2 or 3 Hour Cape May Whale, Dolphin & Bird Watching Cruises - Guaranteed Wildlife Sightings!

1231 Route 109 South Jersey Marina, Cape May

Cape May Whale Watch And Research Center, New Jersey

4.8
1,043 Groupon Ratings
Select Option
Over 200 views today, so act now!
Give as a Gift
  • Instant: Great for last-minute gifts. Simply print or send the voucher after purchase.
  • Customizable: Personalize the message and appearance to make your gift truly special.
  • Exchangeable: Hassle-free returns and exchanges for the giftees.

Highlights

Embark on a thrilling marine adventure with Cape May Whale Watch, offering unique cruises designed to bring you face-to-face with whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Experience expert-led research expeditions that combine breathtaking sightings with insightful marine biology.

About This Deal

Highlights

  • 2 or 3 hour whale, dolphin and bird watching cruise with expert-guides dedicated to responsible marine mammal viewing techniques
  • Guaranteed marine mammal sightings ensuring your adventure is unforgettable!
  • Comfortable cruising aboard the American Star, equipped with a restroom, full galley, bar, and gift shop
  • All cruises have an onboard marine biologist and naturalist to lead the cruise with science-based education
  • Dog and Family Friendly - Children 6 and under cruise for free!
  • A perfect gift for nature enthusiasts and families, providing an unforgettable educational experience on the high seas!

What To Expect

Prepare for an extraordinary journey off the coast of Cape May, where the Atlantic's wonders await. Feel the ocean breeze as you scan the horizon, guided by an onboard marine biologist and naturalist who transforms every sighting into a fascinating, science-based educational experience. This isn't just a boat ride; it's an immersive expedition into the heart of marine conservation.

What to expect image

Aboard the well-equipped American Star, certified by Whale SENSE for responsible marine mammal viewing, you'll benefit from the expertise of a dedicated research team and interns. Keep an eye out for potential sightings beyond dolphins and whales, including various sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and a spectacular array of bird life. With a full galley, bar, and gift shop onboard, every comfort is considered, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable voyage into the rich marine ecosystem of Cape May.

Plan Your Visit

  • Operating Hours

    Typical departure times:
    2 Hour Cruise - 10AM and 6PM,
    3-Hour Cruise - 1:30PM.
    Tours run March-December. Times may vary by date/season - book your slot after purchase to confirm the timings!

  • Duration

    2 Hours | 3 Hours

  • Parking

    There is free parking available onsite in the designated Whale Watch parking lot. An attendant will be there to guide you to the appropriate free parking lot.

  • Accessibility

    The boat is accessible for standard manual wheelchairs (Due to their weight, power wheelchairs cannot be accommodated at this time)

Important Information — Must arrive 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure and check in at the blue ticket booth found at 1231 Route 109, Cape May!

Ticket Options

2-Hour Coastal Dolphin & Bird Watching Cruise

2-hour journey focusing on the residential Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin population and diverse bird species along the beautiful Cape May coastline. Gain a different vantage point of America's Oldest Seaside Resort.

Morning cruises (10AM) include complimentary coffee, juice, and danishes.

Evening cruises (6PM) offer complimentary pizza and hot dogs!

3-Hour Offshore Whale & Dolphin Research Cruise

An extended 3-hour expedition typically 3-15 miles offshore. Cruise along the shoreline searching for Coastal Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins before heading offshore in search of migratory Baleen Whales. Research interns from around the world lead a hands-on touch-tank featuring live local sea creatures.

Possible sightings include:

  • Bottlenose Dolphins: Coastal and Transient
  • Whales: Humpback, Fin, Minke or critically endangered Right
  • Bird Life: Wilsons Storm Petrels, Jaegers, Shearwaters, American Bald Eagles, Osprey, American Oystercatchers, Brown Pelicans, Cormorants and other seasonal species
  • Sharks: Hammerhead, Dusky, Spinner, or Great White
  • Sea Turtles: Loggerhead, Leatherback, or Green * Oceanic Sunfish or Mola mola
  • Stingrays: Cow-nosed, Manta ray

How It Works

  1. Grab the Deal

    Buy your Groupon first!

  2. Plan your visit

    Contact the merchant following the instructions on your Groupon.

  3. Redeem your Mobile Ticket

    Scan your Groupon upon arrival.

  4. Enjoy the Experience!

    Enjoy your whale and dolphin watching cruise!

FAQs

Can I bring outside food or drinks onboard the cruise?

Yes, outside food and beverages are allowed onboard, however, no coolers or outside alcoholic beverages are permitted.

Do I need to wear a life-jacket onboard?

No. There are life-jackets for every passenger onboard and they are used for emergency purposes only. The United States Coast Guard annually inspects all safety equipment onboard the American Star, and your captain will give a detailed safety briefing as your cruise departs.

When is the best time to see dolphins?

We sight Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins daily from March to December 98% of the time. The beauty of our cruises is that you are traveling through these animals natural habitat and each trip is different from the next!

Are the cruises educational?

Absolutely! Both the 2-hour and 3-hour cruises feature an onboard marine biologist and naturalist from the research team who provide a science-based educational experience, making it an engaging and informative outing for all ages.

What's the difference between the 2-hour and 3-hour cruises?

The 2-hour cruise focuses on coastal Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and bird species along the Cape May coastline, with complimentary food offerings (coffee/danishes for morning, pizza/hot dogs for evening). The 3-hour cruise ventures further offshore (3-15 miles) in search of migratory Baleen Whales, in addition to dolphins, offering a deeper research-oriented experience.

Fine Print

Promotional value expires 180 days after purchase. Amount paid never expires.
  • 3 day hassle-free refund guarantee - Free cancellation for up to 3 days after purchase for unredeemed vouchers.
  • Advance reservation required for use.
  • Must wait 24 hours after purchase before using the voucher.
  • Not valid on Memorial Day Weekend, July 3-4, or Labor Day Weekend.
  • Merchant's cancellation policy applies. No refunds will be issued for missing the boat or no-shows. Tickets can be rescheduled to another trip with at least 48hrs notice.
  • Cruises may be canceled for weather; if that occurs, you’ll receive instructions on how to reschedule for free.
  • Must arrive 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure and check in at the blue ticket booth found at 1231 Route 109, Cape May.
  • Ages 7+ require a voucher; children under 6 may board for free when accompanied by a paying adult. 1 free child per 1 paying adult.
  • Marine Mammal Guarantee: If no whales or dolphins are sighted, you’ll receive instructions on how to get a voucher for a free return trip that never expires.
  • May be repurchased every 30 days.
  • Limit 10 per person.
  • Food inclusions apply only to 10:00AM (breakfast items) and 6:00PM (pizza/hot dogs) 2-hour cruises on operating days.
Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings

About Cape May Whale Watch And Research Center

The Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center began in 1987 as Cape May’s original eco-tour operation. What makes the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center stand out from others is its strong emphasis on science, research, education, and conservation. The operation is family-owned and operated by Captains Matt and Melissa. The American Star offers an unparalleled experience aboard a floating marine Research Center where onboard marine biologists and naturalists give an in-depth narration of both the biological and historical significance of everything occurring right before your eyes. Our passengers become part of the research team on board and through their patronage support our ongoing research and conservation efforts. Join us in Cape May to explore the wonders of the marine life all around us.

Groupon Customer Reviews

4.8
1,043 Groupon Ratings
100% Verified Reviews
All Groupon reviews are from people who have redeemed deals with this merchant. Review requests are sent by email to customers who purchased the deal.

Customer Photos

  • Photo submitted by Lunie
  • Photo submitted by Watline
  • Photo submitted by Guest
  • Photo submitted by Lynne
  • Photo submitted by Lynne
    See All Photos