2 or 3 Hour Cape May Whale, Dolphin & Bird Watching Cruises - Guaranteed Wildlife Sightings!
Dorismel
Embark on a thrilling marine adventure with Cape May Whale Watch, offering unique cruises designed to bring you face-to-face with whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Experience expert-led research expeditions that combine breathtaking sightings with insightful marine biology.
Highlights
2 or 3 hour whale, dolphin and bird watching cruise with expert-guides dedicated to responsible marine mammal viewing techniques
Guaranteed marine mammal sightings ensuring your adventure is unforgettable!
Comfortable cruising aboard the American Star, equipped with a restroom, full galley, bar, and gift shop
All cruises have an onboard marine biologist and naturalist to lead the cruise with science-based education
Dog and Family Friendly - Children 6 and under cruise for free!
A perfect gift for nature enthusiasts and families, providing an unforgettable educational experience on the high seas!
What To Expect
Plan Your Visit
- Operating HoursTypical departure times:
2 Hour Cruise - 10AM and 6PM
3-Hour Cruise - 1.30PM
Tours run year round. Times may vary by date/season - book your slot after purchase to confirm the timings! - Duration2 Hour I 3 Hour
- ParkingThere is free parking available onsite in the designated Whale Watch parking lot. An attendant will be there to guide you to the appropriate free parking lot.
- AccessibilityThe boat is accessible for standard manual wheelchairs
(Due to their weight, power wheelchairs cannot be accommodated at this time)
Ticket Options
2-Hour Coastal Dolphin & Bird Watching Cruise
2-hour journey focusing on the residential Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin population and diverse bird species along the beautiful Cape May coastline.
Gain a different vantage point of America's Oldest Seaside Resort.
Morning cruises (10AM) include complimentary coffee, juice, and danishes
Evening cruises (6PM) offer complimentary pizza and hot dogs!
3-Hour Offshore Whale & Dolphin Research Cruise
An extended 3-hour expedition typically 3-15 miles offshore.
Cruise along the shoreline searching for Coastal Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins before heading offshore in search of migratory Baleen Whales.
Research interns from around the world lead a hands-on touch-tank featuring live local sea creatures.
Possible sightings include:
How It Works
1. Grab the Deal
Buy your Groupon first!
2. Plan your visit
Contact the merchant following the instructions on your Groupon.
3. Redeem your Mobile Ticket
Scan your Groupon upon arrival.
4. Enjoy the Experience!
FAQs
Can I bring outside food or drinks onboard the cruise?
Yes, outside food and beverages are allowed onboard, however, no coolers or outside alcoholic beverages are permitted.
Do I need to wear a life-jacket onboard?
No. There are life-jackets for every passenger onboard and they are used for emergency purposes only. The United States Coast Guard annually inspects all safety equipment onboard the American Star, and your captain will give a detailed safety briefing as your cruise departs.
When is the best time to see dolphins?
We sight Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins daily from March to December 98% of the time. The beauty of our cruises is that you are traveling through these animals natural habitat and each trip is different from the next!
Are the cruises educational?
Absolutely! Both the 2-hour and 3-hour cruises feature an onboard marine biologist and naturalist from the research team who provide a science-based educational experience, making it an engaging and informative outing for all ages.
What's the difference between the 2-hour and 3-hour cruises?
The 2-hour cruise focuses on coastal Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and bird species along the Cape May coastline, with complimentary food offerings (coffee/danishes for morning, pizza/hot dogs for evening). The 3-hour cruise ventures further offshore (3-15 miles) in search of migratory Baleen Whales, in addition to dolphins, offering a deeper research-oriented experience.
Embark on a thrilling marine adventure with Cape May Whale Watch, offering unique cruises designed to bring you face-to-face with whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Experience expert-led research expeditions that combine breathtaking sightings with insightful marine biology.
Highlights
2 or 3 hour whale, dolphin and bird watching cruise with expert-guides dedicated to responsible marine mammal viewing techniques
Guaranteed marine mammal sightings ensuring your adventure is unforgettable!
Comfortable cruising aboard the American Star, equipped with a restroom, full galley, bar, and gift shop
All cruises have an onboard marine biologist and naturalist to lead the cruise with science-based education
Dog and Family Friendly - Children 6 and under cruise for free!
A perfect gift for nature enthusiasts and families, providing an unforgettable educational experience on the high seas!
What To Expect
Plan Your Visit
- Operating HoursTypical departure times:
2 Hour Cruise - 10AM and 6PM
3-Hour Cruise - 1.30PM
Tours run year round. Times may vary by date/season - book your slot after purchase to confirm the timings! - Duration2 Hour I 3 Hour
- ParkingThere is free parking available onsite in the designated Whale Watch parking lot. An attendant will be there to guide you to the appropriate free parking lot.
- AccessibilityThe boat is accessible for standard manual wheelchairs
(Due to their weight, power wheelchairs cannot be accommodated at this time)
Ticket Options
2-Hour Coastal Dolphin & Bird Watching Cruise
2-hour journey focusing on the residential Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin population and diverse bird species along the beautiful Cape May coastline.
Gain a different vantage point of America's Oldest Seaside Resort.
Morning cruises (10AM) include complimentary coffee, juice, and danishes
Evening cruises (6PM) offer complimentary pizza and hot dogs!
3-Hour Offshore Whale & Dolphin Research Cruise
An extended 3-hour expedition typically 3-15 miles offshore.
Cruise along the shoreline searching for Coastal Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins before heading offshore in search of migratory Baleen Whales.
Research interns from around the world lead a hands-on touch-tank featuring live local sea creatures.
Possible sightings include:
How It Works
1. Grab the Deal
Buy your Groupon first!
2. Plan your visit
Contact the merchant following the instructions on your Groupon.
3. Redeem your Mobile Ticket
Scan your Groupon upon arrival.
4. Enjoy the Experience!
FAQs
Can I bring outside food or drinks onboard the cruise?
Yes, outside food and beverages are allowed onboard, however, no coolers or outside alcoholic beverages are permitted.
Do I need to wear a life-jacket onboard?
No. There are life-jackets for every passenger onboard and they are used for emergency purposes only. The United States Coast Guard annually inspects all safety equipment onboard the American Star, and your captain will give a detailed safety briefing as your cruise departs.
When is the best time to see dolphins?
We sight Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins daily from March to December 98% of the time. The beauty of our cruises is that you are traveling through these animals natural habitat and each trip is different from the next!
Are the cruises educational?
Absolutely! Both the 2-hour and 3-hour cruises feature an onboard marine biologist and naturalist from the research team who provide a science-based educational experience, making it an engaging and informative outing for all ages.
What's the difference between the 2-hour and 3-hour cruises?
The 2-hour cruise focuses on coastal Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and bird species along the Cape May coastline, with complimentary food offerings (coffee/danishes for morning, pizza/hot dogs for evening). The 3-hour cruise ventures further offshore (3-15 miles) in search of migratory Baleen Whales, in addition to dolphins, offering a deeper research-oriented experience.
Need To Know Info
- 3 day hassle-free refund guarantee - Free cancellation for up to 3 days after purchase for unredeemed vouchers.
- Advance reservation required for use.
- Must wait 24 hours after purchase before using the voucher.
- Not valid on Memorial Day Weekend, July 3-4, or Labor Day Weekend.
- Merchant's cancellation policy applies. No refunds will be issued for missing the boat or no-shows. Tickets can be rescheduled to another trip with at least 48hrs notice.
- Cruises may be canceled for weather; if that occurs, you’ll receive instructions on how to reschedule for free.
- Must arrive 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure and check in at the blue ticket booth found at 1231 Route 109, Cape May.
- Ages 7+ require a voucher; children under 6 may board for free when accompanied by a paying adult. 1 free child per 1 paying adult.
- Marine Mammal Guarantee: If no whales or dolphins are sighted, you’ll receive instructions on how to get a voucher for a free return trip that never expires.
- May be repurchased every 30 days.
- Limit 10 per person.
- Food inclusions apply only to 10:00AM (breakfast items) and 6:00PM (pizza/hot dogs) 2-hour cruises on operating days.
About Cape May Whale Watch And Research Center, New Jersey
The Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center began in 1987 as Cape May’s original eco-tour operation. What makes the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center stand out from others is its strong emphasis on science, research, education, and conservation. The operation is family-owned and operated by Captains Matt and Melissa. The American Star offers an unparalleled experience aboard a floating marine Research Center where onboard marine biologists and naturalists give an in-depth narration of both the biological and historical significance of everything occurring right before your eyes. Our passengers become part of the research team on board and through their patronage support our ongoing research and conservation efforts. Join us in Cape May to explore the wonders of the marine life all around us.