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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.

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.

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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

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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

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EXPLORE NAVAL HISTORY WITH VICTORY ROVER NORFOLK NAVAL BASE TOURS

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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!

Naval Station Norfolk

tours of norfolk navy base

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.

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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.

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tours of norfolk navy base

Victory Rover Naval Base Tour

Category: Outdoor

Dates and Times for this Past Event

  • Sunday, Aug 14, 2022    11am, 2pm, & 5:30pm
  • Saturday, Aug 13, 2022    11am, 2pm, & 5:30pm
  • Friday, Aug 12, 2022    11am, 2pm, & 5:30pm
  • Thursday, Aug 11, 2022    11am, 2pm, & 5:30pm
  • Wednesday, Aug 10, 2022    11am, 2pm, & 5:30pm
  • Tuesday, Aug 9, 2022    11am, 2pm, & 5:30pm
  • Monday, Aug 8, 2022    11am, 2pm, & 5:30pm
  • Sunday, Aug 7, 2022    11am, 2pm, & 5:30pm
  • Saturday, Aug 6, 2022    11am, 2pm, & 5:30pm
  • Friday, Aug 5, 2022    11am, 2pm, & 5:30pm
  • Thursday, Aug 4, 2022    11am, 2pm, & 5:30pm
  • Wednesday, Aug 3, 2022    11am, 2pm, & 5:30pm

Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises 1 Waterside Dr

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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.

tours of norfolk navy base

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

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tours of norfolk navy base

Country star Dierks Bentley to perform free concert May 4 at Naval Station Norfolk

Country music star Dierks Bentley and pop singer Colbie Caillat will perform a free concert May 4 at Naval Station Norfolk.

Naval Station Norfolk’s official social media shared the lineup Tuesday, eliciting dozens of comments and shares within minutes. The concert is free for those with base access and their guests. All guests accompanying Department of Defense identification card holders must be escorted onto the base in the same vehicle.

Gates are scheduled to open at 5:30 p.m. The concert is presented by the Navy’s Morale, Wellness and Recreation department.

Bentley is a multi-platinum country music star, famous for songs such as “Drunk on a Plane,” “What Was I Thinkin’,” and “Somewhere on a Beach.” He is set to kick off his new tour, “Gravel & Gold” in June. Caillat is known for the songs “Bubbly” and “Fallin’ for You.” Her new album “Along the Way” is out now.

Caitlyn Burchett, [email protected]

©2024 The Virginian-Pilot. Visit pilotonline.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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COMMENTS

  1. Naval Station Norfolk

    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 ...

  2. 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 ...

  3. Norfolk Naval Base Tour

    Norfolk Naval Tour Sights The Victory Rover cruises the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor. We cruise past Old Fort Norfolk, The Battleship Wisconsin, Downtown Norfolk and Portsmouth, BAE and Metro Machine Shipyards, Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth Marine Terminal, Coast Guard Station Portsmouth, Craney Island Fuel Depot, Norfolk Southern Coal Piers, Lamberts ...

  4. Naval Station Norfolk

    Naval Station Norfolk. Visit Website. See the world's largest naval station! Tours are available via the Victory Rover, which 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 ...

  5. 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 ...

  6. Norfolk Naval Base Cruise Tour: The Largest In The World

    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.

  7. Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises

    Nice tour of the harbor. Got as close as you can get to the Naval station to see navy ships and subs in port. Went by several other boat docks, a few shipping container operations and the harbor around Norfolk. We did the combo ticket so we could also tour the Nauticus naval museum and the USS Wisconsin battleship.

  8. Explore Naval History With Victory Rover Norfolk Naval Base Tours

    If you tour the naval base, there are plenty of vessels to cruise from, but the Victory Rover is a solid pick. Victory Naval Base Cruises take you on a two-hour journey through the nation's most extensive naval base and share fascinating facts along the way. In 1986, Rover Cruises on the Norfolk waterfront began, and in 2001, the Victory Rover was added to the fleet.

  9. Norfolk Naval Station

    On our way out to the Naval Station in Norfolk, VA, we cruise the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor. Some of the highlights of the tour include: Check out some of the highlights of the Victory Rover Cruise, such as the downtown Norfolk skyline, Battleship Wisconsin, & more. Book a cruise to see them all.

  10. 2-Hour Victory Rover Naval Cruise 2024

    Immerse yourself in the naval history of the United States on this tour of Norfolk, Virginia's US Naval Fleet. Step aboard a cruise and sail through the waters of the Elizabeth River to Hampton Roads Harbor, listening to in-depth commentary from your captain on the daily activities of one of the world's busiest sea ports. You'll get photo ops of aircraft carriers, submarines, guided missile ...

  11. 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.

  12. Naval Station Norfolk

    This bus tour originates at the Naval Base Norfolk Tour & Information Center at 9079 Hampton Blvd. (next to gate 5). Norfolk is the home of the world's largest Naval Station and during this 45 minute guided tour you'll see (off in the far distance) aircraft carriers, destroyers, amphibious assault ships, assorted and learn about the history ...

  13. Visitor Information

    Naval Station Norfolk's Tour and Information Center has suspended all public and private tours of the installation. Google Translation Disclaimer. ... Navy Region Mid Atlantic | 1510 Gilbert St. | Norfolk, VA 23511 Official U.S. Navy Website. All Hands Magazine is produced by the Defense Media Activity for U.S. Navy Office of Information

  14. Victory Rover Naval Base Tour

    Victory Rover Naval Base Tour. August 2 - August 12 2022 11 AM, 2 PM, 5:30 PM Waterside District 1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA Price: Free-$42.35. Visit Website. ... Norfolk Convention & Visitors Bureau Offices Visitor Information Center & Mermaid Market 232 East Main Street, Norfolk, ...

  15. Norfolk Naval Base Harbor Cruise

    The two-hour Narrated Naval Base Cruise departs daily from Nauticus, home of the Battleship Wisconsin. The captain provides an entertaining and fascinating commentary aboard this Coast Guard inspected vessel. Cruising the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River, tour one of the world's busiest seaports including the world's largest naval base ...

  16. Norfolk Naval Base Ship Tours

    The bus tours of the naval base provide an up close look at a wide range of ships, from frigates and destroyers to aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. The tour also passes a variety of ...

  17. Tour Requests

    Obtaining base access through the VCC is now the sole responsibility of the tour requestor. Once a tour request is submitted, we will provide you with the appropriate forms and contact information. Attire: We recommend casual attire, and long sleeve shirts. Please do not wear skirts, heels or open-toed shoes. There will be a lot of walking and ...

  18. Virtual tour of Naval Station Norfolk

    NORFOLK (Oct. 23, 2020) - Virtual tour of Naval Station Norfolk, including waterfront, Admiral's Row, USS Cole/USS Iowa Memorial and Chambers Field. (U.S. Na...

  19. Naval Station Norfolk invites visitors and families for tours

    NORFOLK. Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk Tour and Information Center provides daily bus tours used to educate locals and other visitors about the history of the base and naval vessels stationed at NAVSTA Norfolk. On average, the Tour and Information Center hosts more than 40,000 visitors a year. The 45-minute tour is narrated by a Sailor ...

  20. Naval Station Norfolk

    Naval Station Norfolk is geographically located in the Southeastern corner of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The area is collectively known as "Hampton Roads" and is commonly referred to as such by the residents of the area. Hampton Roads generally includes the Cities of Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and ...

  21. Victory Rover Naval Base Tour

    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.

  22. Rover Cruises

    Victory Rover Naval Base Cruises, Nauticus ... Sunset Sails, Harbor Tours, Special Events and Private Parties. Learn More » ... Rover Cruises offers cruises from Downtown Norfolk and the Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach. Just a short drive from Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News and Williamsburg. ...

  23. Naval Station Norfolk Tour

    Welcome to Naval Station Norfolk! This tour was recorded and created in October, 2022 for NAVSTA Norfolk's 2022 Virtual Fleet Fest. (US Navy video by Mass Co...

  24. Country star Dierks Bentley to perform free concert May 4 at Naval

    Gates are scheduled to open at 5:30 p.m. The concert is presented by the Navy's Morale, Wellness and Recreation department. Bentley is a multi-platinum country music star, famous for songs such ...