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Epic 24-Hour Marine Mammal & Pelagic Bird Watching Adventure from Cape May, NJ - Cape May

Epic 24-Hour Marine Mammal & Pelagic Bird Watching Adventure from Cape May, NJ

Cape Maymoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

12 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be in average physical condition, comfortable standing or sitting for extended periods, and able to safely navigate steps on and off the boat.

Overview

Embark on a 24-hour offshore expedition from Cape May, NJ, to witness rare marine mammals and pelagic birds at the edge of the continental shelf. Experience a deep-sea wildlife adventure guided by expert naturalists aboard the spacious American Star.

Boat Tour
Whale Watch
Cape May, New Jersey

24hr Marine Mammal & Pelagic Bird Watch

80-100 miles offshore

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About This Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard the American Star, venturing 80-100 miles into the Atlantic Ocean. Experience thrilling encounters with marine mammals, pelagic birds, and unique sea creatures in deep waters. Led by expert naturalists, this overnight trip promises stunning sights and memorable moments under the stars.

Venture out 80-100 miles into the offshore waters of the Atlantic Ocean beyond the canyons to the edge of the continental shelf in 6,000 feet of water onboard the American Star in search of marine mammals, pelagic bird life, and other species including sea turtles, oceanic sunfish, and sharks.

This trip is led by our team of experienced marine mammal naturalists and researchers, as well as a pelagic bird naturalist. While offshore, we chum for pelagic birds to get that perfect photo opportunity! The boat departs in the evening to ensure deep water searching at first light.

Possible sightings include:

  • Marine Mammals: Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, Right Whales, Sperm Whales, Pilot Whales, Beaked Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins, Spotted Dolphins, Atlantic White-sided Dolphins, and more!
  • Pelagic Birds: Shearwaters, Jaegers, Northern Gannets, Fulmar, Phalaropes, Kittiwakes, Loons, various Petrels and many more!
  • Other Species: Sharks (Hammerhead, Thresher, Great White), Sea turtles (Loggerhead, Leatherback, or Green), Oceanic Sunfish, False Albacore, Tuna, Jellyfish, Flying Fish, Sargassum 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.

Sleeping accommodations: Since this is a longer trip, sleeping arrangements onboard consist of padded indoor benches, outdoor benches, and plenty of floor space. It is encouraged to bring a sleeping bag. Boarding the vessel occurs in order of reservation.

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. To allow sleeping accommodations, this cruise is drastically limited in capacity to allow plenty of room onboard!

Adventure Tips

Dress in layers for temperature changes

Temperatures can drop significantly at night offshore, so bring warm layers to stay comfortable during the early morning hours.

Bring seasickness remedies

Although the American Star is stable, ocean conditions vary, so pack motion sickness aids if you're prone to seasickness.

Charge your camera batteries and bring extra memory

The chumming attracts pelagic birds for excellent photo opportunities, so be ready to capture rare wildlife moments.

Pack a sleeping bag or blanket

Sleeping arrangements are basic with padded benches and floor space; a sleeping bag ensures a restful overnight experience.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Humpback Whales
  • Northern Gannet

History

Cape May is one of the oldest resort towns in America, with a history of maritime and naturalist activity dating back to the 18th century.

Conservation

The operators promote sustainable wildlife viewing by adhering to strict guidelines to minimize disturbance to marine mammals and bird populations.

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Adventure Hotspots in Cape May

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Warm layered clothing

Essential

Mandatory for dealing with cooler overnight ocean temperatures and changing weather.

Motion sickness medication or bands

Essential

Useful for preventing seasickness in offshore conditions.

Camera with zoom lens

Essential

Essential to capture distant marine mammals and seabirds during the trip.

Sleeping bag or travel blanket

Essential

Provides comfort for resting on padded benches during the overnight journey.