Take the kids to see some whales! These NJ trips (in spring, summer and fall) will give you a day on the water the kids won't forget.
Cape May Whale Watcher
1218 Wilson Dr.
Cape May
609-886-0798; capemaywhalewatcher.com
This 3-hour journey includes up close encounters with both whales and dolphins, plus a lesson on the history of marine life in South Jersey. $40 adults, $25 for children (7-12 years old); children under 6 are admitted for free.
The Starlight Fleet
6200 Park Blvd.
Wildwood Crest
609729-7776; jjcboats.com
Get breakfast with your whale watching on this 2 1/2 hour boat ride along the coast of Wildwoods. While you’re motoring out to the whales, spend the time exploring onboard touch tanks. And if the kiddos have questions, there's a marine biologist on board to field them. Adults $35; children (7-12 years old) $20; children 6 and under are admitted for free.
Atlantic City Cruises
800 North New Hampshire Ave.
Atlantic City
Dolphin sightings are guaranteed — an on-board marine naturalist will help point out the sights along the way. Adults $35; children $15 (5-15 years old) and children under 4 ride free.
Miss Avalon Dolphin and Nature Cruises
14th and Ocean Dr.
Avalon
This 1 and a 1/2 hour excursion features dolphin and seabird sightings, on-board naturalists and kids can also play with the huge shell collection. Adults $20; children $14.
Utsch's Marina Cape May
1121 NJ-109
Cape May
609-898-0055; capemayharbor.com
Ready to double down on a whale watching excursion? This 12-hour excursion heads 30 to 50 miles offshore which means you may be able to spot humpback and finback whales, as well as Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. And if you've got a budding ornithologist, they'll love seeing exotic birds like the Northern Fulmer and Longtailed Jaeger. $100 per person.
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