Both ventures are organized by the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. The state's largest aquarium has 2.65 million litres of fresh and saltwater displays, 300 hands-on exhibits and an IMAX 3D Theater.
The facility -- which has about 600,000 annual visitors -- combines conservation and education, chief spokesman Joan Barns said during my visit last year.
Sharks are the most popular, Barns said. "Everybody wants to see them, but in a safe environment, not on a beach."
My favourite part was visiting six harbour seals. Ranging in age from five to 21, the all-male herd, all born at other aquariums, weigh from 67 to 83 kilos, except Hector "the baby," a mere 53 kg.
Coming through the door from the outdoor pool, their bodies rippled as they slithered along the smooth cement floor inside. While swimming, they "scull" with their hind flippers, marine mammal trainer Brian Bunt said.
Wild harbour seals live along nearby shores beside the Atlantic Ocean, and "can be very productive, like rabbits," mammals and reptile curator Chip Harshaw said.
As two of the finny lads watched with soulful eyes from their indoor watery pens, Harsaw said success of the two-hour participation program begun 13 years ago "boils down to trust between the animals and the trainer."
With his bucket of fresh fish, Bunt asked Peter for a kiss and got a wet one -- a seal of approval.
Visitors who want a more personal experience can opt for a $55 Seals Behind the Scenes package, where you can visit and touch; or an in-pool, in-depth Harbour Seal Splash, $125 for non-members, $110 for members.
"One of the perks from volunteering here is you can bring your family," grandmother Winnie Souza, 71, said, with granddaughter Lexi here on a third-birthday treat.
On the ocean, each excursion in search of humpback and fin whales is narrated by a trained educator. Volunteers show whale artifacts and answer queries.
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BOTTOM LINE
MORE INFORMATION
For visitor information, hotel packages, whale-watching and other travel details, go to vbfun.com, or call 1-800-822-3224. To order a copy of the 2009 Virginia Travel Guide, contact the Virginia Tourism Corp. toll-free at 1-800-671-4195 or check virginia.org. The 40th-anniversary guide features real Virginians who have a passion for their state.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is at 717 General Booth Blvd. Contact 1-757-437-7792 or virginiaaquarium.com.
WHALE WATCHING
Available at the aquarium or dock, tickets are $28 US for ages 12 and up, $24 ages 4-11. Through March 15, trips of 2.5-hours leave daily from the Virginia Beach Fishing Center, Rudee Inlet, 200 Winston Salem Ave.
Dress warmly, wear hats, gloves, thick socks, scarves and non-skid shoes. Call 1-757-385-FISH.
TIPS
Temperatures near Chesepeake Bay average highs of 10-15 C January-March. If you are driving south, Virginia is about 10 hours from Ontario and 12 hours from Quebec. Virginia Beach is 20 minutes from Norfolk International Airport, which hosts most major airline carriers and 200 flights daily.
There are more than 300 places to dine. One that I personally recommend is Terrapin Restaurant, 3102 Holly Rd.
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