Is there parking available onsite?

Yes, free parking is available in a designated lot with an attendant to assist.

Are there bathrooms on the boat?

Yes, the American Star has four restrooms accessible during the trip.

What happens in bad weather?

Trips run rain or shine; severe weather cancellations result in refunds or rescheduling.

Should I buy tickets in advance?

We strongly recommend booking ahead as trips often sell out.

Is food available onboard?

Yes, a full galley and bar serve food and drinks, but outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Manual wheelchairs can be lifted onboard depending on tide conditions; power wheelchairs cannot be accommodated currently.

Explore Cape May’s Pelagic Zone: Whale Watching and Birding Adventure

Cape May, New Jersey, sits at the southern tip of the state where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is world-renowned for its exceptional birding opportunities and rich marine biodiversity. The "6hr Mini Pelagic with Cape May Bird Observatory" offers an immersive experience cruising the inshore pelagic waters just 3 to 20 miles offshore. Aboard the American Star, a spacious 100-foot vessel designed for stability and comfort, adventurers can set out on extended wildlife viewing expeditions that highlight both marine mammals and seabirds.

This half-day tour is a unique fusion of expertise with naturalists from the Cape May Bird Observatory teamed up alongside marine mammal specialists. Their knowledge helps you spot and identify some of the Atlantic’s most fascinating residents. Throughout the journey, you may encounter a variety of baleen whales, including humpbacks, minkes, fins, and occasionally critically endangered right whales. Pod sightings of playful common and bottlenose dolphins, harbor porpoises, and seals add to the thrill.

For bird watchers, the pelagic zone boasts striking inshore species such as common and red-throated loons, great cormorants, and the elusive harlequin duck. Offshore, you can spot black-legged kittiwakes, razorbills, and thick-billed murres—a rare sighting that excites veteran pelagic birders. The vessel’s heated cabin and outdoor covered decks provide ample comfort regardless of weather, making this accessible for visitors year-round.

Cape May's location at the crossroads of major migratory routes means this trip delivers spectacular opportunities unmatched along much of the U.S. east coast. The combination of a stable, fully equipped boat and expert guides makes it ideal for photographers, families, and serious wildlife enthusiasts alike. Free onsite parking and multiple restrooms onboard enhance convenience, while a galley and bar serve sustenance during your exploration.

As a must-do for nature lovers visiting southern New Jersey, this pelagic excursion highlights the region’s commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental education. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the team’s local knowledge maximizes your chances, and all trips operate rain or shine, with weather-related cancellations rare and refunded promptly. Whether it’s your first pelagic cruise or a yearly tradition, this voyage puts you at the heart of Cape May’s celebrated natural heritage.