Dolphin Watching in Virginia Beach 2025

A playful pair or the whole pod of dolphins—a happy encounter is guaranteed

Best time: late May–early September

A beautiful and long Virginia Beach stretching along the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean is an ideal place to spot playful dolphins that usually travel in pairs or pods swimming very fast alongside a boat, jumping out of the water and showing off a few acrobatic stunts.

The time between Memorial Day in late May and Labor Day in early September is the best season to spot them off the coast. This is when a special “dolphin cruise” departs every evening from Dockside Seafood & Fishing Center in Virginia Beach. A 1.5-hour trip on the sunset is running on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Another option is the Atlantic Explorer excursion operated by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. In addition to dolphins, it features sea turtles, brown pelicans, bald eagles, and other birds. Other boat tours depart from the harbor at Rudee Inlet, like The Rudee Flipper, the Rudee Whaler, and the Rudee Rocket. Dolphin sighting is guaranteed!

To make a more personal connection with the dolphins, you can opt for a kayak or a SUP board rented from Chesapean Outdoors, at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. There are a regular guided kayak nature and dolphin tours starting from Rudee Inlet Harbor and First Landing State Park. If you get lucky, you can be paddling alongside a pod of playful dolphins!

Practical info

When is the best time to spot dolphins in Virginia Beach?

The Dolphin cruise departs daily from late May through early September offering the best opportunity to spot dolphins in Virginia Beach. Visitors can embark on a 1.5-hour sunset trip every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and increase the possibility of spotting the acrobatic dolphins.

Where can I take a dolphin cruise in Virginia Beach?

Among the options for taking Dolphin cruises while at Virginia Beach includes the Dockside Seafood & Fishing Center and Rudee Inlet harbor. During summer, visitors can catch a glimpse of the playful dolphins as they hop out of the water. For an enhanced view of the sea creatures, visitors can seek the Atlantic Explorer Excursion by Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Centre.

What other marine creatures can I see on a dolphin watching tour?

Beside the lovely dolphins, the Dolphin watching tours in Virginia Beach give visitors other marine creatures to admire. During this tour, visitors may see brown pelicans, sea turtles, bald eagles, among other bird species. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Centre Operator of the Atlantic Explorer Excursion delivers an exciting adventure alongside dolphins.

Where can I rent a kayak or SUP board for a more personal dolphin encounter?

Chesapean Outdoors is a kayak and SUP board rental offering personal dolphin encounters in Virginia Beach located at the Oceanfront. Visitors are offered guided kayak tours with an opportunity to meet and paddle alongside the playful dolphins. The guided tours depart from Rudee Inlet Harbor and First Landing State Park, delivering delightful dolphin sightseeing tours.

Are there any specific spots along Virginia Beach where dolphins are commonly seen?

There are no particular areas along Virginia Beach for spotting dolphins other than off the coast while on a boat ride. Many companies such as Rudee Inlet harbor and Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center operates tours tailored towards spotting the playful dolphins. It is always the most exciting experience to spot dolphins unexpectedly while on a Virginia Beach visit.