Cape May stands out as a prime spot for dolphin watching thanks to its location on the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Its mix of historic waterfront, scenic coastline, and abundant marine life makes it a natural magnet for boaters eager to see bottlenose dolphins in their wild habitat. We particularly enjoy the Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May for its comprehensive naturalist-led experience and flexible accessibility, as well as the Dolphin Watching around Cape May for its straightforward, family-friendly appeal and nearshore waters. For those seeking a longer, more in-depth encounter, the Whale Dolphin and Bird Watching Ecotour offers a research-led, educational adventure that’s hard to beat. If sunset views combined with wildlife sightings are your style, then the Cape May: Cape May Island Sunset Cruise & Dolphin Watching and the Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Optional Wine Tastings stand out as excellent options.
Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of the top dolphin watching tours in Cape May, each with unique features and what makes them worth your time.
1. Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May
This 3-hour cruise offers a family-friendly adventure to spot whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The boat is fully equipped with wheelchair access, bathrooms, and a snack bar, making it accessible and convenient for all. Your certified naturalist guide offers live commentary about the marine life and ocean habitat, enriching the experience. The trip primarily searches for whales and dolphins in the open waters, and while sightings of whales depend on the day, many travelers consistently see dolphins, which are plentiful in the area.
What makes this tour standout is its fully narrated format that appeals to both curiosity and learning. Reviewers highlight the crew’s knowledge and the excitement of seeing “a ton of dolphins” — a common highlight here. The tour’s value lies in its length and comprehensive approach, perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a relaxed day on the water.
Bottom Line: A solid choice if you want a naturalist-led experience with family-friendly amenities and the chance to see dolphins in their natural environment.
2. Cape May: Cape May Island Sunset Cruise & Dolphin Watching
This 2-hour sunset cruise combines the beauty of Cape May’s coastline with the thrill of spotting dolphins. Captain Jeff guides this scenic trip, which boasts free pizza and hot dogs onboard. As the sun dips, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the colorful sunset and, with luck, sight dolphins swimming near the boat.
The tour is ideal for those wanting a relaxing evening out on the water. The onboard commentary provides insights about local marine life and landmarks, making the experience both fun and educational. Reviewers praise the informative guide and the opportunity to see dolphins during the sunset, which adds a layer of magic to the trip.
Bottom Line: Perfect for sunset lovers who want to combine dolphin sightings with a laid-back, scenic cruise and complimentary snacks.
3. Cape May: Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise with Food
For about $40 per person, this 2-hour evening cruise offers a chance to watch playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins as the sky turns stunning shades of orange and pink. Aside from dolphin sightings, you’ll enjoy views of Victorian homes and waterfront landmarks, making it a well-rounded experience. The boat features pizza and hot dogs, perfect for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing.
Guests regularly comment on the breathtaking sunset and the informative narration about local marine life and Cape May’s architecture. The tour is ideal for couples, families, or anyone seeking a relaxing evening view of the island. Its shorter duration and scenic focus make it a great choice for a low-key night out.
Bottom Line: A wonderful option for sunset enthusiasts wanting to combine dolphin viewing with a peaceful evening on the water.
4. Cape May: 2-Hour Dolphin Watching Cruise
This 2-hour cruise hits the sweet spot for a quick, focused dolphin encounter. The Cape May Whale Watcher departs with coffee, donuts, Danish, and juices, making it a comfortable morning or early afternoon outing. The main goal is to spot dolphins swimming in the Atlantic, with the possibility of seeing Victorian homes and the Cape May Lighthouse along the way.
Guests rave about the dolphins swimming alongside the boat during the trip, and the knowledgeable guides make the experience educational as well as fun. The tour’s shorter length makes it accessible for travelers with limited time or those new to boat tours. The value is evident, especially considering the inclusive breakfast and the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a short but memorable dolphin-watching experience with a relaxed, friendly crew.
5. Cape May: Jersey Shore Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
This 3-hour tour ventures into Delaware Bay and Atlantic waters, offering the chance to see both whales and dolphins. Led by the Cape May Whale Watcher, you’ll learn about marine species from the Captain and Narrator. It’s a more scenic, educational cruise with a focus on whale and dolphin identification and ocean ecology.
Reviewers appreciate the guided commentary and the majestic marine life sightings, including whales and dolphins. The tour’s longer duration justifies its higher price point, making it suitable for those eager to learn and see a variety of marine animals in a single trip.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts looking for an educational, in-depth tour with the chance to see whales and dolphins on one trip.
6. Cape May: Weekend Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
This 2-hour guided tour is perfect for a morning outing focused on dolphin sightings. It includes a complimentary continental breakfast to start your day. The cruise passes iconic sights like Victorian homes, the Cape May Lighthouse, and historic waterfront buildings, all while you look for dolphins swimming nearby.
Guests note dolphins swimming alongside the boat and the friendly service. Its shorter schedule makes it fitting for travelers wanting a quick, scenic excursion with an educational twist.
Bottom Line: A good pick for early risers who want dolphins, historic sights, and a tasty breakfast all in one.
7. Whale Dolphin and Bird Watching Ecotource
This 3-hour, research-led trip combines marine mammal sightings with bird watching, led by an onboard marine biologist and naturalist. It heads 3-15 miles offshore, searching for Baleen whales and Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. The tour features live sea creature touch tanks led by research interns, making it perfect for families or science enthusiasts.
Reviewers highlight the informative, hands-on experience, often mentioning seeing humpback whales and dolphins, along with birds like ospreys. This trip really stands out for its educational focus and opportunity for close-up interaction with marine life.
Bottom Line: Best for those interested in a science-based, interactive eco-tour with chances to see whales, dolphins, and seabirds.
8. Dolphin Watching around Cape May
This 2-hour tour is straightforward and family-friendly, focusing solely on seeing dolphins in their natural habitat. The boat cruises around Cape May, with live narration by the captain about local wildlife, Cape May sights, and dolphin behavior. It’s a relaxed, accessible experience with free parking at the departure point.
Guests often mention seeing pods of dolphins numbering from five to 500, with some tours reporting multiple sightings. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a focused, no-frills dolphin adventure with educational commentary.
Bottom Line: A reliable choice for dolphin enthusiasts who want an up-close encounter with minimal fuss.
9. Dinner Cruise with Dolphin Watching from Cape May
This 2-hour dinner cruise combines a delicious meal with dolphin spotting. You’ll cruise past landmarks like Cape May Lighthouse, Sunset Beach, and Wildwood Beach while enjoying a sunset and dolphins swimming nearby. The boat features dinner and parking included, making it convenient.
Guests often comment on the beautiful sunset and the excellent food, though some note that dolphin sightings can vary. The tour is perfect for romantics and those wanting a dinner with a view.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodie travelers and couples seeking a relaxed, scenic dinner cruise with wildlife viewing.
10. Dolphin and Bird Watching Ecotour
This 2-hour eco-tour led by a marine biologist emphasizes dolphin and bird watching, focusing on Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and local bird species. The cruise offers a scientific, educational experience, with opportunities to learn about marine behavior and ecosystems. The tour often features live sea creatures in touch tanks and is praised for its interactive, kid-friendly approach.
Reviewers highlight the excellent guide knowledge and the abundance of dolphins and ospreys seen. It’s best suited for families and those wanting a more involved, educational experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for eco-minded travelers and families wanting to combine wildlife sightings with learning.
11. Cape May: Dolphin and Bird Watching Cruise
This 2-hour guided cruise offers a combination of marine mammal and bird observation, with a focus on scenic views and wildlife sightings. The tour includes a continental breakfast, making it a comfortable way to start the day. Expect to see dolphins, seabirds, and the Cape May Point Lighthouse.
Reviewers like the nice mix of wildlife and the knowledgeable narration. It’s suited for travelers who want a relaxed cruise with naturalist insights.
Bottom Line: Good for those seeking a balanced view of marine life and scenic views with a casual pace.
12. Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Optional Wine Tastings
This 2-hour sunset cruise offers the chance to see dolphins while enjoying tastings of award-winning wines from a local vineyard. The vibrant sunset combined with dolphins swimming nearby makes for a memorable experience. You can opt for wine pairings with cheese onboard, adding a special touch.
Travelers love the relaxing atmosphere and the chance to sip wine while watching dolphins and the sunset. The tour provides informative commentary about the area and the wines, making it ideal for wine lovers and romantics.
Bottom Line: A unique experience blending wildlife viewing with wine tasting in a relaxed, scenic setting.
How to Choose the Best Dolphin Watching Tour in Cape May
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. If you’re pressed for time, the 2-hour dolphin tours like the Dolphin Watching around Cape May or Cape May: 2-Hour Dolphin Watching Cruise are quick and to the point. For families interested in educational experiences, the Whale Dolphin and Bird Watching Ecotour offers a hands-on approach with marine biologists.
If a romantic sunset is your goal, the Cape May: Cape May Island Sunset Cruise & Dolphin Watching and Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Optional Wine Tastings combine wildlife sightings with breathtaking skies. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the Dolphin Watching around Cape May for its straightforward approach and free parking.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons (spring and summer), to secure your preferred date and time. Keep in mind that marine life sightings are never guaranteed, but Cape May’s location gives you excellent chances.
Final Thoughts
Cape May offers a diverse range of dolphin watching experiences, whether you’re after a quick encounter, an educational adventure, or a scenic sunset cruise. For those seeking a family-friendly outing, the Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise and Dolphin Watching around Cape May provide accessible, fun options. Eco-tours like the Whale Dolphin and Bird Watching Ecotour are perfect for science-minded travelers.
If you’re looking for a romantic night out, the sunset cruises combined with wine tastings or scenic views are hard to beat. No matter your choice, booking in advance will help ensure you get the best experience—Cape May’s waters are waiting for you to explore and enjoy.