Cruise Cape May at sunset to spot Atlantic bottlenose dolphins with a marine biologist guide.
2 hrs
Pizza & hot dogs, Guide
Sail into sunset aboard the American Star on a 2-hour cruise around Cape May while watching for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. A marine biologist shares insights and local history, and you enjoy complimentary pizza and hot dogs.
Trips sail rain or shine; the captain may cancel in severe weather. Outside alcoholic beverages and coolers are not permitted. Standard manual wheelchairs may be lifted aboard; power wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
Tickets are nonrefundable. You may reschedule with at least 48 hours’ notice. Trips sail rain or shine; if the captain cancels for severe weather, you may reschedule, receive a full-value gift card, or a refund minus processing fees.
Yes, free parking is available in the designated Whale Watch lot with an attendant
Yes, there are 4 restrooms onboard
Dolphins are sighted daily from March to December about 98% of the time
1231 Rt 109 (South Jersey Marina) Cape May, NJ US 08204
The crew here consistently earns praise for their knowledge and enthusiasm, with naturalists like Garret, Conner, and Tom Reed providing educational commentary throughout trips. The boat itself gets high marks for comfort, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, reasonably priced food and drinks, and onsite parking. Guests appreciate the educational focus, with staff conducting sessions for kids and even sharing eBird lists for birders on the longer pelagic excursions. Wildlife sightings vary by season and luck, but the company handles this honestly. Dolphins appear frequently, especially during summer sunset cruises, while whale encounters are less predictable. Several reviewers mentioned not seeing whales but still thoroughly enjoying the experience thanks to the crew's expertise and the beautiful coastal scenery. The operation offers free return tickets when marine life is particularly scarce, which guests find generous. Trip options range from standard two-hour cruises to ambitious 12 and 24-hour pelagic adventures for serious birders and wildlife enthusiasts, giving you flexibility based on your interest level and schedule.
If you are searching for the best whale watching tours in Cape May, look no further than The Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center. They should genuinely be everyone's #1 choice for whale and dolphin watching in Cape May! My family has been on numerous trips with them over the years, and they never disappoint. The entire crew and expert naturalists always go above and beyond to ensure all guests have a fun, educational, and safe experience on the water. Every single marine mammal sighting is handled with the utmost respect for wildlife, and their knowledge of the local marine ecosystem is unmatched. If you want a top-tier Cape May boat tour that offers incredible wildlife encounters, great hospitality, and excellent value, this is it. We wouldn't go anywhere else! Highly recommend!
Bryan Drew
July 6, 2026
If you are searching for the best whale watching tours in Cape May, look no further than The Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center. They should genuinely be everyone's #1 choice for whale and dolphin watching in Cape May! My family has been on numerous trips with them over the years, and they never disappoint. The entire crew and expert naturalists always go above and beyond to ensure all guests have a fun, educational, and safe experience on the water. Every single marine mammal sighting is handled with the utmost respect for wildlife, and their knowledge of the local marine ecosystem is unmatched. If you want a top-tier Cape May boat tour that offers incredible wildlife encounters, great hospitality, and excellent value, this is it. We wouldn't go anywhere else! Highly recommend!
Bryan Drew
July 6, 2026
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