Norfolk at a glance
Norfolk grew up facing the water. The Elizabeth River curves past downtown, shipyards hum on a weekday, and the stories of the Navy and the port are right there in the skyline. Start with a quick sense of place: a modern waterfront, a deep natural harbor, and a city that has welcomed sailors, shipbuilders, and visitors for generations. Exploring here is best when you spend time on land and on the water.
What to see
Nauticus
This maritime discovery center sits on the river and sets the stage with hands-on exhibits about the environment, industry, and the Navy. You can spend an hour or a morning, then step outside already primed for what you’ll see along the waterfront. Tickets typically include the museum and a self-guided walk on the ship moored just beyond the doors.
Battleship Wisconsin
USS Wisconsin is among the last and largest battleships built by the United States. Walk her teak decks, look up at the 16-inch turrets, and picture the crews who earned her wartime commendations. Guided add-on tours reach spaces off the normal path, which is perfect if you’re curious about how the ship worked behind the scenes.
Naval Station Norfolk
Out toward the roads sits the world’s largest naval station. You won’t go inside, of course, but from the water you can often see the silhouettes of carriers, destroyers, and support ships at their piers when traffic and security conditions allow. The scale is striking and rounds out the story you started at the museum.
The working harbor
Between Norfolk and Portsmouth you’ll spot tug fleets, dry docks, and cargo moving through the Port of Virginia. On fair evenings you might catch a tall-ship sail past the skyline, red tanbark sails bright against the river. It’s a living harbor, not a backdrop, which makes even a simple cruise feel like part of something larger.
See it all with SeaEO
On one of our private charters, you can explore Norfolk exactly how you want. Our Axopar 37 seats up to 13 guests with clear sightlines, shade, and room to relax. You choose the focus of the day, so, whether you want more time for photos, a slow roll past the shipyards, or a skyline loop at golden hour, we tailor each trip to you. Your captain reads traffic, mindfully respects security zones near naval facilities, and threads the quiet channels so your group can enjoy the view without the guesswork.
Sample 4-Hour Norfolk Charter Itinerary
1) Museum first, then the river
Meet downtown and get a quick safety brief. Spend your first hour at Nauticus to ground the day, then step onto Battleship Wisconsin for a self-guided walkthrough. You’ll leave with the context that makes the rest of the afternoon click.
2) Wisconsin from the water
Board your SeaEO charter and idle past the pier for wide shots of the bow and turrets. From the river, the ship’s scale makes more sense, and you’ll get clean angles without crowds in the frame.
3) Working harbor loop
Ease along the Elizabeth River for a look at tugs, dry docks, and cargo slips. Your captain will point out what’s moving and why, then find a calm pocket so you can snack, chat, and watch the skyline settle into the afternoon.
4) Toward the naval waterfront
Head north for long-lens views toward the approaches to Naval Station Norfolk, staying clear of restricted lines while still catching the silhouettes that define this harbor. Expect light narration and time for photos, then a smooth return along the Portsmouth seawall.
5) Skyline sendoff
Finish with a slow pass by Town Point Park and downtown before drop-off. If you’d like a quick shoreside stretch or a snack stop, your captain can plan a brief pause without rushing the clock.
Start Planning Your Norfolk Adventure
If you are planning a trip to Norfolk soon, we’d love to help you get the most out of your time here. Just tell us what you want to see most and we’ll map the day so it feels easy start to finish. Check availability online today!