If you're looking for something to do. The Rudee Inlet has a few boat rides that may peak your interest. They have 2 different dolphin tours. We chose the Rocket which was the faster boat ride, for $28. There's a small discount for seniors and kids. There's also free parking on site. You will need to arrive early to board. They have a small store on site also with souvenirs and stuff. They will be taking pictures that you can purchase at the end. The boat ride was a good time. You see several dolphins and the first half it's slower, but coming back is where the fun begins. You're going to probably get wet, and a hat or loose wig isn't recommended!! Strap that ish down or be prepared to lose it!! Lol. I also recommend sun shades because salt water in your eyes could screw up the experience. My very first ride I got drenched and my eyes burned for a while. I wore my bathing suit this time, so the water was fine with me. It's good for kids and adults. My 84 year old grandma had a wonderful time!! Also remember to bring cash to tip the crew at the end. I do this every year during the summer, it's always fun. Definitely check them out!!! read more

Rudee Tours - Tours Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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I've been dying to go on a dolphin-watching tour in Virginia Beach for a while now, and I finally made it happen. I went with my little brother, and the entire experience was incredible from start to finish. The boat was clean and comfortable, and the crew was so friendly and knowledgeable. They created such a fun, welcoming atmosphere for everyone on board. There's also a gift shop in the center of the boat with air conditioning, bathrooms, a gift shop, and a sleuth of reasonably priced food and drinks. The entire ride drom start to finish is about 90 minutes. We didn't have to wait long at all before spotting our first dolphins, and before we knew it, there were pods swimming right alongside us. It was absolutely unforgettable. My little brother was amazed, and honestly, so was I. The views were stunning, the vibe was relaxing, and the dolphin sightings were nonstop. This was one of those experiences I'll never forget. If you've been thinking about doing it, just go. You won't regret it. PS: Parking is free right by the dock when you purchase a ticket. read more

This is for the Rudee Rocket We did both tours this year but this one really set itself apart from the other tour. The staff on this boat were so personable and fun. They really made this tour so much fun. I wish I could remember the one guys name but he really took it to the next level. He made this tour very very enjoyable and had lots of knowledge not only about the dolphins but the area in general. He also helped both of my sons to get a better view of the dolphins! I would definitely recommend seeing this crew and going on the Rocket. I wouldn't bat an eye at going again. I really can't say enough good about this tour/ ride. Be prepared to get wet but that's part of the fun. Thanks again read more

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We had great weather but no one on the boat caught any keepers on a 3/4 day fishing trip. We traveled a long distance to catch tautog and the entire boat was skunked. Then the ship captain decided to leave the fishing grounds 30-45 minutes early to bring us back to the dock. Two boat went out for tautog, the first boat departed 30 minutes before ours and when we returned to dock they were still out fishing. We believe the captain had other plans and cut our trip short although no one on the boat had any keepers. We used Rudee Tours last year for black bass and did well, but this last trip will make us reluctant to do any tautog tours with them future. read more

Rudee's Rocket was so much fun! We loved seeing the dolphins and learning about the lighthouses. But the speed and getting drenched was the best part! read more

The GUARANTEE WAS REAL! Don't skip this tourist excursion!!! This is a must! Take the family!! Take yourself!! Incredible experience! My first time being on the ocean, on the ocean during hurricane season and seeing dolphins both up close and in general! I can't contain my excitement!! Go! Go! Go! Go NOW!!!!! read more

Rudee Tours - Tours Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

If I could give this 10 stars I definitely would! I have been vacationing at Virginia beach for over 10 years and not once have I indulge in this tour. My family and I bough tickets for this tour on September 21st and had a blast of a lifetime! I can definitely tell you no matter how many times we come back each year this will always be on our list! We purchased our tickets online and went and checked in at the office once we arrived. From there we were informed to head to the dock where there are signs posted for Rudee's line. While you are waiting in line you can enjoy the view of the water, luxury boats, and fish. You are supposed to arrive 30mins before hand so you can be standing in line for a while but luckily the line was getting longer so we were allowed to board the boat. Once you climb aboard they will take your picture and inform you (depending on your preference) which spot on the boat would be the best place to sit (Do you want a calmer trip, bumper one, etc.). The employees will introduce themselves and give you a summary of the trip and what you can expect along the way. If you are sitting in the the seat on the outside (closest to the water) you will get set either on your way out or the way back but they do give you options to move before taking off. The views of the oceanfront are great the speed of the board is totally thrilling and of course seeing all the dolphins makes it even more worth it. They will even take you all the way out to see the lighthouses and to the end of the public beach at 88th street. If all that wasn't enough on the way back they will kick up the speed and do some tricks so make sure you hold on! Please be sure to bring some cash with you as you can purchase the pictures that they took of you before the trip but also the 2 employees work for tips only. Tip: If you get nauseous or motion sick easily I would definitly suggest taking something before this trip otherwise you will be feeding the dolphins :-) read more

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This is an annual event, where Rudy Tours provides a day on the water fishing for veterans wounded warriors, combat wounded veterans, and their families or accompanying caregivers to fish and create lasting memories. They do more than say that they support veterans, they actually take a day to provide this memorable experience every year, if you want to support a business that actively tries to support Veterans and their families and wounded warriors, please consider them next time you are booking a tour to watch dolphins or take a day out fishing with family and friends. This event is sponsored and hosted by the Coast Guard exchange and the Armed Services YMCA. read more

Rudee Tours - Fort Story and Cape Henry Lighthouse from the water - Tours Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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I've been on two Rudee tours. The first time was a dolphin tour. This time I decided to try out their whale watching tours. I have used another local company to do whale watching tours prior. I feel like Rudee's boats are bigger than the other company because there's a second level/top deck you can view the whales so you can switch up the angles. They also seem to have more seating on their boats (I didn't use them). There's an inside cabin if you aren't able to brave the cold or the elements. A snack bar is located inside the cabin. The two bathrooms are located at the stern. There are even some standing tables at the stern & a couple on the top deck. They have multiple vessels for the whale tours contingent upon the numbers. Tickets can be purchased online. If there are available spots left, tickets can be purchased at the office at the pier off Winston Salem Ave. Parking is free if you purchased a tour. Tours can be canceled due to strong/high winds, but will be rescheduled for another day. Those who are unable to attend the new date can request a full refund. However, if it's just raining & no strong winds are present the tours still continue. This company actually guarantees whale sightings or you you ride for free next time. The boat itself is very clean & well maintained. Bathrooms were very clean & fully stocked with supplies. When attending the whale tours arrive 30 minutes PRIOR to tour time, go straight to the box office to acquire your physical ticket to board. You must check in first. Temperature on the water is typically 10 degrees cooler so dress accordingly, especially in the winter. Think hats, scarves, gloves. They offer various tours from fishing, wildlife tours to pure entertainment of going fast if riding the Rudee rocket. Make sure to check out when the various seasons for the whale tours & other wildlife are as they are seasonal contingent upon what you wish to see or do. read more

Rudee Tours - Seasick scale.. good to know! - Tours Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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We had a great time on the Rudee Rocket! It was our first time in VA beach. We took our kids who range in age from 3-8 and they all had so much fun! We saw so many dolphins. They were jumping in the wake on the sides and back of the boat. The guide made sure everyone was able to get a great view and get pictures and videos. Towards the end of the tour they go a little bit faster and give you an option to sit in a dry area or an area where you will get wet. We chose to get wet and we were SOAKED!! But we loved it! Along with the boat ride and dolphins, the guide incorporated some of his knowledge about VA beach and the dolphins along the way. This is a must do attraction! read more

This was our second time on the Rudee Rocket and it was just as thrilling and fun the second time around! Perfect way to see dolphins, have the thrill of being on a giant jet ski so to speak and cool down on a hot day by being DRENCHED!! The crew was great and the dolphins did their thing!! This is a must if you're in VA Beach!! So much fun!! To add for anyone wondering-I am not a huge fan of boats or deep water or thrill rides. I was fine on this and felt safe and had a blast!! read more

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Great for the family Souvenirs on board The people were friendly, and the boat turned so everyone could have a view of the (sea creatures) dolphins It was a peaceful and incredible adventure A must-do in my book! read more

Rudee Tours - Start - Tours Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

We had a nice smooth ride, helped by great weather and an expert captain/helmsman. We saw lots of dolphins on the 4pm tour. The sun was bright and hot but there is shade on the boat if you go downstairs or move with it. There are also slushies and other refreshments to help you cool off They maneuvered the boat to give all sides a chance to get some views and pictures/video. I would definitely do it again read more

Rudee Tours - My kids were thankful for the slushies and ac downstairs. They enjoyed the tour. - Tours Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Do not waste your time looking up another place for a tour... RUDEE TOURS is the best! Just book your tour now! I was looking for something to do while my in-laws were visiting. We decided a dolphin tour would be great. We booked online with no problems. The pricing was perfect! So perfect that this is going to be something we do all the time with friends and family and in our off time. We arrived 45 min early and boarded about 15 min prior to departure. It was perfect since they are operating at 50% capacity. I was actually a little bit worried at one point because I saw the amount of people and I thought to myself this has to be all on one boat. I booked because they were at 50% capacity and it seemed safe enough during Covid. All my worries went away when I realized that only half of us were going on one boat and the other half was going on a boat next to us. We found a seat all the way at the top to the front where it was just our family so we were not around anyone else. We had some great views just from that top. Then about 45 minutes into the trip I personally went downstairs and stood in a corner away from everybody else looking down at another level. If you're down on that lower level I warn you people will have their masks off because they're eating and drinking and you will also be around a lot more people because they all like to crowd around whenever they see it often so if you wanna have space I suggest you go up to the top. There is a restroom in board along with a cafe and seating indoors to warm up or get away from the heat and sun if needed. The crew was great. They took our picture before we got on the boat and sold it for $10 which I felt was very reasonable. The captain was amazing I could hear him letting the crew on the first level know when and where dolphins were. Seriously amazing! read more

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My boyfriend bought whale watching tickets for me for my birthday last September. He scheduled our our tour for February 14th for Valentine's Day. Unfortunately 2 days before our tour was supposed to take place a rep from the business called and explained that the weather wasn't cooperating. The man was very polite and nice. So we rescheduled to 2/22/24. We arrived early as suggested. Wore and carried extra warm and water resistant clothing. We were greeted by a nice young woman at the ticket window and another as we boarded the boat. There was a group of physically challenged people in front of us. The staff was very good at helping them aboard. The trip out was great. It was too cold and we had a nice seat. We saw some great birds and we did get some humpback whale sightings. It was pretty exciting. As with any excursion or thing of this nature some of the others who booked the trip were rather rude. The Capt was very good making sure groups on each side of the boat had a good view of a tail, back, and blow hole spouting. The ride back, although a little rough and chillier, was still nice. We felt safe the whole trip and the staff on the boat was great. I highly recommend taking a tour with Rudee Tours. We will probably do a dolphin tour this summer. read more

Rudee Tours - Unfortunately I don't recall the name of this bird. But it was cool to watch. - Tours Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

I had a really good time aboard. The captain definitely put us on the fish and I love how he came on the speaker to talk to us instead of just blowing the horn like other boats do. He updated it's on what he saw on the fish finder and when we would move to the next spot. The mates were very vigilant and quick to help when needed. I can't remember their names but one came around with a remora stories caught to show us. Such a gorgeous fish. They have so much patience and untangled so many of us that day. I'm looking forward to my next trip with them in a couple weeks read more

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We enjoyed ourselves! We were originally scheduled for Thursday morning but due to high winds it was rescheduled to Saturday, which ended up being PERFECT! read more

Yes we did see dolphins - there were plenty and the kids loved it. This company is very responsive (picks up the phone, answers questions...). They have their own parking and simple to follow instructions on how to find them. We had plenty of room on our boat and we could move freely with our big family. The boat had snacks and air conditioning inside if needed. The team explains about the dolphins but also there is a casual vibe about the ride so you can chat and have fun. If anyone gets motion sickness, they have plenty of tips about that so call ahead and they are pretty familiar on how to help people manage so they can have a good time. No one in our group got sick though! We really enjoyed our time and was glad we got in this tour. Prices are also very reasonable. read more

One of the best tour groups in the area. From speed boats, fishing boats, to large whale watching boats you cannot go wrong with Rudee tours. The crew is all friendly and knowledgeable there is nothing that you will see on your tour that they cannot inform you about. Parking goes quickly so be sure to check in early because the boats do depart on time. Tours have varying lengths to suit your schedule. Don't forget to tip the crew and enjoy the ride. Happy Adventuring Yeeps!!! read more

Rudee Tours - Light house - Tours Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Went on a dolphin sight seeing. Did not disappoint. Staff was great and came around to see if anyone had any questions. Ride was great and they read more

We had such a great time on this tour! We saw so many active dolphins swimming alongside the boat, and we also got fun facts! (We also got some fun history facts which was a special treat too!) It was definitely a highlight of our trip! It would be nice if there was some kind of fans for the 30 minutes before it starts. I recommend bringing some water because sitting outside in the sun is a lot, but it was completely fine once the boat started going. read more

Saw a whale what more can you say? It was nice to have a place to get out of the cold in the cabin.

Whale watching was just amazing. My daughter gave me a whale watching trip on the Rudee Flipper for my Christmas present this year. Due to the weather and Covid, we were booked for one of the last weekends of the season and were ready for a less than active day. But we were lucky enough to see five whales and numerous dolphins. The whales were accommodating, staying near the surface for long periods. I was thrilled beyond words, having never seen one in the wild. We even got an unintended extension of our scheduled tour, as one whale simply refused to get far enough away from our boat so that we could safely leave the area. I was very impressed with the captain and crew's adherence to rules / guidelines about too many boats near an animal or interfering with them. The captain even turned the boat around to retrieve a helium balloon that someone on shore had turned loose (it came down in the water a half mile astern.) This is a small thing and could have been ignored to stay on schedule, but it showed a commitment to the environment and safety for marine life that really impressed me. So the trip was a dream. I am amazed that animals as big as whales are so close to the shore in a tourist area like Virginia Beach. Can't wait to make this trip again. read more

We went on the whale trip and cruised around in the freezing cold but came up empty. Very disappointing as we made the 3 hour drive and spent the night just for this. As a consolation they give you a ticket so you can do it all again. Lots of reasonably priced food and snacks and souvenirs on the boat. Although the picture they try to sell is kind if lame. You can stay inside the boat and keep warm if you like but most people in there looked miserable rocking and rolling - at least one got sick. Better to bundle up and enjoy the ride and fresh crisp air outdoors. read more

Rudee Tours - Tours Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

We went out 29aug2024, the trip started out ok, 5 hour ride. the first stop i believe just about everyone hit their limit or close to it on Tile Fish. the second stop mahi mahi, they made sure everyone got one. the rest of the time it seemed as if they rode around in a circle, no other fish was target . this the second time we had this experience with them and that Captain..at the price paid we waned to leave with more than six fish and a varied of them. never did i thought they would be like some the other boat on the East coast,,,take your money and ride you around for the length of time and speed back in one try and that's it read more

What a horrible experience. They seem to pack way too many people on this boat. I'm handicapped. The older gentleman I assume the captain would not get me a chair. Every single seat was taken unless I want to sit inside and not be able to see the dolphins on the dolphin tour. The people were pretty rude too but I do kind of see this on the East Coast. I had asked some people if I might be able to sit down and twice I was told... no their kids are sitting there. Oh my gosh whatever happened to chivalry where you can give up your seat to an elderly handicapped person. And I thought it was pretty horrible that the man offered no suggestions to me at all. I left my friends on the boat and told them to go have fun. They were sitting on the inside. Not going to pay for a dolphin cruise and not be able to get to see dolphins. And as I'm sitting there walking upstairs downstairs everywhere looking for a seat they are letting on more and more people. Just for this fact alone I would not recommend these people. I took the picture of the boat as I was walking away. Packed. And they don't care. read more

Rudee Tours - Tours Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Amazing experience from visiting their website to leaving their parking lot. Spent a beautiful Saturday morning dolphin watching up to the Cape and got great view of both Lighthouses. Many sightings too! Folks in office were very helpful and had great tips! Boat crew was funnie, informative, and gave us a great ride. All brave soldiers should sit first couple rows and enjoy the great views with rockin tunes read more

I brought my family of four out for the Rudee Rocket tour today and we had a great time! My four and five year olds were absolutely thrilled with the experience and want to go again for sure. The wait in the marina was pretty boring but we got the seats we wanted and entertained our kids with some silly conversation so it was okay. Thirty minutes early is what they ask for but next time we'll probably check in and walk around before boarding so we don't have to sit there for so long. My kids had never been on a boat before so from the second it started moving they were all smiles. We barely made it to the open water when a large pod of dolphins showed up. What a thrill! The guide shared little facts about dolphins and the area during the tour. They opened the boat up a bit to get some speed and stopped to see more dolphins two or three times along the way down the strip. People were able to move about at times but they'd tell us when to sit and buckle up. The whole ride back to the marina is purely to get people wet. My daughter and I moved to the wettest seats which turned out to be a bit too much for her. We were 100% soaked. People up front not so much (which they tell you). You can sit on the outer rows to get good views, up front is bumpier but drier, and the stern is a calmer ride but you'll get wettest there. The way the water comes in though you can anticipate and totally see it coming. You could definitely bring a purse or bag with you but it will likely get splashed a bit. My phone was fine in my pocket. Some people had drinks. There were some people who barely looked wet at all from the front middle of the boat. It's nice you can choose what you want your ride to be though it's probably smart to prepare to be wet anyway. Next time I'll bring a bottle of water for rinsing purposes since the salt water in your eyes can be a bit much for kids. We had dry clothes in our car for after and changed the kids in our trunk and the adults just sat on towels for the ride home. If you needed to you could walk across the street to the changing rooms at Grommet Park to rinse and change. It's close by but on a 94° day we elected to just ride home wet. Overall we had a great time and I can't wait to share this gem with visiting family. read more

Rudee Tours - Tours Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

We always have the most amazing trips with Rudee tours!! They use Whale Sense which is a huge plus to me! L We have done dolphin tours multiple times (seriously ever time we come to VB) and today did 2 whale trips!! Both times we had the best crews. We were lucky to see 3 humpbacks plus tons of dolphins. If you are on the fence about spending money on an excursion, this company is the one to use!!! read more

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This is a must do whether you're a local or a visitor! Just sitting on the boat enjoying the ride on a perfect June day was plenty for me. But back to the purpose at hand. Took my Dad out for half day of fishing. And I have not one complaint!! They provided the rods, bait, and ice. They also had snacks onboard to purchase. The staff was awesome Kyle was my fave he gave service with a smile. Even when I continued to jack up my line he was right there and very patient. The ride was very smooth. The People that sat up front got wet but hey I believe that's what they wanted. They were dressed for the occasion. We caught a few small fish until my Dad caught a SHARK!!! WOOOOOO Daddy Shark dooodooodoooo!! I'll definitely go again read more

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Great times on the water. Thank you guys for an awesome experience This place is a ten out of ten highly recommend !! read more

Rudee Tours - Amazon experience here at Rudee inlet jet ski. Super fast skis and super great service. 5 stars for sure!! - Tours Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Disappointing trip Don't get me wrong we caught our limit of fish 2/15/23 problem was It was advertised as a 12 hour fishing trip For hours out and 4 hours back the balance we fished The cabin was packed absolutely no place to sit only option was to stand. The captain was concerned enough to give me a call I made a Prior Review of the trip and apparently he read it. When you are a 75 years old Standing for approximately 8 hours it's not an Option Going and coming. And when I expressed my concern about standing he says they are not obligated to provide seating. $250 dollors and I don't get a seat. There's a lot more I could say but I'm done. read more

Great guy trip for the hubbs, our brothers and some of their friends. It was my brother's 40th birthday and he loves to fish. Everyone had a great time and everyone they associated with at Rudee Tours was great!! read more

Had a great experience on the speed boat. Dolphins were super close and Wes and his buddy were great. Would do it again for sure. Bring good fitting goggles for the kids read more

Rudee Tours - The speed boat. - Tours Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

The best tour you can do while in Virginia beach. Highly recommend. 1. Easy to schedule You can buy tickets online and schedule the time. Very easy. 2. Reasonable pricing Especially during covid, they're operating under 50% capacity, but the price is the same, so you can get more room. So it is actually great. 3. Leaves on time and very well organized tours. I personally loved the speed boating because you get the fun and speed, but also they stop and show you the dolphins. Absolutely worth it. Truly love this business. read more

They canceled our trip both days we tried to go saying bad weather. The first day was sunny warm and no wind. The second day rain warm. No wind. Canceled 1/2 hour prior to leaving. We were on our way out the door to get on. read more

I have family visiting from Texas and Georgia and they wanted to do do something fun, heard about this tour and decided to give it a try. The tour was very organized and the staff was knowledgeable explaining really well every aspect io the trip and what to expect. The boat was clean and they have food and drinks for purchase. read more

Rudee Tours - Dolphin tour- Rudee tours pier - Tours Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

We booked a dolphin boat ride and it was cancelled so we rebooked for the following week, drove an hour each way only to find out that they cancelled on us again. They didn't even have the decency to call or email that the trip was cancelled. Upon arrival the ticket booth worker just said oh sorry that's cancelled. You should have gotten an email. Well we didn't. Complete waste of time and gas money to drive all the way down to the oceanfront. After all that they could have at least offered a discount or something. I triple checked my phone and the error was definitely theirs. I received no notification of the second trip being cancelled. read more

Went for the 4 hour fishing trip. Its exactly as advertised, you go out for croaker and sea bass and thats what you get. They knew exactly where to go. The sea bass were out of season and you had to throw them back. I caught 1, which was maybe 5 inches long. Then there were endless croakers, all less than 6 inches. You threw your line in, you were going to catch one. I think I caught 15-20 in a couple hours. I think this would be a good option for kids, as they prefer catching rather than fishing. However, if you were looking for a variety of fish or to catch your dinner, this isnt the right choice. read more

We did the Rudee Flipper tour to see the dolphins. They had drinks and restrooms on board, which was nice. They go to a specific spot where the dolphins hang out, you see them in the water, and that's great for tourists who don't get to see these beautiful mammals in their environment. I think they could easily cut 30 mins off the tour - we were just sitting out there after passing the little dolphin spot, and didn't see another dolphin the rest of the time. With that being said, I'm a local who is spoiled by water access year round, so maybe it wouldn't be an issue for someone who really just wanted to be out on the water. read more