Each spring, Cape May Court House, New Jersey, stirs awake to the deep, stirring call of the Atlantic’s most majestic visitors. The Annual Cape May Whale and Dolphin Watching Week transforms the coastal town into a hub for adventurers and marine enthusiasts eager to encounter powerful whales and playful dolphins in their natural domain. From the deck of a watching vessel, the ocean seizes your full attention: waves rise and fall like living creatures, brushing close as they dare you to join the encounter.

The event typically spans a full week in mid-May, timed with the seasonal migration of humpbacks, finbacks, and the ubiquitous dolphins, driven northward by surf pulsating with life. Cape May Court House works with local outfitters who run daily cruises out into the Atlantic, where the water challenges you to stay sharp, eyes scanning the horizon. Trips last 3-4 hours, covering variable distances offshore, with the sea’s moods ranging from gentle swells to spirited surges.

Beyond the water, Cape May Court House offers practical amenities for planning your trip. Dress in layers, as the early May air holds a crisp bite that the ocean winds intensify. Footwear should be non-slip and supportive; the boat deck is both your platform and the terrain you’ll master during this adventure. Bringing binoculars will sharpen distant sightings — whales breach with a splendid force that demands a sharp gaze, dolphins dart in quick streaks, and seabirds circle in their eternal patrol.

The week is more than tours — it’s education. Marine biologists and naturalists lead workshops discussing the behavior, conservation status, and ecology of these ocean giants. This engagement makes the experience not just a sightseeing event, but a respectful dialogue with one of Earth’s fiercest and most intriguing forces. Expect to see a diversity of species, each carrying its own story, from humpbacks lifting their tails in farewell to pods of bottlenose dolphins arching through surf.

Hydration is crucial. The salt air and ocean spray mask dehydration risks, especially on sunny days. Pack water and stay attentive to your body's signals. Timing morning departures offers the calmest seas and best light for photography, while afternoon trips highlight the social dynamics of dolphins in their playful routines.

In essence, Cape May Whale and Dolphin Watching Week offers a balanced adventure: the thrill of proximity to great marine life combined with the grounded, practical steps necessary for a safe, rewarding outing. The ocean here is fiercely itself, inviting respect, readiness, and a sense of wonder that’s tangible yet accessible for every adventurer willing to engage.