Quick Details
This all new 6hr Mini Pelagic Tour is offered in partnership with the Cape May Bird Observatory. The cruise will focus on exploring the inshore Pelagic Zone (approx. 3-20 miles) off Cape May, NJ for Pelagic Birds and Marine Mammals.
Our Marine Mammal Naturalists from Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center team up with expert Pelagic Bird Naturalists from Cape May Bird Observatory, and will guide you through spotting and photographing the amazing wildlife Cape May has to offer! This trip is an excellent choice for the beginner in pelagic birding to try out a longer cruise, as well as a convenient option for the experienced birder to get out on the ocean! Enjoy the comfort of our heated inside cabin and full galley/bar aboard the American Star. eBird checklists are created by our team of experts and shared after the trip.
Possible sightings include:
- Baleen Whales: Humpback, Fin, Minke, or Right
- Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Harbor Porpoise
- Harbor Seals, Grey Seals
- Inshore Birds: Great Cormorant, Common and Red-throated Loons, scoters and other seaducks, Harlequin Duck (uncommon), Northern Gannet
- Pelagic Birds: Black-legged Kittiwake, Razorbill, Common Murre, Thick-billed Murre (rare), Dovekie, Iceland Gull
Please note, trips are subject to varying weather and sea conditions. Trips will only sail in favorable weather conditions. Captain will make the final decision if the trip is sailing 48hrs prior to the scheduled cruise.
Prepaid Reservations Only! Due to the special nature of this trip, we are not able to offer the marine mammal guarantee.
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Is there parking available onsite?
– Yes, we have free parking available onsite in our designated Whale Watch parking lot. An attendant will be there to guide you to the appropriate free parking lot.Are there bathrooms on the boat?
– Yes, the American Star is equipped with 4 restrooms onboard.What happens in the event of bad weather?
– Our trips sail rain or shine! We have a full indoor cabin, several outdoor covered areas, and ponchos available onboard. If the Captain cancels the cruise in the event of severe weather (Tropical storm, hurricane, etc.), you will be offered the option to reschedule to a future trip or receive a full refund.Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
– We strongly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance to guarantee your spot on board. Our trips often sell out.Are there food/drinks available onboard?
– Yes, we do have a full galley, bar, and gift shop onboard that accepts cash or credit card.Can I bring outside food or drinks onboard?
– Yes, outside food and beverages are allowed onboard, however, no outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. We do have a full galley and bar available onboard.Do I need to wear a life-jacket onboard?
– No. We have life-jackets for every passenger onboard and they are used for emergency purposes only. The United States Coast Guard annually inspects all safety equipment onboard the American Star, and your captain will give a detailed safety briefing as your cruise departs.Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
– Depending on tide conditions, there may be several steps to get onboard the American Star. Standard manual wheelchairs can be lifted onboard by mates, however, due to their weight, power wheelchairs cannot be accommodated at this time.How far from the coast will the boat go?
– This cruise will focus on the inshore Pelagic Zone and will range between 3-20 miles from the shoreline depending on recent sightings and reports.Will I get seasick on this cruise?
– The American Star is 100ft long and very stable in our Atlantic Ocean conditions. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, we recommend taking precautions with Dramamine, Bonine or Sea Bands. These are available at the dock.Will the boat be crowded?
– The American Star is a 100ft long vessel custom built for sightseeing. It has seating for over 250 passengers, however, winter wildlife cruises are drastically limited in capacity so you will have plenty of room onboard to enjoy your cruise!Can I smoke onboard
– No, the American Star is a nonsmoking vessel.