A recent survey ranks whales’ bellies ahead of safety deposit boxes and mattresses as the preferred place to store valuables. Experience one of nature’s most priceless resources with this Groupon.
Choose from Four Options
- $30 for the 10 a.m. Dolphin Watch Cruise or the 6 p.m. Sunset Dolphin Watch Cruise for two (up to a $60 value)
- $55 for one of the above 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. cruises for four (up to a $120 value)
- $40 for the 1 p.m. Whales, Bird & Dolphins Cruise for two (up to an $80 value)
- $74 for the above 1 p.m. cruise for four (up to a $160 value)<p>
During two- or three-hour tours, experienced captains ferry passengers into the thick of where whales breach and dolphins play for an intimate and exciting viewing experience. As the boat circles the island of Cape May, a knowledgeable naturalist guide helps passengers spot breaching dolphins or whales and keeps guests informed on passing sea birds and other creatures. The 10 a.m. cruise includes a complimentary continental breakfast of juice, coffee, and donuts and the 6 p.m. cruise includes dinner items such as hot dogs and pizza. Children 7–12 attend at a discounted rate. One child 6 and under is admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. </p>
Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center
The researchers behind Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center use their whale-, dolphin-, and bird-watching tours as a way to both delight passengers and preserve the marine life that frequents the Atlantic coast. Onboard naturalists instruct guests in spotting techniques, showing them how to anticipate where a dolphin will crest or a whale will breach to capture National Geographic- or Cosmopolitan-worthy pictures. The team is so certain of sightings, that marine mammal views are guaranteed or passengers’ next trips are free.
On most cruises, cash snack-bar attendants serve food such as hotdogs and ice cream or other comestibles. Meanwhile, onboard cameras and GPS units monitor whale, dolphin, and porpoise activity below the surface, and findings are relayed to scientists through Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center’s partnerships with Whale Sense and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.
Though Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center sometimes features a discounted price online, this Groupon still offers the best deal available.
The Starlight Fleet
The ships that comprise The Starlight Fleet's squadron of vessels each transport passengers across the waves on a variety of sea adventures. The Starlight ferries fisherman on four-hour excursions to hook sea bass, flounder, croakers and triggerfish, the captain using sonar, GPS, and a knowledge of the currents to identify prime fishing real estate. The Atlantic Star typically serves as a whale-watching vessel and is kitted out with a snack-filled galley and a touch tank filled with horseshoe crabs and other local sea life.
The company even boasts its very own pirate ship, The Dark Star, a custom-designed vessel built by Naval Architect Michael LeMole. It takes passengers on swashbuckling adventures during which they learn what a swash is and how to buckle it, as well as participate in treasure hunts and face painting.