This two hour cruise circles the coast of Cape May, New Jersey, in search of bottlenose dolphins and the seabirds that call the area home. A marine biologist and naturalist guide narrates throughout, pointing out wildlife and sharing stories about the landmarks visible from the water. A touch-tank staffed by research interns lets guests get an up-close look at local sea creatures between sightings.

Coffee, juice, and pastries are served on board, and a full galley, bar, and gift shop are available for anything else. The cruise comes with a sightings guarantee, so if dolphins or birds do not make an appearance, guests are welcome back on a future trip at no extra cost. It is an easygoing way to spend time on the water, suited to families, first-timers, and animal lovers alike.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: All age groups are welcome
• Health limitations: Guests susceptible to motion sickness may want to take precautions such as Dramamine, Bonine, or Sea Bands, which are available for purchase at the dock
• Experience level: All levels are welcome, no experience necessary

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: Children 6 and under can join for free (one per paying adult, with additional children charged separately) but need to be signed up at the time of reservation
• Individuals with disabilities: Manual wheelchairs can be lifted onboard by the crew; power wheelchairs cannot be accommodated at this time
• Pets: Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome onboard

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: Approximately 2 hours
• What's included: Complimentary coffee, juice, and pastries; a marine biologist and naturalist guide; a touch-tank experience with local sea creatures; access to a full galley, bar, and gift shop onboard
• Who will be present: A crew including a marine biologist and naturalist guide, with up to 149 other passengers also on board
• Spectators: No spectators are allowed, everyone must have a ticket/reservations
• Photo/video: Photos are allowed and encouraged
• Specific rules to follow: The vessel is nonsmoking; outside food and beverages are allowed, though coolers and outside alcohol are not permitted

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: Trips sail rain or shine; the cruise is canceled only for severe weather such as a tropical storm or hurricane, in which case guests can rebook or receive a full refund
• Arrival: Guests should arrive with enough time to park and board before departure; advance ticket purchase is recommended since trips often sell out
• Parking: Free onsite parking is available, with an attendant to direct guests to the lot
• What to wear: Layers are recommended, since conditions on the water can vary
• What to bring:
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunblock
  • A light jacket
  • Motion sickness remedies, if needed
• Restrooms/lockers/changing rooms: Restrooms are available onboard

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

• A Marine Mammal Guarantee applies: if no dolphins are sighted, guests receive a voucher for a future trip that never expires

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for any other experience in our marketplace, free of charge, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 48 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 48 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.