Savvy travelers will find excellent dolphin watching opportunities along Cape May’s bustling coast. The most worthwhile outings include naturalist-led whale and dolphin cruises (3 hours), scenic sunset tours (2 hours), and educational dinner cruises — all departing from local marinas. We especially like the naturalist-guided tours for their expert commentary and consistent dolphin sightings. The sunset tours earn our recommendation for combining wildlife viewing with stunning coastal vistas. Most vessels offer good accessibility, refreshments, and comfortable viewing areas. Let’s explore the best dolphin watching tours Cape May has to offer.
Key Points
- The Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruises offer a top-rated, 3-hour excursion with live commentary and an immersive educational experience in marine wildlife.
- The Cape May Island Sunset Cruise provides a 2-hour scenic tour with free pizza and hot dogs, rated highly for its friendly staff and value.
- The Dinner Cruise With Dolphin Watching includes a scenic tour of Delaware Bay with dinner, highlighting sunset views and local landmarks.
- The Scenic Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise is a 3-hour cruise aboard 110-foot super ships, offering the opportunity to see various whale species.
- The Dolphin and Bird Watching Cruise is a 2-hour excursion to spot dolphins and coastal birds, with a high overall rating of 4.8/5.
Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise From Cape May
One of the top-rated whale and dolphin watching cruises from Cape May is the 645-review, Badge of Excellence-awarded tour that takes travelers on an up-to-3-hour journey to spot these magnificent marine mammals.
The family-friendly cruise features live commentary from certified naturalists and visits the best locations for spotting whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
The fully wheelchair-accessible tour includes onboard bathrooms, a snack bar, and the option to purchase alcoholic drinks.
Ample free parking is available, and the cruise departs from and returns to the 1218 Wilson Dr. meeting point.
With a maximum capacity of 150 travelers, this cruise offers an immersive and educational wildlife-watching experience.
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Cape May: Cape May Island Sunset Cruise & Dolphin Watching
The Cape May Island Sunset Cruise & Dolphin Watching offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the New Jersey coastline.
Spanning 2 hours, the cruise provides stunning views of the Cape May sights, including the historic lighthouse and Victorian houses. Guests can spot local marine life, including dolphins, while enjoying free pizza and hot dogs.
The tour offers spacious air-conditioned cabins, upper decks, and bars for refreshments. With an overall rating of 4.6/5 from over 300 reviews, the cruise is praised for its friendly staff, informative captain, and excellent value.
Travelers should bring their ID and weather-appropriate clothing, and present their GetYourGuide voucher at the red ticket booth to join the adventure.
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Dinner Cruise With Dolphin Watching From Cape May
Departing from the Miss Chris Marina, the Dinner Cruise With Dolphin Watching From Cape May offers travelers a scenic tour of the Delaware Bay.
Guests can enjoy a dinner while witnessing the sunset and local landmarks like the Cape May Lighthouse and Wildwood Beach.
The cruise provides opportunities to spot dolphins and potentially whales, though some travelers have reported disappointment over the lack of whale sightings.
With a maximum capacity of 100 passengers, the cruise is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Priced from $89.95 per person, the tour includes parking, gratuities, and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior.
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Cape May: Jersey Shore Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
Cape May’s whale-and-dolphin-watching cruises provide travelers with unparalleled opportunities to witness the region’s diverse marine life.
Operated by Cape May Whale Watcher, the 3-hour cruises depart from the Miss Chris Marina and traverse the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean aboard 110-foot super ships designed for stability.
For $56.65 per person, guests can spot whales, dolphins, and other creatures while enjoying live commentary from the captain.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 from 175 reviews, the tours offer excellent value, knowledgeable staff, and reliable transportation.
Wheelchair-accessible on the lower deck, the cruises also feature refreshments and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Cape May: Scenic Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
Aboard the spacious 110-foot super ships of Cape May Whale Watcher, travelers embark on a 3-hour cruise to spot whales, dolphins, and other marine life along the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean.
The cruise is priced from Kč 1,194 per person and is wheelchair accessible. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment and cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Expert guides provide insights into the local history and nature, and safety equipment is provided.
While some travelers report mixed experiences with whale sightings, the cruise offers the chance to witness bottlenose dolphins and various whale species, including the critically endangered right whale.
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Cape May: Weekend Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
Offering a 2-hour excursion around Cape May, this weekend whale and dolphin watching cruise provides an up-close look at the area’s marine life.
Priced from €34.68 per person, the cruise allows guests to watch dolphins swimming alongside the boat and learn about their habitat. Visitors can also see Victorian homes, Cape May Lighthouse, and historic waterfront buildings.
The cruise includes a complimentary continental breakfast with coffee or juice, and customers have praised the fun and informative guides.
With free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, this wheelchair-accessible tour is suitable for all ages and offers optional alcoholic beverages.
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Cape May: Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise With Food
This 2-hour Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise in Cape May allows visitors to marvel at colorful sunsets over the coastal town while spotting Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and local bird species.
The cruise, priced from $40 per person, also provides the opportunity to discover Victorian homes and waterfront landmarks, including the Cape May Point Lighthouse and Congress Hall.
Onboard, guests can enjoy pizza and hot dogs as a live tour guide shares insights on marine life and dolphins.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required, the cruise is a convenient and relaxing way to experience Cape May’s natural beauty at sunset.
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Cape May: 2-Hour Dolphin Watching Cruise
Although located just a short distance from the lively promenade of Cape May, the 2-hour Dolphin Watching Cruise offers a tranquil escape to witness the natural wonders of the Atlantic Ocean.
Aboard the 110-foot super ship, the Cape May Whale Watcher, passengers can enjoy a continental breakfast while keeping an eye out for playful dolphins swimming alongside the vessel.
An expert guide provides insights into the local wildlife and history, and the climate-controlled salon and outdoor deck seating ensure a comfortable journey.
With a duration of 2 hours and a price from Kč 876 per person, this tour provides excellent value for money, as evident from the stellar 4.7/5 customer rating.
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Cape May: Sunset Dolphin Cruise With Optional Wine Tastings
For those seeking a more leisurely dolphin-watching experience in Cape May, the Sunset Dolphin Cruise with optional wine tastings provides the perfect opportunity.
The 2-hour cruise takes passengers on a relaxing journey to marvel at the sunset colors and spot Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in their natural habitat. Along the way, the live tour guide offers informative commentary on the local wildlife and historical landmarks.
The optional wine tastings, featuring three award-winning wines paired with cheese and fruit, further enhance the cruise experience with local flavors.
With a price of $57.64 per person, free cancellation, and wheelchair accessibility, this cruise is a convenient and enjoyable way to connect with nature in Cape May.
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Cape May: Dolphin and Bird Watching Cruise
The Dolphin and Bird Watching Cruise in Cape May offers a captivating 2-hour excursion to spot an array of marine life and coastal birds.
Priced from $40 per person, this guided cruise departs from the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center. Guests can expect to see Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and various bird species while taking in scenic views of local landmarks.
The cruise includes a complimentary continental breakfast, coffee, and juice. Flexibility is offered, with a reserve now and pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 from previous guests, this cruise promises an enjoyable and rewarding wildlife-viewing experience.
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Sum Up
Cape May offers numerous options for dolphin watching. Cruises depart from the harbor, providing opportunities to spot these marine mammals up close. Sunset and dinner cruises add to the experience. Whether you’re seeking a short trip or a more comprehensive tour, Cape May has a dolphin watching excursion to suit your preferences.