Dolphin and Whale Watching in New Jersey

Southern New Jersey is an excellent place to go dolphin and whale watching. During the peak summer months there are a number of dolphin and whale watching boats that depart from Atlantic City, Avalon,

Cape May, NJ Cape May --- A charming Jersey Shore beach destination with tree-lined, gas lamp streets, quaint shops, authentic Victorian homes and Bed and Breakfasts. One of it's claims is that it possesses the largest collection of authentic Victorian homes in the nation.

and the Wildwoods --- a popular family oriented Jersey Shore beach destination with an exciting boardwalk and amusements park with beautiful, free beaches.

The ideal time to go view dolphins is from June to September when the ocean temperature exceeds 60 degrees.

Whales are best seen in the spring and fall as they migrate to and from Canada passing through the NJ waters. In the Spring they feed in the cooler Canadian waters and in the fall they give birth in the Caribbean

Southern New Jersey tour operators offer several types of dolphin and whale watching trips. Dolphin tours are shorter and stay closer to shore, while whale and dolphin tours, are longer and go farther out in the ocean up to 20 miles, compared with one mile for the dolphin-only trips.

Ideal conditions for dolphin spotting is in the middle of the day during their feeding and traveling time.

When making reservations, please call ahead to make sure space is available. Also check out the extra amenities offered by the tour operators. Many of the operators offer free food during tours and have cash bars on board. Some permit dogs on board.

Dolphin and Whale Watching Boats

Atlantic City

Atlantic City Cruises
Historic Gardner's Basin
800 N. New Hampshire Avenue
Atlantic City, NJ
609-347-7600
Dolphins Only
Departs from Departs Daily 1 p.m. May 31- September 19 & Wed, Sat and Sunday May 1 - 30 & September 22 - October 9, 2010

Avalon

Dolphin Nature Cruise
Miss Avalon
14th & Ocean Drive
Avalon, NJ
(609) 967 7455
June - July - August 6:30 - 8 pm Tuesday and Thursday Evenings Call to Confirm Schedule This cruise is timed to coincide with active flight and feeding times. View dolphins and seabirds. Identify osprey, American oystercatchers, great and snowy egrets. Learn the difference between great blue, little blue, tri-colored, green, and black crowned night herons.

The Wildwoods

The Atlantic Star
Wildwood Crest
6200 Park Boulevard
Wildwood Crest NJ
(609) 729-7776
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours
Departures at 9:30 am and 1 pm
3rd weekend in June through 4th weekend in September
Children under 6 - FREE with paid adult

Big Blue Sightseer Cruiser
4500 Park Boulevard
Wildwood, NJ
(609) 522-291
Whale and Dolphin Cruise Daily
2 1/2 hour whale watching cruises From May until late September
Three tours a day. Also allows dogs aboard

Cape May

The Cape May Whale Watcher
1286 Wilson Drive
Cape May, NJ
(609) 898-0055
Sailings from March to December.
Dolphin & Whale watching departures at 9:30 am & 1 pm
Junior Rates are for youngsters age 7 - 12, One child (Age 6 and under) with each paid adult.
In the event that no Marine Mammals are sighted, they offer another trip.