Cape May: Dolphin Watching Cruise & Lighthouse Views

Summary

Watch wild dolphins play off Cape May’s coast with a local guide sharing stories

You’ll board a boat in Cape May for two hours of dolphin watching around the island with live narration from a local guide. Cruise past Victorian houses, spot the tall Cape May Lighthouse from the water, enjoy continental breakfast on board, and maybe catch sight of eagles or deer along the shore. It’s relaxed but surprising—those wild dolphins are something else.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to smell so salty and sweet at once, like sunscreen and seaweed mixed together. We’d barely left the dock in Cape May when someone shouted “over there!” — and suddenly everyone was craning their necks, scanning the water for that first dolphin fin. Our captain — I think his name was Jim, with a voice that carried over the engine — started tossing out facts about these pods. Apparently, sometimes you get five dolphins, sometimes five hundred. I kept hoping we’d see at least one up close.

The boat circled around the island, slow enough that you could really take in all those old Victorian houses lining the shore. There were kids waving from the beach (one had a neon green shovel), and seagulls swooping so low I almost ducked. The Cape May Lighthouse stood out against the sky — taller than I pictured, honestly — and our guide pointed out how it’s still used for navigation today. He also mentioned some of the wildlife onshore; at one point he gestured toward a patch of trees where bald eagles nest. The sun was bright but not too hot, just enough to make you squint.

We did spot dolphins — a whole group of them arcing through the water together, gray backs flashing in the light. Someone near me gasped every time they surfaced (I probably did too). There was this moment when everything got quiet except for the slap of waves against the hull and a little kid giggling behind me. Continental breakfast was included — nothing fancy but good coffee and a pastry hit different with that sea breeze. At some point I realized my phone was full of blurry dolphin photos but honestly, watching them move felt better than any picture.

The ride back skirted past these massive beaches and a nature preserve where our guide said coyotes sometimes wander (didn’t see one, maybe next time). By then people were quieter — maybe sun-tired or just thinking about what we’d seen. I’m still replaying that first flash of silver in my mind; it’s funny how something so simple sticks with you after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin watching and coastal sightseeing

• Depart from Cape May, NJ
• Watch dolphins around Cape May island
• Cruise near Victorian seaside resort beachfront
• View New Jersey's second tallest lighthouse
• See the Sun setting into Delaware Bay
• View largest beaches from the water
• Observe 1000-acre nature preserve wildlife

Top questions

How long is the dolphin watching tour in Cape May?

The tour lasts about 2 hours around Cape May island.

Are meals or drinks included on this dolphin cruise?

Yes, continental breakfast is included during your cruise.

Is this dolphin watching tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and boarding are wheelchair accessible.

Will we see other wildlife besides dolphins?

You might spot bald eagles, ospreys, white-tailed deer, or even coyotes from the boat.

Does this tour include views of Cape May Lighthouse?

Yes, you’ll see Cape May Lighthouse from the water during your cruise.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts in Cape May, New Jersey; free parking is provided for guests.

Is this suitable for small children or infants?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on board.

What if there’s bad weather on our scheduled day?

The cruise depends on weather conditions; tours may be rescheduled if needed.

What’s included

Your morning includes free parking at departure, live commentary from a local guide throughout your two-hour boat trip around Cape May island, continental breakfast served onboard (with coffee and pastries), plus all ages access—wheelchair-friendly and stroller-ready—so everyone can watch for dolphins together before heading back ashore.