The Jersey Shore area is always filled with many activities for one to do. Whale watching is a perfect summer activity for all the enjoy. In the months of June to September, whale watching is at its peak. As guests travel along the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, these sea creatures may be in sight. Read on for a list of spots to go whale watching in the Jersey Shore area.
Belmar
Travel fifteen minutes north of Sea Girt, and you can embark on your own aquatic adventure with charters out of the Belmar Marina. Jersey Shore Whale Watch Tour is the most established of these experiences, offering three-hour voyages, seven days a week, throughout the season.
According to the Captain’s log, the company claims a ninety percent chance of a whale sighting and promises a second trip free of charge if your trip falls in the unlucky ten percent of outings. Rates range from $35 to $65 per person depending on individual age and timing.
Cape May
Recent customers say that the aptly named Cape May Whale Watcher is “whale watching at its finest.” During the three-hour sail, the knowledgeable Captain and naturalists will discuss local history and wildlife as passengers are free to roam between two levels of viewing decks. As with Belmar’s operation, the Cape May Whale Watcher’s crew pledges a second trip if passengers do not encounter a whale, dolphin, or porpoise.
Passes start at $25 for children and $45 for adults, but these rates are subject to change based on the exact package selected. Children six and under are not charged admission.
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Highlands
Many professionals frequent the commuter ferry, but some might not be aware that Seastreak has a specialty whale-watching cruise. As of this year, these boats depart from both the New York and New Jersey terminals, making the whale-watching trip accessible for Hoboken residents. Over the three hours aboard, observers have been known to see a variety of species, including Humpback Whales and Bottlenose Dolphins. Seastreak also promises a most comfortable ride, noting that their state-of-the-art vessels provide “all of the comforts of home, just with a better view.”
The fully stocked bar and concession stand are open for all excursions. Tickets cost $30 for children, $55 for adults, and $50 for seniors.
Ocean City
Ocean City’s Screamer Speedboat is quite a sight to behold. Painted to resemble a menacing green sea monster, the 44-foot powerboat seats 38 guests, all eager to experience a thrill. Over the course of a fifty-minute high-speed ride, passengers are likely to encounter dolphins playing in the Screamer’s wake. Whales, too, might surface to say hello.
The Screamer offers a safe and especially speedy ride, so mammal sightings are not guaranteed. That said, the crew claims that they often find interesting wildlife while touring the shoreline, and they do base their routes on reported activity. The cost of admission is $39 for adults and $34 for children.
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Wildwood Crest
The Starlight Fleet encourages “hands-on learning” at sea; the ship even has a touch tank on board to supplement this approach. A marine biologist and educator lead each dolphin and whale watch, lending ecosystem insight and expertise. The two-hour sail comes with complimentary concessions, and a recent partnership with Mudhen Brewing Co. will allow adult guests to enjoy the brewery’s signature beers while aboard.
Marine mammal sightings are once again guaranteed with a second trip if necessary. Boats depart four times a day with tickets costing $35 for adults and $25 for kids (aged seven to twelve). Rates for younger children’s tickets vary based on the total group size.
