Eco Tours
3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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$50
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Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center
Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center
Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center
4.5
Boat ToursEco ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Full view
About
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 a 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. Undergraduate research interns collect data on all of our trips and lead hands-on learning stations. 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.
Cape May, New Jersey
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center
Eco Tours
2 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$40
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
309 reviews
Excellent
187
Very good
67
Average
27
Poor
11
Terrible
17
Barkley S
Bordentown, NJ73 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Our tour boat stopped so the first mate could retrieve a balloon from the ocean which made him our hero! This was an amazing day! Saw tons of dolphins and happen to time it with sting ray migration by the 100’s! No whales that day but we will be back to try again! The crew is friendly and knowledgeable. All covid safety precautions are in place. NJ if you’re looking for a staycationing in these times, I highly recommend starting here and being a tourist at home!
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimberly F
Allentown, PA3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
It’s a beautiful vessel and the staff are so wonderful always willing to help answer questions. The naturalist Melissa and Kathy are great at explaining the dolphins and all the scenery to when it was built and why it still stands there today the dolphins and the whales you might see during your trip. Captain Matt does a great job watching out to see if a whale is possible sighting along with other vessels that care in the water they all work together so you could have a beautiful experience and wanting to return for another trip . I have been going for serveral trip I have seen humpback whales finback whales and the beautiful dolphins and there babies sting rays in the water . Turtles swimming in the water it’s just a beautiful place to go and check out . They have food on the vessels and drinks souvenirs . You won’t regret your trip those beautiful blue waters makes it so peaceful and the beautiful sightseeing . I couldn’t express how much you will enjoy yourself and your family they have a tank up on the top deck that you can see and learn so much more. The staff go beyond there call to make sure you are happy and having a great time and Dale he’s wonderful also the way he jumps into action when they find balloons and anything else that the dolphins or any creature of the ocean could get hurt on by getting it out as Captain Matt slows up the vessel . I could go on and on but I don’t want to spoil the experience you would have it you just came on a vessel ride out in the deep blue ocean you won’t be disappointed I can promise you that. Book your trip today for the next seasons or if your excited they still have vessels ride going on but they will be ending soon .
Written September 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John G
Hazlet, NJ19 contributions
Dec 2021
Professionally run. Staff are extremely approachable. The crew is very engaging, and you can just feel their passion. These guys truly love what they do, and it shows in how they react to every single wildlife sighting. Very positive energy and a wealth of knowledge abounded.
Written January 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sean C
Staten Island, NY539 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Nature doesn't always share her bounty, but the Cape May Whale Watch (the Blue boat), is a class act.
While our 1:30pm outing didn't produce more than several bottlenosed-dolphin pods in the lower Delaware Bay, the trip was relaxing and sometimes interesting. I'm certain that these pods are pretty much always there, thus applicable to the "sightings" rate touted on their web site. Also, the ship was not crowded, which lent to a relaxed atmosphere.
The captain and the on-board naturalists were informative and pleasant. Halfway through the cruise, the naturalists showed some whale baleen, which was an interesting distraction.
The scote reflects, in my opinion, an average tour, but not the performance of the ship or its crew. We didn't expect much by way of sightings going out, but the captain brought us way out and back again safely, and now we can say that we did it! The price was right, too, especially with the 20% discount.
If you're looking for a nice boat ride, with plenty of dolphins, and a CHANCE of sighting a whale during mid-summer, you can't do worse with the blue boat.
While our 1:30pm outing didn't produce more than several bottlenosed-dolphin pods in the lower Delaware Bay, the trip was relaxing and sometimes interesting. I'm certain that these pods are pretty much always there, thus applicable to the "sightings" rate touted on their web site. Also, the ship was not crowded, which lent to a relaxed atmosphere.
The captain and the on-board naturalists were informative and pleasant. Halfway through the cruise, the naturalists showed some whale baleen, which was an interesting distraction.
The scote reflects, in my opinion, an average tour, but not the performance of the ship or its crew. We didn't expect much by way of sightings going out, but the captain brought us way out and back again safely, and now we can say that we did it! The price was right, too, especially with the 20% discount.
If you're looking for a nice boat ride, with plenty of dolphins, and a CHANCE of sighting a whale during mid-summer, you can't do worse with the blue boat.
Written July 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mstraussberg
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We signed up for this activity at the very last minute and they were very accommodating and even gave us a 20% discount. Although we didn't see any whales, we saw a lot of dolphins, which was great. We saw many that were relatively close to shore and then another large group farther out in the ocean. The ship was not very crowded and so we could always get good views. I found the naturalist who spoke during the excursion very interesting and informative. They also has some other naturalists who showed a piece of baleen and horseshoe craps from a touch tank.
Written July 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha F
4 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Great experience even for a New Jersey native! We were able to see lots of dolphins just off the coast of Cape May. The interns and tour leaders did a great job of pointing out where the dolphins were and even gave some info about the cataloging of certain dolphins who may be considered New Jersey locals as well. Unfortunately there were no whales spotted on our tour but plenty of info was shared about the kinds of whales in the area.
Written July 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne U
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Friends
Excellent experience. While whales eluded us, we saw many dolphins up close, including a newborn calf, and a variety of sea birds. The view of the southern Jersey coastline from the sea was itself worth the trip. Best of all was Melissa’s narration. She’s an expert in marine life and gave us a running commentary that was consistently interesting and fun. Her interns were very pleasant and helpful. Highly recommend this company.
Written June 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yankeerunner
Los Angeles, CA24 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Magical! Last minute decision to go Dolphin watching and we are so glad we went. Some trepidation that it would be too touristy and lack the naturalist info we wanted and not be respectful of the wildlife...just the opposite. We lucked out by going on a Monday, the boat wasn't crowded and we could move about as we wanted. The website to book the trip gave great, accurate info and when we arrived the staff was very knowledgeable. We had a naturalist talk to us during the trip, pointing out all kinds of wildlife and local landmarks. When we saw the dolphins - and there were a lot the boat slowed, down, and stayed a safe distance respecting the dolphins. We learned so much, the naturalist was great! The ride was so nice, we didn't even need to see dolphins but it was awesome when we did. Great for all ages, 100% recommend
Written August 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
flyingkayak
Leesburg, VA21 contributions
Apr 2023
I took two teens on a spring break adventure and this was a highlight for all of us. We’ve been whale watching before and understand whales might not show up and we are visiting their home but the dolphins put on a show for us and it was wonderful! Thank you to the crew and captain for keeping us safe and showing us the beautiful area around cape may and teaching us so many things. You can tell it’s more than a tourist money making boat and that the crew really care about the environment and wildlife!
Written April 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EPM3
Nassau, NY75 contributions
Aug 2022
My family recently went out hoping to see some whales. We saw numerous dolphins but unfortunately no whales. We were disappointed not to see any whales but we still had a great time. The naturalist on the boat was very informative and the crew were very friendly and professional. I would recommend this trying this boat and maybe you will get lucky and see some whales
Written August 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What are the odds for spotting whales?
Written May 22, 2019
I go out on this boat regularly (about 20 times in last two years). It is not easy to spot whales, but this Captain and crew has always been the first boat to those spotted while I was on board. I have seen whales on two trips (May, August) with one trip being two different humpbacks. They spotted whales last week, but I had no luck on the July 3rd trip. I LOVE this boat and crew. Very knowledgeable, welcoming people who treat the often very diverse guests as well as the animals we view with the utmost of respect. You should give it a try. It is fascinating when you encounter the whales. Each one I have seen had its own routine and was a completely different experience from the others.
Written July 6, 2019
May I pack a lunch and bring it onto the boat?
Written August 18, 2018
No food is to be brought on board. They usually have free light pastry on the morning trip and I think pizza on the evening but I have only done 1pm whale watch trips so far year. They have drinks and food for sale, not stadium type prices, pretty reasonable.
Written July 6, 2019
Are you open all year? When are the tours? We are planning on August 25-28th this summer.
Written June 21, 2016
They have two and three hour tours daily. Extended summer season definitely. Check groupon for deals or their website for more details.
Written August 22, 2018
what are the times for June 14,15,16.n What are the prices. and which whale watching company would you suggest to see the most whales.
Written April 16, 2016
The Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center company is FAR more professional... customer orientated... knowledgeable... and FUN than their 'competition'- (NO competition in our opinion!) the Cape May Whale Watcher. These tours usually know who's seeing what... where... etc... so I wouldn't worry so much about which one is seeing the 'most' but which one is worth giving your money to, which one is SAFER, and which one is more professionally run and has better customer service. :-)
Written August 6, 2017
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