Atlantic City offers more than just casinos and boardwalks. Its location on the New Jersey coast makes it an excellent spot for boat tours that combine wildlife viewing, relaxation, and fun. Whether you’re seeking a chance to see dolphins leap out of the water or want to unwind with a sunset cocktail, Atlantic City’s boat options provide memorable experiences. These tours give you a different perspective of the city and its natural surroundings, often with expert guides and lively atmospheres. Planning your trip? Consider these two standout options for boat adventures in Atlantic City.
Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find two top-rated boat tours — one focused on marine wildlife and the other on relaxed evening entertainment. Each offers a distinctive way to enjoy Atlantic City’s waterways: Atlantic City: Dolphin Watching Ocean Cruise Adventure takes you into the open ocean to spot playful dolphins and learn from a naturalist, while Atlantic City: Happy Hour Cruise combines a lively sunset sail with drinks and music. Both tours are highly rated and promise engaging experiences, depending on your interests.
1. Atlantic City: Dolphin Watching Ocean Cruise Adventure
At number one, the Atlantic City: Dolphin Watching Ocean Cruise Adventure offers a perfect mix of scenic beauty and wildlife encounters. For around $53 per person, this 2-hour tour takes you out from Historic Gardner’s Basin into the open ocean, where you’ll likely see leaping dolphins and other marine life. What makes this trip stand out is the focus on education — a marine naturalist provides commentary throughout, sharing insights about how dolphins interact with their environment and local communities.
This cruise’s popularity is reflected in its high rating of 4.6 out of 5, based on 429 reviews. Many visitors praise the knowledgeable guides, with comments like, “The guide was excellent and very passionate about dolphins,” and appreciate the flexible re-booking policy if dolphins aren’t spotted on the first try. The tour is family-friendly and suitable for anyone interested in wildlife or marine conservation. During the trip, you’ll circle back to the historic Gardner’s Basin, making it a convenient and scenic start/finish point.
The main appeal here is the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat, with educational commentary enhancing the experience. It’s best suited for those who appreciate wildlife, boat trips, and natural scenery, and the boat itself offers a comfortable way to explore Atlantic City’s waters. The only potential drawback is that dolphin sightings depend on natural conditions, but the tour’s reputation for “almost guaranteed” sightings makes it worth booking early.
Bottom Line: A lively, educational cruise ideal for families and wildlife lovers wanting a good chance to see Atlantic City’s marine life up close.
2. Atlantic City: Happy Hour Cruise
Second on our list is the Atlantic City: Happy Hour Cruise, a lively way to unwind after a day on the town. For just $30 per person, this 1-hour cruise departs from the marina and offers a chance to relax while taking in the dusk views of Atlantic City’s skyline. The highlight is the open-air deck, where you can enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere.
This cruise is especially popular on weekends when a live DJ cranks up the music, creating a festive vibe. Passengers rave about the friendly staff and the fun, upbeat environment — “Staff and DJ created an excellent party vibe,” one reviewer notes. The cruise is perfect for couples or groups looking to add a little sparkle to their evening without breaking the bank.
While shorter than the dolphin cruise, this happy hour trip offers a different kind of experience — more about socializing, scenery, and enjoying Atlantic City’s nightlife from the water. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy the ocean in a relaxed setting. Keep in mind that it’s a party atmosphere, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with lively environments and music.
Bottom Line: An affordable, fun way to enjoy Atlantic City’s sunset and nightlife with a drink in hand, perfect for a casual celebration or laid-back evening.
How to Choose Between These Tours
When deciding between the dolphin cruise and the happy hour sail, consider what kind of experience you’re after. If wildlife, education, and a family-friendly environment appeal to you, the Atlantic City: Dolphin Watching Ocean Cruise Adventure is a top pick. It offers more time on the water, a chance to see dolphins, and engaging commentary that enhances your understanding of local marine life.
On the other hand, if you’re craving a quick, lively evening with music, drinks, and scenic views, the Atlantic City: Happy Hour Cruise is your best bet. It’s shorter, more casual, and perfect for adding a social element to your Atlantic City visit.
In terms of value, both tours are reasonably priced given what they include. The dolphin cruise provides a deeper, more educational experience, while the happy hour cruise offers a lively, scenic outing without a hefty price tag.
Final Tips for Booking Your Atlantic City Boat Tour
- Book early, especially for popular dolphin cruises during peak season or weekends.
- Check the weather forecast — both tours are weather-dependent, but the dolphin trip is more sensitive.
- Reserve your spot based on your interests: wildlife for the dolphin cruise, relaxation and nightlife for the happy hour sail.
- Look at available times and seasons; summer months typically offer the best wildlife viewing and sunset scenery.
The Sum Up
Atlantic City’s boat tours cater to different tastes — from the chance to see lively dolphins in their natural habitat to enjoying a sunset with drinks and music. The Atlantic City: Dolphin Watching Ocean Cruise Adventure stands out for its educational value and wildlife encounters, making it perfect for families and nature lovers. Meanwhile, the Atlantic City: Happy Hour Cruise offers a more casual, social way to experience the waterways, ideal for a lively evening with friends.
Depending on your schedule and interests, both tours provide authentic Atlantic City experiences that are worth planning ahead for. Whether you want to spot dolphins or just relax with a cocktail as the sun sets, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable outings.