Discover Cape May’s celebrated Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins on a 2-hour cruise that blends wildlife viewing with local history. Learn from onboard naturalists as you circle America’s Oldest Seaside Resort for an unmissable adventure.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion involved
Wildlife
History
Cape May has been a seaside resort since the 18th century, with the lighthouse dating back to 1859, guiding mariners for over a century.
Conservation
As a Whale SENSE certified operator, the cruise promotes respectful wildlife viewing to minimize human impact on marine mammals.
Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center
Discover Cape May’s celebrated Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins on a 2-hour cruise that blends wildlife viewing with local history. Learn from onboard naturalists as you circle America’s Oldest Seaside Resort for an unmissable adventure.
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.
Vessel
American Star
Heated cabin and full galley
Tours Offered
10 Trips
From 2‑hour to 24‑hour options
Expert Guides
Marine Biologists & Naturalists
Onboard scientists and naturalists
Marine Mammal Guarantee
Guarantee Offered
Some trips include sighting guarantee
Book dolphin watches, whale and pelagic bird trips now — limited space on specialty and extended pelagic departures.
Bring motion sickness remedies
While the American Star is stable, those prone to seasickness should bring medications or bands.
Dress in layers
Weather on the water can change quickly; layering helps keep you comfortable.
Book tickets in advance
Trips often sell out, so reserving your spot early guarantees your place on board.
Use binoculars for better viewing
Bring binoculars to enhance your chances of spotting distant dolphins and birds.
Light jacket
Keeps you warm against sea breezes during early spring cruises.
spring
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from prolonged sun exposure on open decks.
summer
Waterproof poncho
Useful in case of unexpected rain showers during autumn excursions.
fall
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife viewing across all seasons for dolphins and seabirds.