wait to go again. The captain gave a wonderful tour and for couples wanting to experience a romantic evening, this is very romantic, watching the sunset was just beautiful. I highly recommend it, you won’t be sorry!
This was a great way to entertain the family. We enjoyed drinks, musician and the narrative from the captain. The night was warm with a slight breeze and the sunset even cooperated. It was a peaceful and relaxing time.
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Discover The Sights Of The Elizabeth River Port Of Virginia And The World’s Largest Naval Base
The Victory Rover has cruised from Nauticus, Home of the Battleship Wisconsin, on the Downtown Norfolk waterfront since 2001. Guests enjoy plenty of comfortable seating, an air-conditioned enclosed deck, an open-air shaded upper deck, snack bar, and souvenir shop. Our Captains expert commentary is a big reason we are the #1 tour in Norfolk on TripAdvisor.
While cruising the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River, you will tour one of the worlds busiest seaports including the worlds largest naval base, home of the Atlantic Fleet: destroyers, submarines, guided missile cruisers, aircraft carriers and more.
Don’t Forget The Nauticus And Wisconsin
The USS Wisconsin was one of four completed Iowa class battleships – the largest battleships ever built for the US Navy. She was built at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in Philadelphia and served in the latter part of the Pacific War against Japan.
After the war, she served in the Korean War and in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 against Iraq. She spent most of her career mothballed and from 1944 to her decommissioning in 1991 she only spent a total of 14 years in active service.
- Battle Stars: 6
- Class: Iowa Class Battleship
Like the others in her class, she was spared strapping and instead donated as a museum ship and today operated by Nauticus, The National Maritime Center.
Nauticus offers both the might battleship for tours as well as a superb naval museum to discover the history of the navy and what naval life is like.
- Nauticus Hours: Open Tuesday Saturday, 10 a.m. 5 p.m. Sunday, Noon 5 p.m.
- Closed: Mondays
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Rover Marine Began Operating Cruises From The Norfolk Waterfront Aboard The Tall Sailing Ship American Rover In 1986 In 2001 The Victory Rover Began Operating Naval Base Cruises From Nauticus Home Of The Battleship Wisconsin
The Victory Rover can accommodate up to 149 guests. We have a climate controlled main cabin with large picture windows and ample comfortable seating. More seating is available on our open air bow and top deck. A large portion of our top deck has an awning to provide shade. In our main cabin we offer restrooms as well as a fully stocked ship store and bar with all your favorite refreshments and souvenirs.
We cruise the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor. The Captain provides a fascinating and entertaining commentary over our professional quality sound system.
