Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make reservations? Where do I purchase tickets?
We highly reccomend making reservations right here on our website, it is the only way to ensure your spot on one of our trips. We only sell walk-up tickets the day of the trip at our ticket booth.
Please arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before the cruise departure time. Late arrivals will have to forfeit their tickets due to high demand.
*If you purchased vouchers from an outside source, they are NOT tickets, and must be redeemed for boarding passes at least 30 minutes prior to the trip at the Rudee Tours ticket booth. These vouchers do NOT guarantee you a spot on the boat.*
How can I pay?
We accept cash, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Visa, Discover and Traveler’s checks. We do NOT accept personal checks.
Are there restrooms?
Yes, all of the boats have two restrooms with the exception of the Rudee Rocket which only has one restroom.
What is your cancellation policy?
If the trip is cancelled by the captain due to unfavorable boating conditions or another unforeseen circumstances, you will be given an option to reschedule your trip or issued a refund if that is not feasible.
Do you accommodate for large, special events?
Yes, and we would love to have your group join us! All of our boats are available for private charters for any events including weddings, birthdays, bachelor/ette parties and more! Contact us for more information.
Are strollers permitted aboard?
Yes, strollers can be brought on the fishing boats and the Rudee Flipper, but must remain on the first level of the boat. Strollers are NOT permitted aboard the Rudee Rocket.
Are wheelchairs permitted aboard?
All wheelchairs, including motorized, are able to be brought aboard our boats. Our crew will gladly set out our custom built wheelchair ramp to ensure an easy board. Here is a testimony from one of our curomers:
"Rudee Tours dolphin watching is awesome!! I am disabled and in a larger wheelchair. Rudee Tours is 100% ADA approved. They have a 36" ramp that made loading the boat a breeze. The staff was kind, considerate and helpful. The captain was excellent getting us as close to dozens of dolphins. The tour guide was amazing and pointed out landmarks along the Virginia Beach coastline. If you are reading this and are disabled and in a wheelchair, or use a walker do not hesitate to book your trip. It will be the adventure of a lifetime, It certainly was for me. I will be back again I'm sure. Thank you Rudee Tours for making a dream come true!!"
Can you guarantee sightings?
As a matter of fact, we can and we are the only company that does. We have a 100% guarantee for the dolphin on our 9am, 11am, 2pm, and 4pm trips aboard the Rudee Flipper, Memorial Day-Labor Day. The 7pm trip we cannot guarantee as the dolphin are most active during the day. However, we can guarantee a beautiful sunset on the 7pm trip! We also guarantee dolphin sightings on all trips aboard the Rudee Rocket!
*Our guaranteed dolphin sightings policy is in place only from Memorial Day to Labor Day.*
What do we need to know about safety?
Our guests are like family to us, and we take the utmost pride in making sure that your excursions are safe and enjoyable. Safety is our top priority. Each vessel exceeds all standards and is licensed and inspected annually by the United States Coast Guard. Our team of owners, captains, and crew have over 40 years of experience operating head boats in the area. Our knowledge of the local waters and how to navigate them is unparalleled.
We undergo extensive training, and are prepared to handle any situation. We also have a safety briefing at the beginning of every trip.
What should I bring?
Dress appropriately for the weather. It can be slightly cooler out on the water especially in the spring, fall, and winter. During the summer months, you may want to bring sunscreen and sunglasses! Of course, don't forget your camera!
If you are prone to motion sickness or have never been on a boat in the ocean before, we suggest taking a motion sickness preventing medication 30-60 minutes prior to your trip departure. We do have some available for purchase on the boat.
Food and beverages are available for purchase from our snack bars and adult beverage bars. We accept cash and credit cards on all of our boats.
*We have an ABC license to serve beer, wine, and liquor. Therefore, we cannot allow you to bring your own alcoholic beverages on board.
Your mates work for and appreciate tips! They work hard to ensure your cruise is enjoyable, educational, and safe! Please remember a tip for your mates!
Where do I purchase tickets? Do I need to make reservations?
Tickets and reservations may be purchased right here on our site or at the Rudee Tours Ticket Booth on the porch of the Virginia Beach Fishing Center.
Please arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before the cruise departure time. Late arrivals will have to forfeit their tickets due to high demand.
*If you have bought vouchers from an outside source, they are NOT tickets, and must be redeemed for boarding passes at least 30 minutes prior to the trip at the Rudee Tours ticket booth. These vouchers do NOT guarantee you a spot on the boat.*
What are the rate ages for Adults vs Kids?
Adults rates are for ages 12 and up.
Kids rates are for ages are 4 to 11 years old. 3 and under are free, but require a ticket.
How can I pay?
We accept Cash, Traveler’s checks, Visa, MC, Discover, American Express.
We do NOT accept personal checks.
Are there restrooms?
Yes, we have two restrooms inside of our climate controlled cabin.
What is your cancellation policy?
If the trip is cancelled by the captain due to poor boating conditions or another unforeseen circumstances, you will be given the option to reschedule your trip or issued a refund if reschduling is not feasible.
Do you accommodate for large, special events?
Yes, we do! The Flipper is available for private charters for weddings, birthdays, bachelor/ette parties and more! Contact us for more information.
Are strollers permitted aboard?
Yes, strollers can be brought on the boat, but must remain on the first level of the boat.
Are wheelchairs permitted aboard?
All wheelchairs, including motorized, are able to be brought aboard our boats. Our mates will gladly set out our custom built wheelchair ramp to ensure an easy board. Here is a testimony from one of our curomers:
"Rudee tours dolphin watching is awesome!! I am disabled and in a larger wheelchair. Rudee tours is 100 % ADA approved. They have a 36" ramp that made loading the boat a breeze. The staff was kind, considerate and helpful. The captain was excellent getting us as close to dozens of dolphins. The tour guide was amazing and pointed out landmarks along the Virginia Beach coastline. If you are reading this and are disabled and in a wheelchair, or use a walker do not hesitate to book your trip. It will be the adventure of a lifetime, It certainly was for me. I will be back again I'm sure. Thank you Rudee Tours fir making a dream come true!!"
Can you guarantee dolphin sightings?
As a matter of fact, we can and we are the only company that does. We have a 100% guarantee for the dolphin on our 9am, 11am, 2pm, and 4pm trips, Memorial Day-Labor Day. If you don't see dolphins - you ride again FREE! We cannot guarantee this on our 7pm sunset cruise as the dolphin are most active during the day. However, we can guarantee a beautiful sunset on the 7pm trip!
*The dolphin guarantee runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.*
What do we need to know about safety?
Our guests are like family to us, and we take the utmost pride in making sure that your excursions are safe and enjoyable. Safety is our top priority. Each vessel exceeds all standards and is licensed and inspected annually by the United States Coast Guard. Our team of owners, captains, and crew have over 40 years of experience operating head boats in the area. Our knowledge of the local waters and how to navigate them is unparalleled.
We undergo extensive training, and are prepared to handle any situation. We also have a safety briefing at the beginning of every trip.
What should I bring?
Dress appropriately for the weather. It can be slightly cooler out on the water especially in the spring, fall, and winter. During the summer months, you may want to bring sunscreen and sunglasses! Of course, don't forget your camera!
If you are prone to motion sickness or have never been on a boat in the ocean before, we suggest taking a motion sickness preventing medication 30-60 minutes prior to your trip departure. We do have some available for purchase on the boat.
Food and beverages are available for purchase from our family friendly snack bar and adult beverage bar. We accept cash and credit cards aboard the Rudee Flipper throughout your cruise.
*We have an ABC license to serve beer, wine, and liquor. Therefore, we cannot allow you to bring your own alcoholic beverages on board.
Your mates work for and appreciate tips! They work hard to ensure your cruise is enjoyable, educational, and safe! Please remember a tip for your mates!
Where do I purchase tickets? Do I need to make reservations?
We highly reccomend making reservations right here on our website, it is the only way to ensure your spot on one of our trips. We only sell walk-up tickets the day of the trip at our ticket booth.
Please arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before the cruise departure time. Late arrivals will have to forfeit their tickets due to high demand.
*If you have bought vouchers from an outside source, they are NOT tickets, and must be redeemed for boarding passes at least 30 minutes prior to the trip at the Rudee Tours ticket booth. These vouchers do NOT guarantee you a spot on the boat.*
Why should I call ahead?
Occasionally the weather does not permit us to run the Rudee Rocket due to high wind, rain and an unfavorable weather conditions.
Generally, conditions improve quickly, but by calling ahead it will allow you to plan properly.
Do you sell drinks and souvenirs aboard the Rocket? Also, what other services do you offer?
Bottled water, T-Shirts, stuffed Rocket Toys, and visors are for sale.
Pictures of your party are taken as you board the boat. You can purchase the photo when you return to the dock.
What should I bring?
You will probably get wet during the ride, so please dress appropriately!
Feel free to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, video camera, digital camera etc.
We take a photo when you board the boat that can be purchased at the end of the trip!
Your mates work for and appreciate tips! They work hard to ensure your trip is enjoyable, educational, and safe! Please remember a tip for your mates!
Can you guarantee sightings?
As a matter of fact, we can and we are the only company that does. We have a 100% guarantee for the dolphin on our 10am, 12am, 2pm, and 4pm trips, Memorial Day-Labor Day. If you don't see dolphin - you ride again FREE!
*Dolphin Guarantee runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.*
Are there restrooms?
Yes, we have a restroom on board.
What are the rate ages for Adults vs Kids?
Adult rates are for ages 12 and up.
Kids rates are for ages 11 and under with a required height of 39 inches. We check height at the ticket booth!
How can I pay?
Cash, Traverler’s Checks, Visa, MC, American Express or Discover.
We DO NOT accept personal checks.
How Small of a Child is Allowed on the Rocket?
The Rudee Rocket has a height restriction of 39 inches, but sometimes there are exceptions.
If the conditions are calm and the child is able to sit in their own seats (no laps!), then children that are a little smaller than 39 inches are allowed. If conditions are not as calm, there will be no children under the size limit permitted. There are NO infants allowed aboard the Rocket, no matter what the conditions are!
If you are questioning whether or not your child will be able to go, the best thing to do is to give our office a call and ask how the conditions are for small children. Sometimes, conditions change quickly and our office may not have the latest update from the captain, so please bear with us as we sometimes have to restrict children that were previously able to go. While this does not happen often, we understand it can be frustrating; however, we do our best to ensure the safety of all of our riders!
Do I need reservations?
We highly reccomend making reservations right here on our website, it is the only way to ensure your spot on one of our trips. We only sell walk-up tickets the day of the trip at our ticket booth.
Please arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before the cruise departure time. Late arrivals will have to forfeit their tickets due to high demand.
*If you have bought vouchers from an outside source, they are NOT tickets, and must be redeemed for boarding passes at least 30 minutes prior to the trip at the Rudee Tours ticket booth. These vouchers do NOT guarantee you a spot on the boat.*
Reservations are a must on our offshore deep drop trips as the boat is limited to a certain amount of anglers! These trips are offered through out the year.
*Please note: once you make a reservation on an offshore trip, there is absolutely no refund, unless the Captain cancels the trip due to bad weather!
What should I bring?
Everything is furnished for your fishing needs – rod, reel, bait, tackle, fish bags & fishing license.
You are welcome to bring your own tackle, as well as coolers with food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Please remember, The mates work extremely hard for tips. Please be generous!
**DO NOT BRING**
ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH GPS CAPABILITIES (INCLUDING WATCHES, CAMERAS, CELL PHONES, ELECTRONICS EMBEDDED WITH GPS OR ANY HANDHELD POSITIONING SYSTEMS) ARE PROHIBITED. WE WILL CONFISCATE ANY OF THESE DEVICES AND THEY WILL NOT BE RETURNED!!
Is beer allowed on board?
NO! Beer is not allowed to be brought on board. Our boats have ABC licenses so it is sold on board.
Do you sell drinks and food on board the boats?
Yes, we offer a full snack bar on board. We also offer roomy, comfortable, air-conditioned & heated cabins. You can even enjoy DirecTV (Sports: football, races & more) on our offshore trips!
You may also bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages for your group if you wish.
Do you offer private fishing charters?
Yes, we are available year-around for private charters and company events.
We have done (but are not limited to) private company fishing trips, bachelorette/ bachelor parties, birthday parties, weddings, receptions, as well as distribution of ashes at sea.
There is a 15-20 percent gratuity added for all private trips.
Are wheelchairs permitted aboard?
All wheelchairs, including motorized, are able to be brought aboard. Our crew members will gladly set out our custom built wheelchair ramp to ensure an easy board.
Are there restrooms on board?
Yes, we have two restrooms on board.
What are the rate ages for Adults vs Kids?
Adults rates are for ages 12 and up.
Kids rates are for ages are 4 to 11 years old. 3 and under are free.
How can I pay?
Cash,Traverler’s Checks, Visa, MC, American Express or Discover
We DO NOT accept personal checks
