norfolk base tours

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.

CRUISING TODAY AT 11AM AND 2PM - SEE YOU ON BOARD!

Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises

Naval base harbor cruises & tours in norfolk, va, 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

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 souvenir shop our our naval base cruise . Our Captain’s expert commentary is a big reason we are the #1 tour in Norfolk on TripAdvisor.

While cruising the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River, you will tour one of the world’s busiest seaports including the world’s largest naval base, home of the Atlantic Fleet: destroyers, submarines, guided missile cruisers, aircraft carriers and more.

Experience the #1 Tour in Norfolk per TripAdvisor

From the very first we were impressed with the professional and courteous crew members of the Victory Rover. Every one of them was extremely nice and very helpful during the tour. The boat was very clean and almost continuously throughout our time on the boat we observed at least one crew member wiping down railings and door knobs, etc. The tour narrator (docent?), was extremely knowledgeable. The boat was set up and managed to keep passengers at social distance at all times.

Loved this cruise! Makes you appreciate the might of the American Navy! Being from landlocked Ohio I never get to see anything from the Navy so this was amazing. Loved the narrative and the obvious pride in what the American Navy stands for. Saw some dolphins which were a bonus! Spent time in the museum afterward. The cruise ship has a little snack bar and a few gift items. Buy a t-shirt and support them. Totally recommend this cruise!

An old Navy friend visited me and we decided to take this cruise.it was a great decision. The guide was unbelievably knowledgable, not only of the area but about all the ships we passed by as well. The surprising part for me was the fact that, even though I have lived here for many years, I was amazed by how much I learned about our area. I would recommend it to residents of this area and visitors alike.

I had been on one of their cruises two years ago so when I found out that they would be open on my next trip to Norfolk I booked a cruise. The cruise was excellent like before, the captain is knowledgable and does a good job of pointing out everything you see and some of the history of the area. I had no health concerns as the boat was clean and common touch areas were cleaned during the cruise. I highly recommend this cruise.

This was an awesome tour. My husband and I took our five year old son with us and all enjoyed the experience. The captain was extremely knowledgeable and the crew was very helpful. A crew member took time to answer all my son's questions about the naval ships he saw. All crew members wore masks and social distancing was taking place. We felt very safe even in this Covid environment. If you're in the Norfolk area, we would highly recommend this experience...even with kids!

The tour was information and entertainment nonstop from boarding to disembarking. As we traveled through the harbor the captain told us about history, ship building, commerce, and more about the US Naval fleet than I can describe. Clearly, the captain has a deep and comprehensive knowledge and is not reading from a script. Worth every penny.

Check Out Our Other Cruise Options In Norfolk And Virginia Beach!

Atlantic Explorer Whale and Dolphin Watching

American Rover Sailing Cruises

Atlantic Scout Dolphin Watching

Mariner IV Custom Charters

Naval Station Norfolk

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.

Also popular with travelers

• Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
• (1.56 mi) Hampton Inn Norfolk Naval Base
• (5.80 mi) Magnolia House Inn
• (7.13 mi) Norfolk Waterside Marriott
• (0.86 mi) Naval Station Norfolk Gateway Inn
• (7.21 mi) Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel
• (0.06 mi) McDonald's
• (7.07 mi) Varia
• (7.08 mi) Saltine
• (0.58 mi) Firehouse Subs
• (7.07 mi) Grain
• (2.29 mi) Kayak Nature Tours
• (0.59 mi) NEX - Navy Exchange
• (6.97 mi) Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises
• (6.38 mi) Chrysler Museum of Art
• (0.71 mi) Main Gate Movies 10

Norfolk Naval Base Cruise Tour: The Largest In The World

The Norfolk Naval Base is the largest in the world and while it is off-limits, one can see it with a naval base cruise.

Once Britannia ruled the waves, but that era ended with World War Two. After that war, the U.S. Navy has been the undisputed maritime power in the world and nowhere is that more apparent than at the naval base at Norfolk. While the naval base is a secure site and it is not open to tourists, parts of this massive base are visible from the roads and various vantage points. There is even a cruise down the harbor so that one can get a much better look at America's most powerful warships.

America has many superb naval museums that one can visit all around the country . While all these museums feature old ships that have been decommissioned and donated to become museums, one can also see America's mothball fleets. If one is up in Pennsylvania, one can see what's left of Philadelphia's once-mighty mothball fleet .

What To Know About The Naval Base At Norfolk

The American naval base in Norfolk is the largest American naval base and the most powerful in the world. It is the home port of the U.S. Navy's Fleet Forces Command with the largest concentration of naval forces with around 75 ships and 134 aircraft.

The Naval Station Norfolk stretches for 4 miles along the waterfront of Hampton Roads peninsula. The station supports the operational readiness of the US Atlantic Fleet, providing facilities and services to enable mission accomplishment.

• Largest:  The Norfolk Naval Base Is The Largest Naval Base In The World
• Supports: The US Atlantic Fleet
• Newport News Shipbuilding Yard: Where The Super Aircraft Carriers Are Built
• Number of Ships: Around 75 Naval Ships and Many More Aircraft and Other Facilities

The Norfolk naval base is home to four carrier strike groups and their assigned ships - that alone is perhaps more powerful than any other navy in the world.

Not far from the naval base is the Newport News Shipbuilding yard - it is this shipbuilding yard that builds all the super aircraft carriers of the U.S. navy.

Related:  How To Get The Most Out Of A Historical Visit To The Pearl Harbor Museum & Memorial

Cruises Of The Norfolk Naval Base

If one would like to get a glimpse of this mighty naval base, then enjoy a Norfolk Harbor cruise aboard the Victory Rover . On the cruise one will be able to see destroyers, submarines, and other vessels while taking in the sights of the harbor.

The Norfolk Harbor Cruise is a two-hour Narrated Naval Base Cruise with the captain providing entertaining and fascinating commentary on the navy and base. The tour departs daily from Nauticus, home of the Battleship Wisconsin.

One will see destroyers, aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, submarines, guided missile cruisers, and more.

The Victory Rover that one will cruise on provides plenty of comfortable seating, an air-conditioned enclosed deck, an open-air shaded upper deck, a snack bar, and a souvenir shop.

Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or at the ticket window at Nauticus - although reservations are strongly recommended. This naval base tour is one of Norfolk's most popular attractions.

• Departure Point: Nauticus Museum - Home of the USS Wisconsin
• Price: From $28.00
• Duration: A 2 Hour Cruise
• See: Aircraft Carriers, Submarines, Destroyers, Amphibious Assault Ships, Guided Missile Cruisers, and More

Related:  Why Visiting NYC's Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum is A Must

Don't Forget the Nauticus and Wisconsin!

The USS Wisconsin was one of four completed Iowa class battleships - the largest battleships ever built for the US Navy. She was built at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard in Philadelphia and served in the latter part of the Pacific War against Japan.

After the war, she served in the Korean War and in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 against Iraq. She spent most of her career mothballed and from 1944 to her decommissioning in 1991 she only spent a total of 14 years in active service.

• Battle Stars: 6
• Class: Iowa Class Battleship

Like the others in her class, she was spared strapping and instead donated as a museum ship and today operated by Nauticus, The National Maritime Center.

Nauticus offers both the might battleship for tours as well as a superb naval museum to discover the history of the navy and what naval life is like.

• Nauticus Hours:  Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon – 5 p.m.
• Closed: Mondays

Make A Full Day With The Combo Ticket

To see the Nauticus museum , the Wisconsin, and go on a Norfolk Base Harbor cruise, consider buying a combo ticket. This is a full-day tour was the Naval Base Crusie takes around two hours one should then allow 2 to 3 hours for Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin. This discounted ticket must be used on the same day and one should keep in mind that Nauticus closes at 4.00 pm.

• Cost: Adult $41.35 / Children (ages 4-12): $27.45
• Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm / Sunday 12pm – 4pm

Next:  Visit The Unique Underwater Military Museum Dive Site In Jordan

Victory Rover Naval Base Tour

August 2 - august 12 2022, 11 am, 2 pm, 5:30 pm.

Victory Rover cruises the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor. Their professional captains provide a fascinating and entertaining commentary.

In 2001 the Victory Rover began operating Naval Base Cruises from Nauticus, Home of the Battleship Wisconsin. The Victory Rover can accommodate up to 149 guests. The Victory Rover has a climate controlled main cabin with large picture windows and ample comfortable seating. More seating is available on the open air bow and top deck. A large portion of the top deck has an awning to provide shade. In the main cabin, there are restrooms as well as a fully stocked ship store and bar with all your favorite refreshments and souvenirs.

You May Also Like

Things to do in ocean view and east beach, group tour itinerary: 3 days in norfolk, norfolk and virginia beach group tours.

NEXT PUBLIC SAIL IS FRIDAY 4/26 AT 6:30PM-WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON BOARD

American Rover Sailing Cruises

Sunset cruises, norfolk harbor tours, & private boat charters in norfolk, virginia, setting sail from downtown norfolk since 1986.

• 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!

Two-Hour Sunset Cruise

Set sail on this fun and romantic evening cruise! The Sunset Cruise is the perfect way for adults, couples, groups of friends, and colleagues on a company outing to spend an evening.

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

Sail the Elizabeth River & the Port of Virginia

Set sail with the friendly and experienced crew of this 120-passenger sailing schooner. We offer daytime and sunset Norfolk Harbor cruises under sail on the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and the Port of Virginia. Help hoist the sails, take a turn at the helm, or just relax as the captain points out the sights on this historic Norfolk Harbor tour. Sunset cruises feature live entertainment.

This elegant ship with her distinctive red sails is Coast Guard inspected for safety. 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. Come aboard and sail with us!

Read Reviews of Our Incredible Crew & Boat Tours in Norfolk, VA

I imagine a lot depends on how the weather is, but we lucked out. It was calm (didn't help the sailing portion I suppose), and the skies were clear. Not too hot either. We got to experience a perfect sunset, and even got a bonus moonrise out of the deal! The ship's Captain was great and explained everything as we were sailing. As it got to sunset time, a musician entertained the ship by walking around and taking requests. It was fun all around and everyone seemed to enjoy it.

I have been on this cruise four times now. It is great! The crew is friendly and knowledgeable. The boat is extremely clean and very comfortable. There are two very clean bathrooms onboard. They sell adult drinks, sodas, and snacks. Also, there is a musician that walks around singing and playing the guitar. He plays fun sing-along songs by a variety of artists. This cruise is my favorite thing to do in Norfolk!!! I will be back for a fifth time later this summer!!

This was probably a highlight for me, I absolutely loved it and told my husband I couldn’t wait to go again. The captain gave a wonderful tour and for couples wanting to experience a romantic evening, this is very romantic, watching the sunset was just beautiful. I highly recommend it, you won't be sorry!

This was a great way to entertain the family. We enjoyed drinks, musician and the narrative from the captain. The night was warm with a slight breeze and the sunset even cooperated. It was a peaceful and relaxing time.

This was a perfect activity for a beautiful day! The crew was very friendly and the Captain gave a narrative of what we were seeing. It was really impressive to see them set the sails. A great way to see the harbor!

Perfect, affordable outing for my family! 2 of our teenagers was away for the weekend which left us with our 10 & 2-year-olds! So peaceful and relaxing for ALL!

Would highly recommend, great commentary, friendly staff, bar and snacks available and length is just right

Check out our other cruise options in Norfolk and Virginia Beach!

Atlantic explorer whale & dolphin watching, victory rover naval base cruises, atlantic scout dolphin watching, mariner iv custom charters.

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

Introduction

• Where Is Naval Station Norfolk?
• Google Map View
• Getting There – Directions to the Base

Check-in Procedures for Incoming Personnel

Naval station norfolk visitor center, naval station norfolk deers office, naval station norfolk gate hours, naval station norfolk commissary, naval station norfolk exchange, naval station norfolk barber shops, naval station norfolk post office, naval station norfolk finance office, naval station norfolk legal office, naval station norfolk library, naval station norfolk hotels, where should i live near naval station norfolk.

• What Schools are Near Naval Station Norfolk?
• What’s the Weather Like in Naval Station Norfolk?

Things to Do Near Naval Station Norfolk

Where is naval station norfolk.

Pass and ID Office

Naval Station Norfolk Map

Directions to Naval Station Norfolk

Flights to naval station norfolk, driving directions to naval station norfolk, from norfolk international airport.

• Get on Interstate 64 west.
• Make a slight right at Interstate 564 west (signs for I-64 W/Hampton/Richmond).
• Naval Station Norfolk will be on the right.

From Richmond

• Take Interstate 64 east through the peninsula consisting of Williamsburg, Newport News, and Hampton. Interstate 64 will continue to the southside through the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. The naval base exit (Exit 276) is approximately 4 miles after this tunnel.
• Take I-564 for 3 miles to Admiral Taussig Boulevard to the base. Gates 1 and 2 of the base are at the intersection of Admiral Taussig Boulevard and Hampton Boulevard.

From Washington, D.C.

• Take Interstate 95 south to Interstate 295 south (Exit 84).
• Go approximately 15 miles to Interstate 64 west (Exit 28).
• Go approximately 76 miles to Interstate 564, and you are at the base.

From the South

• Take Interstate 95 north into Virginia to U.S. 58 in Emporia (Exit 11).
• U.S. 58 will bring you into Norfolk, where you’ll take Interstate 64 for approximately 25 miles.
• Take Exit 276 to the base.

Public Transit near Naval Station Norfolk

Naval station norfolk transportation office.

Naval Station Norfolk Personal Property Office

Naval Station Norfolk Personal Property Office Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

Entering Naval Station Norfolk and Base Amenities

Building N-26

Naval Station Norfolk Pass and ID Office Hours

Monday through Friday

Naval Station Norfolk Pass & ID Office

Naval Station Norfolk Commissary Hours:

Sunday through Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

Naval Station Norfolk Exchange Hours:

Monday through Saturday

C9 Barber Shop

DeVary Court Barber Shop

Main Mall Barber Shop

V55 Barber Shop

W313 Fleet Barber Shop

Naval Station Norfolk Post Office Hours

Fleet & Family Support Center

Naval Station Norfolk Legal Office Hours

Naval Station Norfolk Navy Gateway Inns & Suites

Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Navy Gateway Inns & Suites

Cities Near Naval Station Norfolk

Best places to live near naval station norfolk, newport news, virginia beach.

Hot Tip: Look for Naval Station Norfolk homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com .

Naval Station Norfolk Schools

Naval Station Norfolk Weather

Suggested Read:

Hot Tip: Connect with military-trusted businesses and deals exclusively for Naval Station Norfolk at MyBaseGuide .

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Get the latest news and military discounts

Military Moving Expenses - How to Budget When PCSing

The Ultimate Guide to Your PCS Military Move - Tips, Rights, and Prep

House Promises Troops a 15% Junior Enlisted Pay Raise In 2024

Lackland AFB Housing: 6 On-Base Options