Where to Go: the 13 Best Cape May Dolphin Watching Tours

1.Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 693 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $45Our pick

Meet at Miss Chris Marina for a three-hour Cape May Whale Watcher cruise led by a captain and certified naturalist. You will search for dolphins, whales, porpoises, seabirds, and other marine life while learning about the coast and its maritime past. The large boat has restrooms, indoor seating, and a snack bar.

“My family and I had a great time! Cape May Whale watchers provided a great experience with friendly, professional, kind and informative staff! The gift shop is super cute! No whales but we had plenty of dolphins! Love the sea birds and we even spotted 2 American bald eagles in the marina on the trees nearby! Definitely going back to see the whales! 🐳💙🐬🩵”

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2.Cape May: Cape May Island Sunset Cruise & Dolphin Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 382 reviews · 2 hours · from $40

Join Captain Jeff and the Cape May Whale Watcher for a two-hour sunset cruise off Cape May. Search for bottlenose dolphins, view the lighthouse and Victorian waterfront from the water, and enjoy included pizza and hot dogs. The ship has heated and air-conditioned cabins, broad decks, bars, and an English-speaking guide.

“I Loved That I Got To See Dolphins For The Very First Time Ever 😫 Next Is Swimming With Them .. I Thank You For The Amazing Opportunity 💙”

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3.Cape May: Jersey Shore Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 230 reviews · 3 hours · from $55

Join the Cape May Whale Watcher for a three-hour cruise from Miss Chris Marina into Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The captain and English-speaking narrator point out Victorian waterfront buildings, local history, and marine life. Expect dolphins often, whales only when conditions allow, and a clean, spacious 110-foot vessel with snacks, drinks, and an accessible lower deck.

“I loved it!!!! My boyfriend also loved it and was like a kid at the candy shop!!! Definitely coming back and bringing friends and family!! 🥹🐬🐳🙏”

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4.Cape May: 2-Hour Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 129 reviews · 2 hours · from $36Best value

Set out from Miss Chris Marina aboard the 110-foot Cape May Whale Watcher for a two-hour morning cruise around Cape May. Look for dolphins in the Atlantic, spot the lighthouse and Victorian homes, and hear stories about local wildlife and history. You can sit outside under cover or inside in climate-controlled comfort, with continental breakfast, coffee, and juice included.

“I thought it was great although it was hard to hear the Captain at times.”

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5.Cape May: Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise with Food

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 98 reviews · 2 hours · from $40

Board at the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center for a two-hour evening cruise around Cape May Island. A naturalist or marine biologist explains dolphin behavior, local ecology, and waterfront history while you watch for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, birds, and the Cape May Point Lighthouse. Pizza and hot dogs are included, but drinks are not.

“Amazing sunset cruise! Didn’t see any dolphins nor whales, staff gave us complementary tickets to be back.”

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6.Cape May: Weekend Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 71 reviews · 2 hours · from $36

You’ll cruise Cape May’s coast for two hours with an English-speaking guide, watching dolphins near the boat and scanning for whales. Along the way, you’ll see Victorian homes, the Cape May Lighthouse, and waterfront buildings. Coffee, juice, and a light continental breakfast are included, with parking at Miss Chris Marina.

“The staff was very informative in a fun way, and we learned a lot about the various places and animals we saw. Excited to have seen a whale, too! The option of food and drink purchases was a great addition.”

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7.Dolphin Watching around Cape May

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 59 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45

Join Cape May Whale Watcher for a two-hour cruise around Cape May, starting at 10:00 am from 1218 Wilson Drive. Captain Jeff and the crew point out wild dolphins, beaches, Bald Eagles, Osprey, local history, and the Cape May Lighthouse. Free parking, live narration, and a light continental breakfast are included.

“Sharing the fun and excitement with my granddaughter when seeing the dolphins. The captain was terrific in giving interesting tidbits of info on the tour.”

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8.Dinner Cruise with Dolphin Watching from Cape May

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 57 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $89

Set out from Miss Chris Marina for a roughly 2-hour English-language cruise along Cape May and Delaware Bay. You’ll dine aboard, watch the sun drop over the bay, pass Cape May Lighthouse and broad beaches, and scan for dolphins, whales, ospreys, bald eagles, and other wildlife. Parking is included, and the boat returns to the marina.

“The Captain chose to stay out later because he was able to locate a whale. It was awesome. I highly recommend this cruise.”

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9.Whale Dolphin and Bird Watching Ecotour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $50

Set out from Schellenger Landing in Cape May for a three-hour cruise led by marine biologists. Search the shore for bottlenose dolphins, then head offshore for baleen whales, seabirds, turtles, and stingrays. A touch tank, galley, bar, and open viewing areas make this a useful family outing, even when whales stay away.

“Great time saw lots dolphins and Osprey. Went out about 6 miles into the Atlantic ocean. Well worth the price”

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10.Dolphin and Bird Watching Ecotour Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $40Top rated

Spend about two hours on a Cape May ecotour boat with a marine biologist pointing out dolphins, birds, marine life, and historic landmarks. You get indoor and outdoor viewing, a hands-on horseshoe crab experience, and guaranteed marine mammal sightings. Morning trips include coffee, juice, and danishes, while evening trips include pizza and hot dogs.

“Great size boat with optional inside and outside viewing. Team did a great job of navigating around so all sides of the boat had equal views of dolphin and other wildlife experiences”

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11.Cape May: Scenic Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 27 reviews · 3 hours · from $50

You’ll cruise from Cape May for three hours through Atlantic waters and Delaware Bay, watching for bottlenose dolphins, humpback, fin, minke, and right whales. An English-speaking Naturalist or Marine Biologist explains the wildlife, birds, Victorian shoreline, and coastal landmarks. Parking, safety gear, and the sightseeing cruise are included.

“The staff on board was quite knowledgeable about the whales and dolphins and birds. We saw two whales and the staff kept us out a little longer to get to enjoy the playful show they were giving us. The staff was super excited about the playful whales, making the adventure super exciting. The dolphins were active as well. And we saw a lot of interesting birds. The trip on the water was smooth and relaxing. I would definitely recommend this tour to others. Being on board with the research team was special because they were all so personable and knowledgeable. Thanks for a great afternoon.”

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12.Cape May: Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Optional Wine Tastings

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 12 reviews · 2 hours · from $57

Sail from Cape May for two hours with an English-speaking guide, watching for Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins near Cape May Point. You’ll pass the lighthouse, Victorian waterfront homes, and Southern New Jersey landmarks. Add three local wine tastings with cheese, fruit, and light hors d’oeuvres for a relaxed sunset outing.

“had a good time overall few things I wasn't crazy about like.. could of been better options of wine and Frozen drinks i feel was too loose in consistency, other then that it was a good experience.”

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13.Cape May: Dolphin and Bird Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 11 reviews · 2 hours · from $40

Join a naturalist or marine biologist for a two-hour morning cruise from the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center. Watch for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, see Cape May Point Lighthouse and Victorian homes, and enjoy coffee, juice, and danishes. Bird sightings can be limited, so book this mainly for dolphins and waterfront scenery.

“Overall it was a good event. Saw lots of dolphins. The crew was excellent, and it was an added touch to see the horseshoe crabs at the end. The only disappointment was the part about bird watching. It was advertised as a Dolphin and Bird Watching Cruise but with the except of seeing some osprey nests when we left the dock, there was nothing - not even a mention of birds.”

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