2-Hour Sunset Safari Eco Cruise Cape May: Salt marsh birds

Get close to salt marsh birds that stay hidden from land

A 2-hour evening cruise through the coastal salt marsh behind Cape May and Wildwood where a guide with 25 years of local experience takes you to birds and marine life that people rarely see from shore. Binoculars are provided; the route changes daily based on conditions and what's active that evening.

The Experience

The boat leaves from Cape May and heads into the salt marsh behind the barrier islands where the secretive birds of the wetlands live. Being out here every day for six months—April through October—gives the guide a working knowledge of where different species are likely to be and how close you can get without spooking them. The birds you see from a boat are not the same ones visible from a dock or a boardwalk; the angle and the approach change what's possible.

You'll have binoculars in hand for the full two hours, scanning the marsh grasses and the water for herons, egrets, ospreys and the smaller, harder-to-spot species that live in the wetlands year-round and seasonally. The guide reads the conditions—wind, tide, light—and adjusts the route each day, so the itinerary is not fixed. That flexibility is what keeps the tour from becoming a predictable circuit; it's also why the same trip never quite repeats.

The boat is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels. Infants can sit on an adult's lap or ride in a stroller. The guide speaks English and narrates throughout, pointing out what's ahead and explaining the birds and the ecosystem as you move through it.

What’s included

• 2-hour evening cruise through the coastal salt marsh behind Cape May and Wildwood.
• binoculars for viewing.
• live English-speaking guide with 25 years of local experience.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cape May Back Bay LLC

Is this one for you?The boat moves slowly through the marsh and stops to watch birds, so this is a calm, seated experience—ideal if you want wildlife viewing without hiking or wading, and the changing daily route means you're not retracing the same path every time.

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Top questions

What birds am I likely to see on the salt marsh cruise from Cape May?

The salt marsh behind Cape May and Wildwood is home to herons, egrets, ospreys and smaller wetland species that stay hidden from shore. The guide knows where these birds are most active each evening and positions the boat to get close views without disturbing them.

How does the route change from one cruise to the next?

The 2-hour route varies daily depending on wind, tide and which birds and marine life are active that evening. The guide's 25 years of experience running these tours means they know where to find the most interesting sightings on any given night.

Is the sunset safari cruise suitable for young children?

Yes. Infants can sit on an adult's lap or ride in a stroller, and the boat is wheelchair accessible. The cruise is suitable for all fitness levels, so families with children of different ages can all go together.

What's included with the 2-hour cruise ticket?

The ticket includes the 2-hour evening cruise through the salt marsh, binoculars for use during the tour, and a guide who narrates and points out the birds and marine life as you move through the wetlands.

When does the sunset safari cruise run?

The cruises operate daily from April through October. The exact departure time shifts with the sunset, so check the schedule when you book to confirm the evening you want to go.