Celebrate the season with a sunrise brunch cruise along Cape May, where dolphins play and Santa surprises. Discover this festive marine adventure designed for families and wildlife lovers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels, including families with children.
Wildlife
History
Cape May has been a key maritime port since the 1600s, shaping its rich seafaring legacy.
Conservation
The center actively participates in marine conservation efforts, promoting sustainable wildlife viewing practices.
Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center
Celebrate the season with a sunrise brunch cruise along Cape May, where dolphins play and Santa surprises. Discover this festive marine adventure designed for families and wildlife lovers.
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 your camera
Capture dolphins, Santa visits, and ocean views during the cruise.
Dress warmly
Wear layered clothing as it can be cool on the water, even during winter.
Arrive early
Ensure timely boarding and find a good spot on the deck for views.
Secure your belongings
Water-activities can be windy; keep your items safe and dry.
Warm layers
Stay comfortable against wind and chill on the water.
winter
Camera or smartphone
Perfect for capturing dolphins, Santa, and scenic views.
Binoculars
Enhance wildlife viewing from the deck.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin if the sun appears through winter clouds.
summer