Cape May Whale & Dolphin Cruises — Guided Wildlife Adventures
Board the American Star from Cape May, New Jersey for dolphin watches, whale trips, and pelagic birding led by marine biologists and naturalists.
Featured Cruises & Trips
From 2-hour dolphin watches to overnight pelagics — family-friendly, educational outings aboard the American Star.
About Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center
Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center operates guided marine wildlife cruises out of Cape May, New Jersey. The center conducts a variety of scheduled trips aboard the vessel American Star, offering short coastal dolphin watches, multi-hour pelagic birding expeditions, and extended overnight marine mammal and pelagic bird watches.
Each cruise is staffed by trained naturalists and marine biologists who provide educational narration about local wildlife, migration patterns, and marine ecosystems. Selected cruises include hands-on learning opportunities such as a touch-tank with live sea creatures and a Marine Mammal Guarantee on qualifying departures.
Vessel amenities on the American Star include a heated cabin and a full galley for comfort on longer trips. Special seasonal and holiday trips are part of the program, including themed outings like the Easter Brunch Dolphin Watch, Breakfast & Dolphin Watch with Santa, and a Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise. Shorter evening options such as the Sunset Dolphin Watch provide wildlife viewing combined with coastal sunset scenery.
Longer pelagic trips range from 6‑hour inshore pelagic cruises to 12‑ and 24‑hour offshore expeditions, conducted with expert naturalists and partnering organizations for enhanced birding and marine mammal observation. All offerings focus on safe, educational, and wildlife-centered experiences designed for families, birders, photographers, and anyone interested in ocean life.
Reserve Your Seat on the American Star
Book dolphin watches, whale and pelagic bird trips now — limited space on specialty and extended pelagic departures.