Business Details
33 Years
experience
Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruises in Cape May, NJ
Since 1993, Cape May Whale Watcher has provided premier marine wildlife excursions along the New Jersey Shore. Our fleet of high-speed vessels offers guaranteed whale and dolphin sightings, operating under strict NOAA guidelines to ensure responsible wildlife observation. With decades of combined experience, our captains and crew deliver expert navigation and educational commentary about local marine ecosystems and coastal history. We maintain a 100% marine mammal sighting guarantee, offering free return visits if no animals are spotted during your initial cruise. Our facilities include modern amenities like onboard snack bars, restroom facilities, and complimentary refreshments on select tours. We prioritize customer comfort with spacious viewing decks, climate-controlled interiors, and family-friendly programming.Our team's deep local knowledge ensures optimal wildlife viewing locations while maintaining safety and environmental stewardship. We offer diverse cruise options including sunset tours, historical excursions, and private charters for special events. Our commitment to quality is reflected in consistently positive customer feedback regarding vessel cleanliness, crew professionalism, and competitive pricing. We provide free parking and convenient access to dining and retail options at the Miss Chris Marina. Our operational season runs from March through December, adapting schedules to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.
Services
Whale Watching
Dolphin Tours
Sunset Cruises
Private Charters
Historical Excursions
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of marine wildlife observation expertise along the NJ coast
- Largest and fastest fleet specifically designed for marine mammal watching
- 100% marine mammal sighting guarantee with non-expiring return passes
- Expert crews providing educational commentary on marine ecosystems and history
- Modern amenities including climate-controlled interiors and complimentary refreshments
Associations and certifications
- NOAA Northeast Whale Watching Guidelines
What people say
Guaranteed sightings
Knowledgeable captains
Modern amenities
Family-friendly
Educational commentary
Services
Whale Watching
Our whale watching excursions combine adventure with education, offering guaranteed sightings of humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins. Departing from Cape May, our high-speed vessels provide optimal viewing opportunities in prime marine habitats. The 3-hour tours include expert commentary about marine biology and coastal history while maintaining responsible observation distances.
Dolphin Tours
Specialized dolphin watching cruises focus on observing bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Our experienced captains navigate to known dolphin hotspots with guaranteed sightings. The tours include educational commentary about dolphin behavior and ecosystem roles while maintaining NOAA-recommended observation practices.
Sunset Cruises
Daily sunset cruises combine wildlife viewing with scenic coastal vistas. These 3-hour tours guarantee marine mammal sightings while offering complimentary refreshments. Passengers enjoy unobstructed views from spacious decks with expert narration about local wildlife and maritime history during the golden hour.
Private Charters
Tailored private charters accommodate special events including weddings, memorials, and corporate outings. Our fleet offers flexible scheduling and customizable itineraries while maintaining our signature wildlife viewing guarantees. Vessels feature onboard amenities and professional crews for personalized maritime experiences.
Historical Excursions
Collaborative historical tours with the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts combine wildlife observation with coastal history education. These specialized cruises explore maritime heritage sites while guaranteeing marine mammal sightings. Expert guides provide context about lighthouses, shipwrecks, and regional ecological conservation efforts.
People
Capt. Jeff Stewart
Captain
With over 30 years of maritime experience, Capt. Jeff Stewart leads our fleet with expert navigation and marine biology knowledge. He ensures safe, educational tours while maintaining environmental stewardship standards.
Mary Stewart
Co-Owner
Mary Stewart manages daily operations and customer service, ensuring exceptional guest experiences. Her leadership maintains the company's commitment to quality marine wildlife observation tours since 1993.
Questions
What happens if we don't see any marine life?
We offer free return passes with no expiration date if no marine mammals are spotted during your cruise.
What should I bring on the cruise?
Recommended items include sunscreen, binoculars, cameras, and motion sickness medication if needed. Complimentary refreshments are provided on select tours.
Are children allowed on the cruises?
Yes, children are welcome. Kids 6 and under ride free with paying adults on sunset cruises. Life jackets are available for all children.
How do I book a tour?
Reservations can be made online through our website or by calling our toll-free number. Advance booking is recommended during peak seasons.
What amenities are available onboard?
Our vessels feature climate-controlled interiors, restroom facilities, snack bars, and spacious viewing decks with optimal wildlife viewing angles.
Do you operate in bad weather?
Tours operate rain or shine. Captains may adjust routes for safety while maintaining wildlife viewing opportunities. Refunds or rescheduling options are available if tours are canceled.