Norfolk Visitor

Norfolk Visitor > Norfolk Naval Base

Naval Station Norfolk

Norfolk, Virginia, is the proud home of the largest naval base in the world. No matter what your reason is for visiting Norfolk, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to tour Naval Station Norfolk .

Naval Station Norfolk's mission is to support and improve the personnel and logistics readiness of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. The Norfolk naval base provides seaport, airport, and squadron facilities, quality of life, and personnel management services.

Don't miss the tours of the Naval Base . The 45-minute tour departs from the Naval Tour and Information Center located at 9079 Hampton Blvd, next to Gate 5. Bus tours conducted by Navy personnel ride past aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, amphibious assault ships and the busy airfield. The tour also drives by historic homes from the 1907 Jamestown Exposition. There is a charge for the tour. A picture ID is required for all adults.

Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest Naval Station, occupies about 4,300 acres on a peninsula known as Sewells Point. Port facilities extend more than four miles along the waterfront and include some seven miles of pier and wharf space.

75 ships and 134 aircraft are home-ported here, and when they are not at sea they're along side one of the 13 piers or inside one of the 11 aircraft hangars for repair, refit, training and to provide the ship's or squadron's crew an opportunity to be with their families. Naval Station Norfolk is homeport to aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, large amphibious ships, submarines, supply ships, airplanes and helicopters.

Air Operations conducts over 100,000 flight operations each year, an average of 275 flights per day or one every six minutes. Over 150,000 passengers and 264,000 tons of mail and cargo depart annually on Air Mobility Command aircraft and other chartered flights from the NSN airfield. It is the hub for Navy logistics going to the European and Central Command theaters of operations, and to the Caribbean.

The land on which Naval Station is located was originally the site of the 1907 Jamestown Exposition , a mammoth 300th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the first permanent English settlement in America in 1607. 21 states constructed buildings that celebrated their history and industry. Pennsylvania House, a 2/3rds replica of Independence Hall, is one of several state houses that are still standing at the Naval Station.

During the Jamestown Exposition, high-ranking naval officers agreed that this site was ideal for naval activity. After the United States entered World War I in April 1917, the Secretary of the Navy was persuaded to buy the property.

Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise

The Victory Rover makes 2-hour narrated cruises past Naval Station Norfolk. It departs from Nauticus on the downtown waterfront. Enjoy a fascinating and entertaining commentary along the way aboard this Navy-themed vessel. See aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, guided missile cruisers and all of the other ships that form the world's most powerful fleet. On board, guests will enjoy plenty of comfortable seating, clean restrooms, air-conditioned enclosed deck, open-air upper deck, snack bar and souvenir shop.

Reservations are available. Bring a camera and binoculars.

Hampton Roads Naval Museum at Nauticus & the Battleship Wisconsin

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum presents 225 years of naval history in the Hampton Roads region. The museum is also responsible for the historic interpretation and day-to-day operations of the Battleship Wisconsin.

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the entrance to the Battleship Wisconsin are located on the second floor of Nauticus : The National Maritime Center in downtown Norfolk (at One Waterside Drive). There is no on-site parking, but there are several city operated parking garages within walking distance.

Rover Cruises

Rover Cruises

Cruises departing from downtown norfolk and the virginia aquarium in virginia beach, choose a cruise, victory rover naval base cruises, nauticus.

2 Hour Narrated Cruises Depart Daily

Learn More »

American Rover Sailing Cruises, Waterside

Sunset Sails, Harbor Tours, Special Events and Private Parties

Atlantic Explorer Sea Adventures

Dolphin and Whale Watching from the Virginia Aquarium

Atlantic Scout Dolphin Tours

Departing from the Virginia Aquarium

Mariner IV Custom Charters

51 Foot Chesapeake Bay Deadrise Available for exclusive charters.

Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises

Experience the most popular way to see the world’s largest naval base and the Port of Virginia. Two-hour cruises depart daily from Nauticus, home of the Battleship Wisconsin, in Downtown Norfolk. Cruise past the vessels that ensure our freedom—destroyers, cruisers, submarines, aircraft carriers and more. A fascinating fact and fun-filled narration is provided.  Snack Bar and restrooms on board.  #1 tour in Norfolk on TripAdvisor.

You May Also Like

So, how do you say norfolk , top ways to enjoy the water in downtown norfolk, va, norfolk bookstores, eco-friendly attractions in norfolk.

Carrie B Harbor Tours

boat tour in norfolk va

  • See all photos

boat tour in norfolk va

Similar Experiences

boat tour in norfolk va

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Michelle W

Carrie B Harbor Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

boat tour in norfolk va

CRUISING TODAY AT 2PM - SEE YOU ON BOARD!

Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises | Norfolk Naval Base Tours

Naval Base Cruises in Norfolk, Virginia

Scroll down to view cruises..

We cruise the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River & Hampton Roads Harbor. Check our calendar below & book your cruise in Norfolk, VA today!

Narrated Norfolk Naval Base Tour

The Norfolk Harbor cruise aboard the Victory Rover is your front row seat to the naval fleet! See destroyers, submarines, and other vessels while taking in the sights of the harbor.

  • Hour Glass 2 hours

Special Events

  • Calendar June 8th
  • Hour Glass 1.5 Hours

Harborfest Fireworks Cruise

After a quick tour of the Inner Harbor, we will position the ship to give you an incredible view of the region’s best fireworks show!

  • Calendar June 7th
  • Hour Glass 3 hours

Harborfest Parade of Sail

Join us aboard the Victory Rover for the Harborfest Parade of Sail! In the parade will be work boats, Navy and Coast Guard vessels, tug boats and visiting sailing ships.

July 4th Fireworks Cruise

Avoid the crowds and see Downtown Norfolk’s 4th of July fireworks from the best vantage point in town, aboard the Victory Rover! We position the boat so you have the best view!

The Boat Tour You Can Only Take In Virginia Will Bring Out Your Inner Adventurer

boat tour in norfolk va

A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.

More by this Author

One of the best parts about living in Virginia is the opportunity to experience all kinds of adventures, from rugged mountain hikes to historic walks and just about everything in between. Today’s feature activity is one that relatively few know about, but almost everyone who experiences it agrees that it’s a must: Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise. Operating from Norfolk, this fascinating boat tour will showcase the world’s largest naval base from a truly unforgettable perspective. Here’s more on this boat tour in Virginia that belongs at the top of your bucket list.

boat tour in norfolk va

Related Stories

This Sunset Cruise In Virginia Is The Perfect Summer Adventure

This Sunset Cruise In Virginia Is The Perfect Summer Adventure

Spend A Perfect Day On This Old-Fashioned Paddle Boat Cruise In Virginia

Spend A Perfect Day On This Old-Fashioned Paddle Boat Cruise In Virginia

Take This Fall Foliage Train Ride Through Virginia For A One-Of-A-Kind Experience

Take This Fall Foliage Train Ride Through Virginia For A One-Of-A-Kind Experience

boat tour in norfolk va

What are your thoughts on the Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise? Is this a boat tour in Virginia that you’d sign up for? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For more information, including rates and reservations, be sure to check out Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises online.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more Virginia in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Virginia!

Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!

An error occured.

Related Articles

  • Explore A Natural Train Tunnel On This Chair Lift Ride In Virginia
  • 4 Epic Train Rides In Virginia That Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience
  • This Virginia Bike Ride Leads To The Most Stunning Fall Foliage You've Ever Seen
  • There’s A Little-Known, Fascinating Train Park In Virginia And You’ll Want To Visit
  • You’ll Have The Most Virginia Day Ever When You Ride Your Bike To A Riverfront Winery
  • Ride The Amtrak Through Virginia's Stunning Roanoke Valley For Just $11
  • Take A Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tour For An Unforgettably Scenic Virginia Adventure
  • You’ll Absolutely Love A Ride On Virginia's Majestic Mountain Train This Summer

Explore Virginia

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Farms & Wildlife
  • Fun Adventures
  • Shops & Boutiques
  • Sights & Landmarks

Featured Addresses

boat tour in norfolk va

AMERICAN ROVER 2024 SEASON STARTS IN APRIL-WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON BOARD!

American Rover Sailing Cruises

Two-Hour Sunset Cruise

Quick Details

  • Hour Glass Duration: 2 hours
  • Clock Tour time(s): Varies

Fun and Romantic Sunset Cruise in Norfolk!

The evening cruise is our most popular for adults, couples, groups of friends, and company outings.  It is not recommended for children under the age of 8 (be sure to check out our day time cruise instead), Both fun and romantic, the sunset cruise is the perfect way to spend an evening. Explore the working harbor and stunning waterfront of Norfolk, then enjoy nature’s spectacle as the sun goes down.

Enjoy live music and a cold beverage from the bar on board while you take in the views as night begins to fall.  It’s a peaceful way to end the day and a wonderful moment to share with a loved one or your friends.

Come aboard our comfortable schooner and enjoy the views of the Elizabeth River on this memorable cruise! Reserve your spot today.

*Outside Alcohol is not allowed on Board*

Related Cruises

American Rover Gift Cards can be used for any regularly scheduled public Norfolk cruise. Cruise season is April through October.

  • Clock Varies
  • Hour Glass 2 hours

Two-Hour Norfolk Harbor Cruise

See the sights on this daytime cruise, our most popular for children and families! You can lend a hand setting the sails, take a turn at the helm, or simply sit back and enjoy the cruise as the captain points out the highlights of the harbor!

City Experiences™

  • Search Experiences
  • Manage Booking
  • Phone # SMS #
  • My Offers 5

Spirit of Mount Vernon

Be the first to get offers and news, shopping cart, find your experience.

IMAGES

  1. 14 Best Things To Do In Norfolk VA You Shouldn't Miss

    boat tour in norfolk va

  2. 18 Best Things To Do in Norfolk VA You’ll Love

    boat tour in norfolk va

  3. The Top 10 Things to Do in Norfolk, VA

    boat tour in norfolk va

  4. CCL starts its longest cruise season from Norfolk VA with Carnival

    boat tour in norfolk va

  5. 5 Things to Do in Norfolk, Virginia

    boat tour in norfolk va

  6. Spirit of Norfolk Harbor Cruises

    boat tour in norfolk va

VIDEO

  1. Norfolk Broads Boat Crashes

  2. Norwegian Joy Cruise Ship Pulls into Norfolk

  3. 7 Cities Blues Tour Norfolk Va King 🤴🏾 George- Can't stay too long

  4. Great!! all is READY for Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour' concert night in Melbourne Australia

  5. Norfolk Naval Station, VA from the Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise

  6. Take A Tour Our Our Broads Suncharm Boat

COMMENTS

  1. Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises

    Discover the Sights of the Elizabeth River, Port of Virginia and the World's Largest Naval Base. The Victory Rover has cruised from Nauticus, Home of the Battleship Wisconsin, on the Downtown Norfolk waterfront since 2001. Guests enjoy plenty of comfortable seating, an air-conditioned enclosed deck, an open-air shaded upper deck, snack bar, and ...

  2. Naval Station Norfolk

    Naval Station Norfolk is homeport to aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, large amphibious ships, submarines, supply ships, airplanes and helicopters. Air Operations conducts over 100,000 flight operations each year, an average of 275 flights per day or one every six minutes. Over 150,000 passengers and 264,000 tons of mail and cargo depart ...

  3. Harbor Cruises

    Norfolk Charters and Harbor Cruises. What better way to explore Norfolk, a city on the water, than by water! Take a narrated tour of Naval Station Norfolk aboard the Victory Rover, enjoy brunch with friends as you cruise down the Elizabeth River on a City Cruise by Hornblower vessel, or rent a private charter and enjoy a more intimate experience.

  4. THE 5 BEST Norfolk Boat Rides & Cruises (Updated 2024)

    1. Norfolk Buffet Brunch Cruise. Whether you're a local, new to the city, or just visiting, a brunch cruise is the perfect end to your weekend activity. …. 2. Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise. Celebrate a special occasion, host a group event, or experience a unique date night. Great for parties of all sizes.

  5. American Rover

    Comfortable seating is available on the shaded upper deck and in our air-conditioned below-deck area with ship store, bar, and restrooms. Our sails and charter boats in Virginia have been popular for families, weddings, field trips, group outings, and company parties since 1986. Cruises depart from the Waterside Marina in Downtown Norfolk.

  6. Norfolk Cruises, Boat Rides & Tours

    A City Cruises Christmas in Norfolk 2024. October 12, 2023. The holidays are upon us and it's time to celebrate in Norfolk where the spirit of the city comes alive. It's a festive season to enjoy fun holiday events, festivals, Read More.

  7. THE 5 BEST Norfolk Boat Tours (Updated 2024)

    This was an amazing fun & informative tour, chock full of tidbits on history, the Navy & the region. 2. American Rover Sailing Cruises. 627. Boat Tours. By Go559163. Truly a wonderful experience to relax, feel the breeze and learn about the ships that are docked in the harbor and so... 3. City Cruises Norfolk.

  8. Rover Cruises

    Mariner IV Custom Charters. 51 Foot Chesapeake Bay Deadrise Available for exclusive charters. Learn More ». Welcome to Norfolk 2023 Full version. American Rover Under Sail. Rover Cruises offers the best boat tours from Norfolk, VA! Our Victory Rover and American Rover provide the best party venues and educational cruises!

  9. Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises

    One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 627-7406. Visit Website. View on Map. Experience the most popular way to see the world's largest naval base and the Port of Virginia. Two-hour cruises depart daily from Nauticus, home of the Battleship Wisconsin, in Downtown Norfolk. Cruise past the vessels that ensure our freedom—destroyers ...

  10. 2-Hour Victory Rover Naval Cruise 2024

    Pickup details. Location Name: Nauticus Maritime Museum Location Address: 1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510 Directions: We are on the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront in the Heart of Coastal Virginia. Please walk up to the 1st ticket window up on the deck of the Nauticus Museum. Return Location: Returns to original departure point.

  11. Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises

    NAVAL BASE CRUISES ABOARD THE VICTORY ROVER. Your front row seat to the Naval Fleet. 2 Hour Narrated Naval Base Cruises depart daily from Nauticus, home of the Battleship Wisconsin. The Captain provides a fascinating and entertaining commentary aboard this Coast Guard inspected vessel. Cruising the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River you will ...

  12. Norfolk Dinner Cruises and Harbor Cruises

    Norfolk Dinner and Harbor Cruises. Norfolk is a waterfront city and the best way to see it is on one of the day cruises. Choose from dinner cruises, sailing ships, a paddlewheel ferry or a Naval Base cruise. The four Norfolk harbor cruises are: Spirit of Norfolk, American Rover, Victory Rover, and the Elizabeth River Ferry.

  13. THE BEST 10 Boat Tours in NORFOLK, VA

    Blind Date Charters. 5.0 (6 reviews) Fishing Boat Tours Whale Watching Tours Norfolk. This is a placeholder. "We were fortunate to see a lot of "common" dolphins and we enjoyed the boat ride ." more. 3. City Cruises Norfolk. 3.6 (183 reviews) Boat Charters Venues & Event Spaces Boat Tours.

  14. Norfolk Harbor Cruises

    Father's Day Afternoon Sail. June 16, 2024 @ 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Join us for Father's day on a two-hour cruise aboard the American Rover in Downtown Norfolk! Sail the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor while enjoying music from our ship's musician with dad.

  15. Cruises From Norfolk Virginia

    Discover the Norfolk Harbor on our Historic Sailing Cruises from Norfolk, Virginia. This daytime cruise is our most popular for children and families. Lend a hand setting the sails, take a turn at the helm, or simply sit back and enjoy the cruise as the captain points out the highlights of the Harbor: the Downtown Norfolk and Portsmouth ...

  16. Carrie B Harbor Tours

    We offer 2 & 1/2 Hour and seasonal daily cruises 7 days a week to the World's Largest Naval Base. Show your support as we pass mighty aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines. Highlights of our tour also include the Battleship Wisconsin, Fort Norfolk, and the battle site between the Monitor & Merrimac. Norfolk, Virginia.

  17. All Cruises

    July 4th Fireworks Cruise. July 4, 2024 @ 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM EDT. Avoid the crowds and see Downtown Norfolk's 4th of July fireworks from the best vantage point in town, aboard the Victory Rover! We position the boat so you have the best view! Book Now. Learn More. June 8th.

  18. Top 10 Best Boat Tours in Norfolk, VA

    Reviews on Boat Tours in Norfolk, VA - Victory Rover, Miss Hampton, Blind Date Charters, Norfolk Watersports, American Rover

  19. This Unique Boat Tour In Virginia Showcases The Norfolk Naval Base

    Operating from Norfolk, this fascinating boat tour will showcase the world's largest naval base from a truly unforgettable perspective. Here's more on this boat tour in Virginia that belongs at the top of your bucket list. The Norfolk Harbor is a remarkable Virginia destination, and there's no better way to see it than by embarking on a one ...

  20. Sunset Cruise Norfolk VA

    Fun and Romantic Sunset Cruise in Norfolk! The evening cruise is our most popular for adults, couples, groups of friends, and company outings. It is not recommended for children under the age of 8 (be sure to check out our day time cruise instead), Both fun and romantic, the sunset cruise is the perfect way to spend an evening.

  21. Spirit of Mount Vernon

    Package Deal Available Likely to Sell Out 2X Reward Points Free Cancellation with Ticket Assurance Up to 2 hours in advance Learn More Group Rates Available Special rates for groups of 19 or more Start Planning Unforgettable Experiences Iconic and one-of-a-kind experiences Expert Tour Guides Local, friendly and experts on the city they love ...