10 Best Virginia Beach Boat Tours: Cruises, Charters & Dolphins

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There are Virginia Beach boat tours and Virginia beach boat tours. And, we’re going to check out several of each.

Virginia Beach, as in the Hampton Roads city, has some of the best boat tours in the state.

Virginia beaches tend to offer unique tours specific to their area, be that colonial or coastal.

Just to name a few highlights: Virginia Beach Kayak Tour, Norfolk Dinner Cruise, Jamestown Kayak Tour, and Patriotic Excursions.

So, if you live in or are visiting Virginia, you’re in luck. 

Today, I present you with a list of the top ten Virginia beach boat tours.

Let’s get right to it!

Related Reading: Unique Tours In Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Boat Tours

Here are some of the best boat tours in the city of Virginia Beach.

1 – Pleasure House Oysters Boat Tour

I know that’s a confusing start. An oyster company hosting a boat tour? Wait until you see the rest of the list.

The Pleasure House Oysters doesn’t promise a regular boat trip but a fun experience, where you can learn how oyster farms function.

The stunning waters? The refreshing wind? The golden sunset? It doesn’t get any better than this, right?

Well, it just might! You see, this trip isn’t just about sightseeing.

It’s a chance for you to learn about the role of oysters in keeping the Lynnhaven River clean. Naturally, you can expect the organizers of these special tours to provide you with professional guides.

These knowledgeable educators offer you valuable insights into the history of the river and the delicate balance of its aquatic ecosystem.

Trust us. You won’t find this information in textbooks.

If that’s not enough, maybe a fancy meal will seal the deal. You can grab a few fresh oysters harvested straight from the bay.

If you enjoy scenic views, incredible wildlife, and fresh seafood, the Pleasure House Oysters Boat Tour will be your haven.

2 – Virginia Aquarium Boat Tours

Yes, the Virginia Aquarium hosts a few boat tours throughout the year. And naturally, you can expect this tour to be fun and educational.

After all, the aquarium is dedicated to marine conservation and education. 

So, you’ll learn about the importance of preserving the coastal ecosystem and all the steps taken to protect dolphins and their habitat.

The best part? Everyone is welcome! 

It’s a perfect boat tour for the whole family to enjoy. 

Related Reading: Best Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotels

3 – Patriotic Excursions

This one’s for my patriotic friends who want to learn a bit of history. Yes, the trip isn’t about watching coastal animals splashing in the water.

Patriotic Excursions serves as a platform to enlighten you on the history of the Hampton Roads, the US military, and public safety.

The tour company uses decommissioned vessels that were used to support special operations in the Middle East. It sounds like a flex, but this is how dedicated the crew is to delivering an authentic learning experience.

These inflatable boats can go 30 mph in the most stubborn sea areas, so don’t expect a boring ride.

I know what you’re thinking: “Why would I take history lessons from a random pilot?” Well, Captain Jay spent seven years as a marine medic with the Virginia Beach Police Department. He’s also been an educator for 28 years.

If that’s not enough, you get a full team of captains with public safety backgrounds to ensure you receive expert commentary during the boat tour. 

4 – Moore to See Photo Expeditions Boat Tours

Phew! That was a mouthful. Yes, the name of the company doesn’t imply it hosts boat tours, but it does. In fact, the organizers are dead set on connecting you to the unique ecosystem of Broad Bay.

They do so while ensuring they meet every need you have. Whether you want a sunset cruise, a river picnic, or to host your birthday on one of their boats, they can make it happen.

5 – Rudee Tours

Providing various boat trips, all of which offer a different experience, Rudee Tours promises an unparalleled blend of excitement and education.

I’d be doing the company a disservice if I didn’t start with its dolphin cruises. As the name suggests, these are tours where you can watch the playful bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.

The guides on these tours will teach you everything you need to know about these magnificent marine mammals.

For those seeking adventure, I recommend the high-speed thrill rides on the Rudee Rocket. This 70-foot-long yellow speed boat is the only one of its kind in Virginia, tearing off out of the Rudee Inlet and out to the Atlantic Ocean.

So, you know you’re in for a treat. How many tours allow you to feel the wind in your hair as you glide across the waves, absorbing the stunning coastal scenery along the way?

Rudee Tours isn’t just about adrenaline, though, it’s also about appreciating the natural world. You can join one of its unique nature tours, where you hit multiple locations to see various seabirds, humpback whales, and seals.

6 – Kraken Charters Fishing Tours

Set out on a one-of-a-kind fishing adventure, where the thrill of the hunt meets the serenity of the sea. With a team of seasoned captains and state-of-the-art vessels, Kraken Charters offers a fishing tour like no other.

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, the tour caters to anglers of all skill levels, providing expert guidance and top-of-the-line equipment.

So, is fishing the only selling point this tour offers? Of course not! Cruising through the Chesapeake Bay, you get to explore some of the most magnificent creatures on the East Coast.

These include the king mackerel, the cobia, the flounder, the black sea bass, and more. The tour also provides different fishing experiences, like inshore, offshore, and wreck fishing.

Have you ever wanted to host a bachelor party on a boat? Well, Captain Tom will be there to provide you with everything you need to have an amazing time!

7 – Chesapean Outdoors Kayak Tours

Combining natural beauty and wildlife, Chesapean’s kayak tours provide the perfect opportunity to experience the charming nature of the Chesapeake Bay.

You get to witness some of the most influential landmarks in Virginia, like Cape Henry Lighthouses, the First Landing State Park, and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

As the day fades into twilight, the water comes alive when bottlenose dolphins start jumping and twirling around, creating a truly magical scene.

Of course, the guides will be with you every step of the way, teaching you the history of each location and the habits of every aquatic animal.

Even if you don’t have kayaking experience, don’t worry. The boats are beginner-friendly, and the instructors will teach you how to paddle and take you through the necessary safety measures.

Virginia Boat Tours

Here are some of the best boat tours in Virginia.

8 – City Cruises Mother’s Day Dinner Cruise

Treat your mom to an evening of gourmet dining, live entertainment, and breathtaking views in Norfolk with the City Cruises Mother’s Day Dinner Cruise.

From the moment you step aboard, you’ll be greeted with warmth and hospitality, setting the stage for an unforgettable trip.

Now, let’s start with the main event: The dinner. The chefs offer you a holiday dinner buffet freshly prepared on the cruise.

You can choose to dine indoors, in a climate-controlled space, or outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and incredible views.

You also get unlimited coffee, classic cocktails, and iced/hot tea. Is it just food and drinks, though? Not even close!

The cruise ensures you stay entertained with a live DJ. It’ll cover a wide range of music genres to keep the energetic vibes of the cruise alive.

You probably think this cruise is for adults only, but that’s not entirely true. This dinner tour is perfect for all ages. So, if you don’t want to leave your child with a nanny, bring them along and let them have an awesome time. 

9 – Kayak Tour of Jamestown

This Williamsburg tour isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for people who love to discover the hidden gems of the natural world while putting in a bit of effort.

Like Patriotic Excursions, this tour involves a ton of learning. The guides make a few stops along the way to discuss the history of the Jamestown settlement.

You get an overview of the famous architectural structures in it, like the Fourth Church Tower. You also learn about the Powhatan Indians, who used Jamestown Island as a hunting ground.

Don’t have any kayaking experience? No problem! The instructors will guide you through the process until they ensure you get the hang of it.

Whether you’re an amateur or a professional paddler, this tour is for you. Don’t like crowds? The trip only takes five individuals per group.

You even have the option to book all five spots if you want to go solo. Ultimately, the organizers aim to make you feel as comfortable as possible. 

10 – Outer Banks Private Tour

Whether you prefer the tranquility of a sunrise or the romantic atmosphere of a sunset, this tour has got you covered.

It allows you to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Outer Banks coastline, which sits right on Virginia’s border. 

It’s the perfect trip for those who want to relax and enjoy a peaceful environment.

Besides, it’s a private boat cruise tour, so you know the vessel will be fancy. 

The only downside is that it doesn’t offer food or drinks, so you want to bring your lunch with you.

Additionally, you’ll have to cross the state line.

Wrap Up

As evident above, both Virginia Beach and the state of Virginia have a wide range of boat tours.

Now you know the best Virginia beach boat tours in both. Each one has its pros and cons and offers a different experience–fishing charter, scenic cruises, dolphin kayak tours, and more.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a spectacular sunset or spot a few sea turtles, Virginia has a large selection of tours to enjoy.

If you’re interested in more unique tours in the Old Dominion, you can check out the most interesting tours in Williamsburg. And, you’d best believe interesting is the best way to describe their tours.

Go see them for yourself!

Bon voyage!

For more Virginia travel guides, you can also check out:

• Swimming With Dolphins In Virginia
• Top Tours In Virginia Beach
• Best Things To Do In Virginia Beach
• 25 Ways To Celebrate Your Birthday In VA
• Unique National Parks In Virginia

​Thanks for reading!

Virginia Beach Boat Tours FAQs

How long is the Dolphin tour in Virginia Beach?

The Dolphin tour in Virginia Beach can vary in duration, but it typically lasts around 1-2 hours.

You can find various options for dolphin tours in Virginia Beach, including offerings from Rudee Tours and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.

What’s the best time to see dolphins in Virginia Beach?

The best time to see dolphins in Virginia Beach is generally from May to October when the water is warmer.

Dolphins are present year-round, but they are most frequently seen during the warmer months.

Are there private boat tours in Virginia Beach?

Yes, there are private boat tours available in Virginia Beach.

You can book private boat tours for dolphin watching, sunset cruises, and other customized experiences.

Is there a dinner boat cruise in Virginia Beach?

There are dinner boat cruises available in Virginia Beach, offering a unique dining experience on the water.

For example, Rudee Tours provides a dinner cruise experience aboard the Rudee Flipper, as detailed on their website.

Which Virginia Beach boat tours are best for families?

Several Virginia Beach boat tours are suitable for families, providing enjoyable and educational experiences for all ages.

Options such as the Rudee Rocket from Rudee Tours and the boat tours offered by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center are popular choices for families seeking dolphin watching and marine wildlife experiences.