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.

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

11/13/2024

📣 Attention Recreational Fishermen in NY and NJ Steer Clear of Feeding Whales: We have been getting reports of feeding humpbacks close to shore off New York and New Jersey. While feeding on large schools of baitfish, these whales are focused and may have little regard for other things in the area, including boats. Fishermen are advised to pay close attention, slow their speeds near schools of baitfish, and to steer clear of active feeding to avoid entangling or colliding with massive 80,000-pound whale as it rapidly surfaces.

Ways that you can protect your gear and avoid entanglement when fishing:

•Not casting or trolling near or around humpback whales or bubble clouds.
•If a bubble cloud appears while you’re fishing, pull up your gear, if possible.
•Consider changing location if humpback whale presence persists. On rare occasions, whales have collided with stationary vessels.

A collision with a vessel or entanglement in fishing lines can cause serious injuries to the whale and sometimes be fatal. Collisions with whales have also thrown boaters from vessels and caused serious injuries and even death to people. In areas where you suspect whales will be present, slowing to 10 knots helps to prevent collisions by allowing both you and the whale time to react.

Visit the NOAA website for more tips on boating and fishing safely around whales: https://bit.ly/458ypTo

Photo Credit: Celia Ackerman - American Princess Cruises (American Princess Cruises)

Thank you to the Cape May Brewing Co. for hosting a Pint Night to benefit our non profit, Cape May Marine Mammal Researc...
11/12/2024

Thank you to the Cape May Brewing Co. for hosting a Pint Night to benefit our non profit, Cape May Marine Mammal Research Center 501c3. We had a wonderful evening with friends, family, and passengers, who all came together to support our dedicated research surveys and marine mammal conservation. 🍁🐬

A great 6hr Mini Pelagic with the Cape May Bird Observatory! Highlights include:2 Humpback whales Inshore and offshore B...
11/10/2024

A great 6hr Mini Pelagic with the Cape May Bird Observatory! Highlights include:
2 Humpback whales
Inshore and offshore Bottlenose dolphins
Great shearwater
Parasitic Jaeger
Scoter ducks
Feeding frenzies of Northern gannets
Common and Red-throated loons
American wigeon
Double-crested and Great cormorants
1 Collected Mylar balloon
& So much more!
📸: Research Intern Sam
Weekend and weekday availability sailing at 1:30pm!
➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com
📞(609)-898-0055

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

11/08/2024

A pair of large Humpback whales traveling together today, along with a Minke whale that popped up quickly, a Kemp’s Ridley Sea turtle, Northern gannets, Loons and one Parasitic Jaeger. See you on the American Star ⭐️ 🐋

November is for whale watching and beautiful days at sea 🐋🐬 There is so much life to experience off Cape May! Explore wi...
11/08/2024

November is for whale watching and beautiful days at sea 🐋🐬 There is so much life to experience off Cape May! Explore with us on the American Star!
📸: First Mate Connor
🍁
Weekend schedule:
Friday & Saturday: 11/8-11/9
Sunday: 11/10 6hr Mini Pelagic with Cape May Bird Observatory
➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com
📞(609)-898-0055

We’re helping to spread the word for our local marine scientist, Dr. Dana Christensen. Dana is a graduate of Stockton Un...
11/05/2024

We’re helping to spread the word for our local marine scientist, Dr. Dana Christensen. Dana is a graduate of Stockton University's Data Science program and Temple University.
Dana’s project, “Bridging the Gap Between Recreational Anglers and Researchers,” which she presented at the Cape May Point Science Center Marine Science Symposium, is focused on understanding the motivations, preferences, and concerns of New Jersey’s saltwater anglers. Through a short, voluntary survey, Dana is gathering valuable insights anonymously from anglers to help shape the future of conservation. Dana’s work not only helps bridge the divide between anglers and scientists, but also highlights how data science can transform conservation efforts. 🌎🐠
Take her anonymous survey here ➡ https://stockton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_55zDjpQsUU4oHtA

11/05/2024

An Oceanic Sunfish or Mola mola cruising at the surface off Cape May 🐠 This unique fish was a passenger favorite from this weekend! It is one of the largest species of bony fish alive today.
Sailing at 1:30pm!
➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com
📞(609)-898-0055

November 1st marked the beginning of the Seasonal Management Area (SMA) for Cape May. Vessels greater than 65ft in lengt...
11/03/2024

November 1st marked the beginning of the Seasonal Management Area (SMA) for Cape May. Vessels greater than 65ft in length must not travel faster than 10 knots to prevent vessel collision with whales. We observed our Humpback whale close to shore yesterday with many local and transient Bottlenose dolphins! We are seeing more Northern gannets every day and large flocks of Scoters and Cormorants moving offshore.
📸: Naturalist Melissa
Sailing daily at 1:30pm!
➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com
📞(609)-898-0055

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

A beautiful day offshore with a Humpback whale, local Bottlenose dolphins, transient Bottlenose dolphins and many feedin...
10/30/2024

A beautiful day offshore with a Humpback whale, local Bottlenose dolphins, transient Bottlenose dolphins and many feeding frenzies of birds!
📸: Naturalist Melissa and Research Intern Poorva
Sailing daily at 1:30pm!
➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com
📞(609)-898-0055

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

A wonderful weekend on the American Star! Fall migration is one of our favorite times of year. We observed a Humpback wh...
10/28/2024

A wonderful weekend on the American Star! Fall migration is one of our favorite times of year. We observed a Humpback whale, inshore and offshore Bottlenose dolphins, and many migrating butterflies and birds! We are seeing more Northern Gannets, Scoters, Loons, and Cormorants offshore every day!
📸: Naturalist Melissa
Sailing daily at 1:30pm!
➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com
📞(609)-898-0055

Photos from our fluke trifecta on Wednesday! There are MANY whales moving through our area but it was special to see the...
10/25/2024

Photos from our fluke trifecta on Wednesday! There are MANY whales moving through our area but it was special to see these three large whales that were not shy about showing us their fluke! See you on the American Star today! 🐋
📸: Naturalist Melissa
Sailing daily at 1:30pm!
➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com
📞(609)-898-0055

SO. MANY. WHALES! 🐋These last few days have been incredible off Cape May with 6 Humpback whales just yesterday and an el...
10/23/2024

SO. MANY. WHALES! 🐋
These last few days have been incredible off Cape May with 6 Humpback whales just yesterday and an elusive Minke whale on Monday! Pectoral fin slapping, tail throws, lunge feeding, and breaching, these whales have been busy!
📸: Naturalist Dan & Research Intern Mackenzie
Sailing daily at 1:30pm on the American Star!
➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com
📞(609)-898-0055

We participate with Whale SENSE and view our marine mammals responsibly. With so many baleen whales close to shore, it is highly recommended to boaters to travel slow, keep your distance, and be on the look out for spouts.

There is still time to sign up for our 6-hour Mini Pelagic tour on November 10th! Marine Mammal Naturalists from Cape Ma...
10/22/2024

There is still time to sign up for our 6-hour Mini Pelagic tour on November 10th! Marine Mammal Naturalists from Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center with our expert Pelagic Bird Naturalists from the Cape May Bird Observatory will guide you through spotting and photographing the amazing wildlife the Delaware Bay has to offer!

This trip is an excellent choice for the beginner in pelagic birding to try out a longer cruise, as well as a convenient option for the experienced birder to get out on the ocean! Enjoy the comfort of our heated inside cabin and full galley and bar aboard the American Star. Pre-registration is required and can be found through the link below.

Possible sightings during this trip include:
Marine mammals like Baleen Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seals, & Grey Seals
Inshore Birds like Great Cormorant, Common and Red-throated Loons, scoters and other seaducks.
Pelagic Birds like Black-legged Kittiwake, Razorbill, Common Murre, Dovekie, and Iceland Gull.

Check out our events calendar to sign up and we hope you can join us out on the water!

Photos by Aaron Reb & Jack McDonough

10/21/2024

: You're on the American Star for Fall whale watching in Cape May. 🐋
📸: Naturalist Dan
Sailing daily at 1:30pm!
➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com
📞(609)-898-0055

We particapte with Whale SENSE and follow all regional whale watching guidelines.

Stockton University’s Coast Day in Atlantic City followed by a lunge feeding Humpback whale in Cape May 🌊🐋 Who’s ready f...
10/19/2024

Stockton University’s Coast Day in Atlantic City followed by a lunge feeding Humpback whale in Cape May 🌊🐋 Who’s ready for the weekend?!
📸: Naturalist Dan
Sailing this weekend at 10am and 1:30pm!
➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com
📞(609)-898-0055

We participate with Whale SENSE and follow all regional whale watching guidelines.

Good weather and sea conditions yesterday led us to a whale report from the Cape May Bird Observatory's Avalon Seawatch....
10/17/2024

Good weather and sea conditions yesterday led us to a whale report from the Cape May Bird Observatory's Avalon Seawatch. Humpback whales are moving through our area along with hundreds of local and transient Bottlenose dolphins, Northern gannets and even Brown pelicans! 🍁
📸: Research Interns Poorva and Sam
Sailing this weekend at 10am and 1:30pm!
➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com
📞(609)-898-0055

We participate with Whale SENSE and follow all regional whale watching guidelines.

Address

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

Telephone

+16098980055

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Videos

A pair of Humpback Whales - 11/8/24
A pair of Humpback Whales - 11/8/24

A pair of large Humpback whales traveling together today, along with a Minke whale that popped up quickly, a Kemp’s Ridley Sea turtle, Northern gannets, Loons and one Parasitic Jaeger. See you on the American Star ⭐️ 🐋

An Oceanic Sunfish or Mola mola cruising at the surface off Cape May 🐠 This unique fish was a passenger favorite from this weekend! It is one of the largest species of bony fish alive today. Sailing at 1:30pm! ➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com 📞(609)-898-0055

Always have your cameras ready ✨ Sailing this weekend at 1:30pm! See you on the American Star! 📸: Passenger Stacie C

#POV: You're on the American Star for Fall whale watching in Cape May. 🐋 📸: Naturalist Dan Sailing daily at 1:30pm! ➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com 📞(609)-898-0055 We particapte with Whale SENSE and follow all regional whale watching guidelines.

Short-finned Pilot whales off New Jersey - August 2024
Short-finned Pilot whales off New Jersey - August 2024

A pod of Short-finned Pilot whales cruise by the American Star on our August 24hr pelagic 🐋 The reschedule date for our October 24hr pelagic is October 12-13th! Join our team of experts as we explore pelagic waters searching for marine mammals and pelagic birds! Make your reservation here: https://capemaywhalewatch.com/cruises/24hr-marine-mammal-pelagic-bird-watch/

Our annual sunset dolphin cruise with Living a Yorkie Life’s 2024 Beach Blast 🏖️🐬🐶

A massive Fin whale surfaces behind the swells on our 24hr pelagic trip. In addition to seeing Fin whales offshore, now is the time of season to sight them closer to shore too! 🐋 Sailing DAILY on 2hr and 3hr whale & dolphin watches! 🐋 24hr Pelagic - October 4-5 (Last one of the season!) 🐋 6hr Mini Pelagic w/Cape May Bird Observatory - November 10th 🐋 12hr Pelagic - November 16 & 29 and December 31st Let's explore nature together on the American Star! ➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com 📞(609)-898-0055

Some WHALE over the RAINBLOW! 🐋 A great day at sea with two different Humpback whales, local Bottlenose dolphins off Cape May and Delaware, two Loggerhead Sea turtles and one Cobia! It was an exciting day at sea! 🌊 📸: Naturalist Dan Sailing daily at 10am, 1:30pm, and 5:30pm! ➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com 📞(609)-898-0055 We participate with Whale SENSE and view our marine mammals respectfully.

Happy #LaborDayWeekend! Join us on the American Star! We are sailing daily at 10am, 1:30pm, and 6pm! Reservations highly encouraged for this weekend. Please be mindful of traffic and drive safe! ➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com 📞 (609)-898-0055 📸: Jerry Meyers

A Loggerhead Sea turtle comes up to breathe with two Cobia lurking just below. Now is the best time of season to see these warm water species like sharks, stingrays, and turtles!

Hammerhead Shark off Cape May - 8/12/24
Hammerhead Shark off Cape May - 8/12/24

A Hammerhead shark cruises at the surface off the coast of Cape May! 📸: Research Intern Fiona

🚨 RARE SIGHTING ALERT! 🦈 TWO MORE BASKING SHARKS traveling together about 3 miles off the coast of Cape May! Basking sharks are the second largest shark species alive today. This pair was enjoying the abundance of zooplankton, swimming with their mouths wide open. This was our FIRST Basking shark sighting of TWO traveling together, and now we have confirmed 4 DIFFERENT individuals off our coast since July 26th, 2024. 📸: Naturalist Melissa Sailing daily at 10am, 1:30pm, and 6pm! ➡ www.capemaywhalewatch.com 📞(609)-898-0055

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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.

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