Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center

Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center Responsible whale and dolphin watching with a focus on research, education, and conservation.
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The Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center was founded in 1987, and we originated the phenomenon "Whale & Dolphin Watching" on the New Jersey Coast. With our Marine Mammal Guarantee, we guarantee you will see marine mammals or your next trip is free! We want all of our passengers to experience the excitement of viewing marine mammals in their natural habitat to spark conservation and inspire futu

re generations for a lifetime. By choosing the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center for your next eco-tour, you are directly supporting marine mammal research and education. Our expert Captains and Marine Biologists collect data with the assistance of undergraduate Research Interns to learn more about the migration and movement of our whales, dolphins and seals. We have expanded our research onboard with a New Jersey Non Profit, the Whale and Dolphin Research Center of Cape May in 2016. Our mission is to promote the conservation of our marine mammals and their environment in Cape May, New Jersey through research, education, and outreach. The Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center has been a proud member of Whale SENSE since 2011. We are committed to a higher standard of marine mammal watching, always viewing our wildlife with the utmost respect and courtesy they deserve.

12/20/2024

The THIRD North Atlantic Right whale calf observed off VIRGINIA BEACH by Mid-Atlantic Whale Monitoring Project! 🍼👏

Need a last minute holiday gift? 🎄🕎 🎁 Only a few days left to take advantage of 20% off all gift card purchases of any v...
12/18/2024

Need a last minute holiday gift? 🎄🕎
🎁 Only a few days left to take advantage of 20% off all gift card purchases of any value with code: HOLIDAY
🎁 Give the ultimate gift of ocean adventure with a season pass! Unlimited whale and dolphin watching (2hr & 3hr trips) for 2025!
➡https://capemaywhalewatch.com/gift-cards/
📞(609)-898-0055

We have identifications for the North Atlantic Right whales! Welcome to Cape May AVALANCHE ( #4440) and the 2022 Calf (C...
12/18/2024

We have identifications for the North Atlantic Right whales! Welcome to Cape May AVALANCHE ( #4440) and the 2022 Calf (Currently unnamed/catalogued) of TRIPELAGO ( #2614)! Migrate safely 🩵

12hr Pelagic Trip Summary - December 14th, 2024Highlights include:2 North Atlantic Right whalesCommon dolphinsRazorbill ...
12/15/2024

12hr Pelagic Trip Summary - December 14th, 2024
Highlights include:
2 North Atlantic Right whales
Common dolphins
Razorbill
Dovekie
Manx Shearwater
Red Phalarope
Black-legged Kittiwake - everywhere!
Bonaparte's gulls
Northern gannet
& So much more!
🐋
We were extremely fortunate to observe not one but TWO CRITICALLY ENDANGERED North Atlantic Right Whale off our coast! The individual whales were identified by the New England Right Whale Research Program as AVALANCHE ( #4440) and the 2022 Calf (Currently unnamed/catalogued) of TRIPELAGO ( #2614)!
North Atlantic Right Whales have an estimated population size of less than 370 individuals with less than a third being breeding females. Vessel strikes and entanglement are two of the top fatalities of Right Whales. One animal did have healed entanglement scars near the tail. The whales were socializing at the surface with many unique tactile behaviors!
The data we collect at the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center is incredibly important for the health of our marine mammal populations in , . We wish these whales a SAFE migration South!
If you see a Right Whale, report it by calling (866)-755-6622, alert the U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic on channel 16 or submit to the Whale Alert app.
🐋
We participate with Whale SENSE and follow all marine mammal viewing guidelines. All photos are cropped from a 500mm lens.
🐋
📸: Naturalist Melissa and Research Intern Mackenzie
Sailing weekends!
➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com
📞(609)-898-0055
🐋
New England Aquarium
Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at NEAQ

❄ December Whale Watching 🐋12hr Marine Mammal and Pelagic Bird Trip: December 14th & 31st3hr Whale, Dolphin, and Bird Cr...
12/13/2024

❄ December Whale Watching 🐋
12hr Marine Mammal and Pelagic Bird Trip: December 14th & 31st
3hr Whale, Dolphin, and Bird Cruise: December 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th, and 29th.
www.capemaywhalewatch.com
See you on the American Star ✨

Our naturalist Dr. Michael Denk was invited by beaked whale expert Anton van Helden to participate in the study of this ...
12/11/2024

Our naturalist Dr. Michael Denk was invited by beaked whale expert Anton van Helden to participate in the study of this extremely rare spade-toothed whale in New Zealand. Dr. Denk’s objectives involved documentation of head anatomy and pathology in this animal, as well as obtaining CT scans. Few individuals of this extremely deep-diving and elusive whale species have ever been found, and they are in great need of this research to better understand and protect them!
🐳
📸 & 📄: https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/10/science/spade-toothed-whale-new-zealand-intl-hnk?cid=ios_app

December Whale & Dolphin Watching ❄🐋This past weekend we observed a pod of inshore Bottlenose dolphins and 2 Humpback wh...
12/09/2024

December Whale & Dolphin Watching ❄🐋
This past weekend we observed a pod of inshore Bottlenose dolphins and 2 Humpback whales! Marine mammals can be observed off Cape May all year! Join us for a winter cruise on the American Star!
📸: Naturalist Dan
www.capemaywhalewatch.com
(609)-898-0055

We participate with Whale SENSE and view our marine mammals respectfully.

The first, of hopefully many, Right whale calves this season. Every individual counts 🍼🩷
12/04/2024

The first, of hopefully many, Right whale calves this season. Every individual counts 🍼🩷

Exciting right whale news! 🎉🐋

The first right whale mom and calf pair of the 2024–2025 calving season was seen off the coast of Georgia on December 1. Aerial observers spotted 31-year-old female Nauset (Catalog #2413) swimming with her fifth known calf off of Sapelo Island.

Learn more about Nauset and stay up to date on this year’s calving season, with information curated by our Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life right whale scientists: https://bit.ly/49ekQnz

📸: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, taken under NOAA permit #26919. Funded by Georgia DNR and NOAA Fisheries.

December whale watching in Cape May ❄️🐋On Sunday we observed 3 Humpback whales, transient Bottlenose dolphins, thousands...
12/03/2024

December whale watching in Cape May ❄️🐋
On Sunday we observed 3 Humpback whales, transient Bottlenose dolphins, thousands of birds including Northern gannets, Scoter ducks, Loons, and so much more! The Humpbacks were hungry and the Bottlenose dolphins were following along, hitching a ride!
📸: Research Interns Michelle and Sam
Sailing weekends at 1:30pm!
➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com
📞(609)-898-0055

We participate with Whale SENSE and follow all regional marine mammal viewing guidelines.

🌊✨This , join us in making waves for marine mammal conservation at the Cape May Marine Mammal Research Center 501c3! 🐬💙...
12/03/2024

🌊✨This , join us in making waves for marine mammal conservation at the Cape May Marine Mammal Research Center 501c3! 🐬💙 Your support empowers our mission to promote the conservation of marine mammals through research, education, and community outreach.
📸 Spotlight on Bottlenose Dolphin Surveys! 🐬📷
Did you know that every dorsal fin is unique like a human fingerprint? Our dedicated team utilizes photo-identification to study our local Bottlenose dolphin populations. We're coming up on our last week of dedicated surveys this season together with the Cape May Point Science Center. By documenting these distinctive dorsal fins, we gain invaluable insights into their behavior, migration, and overall health.
Visit https://shorturl.at/cs3ur to make a tax deductible donation and support our mission today! We thank you for your generosity and positive impact for our marine mammals!

Gift the gift of ocean adventure this holiday season! ⛴🎁Save 20% off Gift Cards of ANY value!🎁2025 Season Passes now ava...
11/29/2024

Gift the gift of ocean adventure this holiday season! ⛴
🎁Save 20% off Gift Cards of ANY value!
🎁2025 Season Passes now available!
Use Promo Code: HOLIDAY

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! 🦃We are grateful for our amazing team, passengers, and of course, the marin...
11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! 🦃
We are grateful for our amazing team, passengers, and of course, the marine mammals and wildlife we all share a passion for.
Have a safe and wonderful holiday and we'll see you this weekend on the American Star! 🐋
https://capemaywhalewatch.com/cruises/whale-dolphin-bird-watch/

A wonderful Sunday well spent with 2 Humpback whales off Cape May and Wildwood. We are ready to whale watch until Decemb...
11/26/2024

A wonderful Sunday well spent with 2 Humpback whales off Cape May and Wildwood. We are ready to whale watch until December 31st. Who's joining us on the American Star?!
📸: Research Interns Michelle, Sam, and Meredith
Sailing weekends at 1:30pm!
➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com
📞(609)-898-0055

We participate with Whale SENSE and view our marine mammals responsibly.

We have a Right whale ID! 😁 Wishing a safe Southern migration to Musketeer!
11/18/2024

We have a Right whale ID! 😁 Wishing a safe Southern migration to Musketeer!

During our 3hr Whale, Dolphin, and Bird watch today, we were extremely fortunate to observe a CRITICALLY ENDANGERED North Atlantic Right Whale off our coast! The whale was identified as #4360, Musketeer, by the New England Right Whale Research Program!
Musketeer was first documented off Nova Scotia in 2013. Still today, her s*x and exact age is not known. Maybe she will be one of the females to give birth in 2025!
North Atlantic Right Whales have an estimated population size of less than 370 individuals with less than a third being breeding females. Vessel strikes and entanglement are two of the top fatalities of Right Whales. This animal did have a healed scar behind the blow holes.
The data we collect at the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center is incredibly important for the health of our marine mammal populations in , . We wish this whale a SAFE migration South!
If you see a Right Whale, report it by calling (866)-755-6622 or alert the U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic on channel 16.
🐋
We participate with Whale SENSE and follow all marine mammal viewing guidelines. Photo is cropped from a 500mm lens.
🐋
New England Aquarium
Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at NEAQ
https://rwcatalog.neaq.org/ #/whales/4360

During our 3hr Whale, Dolphin, and Bird watch today, we were extremely fortunate to observe a CRITICALLY ENDANGERED Nort...
11/18/2024

During our 3hr Whale, Dolphin, and Bird watch today, we were extremely fortunate to observe a CRITICALLY ENDANGERED North Atlantic Right Whale off our coast! The whale was identified as #4360, Musketeer, by the New England Right Whale Research Program!
Musketeer was first documented off Nova Scotia in 2013. Still today, her s*x and exact age is not known. Maybe she will be one of the females to give birth in 2025!
North Atlantic Right Whales have an estimated population size of less than 370 individuals with less than a third being breeding females. Vessel strikes and entanglement are two of the top fatalities of Right Whales. This animal did have a healed scar behind the blow holes.
The data we collect at the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center is incredibly important for the health of our marine mammal populations in , . We wish this whale a SAFE migration South!
If you see a Right Whale, report it by calling (866)-755-6622 or alert the U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic on channel 16.
🐋
We participate with Whale SENSE and follow all marine mammal viewing guidelines. Photo is cropped from a 500mm lens.
🐋
New England Aquarium
Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at NEAQ
https://rwcatalog.neaq.org/ #/whales/4360

November whale watching off Cape May 🐋Fall migration is an exciting time of year. Yesterday we observed a Humpback whale...
11/17/2024

November whale watching off Cape May 🐋
Fall migration is an exciting time of year. Yesterday we observed a Humpback whale, local inshore Bottlenose dolphins, and great bird life including migrating flocks of scoters, Northern gannets and the most loons we have seen so far this fall.
📸: Naturalist Melissa & Dr. Michael
Sailing weekends at 1:30pm!
➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com
📞(609)-898-0055

We participate with Whale SENSE and view our marine mammals responsibly.

Our marine scientist, Dan Iovino, gave a wonderful presentation on our local Humpback whales at the NJ Audubon's Nature ...
11/15/2024

Our marine scientist, Dan Iovino, gave a wonderful presentation on our local Humpback whales at the NJ Audubon's Nature Center of Cape May. Dan is currently a Master’s student at Stockton University studying Data Science and Strategic Analytics 🐋📊
Join us this weekend on the American Star to search for our migratory marine mammals and explore nature off the coast of Cape May. Sailing at 1:30pm!
➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com
📞(609)-898-0055

Join us at the Nature Center today at 12:00pm to hear Dan talk about Cape May’s famous Humpback whales! 🐋
11/14/2024

Join us at the Nature Center today at 12:00pm to hear Dan talk about Cape May’s famous Humpback whales! 🐋

We always enjoy seeing our neighbors, Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center, as they cruise across the harbor. And tomorrow, we welcome them into our classroom for our next Harborside Chat! Dan Iovino will be in studio to bring us up-to-date on the status of our favorite aquatic cousins, dolphins and whales.

Thursday, November 14th at noon!
https://hschats.eventbrite.com

Address

1231 Route 109 (South Jersey Marina)
Cape May, NJ
08204

Telephone

+16098980055

Website

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Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center

Sailing from Cape May and Wildwood Crest, the Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center was founded in 1987 and originated the phenomenon "Whale & Dolphin Watching" on the New Jersey Coast. In 1987, we began monitoring the species of marine mammals that come to this area to learn more about their feeding, migration, and breeding habits. We've come a long way since then, we now partner with Whale SENSE as well as the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (www.whales.org) to continue our research and to promote awareness of protecting whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their environment. The Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center is a proud member of Whale SENSE, 1 of only 2 in the state of New Jersey, the other being our sister ship, the Atlantic Star. Whale SENSE (www.whalesense.org) is a collaborative, voluntary program recognizing commercial whale-watching operations committed to a higher standard of whale watching. The Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center is privileged to be participating in research with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS). As part of a grant funded by NOAA's Whale SENSE & WDCS, we were outfitted with cameras and GPS units to photograph and document the whales we see, and it's already been a huge success! Using photo ID, WDCS researchers matched whales that we photographed off Cape May, NJ to the Gulf of Maine humpback whale catalog and confirmed sightings of 2 young whales named Campfire and Esca.