Private Boat Tours in Avalon NJ: Dolphin Encounters

You choose what happens on the water

A private boat tour in Avalon, New Jersey where you customize the route and activities instead of following a fixed itinerary. The yacht navigates shallow bays and tributaries between Townsends Inlet and Cape May Point, passing osprey, herons and bottle-nose dolphins. You decide whether to cruise, swim, tube, watch for wildlife or anchor and relax for the afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour and dolphin encounter

• Board the state-of-the-art yacht
• Cruise along New Jersey coastline
• View harbors and gorgeous homes
• Spot birds and marine creatures
• Enjoy cruising, swimming, and tubing
• Encounter bottlenose dolphins
• Relax and enjoy music and beverages
• Take photos and record memories

The experience

The boat leaves from Avalon and heads into the back bays and tributaries along the New Jersey coastline. Most tours stick to a set route, but this one lets you steer the day: you pick whether to focus on dolphin encounters, cruise past the waterfront homes that line the harbors, stop for swimming or tubing, or simply anchor and soak up the sun. The yacht's shallow draft reaches places standard tour boats can't access, so you get closer views of the wildlife and the shoreline. Soda and snacks are on board. You can bring your own food and drinks to make the afternoon exactly what you want.

The captain speaks English and knows the waters well enough to find dolphins and birds (osprey, great blue herons and egrets are common), but the day is built around what you want to do. Some groups spend the afternoon in the water. Others stay on the spacious, unobstructed deck with cameras and music. The yacht is regularly maintained and inspected, and the crew prioritizes safety and comfort so you can relax without worrying about the logistics.

What’s included

• Soda and snacks.
• live English-speaking guide.
• use of the spacious deck with unobstructed views.
• access to shallow bays and tributaries the captain navigates to based on your chosen activities.

Options for this experience

2 options

Dolphin Encounters and Scenic Boat ToursGuide in English · 08:00, 13:00 and 17:00Lasts 4 hours and includes snacks, water and soft drinks. Explores the waterfront of Avalon Yacht

Bar Hopping ExcursionGuide in English · 12:00Lasts 6 hours with a stop at a local waterfront venue. Food and drinks are at the guest's expense. Travels the Intercoastal Waterway on a custom 34' yacht

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 12:00, 13:00 and 17:00

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

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.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Rising Tide Charters

Is this one for you?Book the Scenic Boat Tours option if you want to customize the route and activities (dolphin watching, swimming, cruising or anchoring to relax) rather than follow a set itinerary. The Bar Hopping Excursion is the choice if you'd rather visit waterfront venues along the way.

Top questions

What dolphins might we see on the boat tour in Avalon?

Bottle-nose dolphins are common in the back bays and tributaries between Townsends Inlet and Cape May Point, especially during the tour season. The captain knows where they typically feed and rest, though sightings are never guaranteed: the dolphins move freely through the water.

Can we swim and tube during the tour?

Yes. Swimming and tubing are among the favorite activities guests choose during the tour. You decide whether to include them in your day, and the captain will anchor in a suitable spot if that's what your group wants to do.

How long is the private boat tour?

The tour runs for four hours. That gives you time to explore the coastline, spot wildlife, and do whatever activities you've chosen without feeling rushed.

What's included on the boat?

Soda and snacks are provided. You're welcome to bring your own food and beverages to enjoy during the tour, and the spacious deck has room to relax, take photos or listen to music from the onboard stereo.

What birds and wildlife will we see besides dolphins?

Osprey, great blue herons and egrets are common sights along the coastline and in the bays. The captain can point out where they nest and feed, though the exact wildlife you encounter depends on the season and the time of day.