Adventure Collective
Discover Offshore Wonders: 12-Hour Marine Mammal & Pelagic Bird Watch from Cape May - Cape May

Discover Offshore Wonders: 12-Hour Marine Mammal & Pelagic Bird Watch from Cape May

Cape Maymoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

12 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be comfortable spending a full day on a boat with some standing, walking, and navigating stairs.

Overview

Venture 40-60 miles offshore from Cape May aboard the American Star for a 12-hour marine mammal and pelagic bird watch. Encounter whales, dolphins, seabirds, and oceanic wildlife on this unparalleled Atlantic adventure.

Boat Tour
Whale Watch
Cape May, New Jersey

12hr Marine Mammal & Pelagic Bird Watch

40-60 miles offshore

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About This Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard the American Star, venturing 40-60 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. Experience the thrill of spotting majestic marine mammals, diverse pelagic birds, and fascinating sea creatures. Led by expert naturalists, this unique cruise promises breathtaking views and exceptional photo opportunities in a comfortable setting.

Venture out 40-60 miles into the offshore waters of the Atlantic Ocean on board the American Star in search of marine mammals, pelagic birdlife, and other species including sea turtles, oceanic sunfish, and sharks.

The trip is led by our team of experienced marine mammal naturalists, as well as a pelagic bird naturalist. While offshore, we chum for pelagic birds to get that perfect photo opportunity! The American Star has a heated indoor cabin.

Possible sightings include:

  • Marine Mammals: Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, Right Whales, Pilot Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins and more!
  • Pelagic Birds: Shearwaters, Jaegers, Northern Gannets, Fulmar, Phalaropes, Kittiwakes, Loons, (October-November: Razor Bills, Murres, and Dovekies, Winter: Puffins)
  • Other Species: Sharks (Hammerhead, Thresher, Great White), Sea turtles (Loggerhead, Leatherback, or Green), Oceanic Sunfish, False Albacore, Tuna, Jellyfish and more!

Please note, trips are subject to varying weather and sea conditions. Trips will only sail in favorable weather conditions. Captain will make the final decision if the trip is sailing 48hrs prior to the scheduled cruise.

Prepaid Reservations Only! Due to the special nature of this trip, we are not able to offer the marine mammal guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is there parking available onsite?

  • Yes, we have free parking available onsite in our designated Whale Watch parking lot. An attendant will be there to guide you to the appropriate free parking lot.

Are there bathrooms on the boat?

  • Yes, the American Star is equipped with 4 restrooms onboard.

Are there food/drinks available onboard?

  • Yes, we do have a full galley, bar, and gift shop onboard that accepts cash or credit card. However, for this extended trip we do advise bringing any food/drink that you require for the day.

Do I need to wear a life-jacket onboard?

  • No. We have life-jackets for every passenger onboard and they are used for emergency purposes only. The United States Coast Guard annually inspects all safety equipment onboard the American Star, and your captain will give a detailed safety briefing as your cruise departs.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

  • Depending on tide conditions, there may be several steps to get onboard the American Star. Standard manual wheelchairs can be lifted onboard by mates, however, due to their weight, power wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.

Will I get seasick on this cruise?

  • The American Star is 100ft long and very stable in our Atlantic Ocean conditions. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, we recommend taking precautions with Dramamine, Bonine or Sea Bands. These are available at the dock.

Is there shade on the boat?

  • The American Star was custom built for sightseeing with passenger comfort in mind. There is a spacious inside cabin available to keep you out of the elements as well as numerous shaded areas outside on deck.

Will the boat be crowded?

  • The American Star is a 100ft long vessel custom built for sightseeing. It has seating for over 250 passengers. This cruise is drastically limited in capacity to allow plenty of room onboard!

Adventure Tips

Prepare for Changing Weather

Dress in layers and bring waterproof gear as ocean conditions can change rapidly during the 12-hour trip.

Motion Sickness Precautions

If prone to seasickness, take medication or use anti-nausea bands before boarding for a more comfortable experience.

Camera Ready

Charge your camera and bring extra batteries; pelagic birds and whales offer rare, stunning photo opportunities.

Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks

While the boat offers food, packing personal snacks and water helps maintain energy throughout the long day on the water.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Humpback whales
  • Northern gannets

History

Cape May has long been a migratory bird hotspot, drawing naturalists since the 19th century.

Conservation

Trips focus on eco-friendly practices to minimize disturbance to marine wildlife while educating passengers.

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Adventure Hotspots in Cape May

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Windbreaker Jacket

Essential

Protects against cold Atlantic winds during the cooler spring months.

spring specific

Sunscreen

Essential

Essential to guard against sun exposure during long hours on the deck.

summer specific

Waterproof Hat

Keeps you dry and shielded during occasional autumn rain or spray.

fall specific

Binoculars

Essential

Helps to spot distant whales and seabirds for a closer view.