An essential activity to do when visiting New Jersey is a Cape May whale-watching excursion. Living near Philadelphia allows us to make the short trip every summer, so looking forward to the seasonal whale watching tour in Cape May is one of my favourite parts of the year. It offers some of the best experiences available in New Jersey!
Here, various whale and dolphin types can be seen in the waters surrounding the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. This area is abundant with marine life thanks to the mix of fresh and salty currents, and it’s possible to spot whales and dolphins from shore. No wonder Cape May is considered one of the finest beaches in New Jersey!
That stated, watching whales and dolphins in Cape May is superior in a boatcraft, therefore I endorse booking an excursion. Although there are whale and dolphin tours in Cape May throughout the year, I will describe to you the optimum time to observe whales in this guide. I`ll also share my tour recommendations for the finest whale-watching in Cape May, so continue reading to learn more about spotting sea creatures in New Jersey!
Table of Contents
1. Whale and dolphin-watching cruise in Cape May, New Jersey
This approximately 3-hour Cape May whale-watching tourexcursion is a wonderful way to spot marine life while learning about the city’s history. As you keep an eye out for local aquatic creatures, you’ll travel along the historic waterfront and see the Victorian homes for which Cape May is renowned. Along with these iconic points of interest, your guide will point out any graceful whales and playful dolphins that are swimming through the sea.
- Highlights: Historic waterfront, whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures
- Departure location: Cape May Whale Watcher marina
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: $48
- Description: See whales and dolphins in Cape May while learning about the local marine creatures that inhabit the waters near the shore. This cruise also passes by the historic Victorian homes along the waterfront.
2. Full-day dolphin and whale watching in Cape May, NJ
For a full-day excursion with variety, I encourage checking out this marine life and bird expedition. Traveling approximately 50 miles from shore into the deep Atlantic Ocean allows sightings of sharks, sea turtles and diverse fish populations. Keep watch for dolphins frolicking in the wake and listen as the naturalist points out local bird species. Panoramic views and stunning photographic scenery are available from the multi-level vessel.
- Highlights: Sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of seabirds
- Starting point: Cape May Whale Viewing & Research Center
- Duration: 12 hours
- Price: $110
- Description: Depart early in the day and take to the deep ocean of the Atlantic. Spot an assortment of seabirds and oceanic sunfish, and keep an eye out for turtles, dolphins, and sharks.
3. Sunset dolphin and whale watching in Cape May, NJ
For an enjoyable evening observing dolphins along the coast, consider this two-hour sunset excursion near the Delaware Bay. You’ll board a Cape May Whale Watcher watercraft and learn from knowledgeable naturalists who will provide you with information about the local marine life. While appreciating the beautiful sunset over Cape May’s historic shoreline, see groups of dolphins playing and leaping in the sea. Snacks are included, too.
- Important points: Many bottlenose dolphins, seabirds, and sunset views
- Departure location: Cape May Whale Watcher marina
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: $37
- Description: Take part in a pleasant two-hour sea excursion, appreciating the majestic dolphins and the sunset`s golden glow over the Cape May Lighthouse and other historic landmarks.
4. Dolphin watching tour in Cape May with breakfast
This early morning cruise provides the perfect way to start your day. Board the vessel and enjoy a light snack while passing by the town`s historic Victorian homes and the Cape May Lighthouse. You can remain inside the temperature controlled viewing area or go out on the outdoor deck. Enjoy this Cape May dolphin excursion while learning about the history of the town and the marine life found in the area.
- Main highlights: Spotting dolphins, a light morning meal, scenic historic views
- Departure location: Cape May Whale Watcher marina
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: $37
- Description: Check out the scenic morning views of the Cape May coast. While enjoying a continental breakfast, keep an eye on the ocean for pods of playful dolphins.
Cape May whale-watching season
While reading this guide, I’m sure the first question you’ll have is about the best time to see whales in Cape May. After all, you wouldn’t want to waste your time and money on a whale-watching cruise and not see any whales!
In essence, the whales you’ll find around Cape May are migratory, so if you want to maximize your chances of sighting them, reserve a tour between May and September. July and August are common booking periods, but Cape May’s whale-watching season dwindles in the late summer and early fall, so plan accordingly. The reality is, these excursions are quite popular, so I always recommend purchasing your ticket beforehand.
Cape May Whale Watching & Research Center
Among the most popular excursions for observing whales in Cape May is the Cape May Whale Watching and Research Center. Established in 1987, it had been one of the pioneering companies to offer tours in the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.
The tour company and research center focus on eco-friendly tourism and educate customers on the local biology and ecology. Additionally, a portion of ticket sales goes towards research and initiatives like the Bottlenose Dolphin Catalogue, Clean Ocean Initiative Program, and photo identification of humpback whales and other baleen whales.
During your whale and dolphin excursion in Cape May, you’ll ride on one of the scientific research vessels and gain knowledge from expert marine specialists. The company operates year-round from the South Jersey Marina and offers morning, sunset, and all-day whale-watching cruises.
Types of whales in Cape May
While whale-watching in Cape May, you should know which creatures to watch out for. Below are some of the more common marine species you may observe during a Cape May dolphin tour.
Humpback whales
If you’re going to see whales in Cape May, they will likely be humpbacks. These enormous whales can reach 60 feet in length, and the females are larger than the males.
During the summer months, humpback whales populate the waters of the Atlantic Ocean as they feed on prey and store fat for their southward migration. Known for their melodic, breathy songs and majestic breaching behaviors, these whales populate the waters.
Dolphins in Cape May
One of the most popular activities in Cape May involves dolphin-watching, so be sure to take part in one of the tours offered here. The prime time to see dolphins around Cape May is in the spring and summer season. Dolphins are known for their cheerful, spirited behavior, and they can live up to 60 years in the wild. In the Delaware Bay, you’re most likely to see Atlantic bottlenose, white-sided, and striped dolphins.
Gray and harbor seals
Other marine species you may observe on a Cape May whale-watching tour are seals. They prefer to migrate to the Delaware Bay during winter, so your best opportunities of seeing them are in the colder months. The seals will arrive on land after they’ve fed so they can rest and process food, and there are three types common to this region.
Gray seals are the most massive, weighing up to 800 pounds, while harbor seals are smaller and have a tone of blue-gray. In the winter months, you might also spot harp seals, which can reach a length of around six feet.
Cownose rays
While searching for whales in Cape May, keep an eye out for cownose rays. A type of eagle ray, these creatures vary in length from 2.5 to 3 feet. They’re a susceptible species but are still found in their natural habitat in the Atlantic Ocean.
Seabirds in Cape May
Not only are whales and dolphins viewable in Cape May, but also a vast variety of seabirds. The area is known as one of the top spots for bird-watching in the country, particularly during the fall migration. Among the birds you can see here, keep an eye out for the Cape May Warbler, a striking yellow and black songbird. As for seabirds, you can see eagles, osprey, loons, grebes, red knots, and more.
That concludes my guide on whale watching in Cape May! I hope I`ve addressed all your inquiries about spotting whales and dolphins in Cape May. If you have any other concerns about Cape May whale watching excursions, feel free to leave me a comment and I`ll be pleased to assist!
Enjoyable whale-watching!
