(Virginia Beach, VA) – The Virginia Aquarium’s Winter Wildlife Boat Trip season began last week and apparently whales, dolphins, and sea birds knew it was their time to view visitors.
Last Thursday on the season’s opening day, morning boat guests saw 15 active bottlenose dolphins while the afternoon boat trip saw the first baleen whale of the season, a humpback.
Since then, four other trips had humpback whale sightings. Feathered friends have also been getting their birds-eye view of guests. “Northern gannets, loons, brown pelicans, and other sea birds have been on the scene,” said Virginia Aquarium Educator Jovonne Vrechek. “It’s been a true winter wildlife experience so far!”
Aquarium staff rated Saturday’s 2 p.m. boat trip sighting as the best with four humpback whales and a probable fin whale blow in the distance.
Winter Wildlife Boat Trips run through March 31. Admission costs are: adults $28 (12 and older); children $24 (ages 4-11); and children less than 3 years of age are free. Tickets may be purchased at either Aquarium building or at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center at Rudee Inlet. For further information, current schedules, and reservations, visit VirginiaAquarium.com or call (757)385-FISH. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and trips may be cancelled due to unsafe boating conditions.
