Dolphins are commonly seen in Virginia Beach, and several locations offer excellent opportunities for dolphin watching. Rudee Inlet, the south end of Virginia Beach, is a popular starting point for tours, and you can often spot dolphins from the beach or while enjoying a boat tour. Sandbridge Beach and First Landing State Park are also great spots for dolphin viewing, especially during the warmer months. For a more immersive experience, Kayak Nature Tours and Chesapean Outdoors offer dolphin kayaking and SUP tours.
- Rudee Inlet
- Sandbridge Beach
- First Landing State Park
- Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- Offshore Tours
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Tips for Dolphin Spotting
- Best time of day: Dolphins are often seen in the early morning or late afternoon when they are feeding and playing near the surface.
- Consider the weather: Dolphins are more likely to be seen in warmer, calmer waters.
- Check the tides: Tides can affect dolphin behavior, so consider checking the local tide chart.
- Look out for dolphins near the surface: Dolphins often breach the water and their fins are easily spotted.
Visit Virginia Beach during the warmer months, and you’ll likely be greeted by friendly bottlenose dolphins migrating through our waters. The Chesapeake DolphinWatch app, using citizen science to track dolphin activity in the nation’s largest estuary, records nearly 2,000 sightings each year around Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay. For an up-close encounter with these amazing creatures, whether by boat, kayak, or from your dinner spot on a dock, here are the best places to spot dolphins in Virginia Beach.
Set Sail on a Boat Adventure
While dolphin watching from the comfort of your beach chair is always an option, we think the best way to experience these intelligent marine mammals is to get out on the water with them. Hop aboard the Atlantic Explorer, a 90-minute ocean excursion operated by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, for up-close sightings of the charismatic creatures — as well as sea turtles, brown pelicans, bald eagles and other wildlife. Tours run throughout the spring, summer and fall and are staffed by knowledgeable marine educators focusing on research, conservation and responsible viewing practices.
There are also countless opportunities for maritime memory-making at Rudee Inlet — a popular point of embarkation for fishing and water sports tours and a lovely place for waterfront dining after a day out at sea. Start with Rudee Tours, which specializes in viewing marine mammals. Their tours aboard the Rudee Flipper (dolphin watching,) Rudee Whaler (whale watching) and Rudee Rocket (high-speed thrill seeking with dolphins in your wake) guarantee sightings.
And, for the history buffs in your crew, there’s no better way to learn about the Naval legacy of Virginia Beach than a tour with Patriotic Excursions. Climb aboard one of Captain Jay’s RIBS (rigid inflatable boats) and cruise through the area’s bases with lively commentary and patriotic music. These boats were made to go 30+ mph in rough seas, so don’t expect a dull (or dry!) adventure. Jay is an expert at getting you up close to the Bay’s friendly dolphin pods, and the RIBS’ low profile means you’ll practically be nose-to-nose with your newfound chums.
FACT: Bottlenose dolphins can only ever be half asleep! Using a unique state of consciousness called unihemispheric sleep, they allow one hemisphere of their brain to snooze while the other remains alert. This enables them to rest without entirely losing consciousness or interrupting their breathing.
Paddle Out Via Kayak or SUP
For an even closer look, get right on the water with a kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental. Chesapean Outdoors, with locations on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Chesapeake Bay, offers a variety of regular rentals and guided adventures — including dolphin kayaking (daytime and sunset), dolphin SUP tours, regular kayaking and others. GoKayak! offers guided kayak nature and dolphin tours out of both Rudee Inlet and First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach.
In addition to their regular appearances in waters along Oceanfront, dolphins are frequent visitors to the Chesapeake Bay, and Tula Adventure Sports, located in the Chesapeake Bay, offers a range of tours through these calm inland waterways. Whether you paddle out to the iconic Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel or stay closer to shore, you’re likely to have company — and any encounter with these curious creatures makes for a very special day.
FACT: Bottlenose dolphins communicate with squeaks, whistles and body language — including leaping, snapping their jaws, slapping the water with their tails, blowing bubbles and butting heads. Each dolphin’s signature whistle is as unique as a human fingerprint.
See Dolphins By Parasail
If you’re feeling adventurous, get an unmatched view by heading out on a parasailing session over the Atlantic. Rudee Inlet is the take-off point for several parasailing tours like Pirate Parasail, Rudee Inlet Parasail & Water Sports and Air America Parasail. If you haven’t experienced the unique balance of excitement and serenity that comes with floating 1,000 feet about the water, we think you should give it a try. While dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed, they are extremely common — and you won’t soon forget having this unique perspective.
FACT: Excellent swimmers, bottlenose dolphins can reach speeds of more than 30 miles per hour, dive to depths over 800 feet — and hold their breath for up to seven minutes.
Catch Dockside Dinner and a Show
Chesapeake, dinner often comes with a view — and if you’re lucky, an unforgettable show, too. Cruise up for a sunset dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants in Lynnhaven Marina, where dolphins are known to go for an evening swim. At The Back Deck, which looks out over Wolfsnare Creek, you can sip craft brews and munch on $2 fish tacos while you watch your new bottlenose buddies break the glassy, sun-drenched surface. Whether you arrive at Dockside Restaurant and Marina by car or boat, you’ll enjoy acclaimed just-caught seafood dishes accompanied by one of the most comprehensive wine lists in the world.
Rudee Inlet is also an excellent option for dining with dolphins. Popular with locals and visitors alike, Rockafeller’s Restaurant is known for signature oyster dishes accompanied by inlet views. We love the tiki-themed Big Sam’s Inlet Cafe & Raw Bar, where you can enjoy local fare like the Lobster Claw & Knuckle Salad Tower and all the umbrella drinks you could possibly want. And you won’t want to miss calamari and “docktails” at Rudee’s on the Inlet Restaurant and Cabana Bar, with unique gliding tables that make you feel like you’re dining on your own yacht.
FIN FACT: With brains larger than ours — relative to overall size, of course — bottlenose dolphins are one of the very few animals that have been documented using tools. Pods of dolphins will often cooperate to make mud rings or bubble nets in order to capture fish.
FAQs
1. When is the best time to see dolphins in Virginia Beach?
The best time to see dolphins in Virginia Beach is during the warmer months, from May to October, when bottlenose dolphins migrate through the area.
2. Where can I spot dolphins in Virginia Beach?
Top spots to spot dolphins in Virginia Beach include the Chesapeake Bay, Sandbridge Beach, and the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Boat tours and kayaking are also great options.
3. Can I see dolphins from the Virginia Beach shore?
Yes, you can often spot dolphins from the shore, especially in areas like the Virginia Beach Boardwalk and along the Chesapeake Bay coastline.
4. Are there dolphin watching tours available in Virginia Beach?
Yes, Virginia Beach offers various dolphin watching tours by boat, where you can get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.
5. How can I track dolphin activity in Virginia Beach?
You can use the Chesapeake DolphinWatch app, which tracks dolphin sightings and allows you to see real-time activity in the Virginia Beach and Chesapeake Bay area.
6. Can I see dolphins while kayaking in Virginia Beach?
Yes, kayaking is a fantastic way to see dolphins in Virginia Beach, as they often swim close to the shore and are visible from the water.
7. Do dolphins migrate through Virginia Beach?
Yes, bottlenose dolphins migrate through Virginia Beach, especially during the warmer months, when they move along the coast of Virginia.
8. Are dolphins safe to watch in Virginia Beach?
Yes, dolphins are generally friendly and harmless, but it’s important to maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing them or their natural behavior.
9. How close can I get to dolphins in Virginia Beach?
During boat tours or kayaking, you may get relatively close to dolphins, but it’s essential to follow local guidelines to ensure their safety and yours.
10. What should I bring to a dolphin watching trip in Virginia Beach?
For dolphin watching in Virginia Beach, bring sunscreen, comfortable clothing, a camera, and a hat. If you’re kayaking, water shoes and a waterproof bag are recommended.
