THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Celebrate the holidays aboard the Flipper Express, a festive 90-minute Christmas cruise in Virginia Beach. Don your Christmas pajamas and sail with Santa while enjoying warm treats and coastal wildlife sightings.
Celebrate the holidays aboard the Flipper Express, a festive 90-minute Christmas cruise in Virginia Beach. Don your Christmas pajamas and sail with Santa while enjoying warm treats and coastal wildlife sightings.
Book with Rudee Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Rudee Tours · Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach, Virginia's vibrant coastal city known for its wide sandy beaches and bustling boardwalk, transforms into a festive playground each holiday season. One of its most unique seasonal experiences is the 'Sail with Santa on the Flipper Express'—a joyous 90-minute Christmas cruise that infuses holiday magic with the natural charm of the Chesapeake Bay. This special adventure invites families and visitors of all ages to slip into their Christmas pajamas and step aboard a boat decked out with festive cheer, creating lasting seasonal memories set against the backdrop of the glittering winter waters.
What makes the Flipper Express holiday voyage truly distinctive is the blend of cozy holiday tradition and waterfront exploration. As you cruise the calm coastal waters, the air filled with the scent of fresh pastries and warm cocoa, Santa Claus himself sails along, ready to greet guests and share smiles. This intimate encounter aboard the vessel offers more than just seasonal cheer—it’s a chance to capture the true spirit of the holidays with professional photos alongside Santa, perfect for keepsakes or holiday cards.
Beyond the festive merriment onboard, the cruise boasts unique opportunities to spot winter wildlife native to the Chesapeake Bay area. From seabirds gliding just above the water to occasional appearances by local marine life, the experience couples holiday fun with nature appreciation. This dual appeal makes the Flipper Express a standout in the Virginia Beach holiday calendar, providing a refreshing alternative to traditional holiday events.
Operated by a local tour company committed to sharing the area's natural beauty with visitors, the cruise enhances Virginia Beach’s reputation as a destination for outdoor recreation and family-friendly adventures. The Flipper Express sails depart from the heart of Virginia Beach, easily accessible from the city’s many cozy accommodations and vibrant attractions, ensuring convenience for travelers seeking a seamless holiday escape.
The cruise atmosphere draws inspiration from beloved holiday stories, especially the Polar Express, encouraging guests to embrace the whimsy and warmth of the season. Whether you’re a local or visiting, 'Sail with Santa' presents a rare chance to experience wide-open water views combined with festive storytelling and community spirit. It’s an ideal outing for families, couples, or anyone wanting to celebrate the holidays in a genuinely memorable way.
Reserve your golden ticket early, as seats fill quickly for this popular seasonal offering. Bring your camera, your holiday spirit, and your best pajamas—the Flipper Express is waiting to deliver an unforgettable holiday cruise experience where nature and nostalgia meet on the water, right in Virginia Beach.
easy.
1.5 hours.
No special fitness required; suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities
Yes, the cruise is family-friendly and designed for all ages, making it a perfect holiday outing for kids.
Yes, pastries, hot cocoa, and coffee are provided onboard to keep guests warm and happy.
Pets are not permitted on the Flipper Express due to safety and comfort regulations.
Boarding takes place at the Virginia Beach harbor area; exact details are provided with your reservation.
Policy details vary; contact the operator directly for their cancellation and refund policy.
Yes, there are several public parking options close to the boarding area, but arriving early is recommended.
Virginia Beach has a rich maritime history dating back to colonial times when it was a hub for fishing and trade along the Chesapeake Bay.
Operators emphasize eco-friendly practices to protect the bay’s delicate winter ecosystems and reduce waste onboard.
Rudee Tours operates out of Virginia Beach and runs a broad lineup of ocean excursions including fishing charters, dolphin-watching cruises, speedboat rides, and seasonal specialty cruises. The company schedules short coastal trips like 60- to 90-minute dolphin cruises and the Rudee Rocket, alongside longer adventures such as 12-hour sea bass trips, 17-hour deep drop expeditions, and 13-hour pelagic wildlife explorations to Norfolk Canyon. Rudee Tours provides all necessary fishing gear, on-board fish cleaning for many trips, climate-controlled cabins, and ADA-compliant vessels on select excursions, creating comfortable outings for families and anglers. Fishing itineraries cover inshore and offshore species including black sea bass, flounder, blueline tilefish, grouper, tautog, croakers, seatrout, triggerfish, and small sharks. Seasonal specials and holiday cruises like Sail with Santa and themed cocktail or mistletoe events expand options throughout the year. Crew members and naturalists guide trips, assist with gear and research activities on wildlife excursions, and prioritize safety and local regulations. Reservations and clear departure information are available for trips that often depart from Rudee Inlet and travel up to seventy miles offshore for pelagic experiences. Rudee Tours emphasizes transparent trip descriptions, supplied equipment, and family-friendly service to help customers select the right excursion. For anglers seeking deep-water sport fishing or families wanting comfortable wildlife viewing, Rudee Tours offers a dependable local choice for Virginia Beach ocean experiences. Experienced captains follow Virginia regulations, maintain safety equipment, and provide clear briefings; online reservations and seasonal schedules make planning straightforward for visitors year-round, and flexible cancellation policies are available.
Book with Rudee Tours