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Whale Watching Boat Trips
Virginia Beach Winter Fun

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A humpback whale surfaces off the Virginia Beach coastline.

Photo Credit: The Virginia Aquarium

Each winter, from late December until mid-March, majestic humpback whales follow a migration route, originating from the Bay of Fundy, which brings these magnificent oceanic mammals to the coastal waters near the shores of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Known for their complex and lengthy whale songs, graceful athleticism, unusual bubblenet feeding techniques and immense size, humpback whales are among the most fascinating and thrilling whales to observe.

Another species that migrates past Virginia Beach, the fin whale, is second in size only to the blue whale, making it the second largest animal on earth. Long and streamlined, fin whales are known for their great speed capabilities and powerful, low-pitched sounds. Both the humpback whale and the fin whale are listed as endangered.

A prime winter whale watching destination, Virginia Beach offers education-based whale watching boat excursions, presented by the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, providing visitors a chance to see these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center Whale Watching Excursions

When - Daily trips for 2009 / 2010 are scheduled for the following dates:

December 27 – 30, 2009 daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

January 2 - March 14, 2010 on Thursdays and Fridays at 2:30 p.m.

January 2 - March 14, 2010 on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays at 9 a.m., 12 noon and 3 p.m.

Schedules and fees are subject to change and trips may be cancelled in the event of unsafe conditions.

Fees - Fees for the 2009 / 2010 Season are:

$28 per adult, ages 12 and up

$24 per child, ages 4 to 11

Where - Boat trips leave from the Virginia Beach Fishing Center at Rudee Inlet, located at 200 Winston Salem Ave, Virginia Beach.

What Whale Watching Trips May Include - Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center Whale Watching Excursions are education based and feature hands-on experiences directed by marine educators, including activities with whale artifacts. The trips last about two and one-half hours and, while whale sightings are not guaranteed, the adventure of the search provides a memorable outing, which may include some of the following sites and activities:

An aerial show of nature as brown pelicans, northern gannets, double-crested cormorants and other sea birds feed on schooling fish

A chance to view local landmarks such as the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse, DeWitt Cottage and the Old Coast Guard Station from the water

A chance to see international shipping traffic and U.S. Navy maneuvers

Educational discussions, including time for questions, about the whales, their annual migrations and current protection efforts for these wondrous and endangered creatures

What are the Chances of Seeing Whales? - According to a Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center spokesperson, trips in recent years have resulted in a banner number of sightings with about a 90 percent success rate. The overall average based on the past eleven years is about a 50 percent success rate. The number of annual migratory whales in the Atlantic waters near Virginia Beach is being studied through ongoing research, including consistent aerial surveys. Additional research is required before scientists will be able to estimate the number of whales that migrate past Virginia Beach annually.

Tips for Enjoying a Whale Watching Trip

Average winter temperatures in Virginia Beach range from about 54 to 32 degrees with frequent windy conditions and slightly colder temperatures out on the water. Wear warm clothing, including water-proof jackets in case of rain, hats, gloves and scarves. Dress in layers so you can make adjustments as necessary for a variety of conditions.

Wear non-skid shoes and warm socks.

Remember to pack your camera and binoculars.

Take a pair of sunglasses in case you have a bright, sunny winter day.

Seek medical advice before planning your trip if you are prone to sea sickness.

Make the most out of this interesting adventure, even if you do not manage to see any whales.

Additional Information and Reservations - For additional information and to make reservations, call 757-385-FISH (3474) or visit the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center web site at virginiaaquarium.com and click on Encounter.