How long is the trip?

Trips run about four hours from Keyport; if whales aren’t accessible due to weather, the captain may offer a New York Harbor cruise alternative.

Are children allowed?

Yes—this is family-friendly and the crew provides educational narration suitable for kids.

Is alcohol permitted?

Beer is allowed aboard, but the vessel enforces a strict no-tolerance policy for unruly or intoxicated behavior.

What if I get seasick?

Take preventative medication before boarding, sit midship, focus on the horizon, and tell crew members who can assist.

Are restrooms available?

Yes, the Keyport Princess provides onboard restroom facilities for passenger comfort.

Will we definitely see whales?

Wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, but the crew knows local feeding lanes and sightings are common in peak seasons.

Whale Watching in Keyport: Keyport Princess Jersey Coast Marine Encounters

Adventure Brief

Set sail from Keyport aboard the Keyport Princess for a four-hour marine safari where humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles surface minutes from shore. Family-friendly narration and roomy decks make this an accessible, memorable Jersey Shore wildlife outing.

4 Hours

easy

From $63.60

Board the Keyport Princess and head into the productive Raritan Bay and open Atlantic off Keyport, New Jersey, for a four-hour whale watching trip that turns the Jersey Shore into a field classroom. From the pier in Keyport, this family-run operation pushes past the harbor to known feeding lanes where humpback whales, playful dolphins, and loggerhead sea turtles surface, while terns and gannets wheel overhead. The crew's narration mixes natural history with clear safety guidance so children and first-time watchers can follow along.

Trips depart from Keyport, a small harbor town on the Raritan Bay, and take advantage of local knowledge: the captain knows where whales feed and where dolphins like to bow-ride, which means you don’t spend hours guessing at the horizon. Onboard, the Keyport Princess offers roomy deck space and unobstructed sightlines—ideal for small groups and families who want to spread out with a scope or tripod. If weather pushes the boat away from the feeding areas, the itinerary can shift into a scenic cruise of New York Harbor so guests still get sea air and coastal views.

This is a family owned and operated vessels. That family atmosphere shapes the trip: crew members point out animal behaviors, explain regional ecology, and respect passenger comfort. Beer is allowed onboard, but the vessel enforces a firm no-tolerance policy for unruly or intoxicated behavior to keep the experience safe and family-friendly.

Expect active marine behavior in the spring and summer when humpbacks and dolphins chase baitfish near the surface, and quieter, bird-rich days in shoulder seasons. Bring layers and binoculars; a steady sea breeze turns warm days cool fast. The trip is approachable for most people — you do not need previous boating experience — but basic mobility to climb aboard and stand on deck is required.

Why book this over a generic charter? The Keyport Princess runs focused wildlife excursions with local insight rather than sightseeing-only cruises. For families, photographers, and anyone curious about the Jersey coastline, this trip turns a short drive from New York or central New Jersey into an accessible marine encounter. Follow the crew’s guidance, keep cameras ready, and be prepared to be surprised: whales can breach within sight of the stern. It’s a compact, hands-on way to connect with ocean wildlife without boarding a long offshore expedition.

Onboard amenities include refreshments and a friendly crew who are happy to answer questions about local species and marine conservation. Trips last roughly four hours; wear non-slip shoes and bring a waterproof layer. If weather prevents reaching feeding areas, the captain may offer a narrated New York Harbor detour so the day still delivers coastal history and skyline views. Small groups appreciate the attentive crew and ample deck seating.

About Northeast Fishing LLC

Northeast Fishing LLC operates from Keyport, New Jersey, offering guided fishing charters and wildlife trips aboard the family-owned Keyport Princess. The company runs a range of seasonal excursions—striped bass (striper) trips in Raritan Bay, Black Sea Bass outings, summer fluke trips, and whale-watching cruises to observe humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles.

Crew members provide instruction for anglers of all skill levels, offering trolling, jigging, and live-bait techniques on striper trips, plus hands-on guidance for fluke and sea bass fishing. The Keyport Princess departs from Keyport harbor, with departures timed to local tides and seasonal migrations.

Safety and family-friendly service are central; the crew follows standard safety procedures aboard the licensed vessel and maintains a friendly, instructional atmosphere for children and adults. Northeast Fishing LLC emphasizes clear communication at booking, straightforward gear guidance, and a focus on on-water experience rather than retail sales.

Trip lengths, passenger limits, and exact departure times are published when booking and vary by season and target species. For whale watching, the crew provides educational commentary about marine wildlife and local ecology while keeping a safe viewing distance from animals. The operation serves anglers and wildlife viewers seeking accessible, guided trips from Keyport, New Jersey. Bookings can be made through the company’s public reservation channels listed on regional directories and marine listings.

Crew members draw on local fishing knowledge to select productive grounds and adapt techniques to current conditions, and the vessel carries basic fishing gear and Coast Guard–required safety equipment for guest use and comfort.