Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May

A 110-foot boat built to hold the whole experience steady

A 3-hour whale and dolphin watching cruise from Cape May into Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, narrated by a certified naturalist guide who points out humpback whales, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, harbor porpoises, seals and seabirds as the captain navigates to the best sighting locations. The vessel includes air conditioning, restrooms, upper deck seating and a full bar. Arrive an hour early and bring layers for ocean conditions.

The experience

The Cape May Whale Watcher is a 110-foot vessel built for this work: large enough to handle offshore swells without throwing the day into your stomach, with air conditioning and heat so the weather outside stays outside. The boat carries a certified naturalist guide who stays on deck the whole time, offering live commentary on what appears: humpback whales, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, harbor porpoises, manta rays, thresher sharks, hammerhead sharks, harbor seals, northern gannets, greater shearwaters and bald eagles. The Delaware Bay Estuary is the sanctuary where these animals move through, and the captain knows where to find them.

The 3-hour cruise runs with the captain navigating to the best locations while you stand on the upper deck or stay inside where the bar and snacks are. Restrooms and full wheelchair access mean you're not managing logistics while trying to spot a whale. Parking is included, so you're not hunting for a lot before you board. The boat operates in most weather, which means the trip usually happens. Just dress in layers and arrive an hour before departure so boarding can start a half-hour out.

What’s included

• Certified naturalist guide with live commentary on marine life and local history.
• parking.
• upper deck seating.
• air conditioning and heat.
• restrooms.
• full bar with snacks available to purchase.
• wheelchair access and accessible restrooms.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday to SundayDeparts at 13:00Last departure this season: 13 Dec

Book up to16h before

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

GroupUp to 150

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendly

Operated by Cape May Whale Watcher INC

Is this one for you?The 110-foot vessel and certified guide make this a full-family experience: children, grandparents and first-time ocean-goers all fit the same boat without anyone managing the logistics or the seasickness risk alone. Book this if you want the sightings explained in real time and the boat stable enough to actually stand and look.

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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 whales and dolphins will I actually see on this cruise?

Humpback whales, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and harbor porpoises are the main species the naturalist guide watches for, along with manta rays, thresher sharks, hammerhead sharks, harbor seals, northern gannets, greater shearwaters and bald eagles. The Delaware Bay Estuary is a sanctuary for all of them, and the captain navigates to the locations where they're most likely to appear.

How long is the whale watching cruise from Cape May?

The cruise runs 3 hours total. You'll want to arrive an hour before departure so boarding can start a half-hour early, which means setting aside about four hours from arrival to return.

What's included on the boat besides the cruise itself?

Parking, a certified naturalist guide, live commentary on the marine life and local history, restrooms, upper deck seating, air conditioning and heat, and a full bar with snacks are all included. Food and drinks beyond the bar snacks are available to purchase.

Is the Cape May whale watching boat accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the 110-foot Cape May Whale Watcher has full wheelchair access, accessible restrooms and accessible transportation options to and from the dock. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

What should I wear for a 3-hour ocean cruise in Delaware Bay?

Bring layers because the boat operates in most weather conditions and ocean temperatures shift. The vessel has air conditioning and heat inside, but the upper deck where sightings happen is open to the elements, so dress for wind and spray.

Can I buy food and drinks on the whale watching boat?

The boat has a full bar with snacks and libations available to purchase. Souvenir photos are also available for purchase on board, but no outside food or drinks are permitted.