Whale & Dolphin Watching
Wildlife cruises and boat tours along the Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore offers incredible opportunities to see marine wildlife. Humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales migrate along the coast, while Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are spotted year-round. Cape May is the whale watching capital of New Jersey, with cruises that regularly spot whales during migration season. In winter, harbor and gray seals haul out on jetties and sandbars.
Best Times for Wildlife Watching
🐋 Whales
Peak: April-May, September-November
Humpback, fin, and minke whales migrate along the coast. Spring and fall migrations bring the most sightings.
🐬 Dolphins
Peak: June-September
Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are seen year-round, with summer being the most reliable. Spotted on 90%+ of trips.
🦭 Seals
Peak: December-March
Harbor and gray seals visit in winter. Cape May offers seal watching cruises on weekends.
Featured Wildlife Cruises
Cape May Whale Watcher
by Cape May Whale Watcher
The premier whale and dolphin watching experience in New Jersey. Operating since 1993, the Cape May Whale Watcher offers 3-hour cruises into the Atlantic where you can see humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Onboard marine biologists provide expert narration.
- ✓Most whales seen April-May and September-November
- ✓Dolphins seen on 90%+ of trips
- ✓Marine biologist narration
See a whale or dolphin or receive a free return trip
$55
3 hours
Jersey Shore Whale Watch
by Jersey Shore Whale Watch
Whale and dolphin watching cruises departing from Belmar Marina. See humpback whales, fin whales, and dolphins in the coastal waters off the Jersey Shore. Convenient location for Central Jersey and the Monmouth County shore.
- ✓Convenient Monmouth County location
- ✓Shorter cruise time
- ✓High success rate in season
$45
2.5 hours
Whale Watching Cruises (3)
Cape May Whale Watcher
by Cape May Whale Watcher
Top-rated whale watching with marine biologist narration
See a whale or dolphin or receive a free return trip
$55
Kids $30
Jersey Shore Whale Watch
by Jersey Shore Whale Watch
Whale watching from Belmar Marina
$45
Kids $28
Point Pleasant Whale Watching
by Point Pleasant Fishing Fleet
Whale watching from Point Pleasant Beach
$42
Kids $25
Dolphin Watching (6)
Cape May Whale Watcher
by Cape May Whale Watcher
Top-rated whale watching with marine biologist narration
See a whale or dolphin or receive a free return trip
$55
Kids $30
Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center Dolphin Watch
by Cape May Whale Watch
Family-friendly 2-hour dolphin cruise
$40
Kids $22
Jersey Shore Whale Watch
by Jersey Shore Whale Watch
Whale watching from Belmar Marina
$45
Kids $28
Point Pleasant Whale Watching
by Point Pleasant Fishing Fleet
Whale watching from Point Pleasant Beach
$42
Kids $25
Viking Village Dolphin Cruise
by Viking Village
Dolphin cruises from Viking Village
$38
Kids $22
Atlantic City Dolphin Watch
by Atlantic City Cruises
Dolphin watching with AC skyline views
$35
Kids $20
Winter Seal Watching (1)
Cape May Winter Seal Watch
by Cape May Whale Watcher
Winter seal watching cruises
$38
Kids $22
Other Boat Tours
Sunset sails, dinner cruises, pirate adventures
Schooner Zodiac
by Cape May Sailing
Classic schooner sunset sails
$55
Kids $35
Cape May Harbor Cruise
by Cape May Whale Watcher
Scenic harbor and lighthouse cruises
$30
Kids $18
Atlantic City Skyline Cruise
by Atlantic City Cruises
Sightseeing cruise past the AC boardwalk
$22
Kids $12
AC Happy Hour Cruise
by Atlantic City Cruises
Evening cruises with drinks and music
Big Blue Sightseer
by Starlight Fleet
Scenic bay cruises in Wildwood
$28
Kids $18
Black Whale Pirate Ship
by Black Whale Cruises
Pirate adventure cruises for kids
$28
Kids $28
LBI Sunset Cruise
by Miss Barnegat Light
Romantic sunset cruises from Barnegat Light
$40
Kids $25
River Lady Cruise
by River Lady
Riverboat lunch and dinner cruises
Tips for a Great Trip
What to Bring
- • Binoculars (some boats rent them)
- • Camera with zoom lens
- • Sunscreen and sunglasses
- • Layers - it's cooler on the water
- • Motion sickness medication if prone
Good to Know
- • Take seasickness meds 30+ min before departure
- • Sit near the middle of the boat if motion-sensitive
- • Most boats have snack bars and restrooms
- • Look for "whale guarantee" policies
- • Book early on weekends
Cape May: Whale Watching Capital
Cape May's location at the southern tip of New Jersey, where the Atlantic Ocean meets Delaware Bay, makes it the premier whale watching destination on the Jersey Shore. The Cape May Whale Watcher has been operating since 1993 and offers multiple daily cruises during peak season.
Why Cape May is Special:
- Whales follow the coast during migration, passing close to Cape May Point
- The Delaware Bay attracts dolphins and other marine life year-round
- Winter seal watching is unique to this area - seals from Maine visit NJ waters
- Marine biologists on board provide expert narration and research data
More Water Activities
Looking for more action? Rent a jet ski, explore by kayak, or find a marina for your boat.