Adventure Brief
Join a 13-hour trip to Norfolk Canyon off Virginia Beach to see whales, dolphins, and sea turtles while aiding marine research from accessible vessels.
13 hours
moderate
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Join a 13-hour trip to Norfolk Canyon off Virginia Beach to see whales, dolphins, and sea turtles while aiding marine research from accessible vessels.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
13 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have average fitness to handle a full day on a moving vessel and occasional boat access challenges.
Wildlife
History
Norfolk Canyon is an ancient submarine gulf formed during the last Ice Age, providing diverse marine habitats for centuries.
Conservation
This expedition supports ongoing oceanographic research promoting sustainable marine stewardship in the Atlantic.
Rudee Tours
Join a 13-hour trip to Norfolk Canyon off Virginia Beach to see whales, dolphins, and sea turtles while aiding marine research from accessible vessels.
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.
Tours Offered
13
Diverse coastal and offshore trips
Trip Durations
60–1,020 min
From 60-minute rides to 17-hour expeditions
Offshore Range
Up to 70 miles
Trips to Norfolk Canyon and deep grounds
Family-Friendly
All ages
Dolphins, fishing, and holiday cruises
Reserve a Rudee Tours trip today — choose a fishing charter, dolphin cruise, or the Rudee Rocket for memorable Virginia Beach experiences.
Bring layered clothing
Ocean weather can change quickly; layers keep you comfortable throughout the day.
Use motion sickness remedies
The long offshore trip can cause seasickness—consider medication or acupressure bands.
Stay hydrated
Bring a refillable water bottle to maintain energy during the 13-hour outing.
Wear sunscreen and a hat
Exposure on open deck requires sun protection, even on cloudy days.
Water-resistant jacket
Protects against wind and light rain common during spring offshore trips.
spring
Sunhat and sunglasses
Essential for sun protection during long daylight hours on deck.
summer
Warm layers
Keeps you comfortable as ocean temperatures drop in autumn.
fall
Sea sickness remedies
Helps prevent nausea during choppier winter seas.
winter