The Naval Academy is rich in traditions dating back to the 19th century. These include combining theoretical learning with practice, instilling a spirit of discipline, teamwork and love for the sea. No less important is the respect for the veterans and lecturers of the naval alma mater, external expression of which is the honoring at a special ceremony at his monument of the patron of Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy and the official military ceremony conducted in front of the Alley of the lecturer.

Part of the traditions is the oath-taking ceremony of the young cadets. All officers from the Academy are present at this ritual and, as a rule, the ceremony is presided by the Commander of the Bulgarian Navy (or another high-ranking officer). After the oath-taking, one of the mothers of the young cadets makes a speech, immediately followed by the answering speech of a young cadet.

Another tradition involves the planting of the „class pine tree” by all graduating classes of the Naval Academy. A similar tradition requires that all recipients of Professor Emeritus and Doctor Honoris-causa degrees from the NVNA also plant such trees. As a result, the park of the Academy keeps growing.

On every anniversary of their graduation, the alumni visit the Academy campus, place flowers and wreaths on the monument of Nikola Vaptsarov, visit the training facilities and meet with the commandant of Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy.