Whale Watching in Virginia Beach

The deep, plankton-rich waters off the coast of Virginia Beach are part of the migration routes for several species of whale — including the humpback, fin, minke, sei and North Atlantic right whale. If you’re already planning to get out on the water during your visit, a whale watching cruise is a wonderful way to get an up-close look at these majestic marine mammals. 

Whale migrations are dependent upon water and air temperatures, so they’re not on a fixed schedule. If you’re planning a trip around a specific species, use the seasons below as a guide — but it’s also a good idea to check in with the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center to see if whales have been spotted in the area. January and February are usually a safe bet.

December–April: Humpback Whale
May–November: Fin Whale
June–November: Minke Whale
Bonus Sightings: Sei Whale & North Atlantic Right Whale