Dec 02, 2015 several species of whales migrate through virginia beach including the chesapeake bay over the winter. With the possibility of spotting humpback and fin whales, among other sealife, it is more than worth throwing on a few extra layers, donning a scarf and venturing down to. In fact, the travel channel named virginia beach one of the top 10 whale watching locations in north america. North atlantic right whales is the largest that you will see off our coast. This is because humpback and fin whales only stop by virginia beachs chesapeake bay as they migrate in winter to northern states and. Mild temperatures and plentiful food may be enticing these old friends back to the virginia beach coast for yet another. Satellite telemetry reveals spatial overlap between. In virginia beach, whale watching can only be done during the winter months, usually december through march. The highlight of these trips is spotting humpback whales.
Although orcas are seen in the area yearround, three main pods, called the southern residents, are more frequently glimpsed during the spring through fall months. Its possible to observe humpback, fin, or minke whales, along with dolphins, harbor seals, and migrating sea birds. Theres nothing quite like seeing a massive humpback whale breach the surface of the atlantic ocean. Each winter from late december until midmarch, several species of whales visit chesapeake bay near virginia beach, virginia, as part of their annual migration route to warmer. The answer is that the beach is fun in all seasons of the year. All you need to know about winter whale watching in. The orca whale is part of the latin scientific classification orcinus orca, which translates as belonging to orcus orcus was a roman god of the netherworld, and this genus name is likely a reference to the hunting prowess of the killer whale. Humpback whale season whale watching tours its humpback whale migration time in virginia beach. Thanks to kristin rayfield on the boat rudee flipper of rudee tours for this awesome video clip.
The free, twoday family event celebrates the endangered north atlantic right whales upcoming return to northeast florida. Make a reservation for a winter tour on the blue goose tram limited schedule and download a. As a convenience to our users, offers detailed information on everything virginia beach has to offer. The virginianpilot reported that the whale weighed,000 to 16,000 pounds and washed ashore near 80th street in virginia beach.
Humpback whales are making a strong showing in virginia beach. Rudee tours, based in virginia beach, doesnt require advance bookings, but they recommend you arrive to buy tickets and get settled about 30 minutes in advance. Rudee flipper dolphin and whale watching home facebook. Moreover, during winter, thousands of people converge in the beach for whales and dolphin watching. Humpback and fin whales are the often seen migrating off the coast of virginia beach. In warmer months, from june to early september, see bottlenose dolphins, which frequently travel through the chesapeake bay area. Winter whale watching central virginia trailblazers. The two and a halfhour narrated trips travel past the. This summer when we took a trip kayaking with dolphins, we got extremely lucky and saw a humpback whale. This winter, virginia beach welcomes the return of some its most distinguished guests in search of great dining and beautiful waters.
If you want to get close and personal with wildlife tours then you may want to consider the virginia beach aquariums sea adventures. Virginia beach whale and dolphin watching can be a great deal of fun for the whole family. Since 1989, our boat trips have been staffed by knowledgeable marine educators engaging in responsible viewing practices, research, and conservation. When the chill of the polar regions, where they spend a majority of their time during the remaining months of the year, gets to be too much to bear, they come visit us and who can blame them. This is because humpback and fin whales only stop by virginia beachs chesapeake bay as they migrate in winter to northern states and sometimes as far as canada. Our regular whale watching schedule runs saturday, 122119 through sunday, 3820. Mary reid barrow captivated and educated virginianpilot readers for over 40 years with her columns. As leaders in coastal and marine environmental conservation, research, and preservation, the virginia aquarium boat trips bring the ocean to you. Virginia beach s winter wildlife watching tours offer a rare opportunity to possibly spot these majestic creatures up close, as well as brown pelicans, northern gannets, and doublecrested cormorants. A juvenile humpback whale surfaces off the coast of virginia beach. Whale watching tour companies know where whales are most likely to surface, as well as when to go out and for how long. In fact even though virginia beach gets a snowstorm every now and then overall our climate is very nice all throughout the year in comparison to a lot of places in the world. You might think that oceanic adventures like whale watching demand a summertime schedule, but in fact one of the best times to see these majestic creatures is during the winter months.
Virginia beach whale watching trips and winter boat tours. Be sure to bring your binoculars, and of course, whale sightings are not guaranteed. While you might luck out and see a whale while standing around on the beach, your best bet for seeing a whale is booking a tour company that will take you out on a boat. Dolphins are even spotted in the waters during the warmer months as well. We initially spotted a juvenile gray whale in the bay near the maritime museum this whale has been spotted in the bay for the past few days. Humpback whales are about the only species you can count on seeing. Come stay in one of our oceanfront hotel rooms and enjoy the show. Is it possible to see whales during the whale watching trips.
I scan the winter waves as if my life depends on it. Whale watching trips virginia beach vacation guide. Winter wildlife boat trips are available from late december through march at the virginia beach fishing center at rudee inlet. Early morning winter whale watching from little island pier is a local tradition. Few people realize you can go whale watching right here in virginiaand its magical. Whale lovers have their choice of two whalespotting tours off virginia beach in season. The lewis and clark interpretive center is a great place for whale watching on the washington coast, offering fantastic views from 2oo feet above the pacific ocean on the cliffs of cape disappointment state park. The looks from my friends were incredulous as i told them about my experience whale watching a few years ago. So, although the specifics of the whale watching outfit in virginia beach are a little complex, the essential point is that there is a company that offers these cruises. The whale swam out from beneath the boat and surfaced alongside for everyone to see. Rudee tours fishing trips boat rides in virginia beach.
I used to think you had to go somewhere remote like alaska or iceland to see whales. May 11, 2016 watching a whale in virginia beach virginia what started out as dolphin watching turned into whale watching. For example, rudees winter wildlife whalewatching cruise provides an educational tour to spot whales, dolphins, seals, turtles, and sea birds. Right whales are on the endangered species list with only an estimated 455 left in the world. Maximizing our chances, ive booked us on both boats, backtoback. Striped bass capital of the world thats what you can call virginia beach these days. Winter whale watching week washington coast beachcombers.
Ever winter, noaa fisheries and other partners kick off the season with the annual right whale festival at main beach in fernandina beach. Trust me if you want the best view of virginia beach, then this is the. Catch them while they are migrating south for the winter. View humpback whales here from december through march, however, peak winter whale watching typically occurs in the months of january and february in virginia beach. Its an exciting excursion for the entire family to enjoy. Although seeing a whale is not guaranteed, most people are satisfied with the trip. Hoping to parlay our good fortune, i thought we could take a whale watching trip. December whale watching virginia beach forum tripadvisor. Rudee tours whale watching cruises aboard the rudee flipper in virginia beach, va. This site uses cookies to improve your experience, to enhance site security and to show you personalized advertising. Mar 03, 2016 that would be the answer to many of the questions we have had. If your itinerary brings you here during the right time of year, you dont. You see, were not just a summer season destination. What to do in virginia beach in the winter february 24, 2016 leave a comment sure, we all could use a good beach vacation in february, but its usually one that involves palm trees, warm tropical breezes and outdoor water slides.
A complete guide to whale watching in virginia beach. Whale watching in virginia beach is prevalent in the winter months and in almost 90% of the time, youll see whales. Fin whales the second largest animals alive today behind the blue whale also migrate through the area during the winter. Whale watching in virginia b each is prevalent in the winter months and in almost 90% of the time, youll see whales. Dec 18, 2017 few people realize you can go whale watching right here in virginiaand its magical. Fishing, whale watching tours, boat charters 3211 lynnhaven dr, ste 36, virginia beach, va captain jay treated my family and i to an amazing day on the susan c as we explored beautiful virginia beach. Virginia beach is popular for its gorgeous weather, beautiful sandy beaches, and friendly residents. If you find yourself in virginia beach and want to see whales, there is a way to do this, and that is really all that matters. Whale watching virginia beach we like to think that whales enjoy hanging out in our waters during the cooler seasons because its their home away from home.
Now is a great time to vacation continue reading go whale watching in the winter. Best places for whale watching when to go whale watching. Most likely whales december if you like it more crisp and winterly, norway and iceland are the perfect options. If youre like most people, you might assume that whale watching is an activity that requires a plane ticket to a faraway destination. For many people, going whale watching is a bucketlist vacation experience. Events, hours, and prices can change without notice, no guarantee can be given that all information is correct and displayed the in most recent version. Whale watching 20152016 season in virginia beach, va. These amazing creatures, which can grow to 50feet long are often spotted off the coast of virginia beach in the cooler months. Whale sightings are common for the area and, so far, the 2016 winter season looks very promising impressive numbers of humpback sightings have already been reported, along with glimpses of.
Consider taking part in their annual winter wildlife festival, which occurs in january in 2016 it. Winter is the best time to take a whale watching tour. Humpback whales and fin whales travel along the atlantic seaboard in late december through midmarch. Virginia beach winter tis the season to trade your snow shovel for a virginia beach vacation and fill your days with slurping down fresh oysters, plucked straight from the water beneath you, riding horses on the beach, and paying a visit to our largest annual guest humpback whales. Its whale watch week on the oregon and washington coast. Jan 09, 2017 i scan the winter waves as if my life depends on it.
December through march is a prime time to see humpback whales at virginia beach. Humpback whale season virginia beach hotels oceanfront. Please call to confirm trips based on weather conditions. Only this time, much less luck is needed as several varieties of whales frequent the area during the winter months. Each winter from late december until midmarch, several species of whales visit chesapeake bay near virginia beach, virginia, as part of their annual migration route to warmer waters, including the humpback and fin whales. All images and trademarks are ed by their respective owners. Good chances to see orcas and humpbacks and northern lights as well. Killer whales spotted off the coast of virginia beach. A waterproof jacket will be very important on your voyage.
Either of these options in the winter will require you to dress warmly. Most whale watching and wildlife tours last for about three hours, and depending on the charter you choose, can be in a comfortable cabin cruiser, or open and wild in a zodiac yes, even in the winter. Join us for dolphin cruises, sunset cruises, fishing trips, speed boat rides and more. The whaleplanner december a whale watching infographic. When the air is chilly, there is a thrill in water, and most magnificent atlantic cetaceans make their yearly migrations to the foodrich, thrilling waters virginia. Our knowledgeable captain and crew will lead you on an educational journey along the atlantic coast in search of whales, dolphins, seals, and several species of birds. Mar 05, 2012 its been a whale of boat trip season at the virginia aquarium.
Looking for firsthand accounts of the winter whale watch trips offered by the virginia marine science museum. A whale washed up along the shore in virginia beach near 80th street over the weekend, marking the third time a whale has died in local waters in recent weeks. Virginia beachs winter wildlife watching tours offer a rare opportunity to possibly spot these majestic creatures up close, as well as brown pelicans, northern gannets, and doublecrested cormorants. The boat was already pretty packed no outdoor seating left at all so after getting our souvenir picture taken, we found standing room near the prow to wait to get underway.
Once a tag ceased transmitting, location and dive data were downloaded via the. The reason is that the whales are busy far away in the caribbean, relaxing and taking care of their newly born offspring. Each winter, dozens of juvenile humpback whales migrate from the north into the waters of coastal virginia and northeastern north carolina. Dressing in layers might be a smart option as you can remove or add more clothing depending on the weather. Virginia beach in the winter is a great destination to explore historical sites, museums, go whale watching and enjoy the many museums and parks. I tried going on a whale watch recently in boston and it was very crowded and the seas were so rough we had to turn back before we got to. If your itinerary brings you here during the right time of year, you dont want to miss the occurrence. Humpback whales spotted off the coast of virginia beach wway tv.
Heres why you need to visit virginia beach in the winter. In latin, orca translates largebellied pot or jar, but orc also refers to a whale. Around this time of year, they begin migrating to the north atlantic for the summer. Youll be delighted to learn, then, that you can enjoy this activity right here in virginia. Its just one of the reasons to visit virginia beach during the winter. Every winter, from december to march, several pods of humpback whales migrate from their summer homes of the coast of maine and nova scotia and spend the winter months feeding in the rich waters where the chesapeake bay opens into the atlantic ocean. Although hats, coats and gloves are essential gear for these twohourplus whalewatching excursions on this day the temperature noses toward 45 degrees, but its colder on the water, i still think winter is. Try virginia beach whale watching on your next vacation. The humpback whales pass through virginia beach during the winter months and are the most common whale to spot there.
Pdf winter distribution and abundance of humpback whales. When you have a whole coastal city at your fingertips, a winter getaway to the beach is the gift that keeps on. Come experience an unforgettable trip to see incredible views of the worlds largest and most beautiful marine mammals. A complete guide to whale watching in virginia beach tripsavvy. Why are there hardly any whale watching tours in iceland during winter. Whale watchers may even spot a fin whale or two during the winter season here. Whale watching in virginia beach bethesda magazine. Although whale sightings are common, they are not guaranteed. Humpback and fin whales are found off of the virginia beach coastline due to the abundance in menhaden a type of fish whales typically eat as well as their mating routes which take them down from the north to warmer waters off the coast of florida and the caribbean in the winter. Virginia beach offers several whalewatching cruises. Winter distribution and abundance of humpback whales. Virginia beach winter getaway virginia is for lovers. A third dead whale washes up on a virginia beach the. What to do in virginia beach in the winter kidventurous.
The best places to go whale watching in the us travelers edition. Light tackle fishing the chesapeake bay and atlantic. Come see why when you book a charter and ride the atlantic waves to fishermans glory. Virginia beach is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, gorgeous weather and friendly residents. Jan 20, 2015 welcome to virginia beach where the cool seasons offer a glimpse of the regions natural gifts, and a rich palette of activities are sure to satisfy a variety of interests.
North atlantic right whales is the largest whale that you will see off our coast. Orcas, humpbacks, minkes, gray whales one of the best places in the world to view orcas a. Whale watching at virginia beach virginia beach has seen a record number of humpback whales this winter. By clicking on or navigating the site, you agree to our use of cookies. Join us november march in search of virginia beach s spectacular winter visitors. The beach may be chilly in the winter months although if you bundle up its still a great place to walk and enjoy the beauty of the surf and sand in winter, but theres still plenty to do in.
Several species of whales migrate through virginia beach including the chesapeake bay over the winter. We are here to make sure your family and friends experience the fun of virginia beach. To make your trip more enjoyable remember to dress warmly in winter. Whale sightings are common for the area and, so far, the 2016 winter season looks very promising impressive numbers of humpback sightings have already been reported, along with glimpses of several fin and minke whales. Aquarium educators on board the atlantic explorer will share an amazing program built upon the aquariums own scientific research and 25 years of experience connecting guests with the areas marine mammal visitors. Location is just off hwy 101, four miles southwest of ilwaco at the foot of the long beach peninsula. Theres no better place to discover fun on the water than with rudee tours. Virginia beach bundled in scarves, hats and gloves, winter whale watchers aboard the rudee flipper scanned the sea saturday for a sliver of black, a spray of vapor, any sign that one was near. During winter months, humpback whales megaptera novaeangliae. Wavy winter whale watching off the coast of virginia beach is off to a strong start. At virginia beach, virginia, whale watching is a winter activity from the end of december until the middle of march. During their winter migration, humpback whales can be seen off the virginia beach coast. Whale watching in virginia beach carefree boat club.
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