# Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center > Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center offers eco-focused whale and dolphin watching cruises and related marine research experiences in Cape May, with online booking and live availability. ## Booking Portal - [Booking Portal] (https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/cmwwrc/) : A FareHarbor-powered booking portal for Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center. ## Activities & Experiences - [12hr Marine Mammal & Pelagic Bird Watch] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/cruises/12hr-marine-mammal-pelagic-bird-watch/) : A 12-hour offshore cruise aboard the American Star in search of marine mammals, pelagic birdlife, and other ocean wildlife. Bookable eco-tour departing from Cape May. - [24hr Marine Mammal & Pelagic Bird Watch] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/cruises/24hr-marine-mammal-pelagic-bird-watch/) : A 24-hour pelagic trip venturing 80–100 miles offshore to the edge of the continental shelf for marine mammals and birdlife. Extended deep-sea wildlife watching cruise for adults. - [2026 Whale & Dolphin Watching Season Pass] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/cruises/season-pass/) : A season pass that provides access to regularly scheduled whale and dolphin watching cruises aboard the American Star during the 2026 season. Intended as an alternative to boat ownership for frequent passengers. - [6hr Mini Pelagic with Cape May Bird Observatory] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/cruises/6hr-mini-pelagic/) : A six-hour mini pelagic cruise exploring the inshore pelagic zone off Cape May for marine mammals and pelagic birds. Offered in collaboration with the Cape May Bird Observatory. - [Breakfast & Dolphin Watch with Santa] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/breakfast-dolphin-watch-with-santa/) : A seasonal cruise that combines a dolphin-watching trip with a holiday-themed breakfast featuring Santa. Designed as a festive holiday experience on the water. - [Dolphin & Bird Watch] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/cruises/dolphin-bird-watch/) : A two-hour morning cruise highlighting Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and local birdlife around Cape May. Family-friendly wildlife watching tour aboard the American Star. - [Fireworks Cruise] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/cruises/fireworks-cruise/) : A special Independence Day cruise to view a fireworks display over open water from the American Star. Timed to coincide with July 4th celebrations. - [Sunset Dolphin Watch] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/cruises/sunset-dolphin-watch/) : An evening cruise that circles the island of Cape May while searching for dolphins at sunset. Scenic sightseeing and wildlife trip suitable for all ages. - [Whale, Dolphin, & Bird Watch] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/cruises/whale-dolphin-bird-watch/) : A three-hour afternoon cruise focused on observing whales, dolphins, and coastal bird species near Cape May. Eco-tour with narration by onboard naturalists. ## Plan Your Visit - [Cruises] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/cruises/) : Overview page for the whale watching, dolphin, birding, and specialty cruises offered by Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center. Provides options to explore and book available trips. - [Gift Cards] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/gift-cards/) : Information and purchasing options for gift cards redeemable toward whale watching and related cruises. Marketed as gifts for holiday and special occasions. - [Location] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/location/) : Location details for Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center within South Jersey Marina in Cape May. Includes address information to help visitors find the departure point. - [Private Charters] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/private-charters/) : Details on chartering the American Star for private events such as birthdays, weddings, and special occasions. Describes the vessel as an event venue option. ## Research, Education & Conservation - [Clean Ocean Initiative] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/clean-ocean-initiative/) : Describes efforts to reduce marine debris impacts observed during ecotours by retrieving debris and educating passengers about its environmental consequences. Outlines the program’s conservation mission. - [Internship Program] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/internship-program/) : Information on the research and education internship for students, recent graduates, and related fields. Explains eligibility, responsibilities, and seasonal application timelines. - [Research] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/research/) : Presents the mission and work of the Cape May Marine Mammal Research Center established in 2016. Focuses on conservation of marine mammals through research, education, and outreach initiatives. ## Company - [Home] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/home/) : Main landing page introducing Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center as an eco-tour operation emphasizing science, research, education, and conservation. Highlights the American Star vessel, onboard biologists, and the opportunity for passengers to participate in research. - [Our Story] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/our-story/) : History of Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center from its founding in 1987 and evolution under successive owners. Emphasizes a longstanding focus on research-based, educational eco-tours. - [Our Team] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/our-team/) : Profiles of the captains, biologists, and staff behind Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center. Shares education, experience, and roles of key team members. - [Our Vessel] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/our-vessel/) : Detailed description of the American Star, a 100-foot sightseeing vessel with seating, cabins, safety equipment, and amenities such as restrooms, snack bar, bar, and gift shop. Highlights comfort and capacity for passenger cruises. ## Policies & FAQs - [FAQ] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/faq/) : Frequently asked questions about Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center cruises, including practical details such as parking, logistics, and trip information. Intended to help guests prepare for their outing. - [Privacy Policy] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/privacy-policy/) : Privacy policy outlining how Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center handles user and customer data on its website and related services. ## Blog & Updates - [Blog] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/blog/) : Main blog index featuring articles and stories related to marine life, research, conservation, and experiences aboard the American Star. - [24 Hours Aboard the American Star] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/blog/24-hours-aboard-the-american-star/) : A first-person account from a 2023 season intern describing a full 24 hours aboard the American Star and their marine science background and interests. - [A Day in the Life: Research Intern on the American Star] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/blog/a-day-in-the-life-research-intern-on-the-american-star/) : A narrative from a research intern detailing daily work, educational background, and motivations for interning at the Research Center. - [A Whale of a Time] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/blog/a-whale-of-a-time/) : A story from an intern recounting a particularly memorable day researching Cape May’s marine life and encounters with wildlife. - [A World Worth Worshiping] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/blog/a-world-worth-worshiping/) : A reflective piece using underwater imagery to describe the ocean environment and advocate appreciation for marine ecosystems. - [Doing the Right Stings – Saving the Cownose Ray] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/blog/doing-the-right-stings-saving-the-cownose-ray/) : An article reflecting on an intern’s first encounters with rays and discussing conservation issues related to cownose rays. - [Legends of the Sea: The Mythical Splendor of Dolphins] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/blog/legends-of-the-sea-the-mythical-splendor-of-dolphins/) : An exploration of how dolphins appear in myths and legends across various cultures, highlighting their symbolic and cultural significance. - [Plastic! It’s cheap. It’s convenient. It’s everywhere. And it’s destroying our oceans.] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/blog/plastic-its-cheap-its-convenient-its-everywhere-and-its-destroying-our-oceans/) : A conservation-focused article discussing global plastic production, the amount entering oceans, and the environmental harms caused by marine plastic pollution. - [The Leatherback Sea Turtle] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/blog/the-leatherback-sea-turtle-dermochelys-coriacea/) : A post about the leatherback sea turtle, including sightings off Cape May and personal observations from an intern. Emphasizes the species’ majesty and conservation relevance. - [Out of the Depths: Sowerby’s Beaked Whales in the Wilmington Canyon] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/blog/out-of-the-depths-sowerbys-beaked-whales-in-the-wilmington-canyon/) : An article describing a 24-hour pelagic trip to Wilmington Canyon and encounters with Sowerby’s beaked whales and other deep-sea wildlife. - [Using Oceanography to Help North Atlantic Right Whales] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/blog/using-oceanography-to-help-north-atlantic-right-whales/) : A post explaining how oceanographic knowledge and data can support conservation efforts for critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. Discusses population status and protection challenges. ## Contact - [Contact] (https://capemaywhalewatch.com/contact/) : Contact page for inquiries and questions about Cape May Whale Watch & Research Center cruises and services, including options to reach the team.