Cape May isn’t just about Victorian charm and historic lighthouses; it’s also a prime spot for marine life. The Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay serve as rich habitats for dolphins, whales, and other sea creatures, making it an especially good destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you’re keen on spotting playful dolphins, catching a glimpse of whales, or enjoying a scenic sunset cruise, Cape May’s marine tours deliver memorable experiences rooted in the region’s natural beauty.
In putting together this list, we looked at reviews, ratings, and value for money from travelers who’ve gone before. From the fully narrated 3-hour whale and dolphin cruises to shorter sunset trips with onboard snacks, each tour offers something unique. Some excursions focus on educational experiences with marine biologists, like the ecotours that include live touch tanks and science talks. Others emphasize wildlife sightings, with multiple reviews praising dolphin pods numbering from five to hundreds, and even whale sightings on select trips. You’ll find options for families, solo travelers, or couples seeking a romantic evening.
What you’ll get here is a detailed look at each tour’s highlights, costs, and what makes them worth considering. If your goal is an educational outing with the chance to see bottlenose dolphins and whales, there are multiple options with expert narrators. If you prefer a more relaxed experience with food and sunset views, some cruises include pizza, hot dogs, or wine tastings. We also highlight what kinds of travelers each tour suits best—whether you’re on a budget, seeking a family-friendly adventure, or chasing a luxury experience. Ready to pick your perfect dolphin excursion? Read on, and you might just find your next memorable sea adventure.
1. Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May
The Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Cape May is a popular choice for those who want a well-rounded marine adventure. At $45 per person for roughly 3 hours, this fully narrated tour takes you out on a comfortable vessel equipped with wheelchair access, bathrooms, and a snack bar. The focus is on spotting dolphins, whales, and porpoises in their natural habitat, while a certified naturalist offers lively commentary about ocean life and local ecology. This tour’s emphasis on family friendliness and educational value makes it a solid pick for travelers of all ages.
What sets this tour apart is its consistent high rating of 4.5/5 from 648 reviews, with many praising the crew’s friendliness and the chance to see dolphins in the wild. Although whale sightings are not guaranteed, the abundance of dolphins and the engaging narration create a memorable experience. For those interested in a longer, more comprehensive cruise, this offers a good balance of length and value. The fully equipped boat ensures comfort, and the live commentary enhances the understanding of marine behaviors.
Bottom Line: A reliable, family-friendly option offering a good chance to see dolphins and whales, with engaging guides and a comfortable ride.
2. Cape May: Cape May Island Sunset Cruise & Dolphin Watching
This 2-hour sunset cruise for $37 is all about enjoying Cape May’s scenic coastline as the day winds down. Led by Captain Jeff, the tour offers onboard commentary about marine life and local history, with the bonus of catching a vivid sunset over the water. The highlight is spotting dolphins along the way, as well as enjoying hot dogs and pizza included in the ticket price.
The 4.6/5 rating from 310 reviews indicates it’s a favorite for its relaxed atmosphere and spectacular views. Several travelers noted how the informative guide and the friendly crew made the trip stand out. The combination of marine life sightings, scenic beauty, and casual dining makes this ideal for those who want a laid-back but lively experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or groups wanting a romantic sunset and marine wildlife in a short, enjoyable cruise with snacks included.
3. Cape May: 2-Hour Dolphin Watching Cruise
For a straightforward dolphin-watching experience, this 2-hour cruise at $37 is a top pick. The Cape May Whale Watcher takes you out in the morning or early afternoon, offering continental breakfast with coffee, donuts, Danish, and juice. The main draw is seeing dozens of dolphins swimming freely in the Atlantic, along with views of the Cape May Lighthouse and Victorian homes.
Rated 4.7/5 from 109 reviews, this tour is praised for its expert captain and informative narration about the local wildlife and history. The breakfast onboard makes it a good choice for early risers or those looking for a quick, fulfilling trip. Some travelers noted that sightings of whales are less frequent, but dolphins are abundant.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want an early adventure with breakfast and a high chance of dolphin sightings, plus scenic views of Cape May’s historic waterfront.
4. Cape May: Jersey Shore Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
This 3-hour scenic tour for $57 takes you into Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean aboard the Cape May Whale Watcher. It’s geared toward travelers interested in whale sightings as well as dolphins, with guidance from the captain and narrator sharing insights about the marine ecosystem. While whales are not guaranteed, many guests have seen humpbacks and other large whales, making the trip exciting.
This tour is often praised for its beautiful coastal scenery and informative narration, with an emphasis on education. Several reviews mention the friendly crew and the opportunity to see dolphins up close, even if whales are elusive. It’s a solid choice for those wanting a longer, more in-depth experience.
Bottom Line: For travelers who cherish whale sightings and want a scenic, educational cruise, this offers a longer, immersive experience.
5. Cape May: Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise with Food
This $40, 2-hour sunset cruise is a fantastic way to combine marine wildlife spotting with a relaxing evening. The highlight is watching dolphins swim near the boat during the sunset, with pizza and hot dogs served onboard. Led by experienced guides, the cruise offers informative commentary on the local marine environment.
Rated 4.8/5 from 42 reviews, travelers rave about how much they saw—dolphins, even a humpback whale—and the friendly, knowledgeable crew. The sunset backdrop adds visual drama, while the snacks make it suitable for a casual date or family outing. Some mention that the views are stunning and the dolphin activity lively during this time of day.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a relaxing evening with excellent wildlife sightings, good food, and sunset views.
6. Whale Dolphin and Bird Watching Ecotourship Cruise
This eco-focused cruise at $50 is a standout for its educational approach. Led by a marine biologist and naturalist, it combines wildlife watching—including coastal Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and migratory whales—with hands-on activities like exploring a live touch tank. The tour tends to head 3-15 miles offshore, increasing your chances of seeing large whales.
Rated 5.0/5 from 20 reviews, this trip is praised for its science-based education and interactive experience. Travelers appreciate the chance to learn about marine conservation, with some noting the ability to see whales and dolphins in a more natural, less commercial setting.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you’re interested in a more scientific, educational experience and seeing a variety of marine species.
7. Cape May: Weekend Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
Starting your weekend with this 2-hour guided tour at $37 offers a convenient way to see dolphins early in the day. It features a continental breakfast and views of Victorian homes and the lighthouse as the boat circles Cape May’s waterfront. The friendly crew and informative guides have earned this tour a 4.6/5 rating.
Most reviews highlight the active dolphin pods and the professionalism of staff. It’s suitable for families and solo travelers who want a short, engaging boat ride with the bonus of breakfast. Some guests mention dolphins swimming right next to the boat, making it a memorable experience.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for morning explorers who want a short, scenic trip with breakfast and dolphins.
8. Dolphin Watching around Cape May
This 2-hour dolphin cruise at $45 is a classic. The captain’s narration covers local history, dolphin biology, and behavior, providing an educational element alongside wildlife watching. The tour focuses on wild dolphins swimming in pods that can number from five to 500 individuals, with wildlife sightings confirmed on nearly every trip.
Rated 4.5/5 from 56 reviews, travelers mention great views of Cape May and the surrounding islands, with many praising close encounters with dolphins. It’s a good pick for those who want a short outing with a strong focus on dolphin sightings.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting informative narration and wildlife encounters in a compact, two-hour window.
9. Dolphin and Bird Watching Ecotour Cruise
This 2-hour eco-tour at $40 is highly rated for its naturalist-led insights. The focus is on Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and bird species, with a hands-on experience that includes a live horseshoe crab onboard. The cruise maximizes educational value with a marine biologist guiding the trip.
Rated 5.0/5 from 10 reviews, many describe it as informative, fun, and engaging, with excellent guides. It’s best suited for nature lovers and families interested in both mammals and birdlife.
Bottom Line: A great choice for educational travelers wanting a science-based experience with lots of wildlife.
10. Cape May: Dolphin and Bird Watching Cruise
This 2-hour cruise at $40 combines dolphin sightings with birdwatching, plus a complimentary continental breakfast. The guided narration offers insights into local history and wildlife, with a focus on marine mammals and avian species. While some reviews note disappointing bird sightings, nearly everyone mentions dolphins and the friendly crew.
Rated 4.7/5 from 6 reviews, it’s a good option for travelers seeking diversity in wildlife viewing and scenic views. It’s ideal for those on a budget and wanting a short, informative trip.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those interested in both dolphins and birds, but keep expectations realistic about bird sightings.
11. Cape May: Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Optional Wine Tastings
This $58, 2-hour sunset cruise combines dolphin watching with the option to taste local wines. The vibrant sunset creates the perfect backdrop for spotting Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. From the deck, you pass by Cape May lighthouse and Victorian waterfront, enjoying informative narration as the day ends.
Rated 4.3/5 from 6 reviews, passengers enjoyed seeing dolphins and whales in the fading light. The wine tastings and scenic views make it a popular choice for a romantic evening or special occasion.
Bottom Line: Best suited for romantic couples or connoisseurs who want a combination of wildlife and local wine.
12. Cape May: Scenic Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise
This 3-hour tour at $50 is one of the longer options, focusing on big marine mammals—including baleen whales and bottlenose dolphins. The trip covers Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay, with an emphasis on wildlife observation and education. Its lower rating (3.7/5) suggests inconsistent sightings but offers a chance for whale enthusiasts to see majestic whales if luck is on your side.
Most reviews mention the beautiful coastal scenery and knowledgeable guides, though some express disappointment over less frequent whale sightings. Still, this trip offers a more expansive view of marine life, suitable for those wanting a longer, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: For serious whale watchers willing to take a longer trip with potential for rare sightings.
How to Choose Your Dolphin Watching Tour
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, time available, and what experiences matter most. If you want a short, family-friendly trip with breakfast, the 2-hour dolphin cruise might be best. For a more comprehensive wildlife encounter, the ecotour with marine biologists offers a deeper learning experience. If you’re after sunset views combined with wine, the evening cruise is ideal.
Book early, especially in peak season (summer months), as popular trips fill quickly. Check the availability and reviews to ensure your preferred date and time align with your expectations.
Final Thoughts
Cape May offers a diverse range of dolphin watching experiences suited for different interests and travel styles. For a reliable, family-friendly adventure, the Whale and Dolphin Watching Cruise provides great value. If you’re looking for a scenic, sunset experience with snacks, the Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise shines. And those eager for a deep dive into marine ecology should consider the ecotours featuring marine biologists.
No matter which you choose, you’ll leave with stories of dolphins swimming alongside your boat, beautiful coastal views, and a stronger appreciation for the ocean’s wildlife. To maximize your chances, book early and keep your camera ready — Cape May’s waters are lively and full of surprises.