Cape May isn’t just about charming Victorian architecture and sandy beaches. Its location on the Atlantic coast makes it an ideal hub for marine adventures, whether you’re into birding, whale watching, or catching a sunset over the water. The variety of boat tours and cruises here is impressive, offering experiences for nature lovers, families, and sunset seekers alike. We especially love tours like the Birding By Boat on the Osprey for its expert guides and close-up bird encounters, and the Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise for its chance to see incredible marine mammals in their natural habitat. If you’re traveling with kids or looking for a relaxing evening, a sunset cruise with dolphin watching can be a highlight. Each tour provides a different angle on Cape May’s stunning coastline and vibrant wildlife.
Quick Overview
Cape May offers birding tours, whale and dolphin watching cruises, sunset safaris, and even dinner cruises with onboard entertainment. Many tours focus on bird species and marine mammals, with some led by marine biologists, ensuring an educational twist. Prices range from $38 to $89, with durations from two to six hours. Whether you want a quick birding jaunt or a long lighthouse cruise, there’s something for every interest. Check out the full list below for detailed descriptions and insights.
1. Birding By Boat on the Osprey
At number 1, the Birding By Boat on the Osprey stands out for its focus on North America’s top birding site—the salt marshes surrounding Cape May. This tour is perfect if you’re eager to see eagles, ospreys, herons, and migratory birds up close. The boat is a pontoon, providing stability and excellent views, and binoculars are included to enhance your birdwatching experience. With a 5-star rating based on 787 reviews, it’s clear that this tour delivers both fun and education. Captain Bob’s extensive knowledge and friendly approach make it a favorite among repeat visitors. The tour’s 2-hour duration makes it an easy addition to any Cape May itinerary, especially if you’re passionate about birding.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for bird enthusiasts who want expert guidance and a chance to see rare wetlands species without spending a whole day on the water.
2. Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May
For those fascinated by marine mammals, the Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise offers about 3 hours of ocean adventure. It’s designed to maximize your chances of seeing dolphins and whales in their natural environment. The tour features live narration from a naturalist, making it both fun and informative. Many travelers appreciate the wheelchair accessibility and the onboard snack bar, making it comfortable for families or people with mobility needs. While some have luck spotting whales, most leave thrilled by the dolphin encounters, as one reviewer expressed, “I saw an actual whale!!!” at the top of their list. It’s a great choice if you’re interested in ocean wildlife and want a relaxed, family-friendly trip.
Bottom line: This tour offers a good balance of wildlife viewing and educational commentary, perfect for nature lovers and families eager to see dolphins or whales.
3. 2-Hour Sunset Safari Eco Cruise from Cape May
Number 3 on our list is the Sunset Safari Eco Cruise, which focuses on wildlife and stunning sunset views. During this two-hour trip, you’ll explore the salt marshes behind Cape May and Wildwood, looking for birds and observing the marine ecosystem. The tour is praised for its timing—set during the late afternoon when birds roost for the night, creating excellent photo opportunities. The naturalist and captain are both friendly and knowledgeable, with one reviewer noting, “Our captain timed it perfectly to see many birds coming in to roost.” The tour offers a peaceful way to experience Cape May’s natural beauty at twilight.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who love birding at sunset and want a relaxing, scenic cruise with expert insights.
4. Cape May: Cape May Island Sunset Cruise & Dolphin Watching
At number 4, this Sunset Cruise combines dolphin viewing with scenic vistas off the Delaware coast. For around $40, you’ll enjoy hot dogs and pizza while watching the sun dip below the horizon. The tour is especially popular for its breathtaking sunset views and the chance to see dolphins in the wild. The onboard commentary helps you learn about local landmarks and wildlife, making it a well-rounded experience. The combination of relaxation, wildlife, and food makes this cruise appealing to families and couples alike.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want a combination of wildlife viewing and scenic sunset with a casual, fun atmosphere.
5. Wetlands Safari Eco-Cruise in Cape May
Ranking 5th, the Wetlands Safari Eco-Cruise is a true nature-focused experience. Led by a crew with 25 years of experience, this tour varies daily based on bird activity and weather conditions. It’s a longer 2-hour trip that emphasizes wildlife viewing in the salt marshes, with a special focus on shore and migratory birds. Reviewers appreciate the up-close encounters and the naturalist’s passion. One even described it as “excellent,” highlighting the wild shorebirds and the personalized guidance. This tour is perfect if you’re interested in birding with an educational edge and want to see rare species.
Bottom line: Best suited for avid birders who value expert naturalist guidance and dynamic routes.
6. Cape May: Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise with Food
Number 6, the Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise offers a relaxing 2-hour journey. Onboard, you’ll enjoy pizza and hot dogs as you look for dolphins and admire Cape May’s scenic coastline. This tour is popular for its casual vibe and beautiful sunset views, with many reviewers noting dolphins swimming close to the boat. The onboard commentary provides insights into marine life and local landmarks like the Victorian homes and lighthouse. It’s an excellent choice for families or couples seeking a laid-back evening with wildlife viewing.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a dinner cruise with wildlife and spectacular sunset scenery.
7. Cape May: 2-Hour Dolphin Watching Cruise
This 2-hour cruise is perfect for dolphin lovers, who will enjoy spotting pods along the Atlantic. Starting with a continental breakfast of coffee, donuts, and juice, this trip offers a combination of wildlife viewing and comfort. The expert guide shares insights about Cape May’s marine life and local sights like the Cape May Lighthouse. It’s rated highly for the value, with many guests mentioning how exciting it was to see dolphins swimming alongside the boat. This tour is suited for early risers and families wanting a short but memorable marine experience.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for dolphin enthusiasts and those seeking a short, lively cruise.
8. Cape May: Jersey Shore Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
Number 8 is a scenic 3-hour cruise that ventures into Delaware Bay and the Atlantic. Led by a captain and narrator, this tour emphasizes marine life, including whales and dolphins, with optional commentary on local history. Rated 4.4/5, it’s appreciated for the scenic views and educational content. Some guests have been lucky enough to spot majestic whales, making it a special experience for marine wildlife fans. The longer duration allows for wider exploration, making it suitable for those wanting a thorough ocean adventure.
Bottom line: Great for travelers interested in marine life and scenic ocean views, with a touch of storytelling.
9. Cape May: Weekend Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
Number 9 offers a short 2-hour trip perfect for weekend mornings. This guided tour promises dolphin sightings plus views of Victorian homes and Cape May Lighthouse. The complimentary continental breakfast helps get your day started right. With a 4.6-star rating from 71 reviews, many travelers mention how exciting it is to see dolphins swimming alongside the boat. It’s well-suited for those looking for a quick, wildlife-focused trip during a weekend visit.
Bottom line: Ideal for morning people who want a delightful marine adventure with scenic waterfront sights.
10. Whale Dolphin and Bird Watching Ecotourship Cruise
At number 10, this longer (about 3 hours) cruise combines whale watching with birding, led by a marine biologist and research team. You’ll search for Baleen whales offshore and Bottlenose Dolphins along the coast. The educational component includes a touch-tank with live sea creatures, making it engaging for families and science fans. The scenic route often takes you 3-15 miles offshore. Reviewers note the knowledgeable guide and scenic voyage as highlights, with one saying, “We saw lots of dolphins and a humpback whale.”
Bottom line: A top pick if you want an educational, science-based experience with a chance to see big whales.
11. Dinner Cruise with Dolphin Watching from Cape May
Number 11 offers a 2-hour dinner cruise combining dining and wildlife. You’ll enjoy a buffet dinner as you cruise along Delaware Bay, searching for dolphins and whales. The sunset views and local landmarks like the Cape May Lighthouse make it a romantic pick. Many reviews mention the delicious food and friendly crew, with some noting it’s an excellent way to see Cape May’s shoreline at dusk.
Bottom line: Perfect for romantic evenings or special occasions that combine dining and wildlife.
12. Dolphin and Bird Watching Ecotour Cruise
This small-group cruise emphasizes educational wildlife viewing, focusing on the Bottlenose Dolphins and local bird species. Led by a marine biologist, it’s highly rated for knowledgeable narration and scenic views of Cape May. The boat’s less crowded setting makes it well suited for those wanting a personalized experience. One reviewer noted, “We saw several pods and the tour guide was excellent.”
Bottom line: Best for wildlife enthusiasts who appreciate a guided, intimate experience.
13. Cape May: Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Spirit of Cape May
The Spirit of Cape May offers a luxurious 2-hour cruise with a dinner buffet. As you watch the sunset, you might spot dolphins and other marine life. The scenic Jersey Shore and scenic waterway add to the experience, along with dessert and drinks. Many guests mention the beautiful sunset and the peaceful atmosphere onboard.
Bottom line: Great for special occasions and those seeking a combination of fine dining and scenic cruising.
14. Cape May: Dolphin and Bird Watching Cruise
This 2-hour cruise combines dolphin watching with birding, and features scenic views of Cape May Point Lighthouse. It includes a complimentary continental breakfast and expert narration, making it a relaxing, educational trip. Reviewers find it ideal for families and nature lovers who want a mix of wildlife and coastal scenery.
Bottom line: Perfect for anyone wanting to combine marine mammals and bird sightings in a comfortable, guided setting.
15. Cape May: Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Optional Wine Tastings
Number 15 blends wildlife viewing with wine tasting, offering a 2-hour sunset cruise where you can sip local wines as dolphins swim nearby. The informative commentary enriches the experience, and the scenic views include the Cape May Lighthouse and charming waterfront. This tour is ideal if you enjoy delicious wines and marine wildlife in one relaxing outing.
Bottom line: Suited for wine lovers and dolphin watchers who want a luxurious, leisurely cruise experience.
16. Cape May: Grand Lighthouse Cruise
Number 16 is a six-hour adventure aimed at those interested in lighthouses. It includes visits to nine historic lighthouses in New Jersey, with breakfast and lunch included. Led by an expert guide, this tour delves into the history and architecture of the lighthouses. It’s the longest tour on our list and best suited for history buffs or anyone eager to explore New Jersey’s maritime landmarks in depth.
Bottom line: A comprehensive, full-day journey into lighthouse lore, perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts.
$168 per person
How to Choose
When selecting a boat tour in Cape May, consider your interests—are you passionate about birding, or are marine mammals more your speed? For avid birdwatchers, the Birding By Boat on the Osprey is hard to beat. If whale watching is your goal, the Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise offers a longer, more immersive experience. For those wanting a relaxing sunset, the Sunset Safari Eco Cruise combines beautiful scenery with birding.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer shorter cruises like the Dolphin Watching or 2-hour dolphin tours, while families and special occasion visitors might enjoy the dinner cruises with food and drinks onboard. Always check the duration, included amenities, and weather considerations when booking—these trips are most enjoyable in good weather and during migratory seasons for birds and whales.
Final Thoughts
Cape May’s boat tours offer a fantastic way to see the area’s wildlife, lighthouses, and coastal scenery from the water. Whether you want to spend the day chasing whales, watch dolphins at sunset, or learn about the salt marshes from a marine biologist, there’s a tour suited to your interest. For nature lovers, the Birding By Boat on the Osprey and Wetlands Safari Eco-Cruise stand out as top choices. If marine mammals are your focus, the Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise provides plenty of opportunities to see dolphins and whales in their element.
Booking early is wise, especially during peak migration seasons or holiday weekends. With such diverse options, you’re sure to find a Cape May boat tour that makes your visit unforgettable.