THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
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.
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.
Book with Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center · Cape May, New Jersey
Set along the southern tip of New Jersey, Cape May is renowned as America’s Oldest Seaside Resort, a vibrant coastal town that offers far more than pristine beaches and Victorian charm. The 2-hour Dolphin & Bird Watch cruise aboard the American Star unlocks a unique perspective on Cape May’s natural heritage, immersing visitors in the rich marine ecosystem surrounding this peninsula. Known for its resident Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin population, Cape May presents one of the East Coast’s premier wildlife viewing opportunities, drawing nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
This cruise circumnavigates Cape May Island, sailing within about a mile of the shore to offer panoramic views of iconic landmarks like Cape May Point Lighthouse, Congress Hall, and Sunset Beach, all while scanning the waters for playful dolphins and spectacular bird species. The expedition is guided by an onboard marine biologist and naturalist from the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center, making this not just a sightseeing tour, but an educational journey. Guests can engage with research interns at a touch tank featuring live local marine life, providing hands-on insights into the ocean’s delicate balance.
What sets this experience apart is the commitment to responsible, sustainable marine wildlife viewing. As a member of Whale SENSE, the cruise adheres to strict guidelines minimizing disturbance to animals, aligning with conservation values important to the region. If dolphins or whales aren’t spotted, the company’s Marine Mammal Guarantee ensures a free return trip, underscoring their confidence in the abundance of local wildlife.
Onboard amenities include complimentary coffee, juice, and danishes to start your morning, a full galley and bar for snacks and refreshments, multiple indoor and covered outdoor areas to shelter from the elements, and four restrooms for comfort during the cruise. The American Star is a spacious, stable 100-foot vessel with seating limited to 149 guests, providing plenty of room to relax and take in the scenery.
Cape May’s vibrant birdlife ensures that even when dolphins aren’t immediately visible, you’ll marvel at species such as ospreys and terns soaring overhead. This cruise is particularly rewarding from March through December, when dolphin sightings approach a remarkable 98%.
Ideal for families, solo travelers, and groups, the Dolphin & Bird Watch cruise offers an accessible and engaging way to connect with Cape May’s coastal environment. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a curious first-timer, this adventure brings the thrilling wildness of the Atlantic right to your fingertips, right here in New Jersey.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion involved
Yes, free parking is available onsite at the designated Whale Watch parking lot with attendants to assist.
The American Star has four restrooms accessible during the cruise.
A free, no-expiry voucher is issued for a future cruise under the Marine Mammal Guarantee.
Manual wheelchairs can be lifted onboard depending on tide conditions; power wheelchairs cannot currently be accommodated.
Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed; however, no coolers or outside alcohol is permitted.
Yes, well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome onboard the American Star.
Cape May has been a seaside resort since the 18th century, with the lighthouse dating back to 1859, guiding mariners for over a century.
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 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.
Book with Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center