Sail the seas this February near Virginia Beach, and you'll bear witness to an epic amount of whales migrating along the Atlantic Coast.
Since last month, people on every single Winter Wildlife Boat Trip at the Virginia Aquarium have witnessed whale sightings. Just this past week, each boat trip encountered at least five humpback whales. The Virginia Aquarium counted 42 total whale sightings this season because of the unseasonally warm winter.
As a result, almost all the whale watching companies have launched extra boats to accommodate the crowds of whale watchers. Most trips will see at least one whale this season -- and one boat encountered 10 whales during its trip.
While whale sightings aren't guaranteed, your chances are pretty good. You can expect to spot sea birds such as brown pelicans and northern gannets feeding on schools of fish, and your boat may swing by local landmarks such as the historic Cape Henry Lightouse.
The Virginia Aquarium's two-hour boat trips have been extended through April 1. The two boats -- a 65-foot catamaran and the Rudee Flipper -- each have a heated cabin as well as outdoor seating on the upper and lower decks.
Tours typically run Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $28 for adults and $24 for kids. You can buy your tickets either at the aquarium or the dock.
The boats leave from the Virginia Beach Fishing Center (Rudee Inlet, 200 Winston Salem Ave., Virginia Beach, Va.), about four hours south of downtown D.C.
