2-Hour Cape May Dolphin and Bird Watching Cruise
Spot bottlenose dolphins and coastal birds on a guided 2-hour cruise with marine biologists
From$37/ person
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Discover what we've curated for you
Spot bottlenose dolphins and coastal birds on a guided 2-hour cruise with marine biologists
Discover what we've curated for you
2 Hours
Guided cruise, Drinks & pastries
Cruise around Cape May on a 2-hour dolphin and bird watch. Learn from onboard marine biologists while enjoying complimentary drinks and pastries.
Arrive 30 minutes before departure. Trips sail rain or shine; the captain may cancel for severe weather. No coolers or outside alcohol; power wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
Q: Is there parking available onsite?
A: Yes, free parking is available onsite in the designated Whale Watch parking lot with an attendant to guide you.
Q: Are there bathrooms on the boat?
Yes, the American Star has 4 restrooms onboard.
Q: Are there food and drinks onboard?
A: Yes, a full galley, bar, and gift shop are onboard and accept cash or credit card.
Q: Do you guarantee sightings?
A: Yes, there is a Marine Mammal Guarantee. If no marine mammals are sighted, you receive a voucher for a future trip that never expires.
Q: Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
A: There may be steps to board. Standard manual wheelchairs can be lifted onboard; power wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
Q: How far from the coast will the boat go?
A: Typically within 1 mile of the shoreline, with the route varying by wildlife activity and weather.
Q: Can I smoke onboard?
A: No, the American Star is a nonsmoking vessel.
Q: Is the cruise dog friendly?
A: Yes, well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
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 or receive a refund less processing fees.
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.
A wonderful two-hour boat cruise along Cape May. Unfortunately, we didn't see any whales, but we thoroughly enjoyed the pod of dolphins frolicking along the shore. The boat is comfortable, with seating both outdoors and in an enclosed cabin. The bar is reasonably priced, and there are restrooms.
Maxim A
November 17, 2025
A wonderful two-hour boat cruise along Cape May. Unfortunately, we didn't see any whales, but we thoroughly enjoyed the pod of dolphins frolicking along the shore. The boat is comfortable, with seating both outdoors and in an enclosed cabin. The bar is reasonably priced, and there are restrooms.
Maxim A
November 17, 2025