Dolphin and Bird Watching Cruise Cape May: Marine Biologist Led

Sip morning coffee or enjoy evening pizza while exploring Cape May’s coastal wildlife.

A 2-hour dolphin and bird watching boat cruise from Cape May led by a marine biologist and naturalist who explain what you're seeing as it happens. The cruise focuses on the resident Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin population and local bird species, with guaranteed marine mammal sightings. Morning departures (10:00 am) include coffee, juice and danishes. Evening departures (6:00 pm) include pizza and hot dogs. Parking fees are covered, and the boat is wheelchair accessible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolphin and bird watching cruise

• Board ecotour boat
• Listen to marine biologist
• View Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
• Observe various bird species
• Learn about historic landmarks
• Enjoy complimentary refreshments

The experience

What makes this different from a standard sightseeing cruise is the person at the microphone: a marine biologist who runs the commentary as a research experience, not a script. You're not just spotting dolphins. You're learning how to identify them, what behavior means, why they're in Cape May waters. The boat stays on the water for 2 hours, working the coastline where the resident Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins actually live, so sightings are guaranteed.

The morning departure leaves at 10:00 am with complimentary coffee, juice and danishes. The 6:00 pm cruise serves pizza and hot dogs. Both trips point out the bird species you'll see: herons, egrets, gulls and others that work the same waters. You get a different angle on Cape May itself, the oldest seaside resort in America, from the vantage point of the water instead of the shore.

Parking fees are included, so you only pay for the cruise itself. The boat takes wheelchairs, and infants in prams or strollers ride fine. Public transportation options are nearby if you're not driving. Service animals are welcome aboard.

What’s included

• Marine biologist and naturalist guide leading the educational ecotour.
• guaranteed marine mammal sightings.
• parking fees.
• 10:00 am trips include complimentary coffee, juice and danishes, or 6:00 pm trips include complimentary pizza and hot dogs.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 24 Apr 2027

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (7 to 12 years) · Child (under 7): free

GroupUp to 149

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and delivers the commentary as a science-based educational experience, so you follow along whether you're a casual birder or someone with no wildlife background. The marine biologist explains what you're seeing in real time.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 12 years); Child (under 7): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between this cruise and other dolphin watching tours in Cape May?

A marine biologist leads this ecotour and explains the science as you go (behavior, identification, ecology) rather than just pointing out where the dolphins are. The educational focus is what separates it from standard sightseeing cruises.

Are we guaranteed to see dolphins on this cruise?

Yes, marine mammal sightings are guaranteed on this tour. The cruise follows the resident Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin population along the Cape May coastline, so encounters are part of the standard experience.

What time does the boat leave, and how long is the cruise?

Two departure times: 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. The cruise runs for 2 hours on the water, working the coastline to spot dolphins and birds.

What's included with the ticket?

The marine biologist-led tour is included, along with parking fees. The 10:00 am departure includes complimentary coffee, juice and danishes. The 6:00 pm departure includes pizza and hot dogs.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair on the boat?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed aboard.