We had a another great trip up to Sandy Hook beach area to see a humpback whale with the skyline of New York City in the background. A great day for everyone.We have 4 trips this coming week.



























































































































































































































































































Bill McKim’s Jersey Shore Whale Watch Tour
We guarantee you will see a whale
// by bill mckim
We had a another great trip up to Sandy Hook beach area to see a humpback whale with the skyline of New York City in the background. A great day for everyone.We have 4 trips this coming week.
// by bill mckim
Whale watching report Aug 28th Belmar Sandy Hook
Today Friday it took us a while to find the whale, We started by searing the water off Spring Lake beach but we could not find the whale so we headed north.
we added an hour to the trip, We were able to find a whale off the coast of Sandy Hook National Park with New York City in the background.
Here are a few photos from today’s trip, We got back to the dock in pouring rain lol. The rain did not start until we were almost back to Belmar Marina.
// by bill mckim
We did see a Finback whale this week off Asbury Park and Deal New Jersey.
CIRCE posted the image and a YouTube video to its Facebook page last week. The video footage shows two of three breaches–the first at 3 seconds and the second at 1:15–and reveal that the cetacean is almost leaping completely free of the water.
Fin whales are the world’s second largest whale species and can measure 80-plus feet, and weigh as much as 70 tons. Because of their immense size, they almost never breach, which makes the rare photo accompanying this story all the more striking.
The image was captured May 22 in the Strait of Gibraltar by a researcher for the Spanish cetacean conservation group, CIRCE (Conservación, Información y Estudio sobre cetáceos).
You never know that you might see on Jersey shore whale watch trips, join us maybe one day we will see it breach like this video,
// by bill mckim
We were all excited to see a Finback whale on our trip. Danielle our naturalist had been talking for days about 2 Finback whales being off the coast of Sandy Hook. we found it Wednesday.The families on the boat went crazy see to humpback whales come close to the boat and then we saw the finback whale and we observed it just swimming along. The whale is so huge it did not fit in my cameras view here are some of the photos i took. Join us soon the trips get better as we head towards fall whale migration season.
The fin whale is the second largest animal to ever live, in the entire history of Earth. Reaching lengths of at least 85 feet (26 m) and weights of 80 tons, this species is second only to its close relative, the blue whale. Their incredible size is only possible because of their aquatic lifestyles and the buoyancy provided by seawater. On land, an animal as large as the fin whale would almost certainly be crushed under its own weight.
We have done over 80 trips this was our first Finback whale sighting! all the otther trips have been Humpback whales and some Minke whales
// by bill mckim
// by bill mckim
Sunday whale watching review Belmar 8/23
Humpback whales eat up to 3,000 pounds of food a day. Protect these whales and other marine mammals in U.S. waters by supporting the Marine Mammal Protection Act: https://bit.ly/32kmySu
We used all our time searching for the whale and finally found him at 4pm. Capt. Alan was gracoius enough to extend our trip by 45 mins so we could spend that time observing and photographing the whale our group was thrilled to see a whale as most people thought we werent going to see
// by bill mckim
September and October are amazing months to go whale watching we see the most whales during these months and the boat is less crowed, we do use social distancing on the boat.
Begin a payment plan from your dashboard to get started!
// by bill mckim
Begin a payment plan from your dashboard to get started!
We will have an experienced naturalist on-board to explain everything that you are seeing. For more information, you can call the office at 732.451.6003 or buy online, you are always allowed to change your date for any reason.We are easy to deal with, and We guarantee you will see a whale on our trip, or your next trip is free.
// by bill mckim
So Wednesday’s trip was interesting, the morning started with pouring rain possible tornado up near red Bank really dark skies for about an hour. The Jersey shore whale watch phone was ringing off the hook with people asking if their trip was on or off or we going what are we doing. Long story short the skies cleared we all met at the marina in the lightest of a drizzle we got onto the boat the skies continue to clear and we had the most perfect day on the ocean flat season one got sick just a great day too beautiful Wells off of Monmouth County and people were thrilled to be out and enjoy something they’ve never seen Wells frolicking in the ocean on a perfect August day come out and join us soon we have plenty of trips scheduled including this weekend we leave from Belmar we have some trips also from point Pleasant we run the best and safest we are watching trip in New Jersey we guarantee will see you a whale.
// by bill mckim
Begin a payment plan from your dashboard to get started!
We will have an experienced naturalist on-board to explain everything that you are seeing. For more information, you can call the office at 732.451.6003 or buy online, you are always allowed to change your date for any reason.We are easy to deal with, and We guarantee you will see a whale on our trip, or your next trip is free.
// by bill mckim
// by bill mckim
whale watching in new jersey best time of year
Peak times
The greatest whale activity at the Jersey Shore is between May and November. This time of year also coincides with the migrations of prey fish, as the water starts to warm in the spring.
I think the best time with the most whales and great weather conditions is September and October in Monmouth County NJ for whale watching.
Whales are usually spotted in New Jersey in the fall as they migrate from Canada to warmer waters near Florida and the Caribbean, and in the spring (April can be amazing)when they head back. The whale and dolphin watching season in New Jersey runs from March to December, and the peak time to go on a sea excursion is from June to begin of November, after that its too cold for most passengers, but the whales are still out there.We saw 4 whales in February 2023 in one day from the beach.
Whale watching at the Jersey Shore has become a must-do activity for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a unique adventure, seeing these magnificent creatures up close is an unforgettable experience. As we dive into 2024, it’s the perfect time to plan your trip and get the most out of the peak whale-watching season. And for those looking ahead, now is also the ideal time to plan your **2025 whale-watching adventure** with Jersey Shore Whale Watch aboard our top-rated boat, **Jersey Girl**.
The peak time for whale sightings off the Jersey Shore runs from **May to November**. This period aligns with the whales’ migration routes as they follow large schools of prey fish, primarily menhaden (also called bunker), along the coast. As the waters warm in the spring, these fish move north, and the whales follow, feeding as they go. From **April to November**, the waters off **Monmouth County** become a prime feeding ground for humpback whales and occasionally other species.
While the whale-watching season spans from **March to December**, the best time for sightings occurs in **late summer and early fall**, especially during **September and October**. These months offer the perfect combination of abundant whale activity and ideal weather conditions, making them the best time for whale watching in 2024.
The **September and October** timeframe is truly the highlight of the whale-watching season, especially along the scenic coastline of Monmouth County, including towns like **Belmar, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, and Deal**. Here’s why these months are the best:
– **Migration Routes**: During the fall, whales are migrating south from the cooler waters of Canada, heading toward the warmer waters near Florida and the Caribbean. As they travel along the Jersey Shore, they’re often spotted feeding close to shore.
– **Feeding Frenzy**: The waters in the fall are rich with menhaden, attracting whales and providing them with a plentiful food supply. This makes for incredible whale-watching opportunities, as the whales are often seen actively feeding, breaching, and spouting close to the boat.
– **Perfect Weather**: September and October bring mild, comfortable temperatures, perfect for spending a few hours on the water. The cooler fall air is refreshing, and the seas are typically calm, providing smooth sailing and excellent visibility for spotting marine life.
– **Multiple Sightings**: Many tours during these months report seeing **multiple whales on a single trip**—sometimes as many as 10 whales in one outing, with even more visible in the distance. It’s the best time to maximize your chances of seeing whales up close.
While **September and October** are the most popular months, whales can be seen off the coast of New Jersey at various times throughout the year.
– **Spring (April-May)**: The whale watching season kicks off as whales migrate north from the Caribbean. April is especially exciting, as mothers and calves can often be seen together as they make their way along the coast.
– **Summer (June-August)**: Summer is a busy time for whale watching, with warm weather and plenty of wildlife to see. While whales are active, you may also spot dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine animals. However, the highest concentration of whale sightings generally occurs later in the season.
– **Fall (September-November)**: This is the peak season, where the most whales are spotted due to migration and feeding patterns. It’s the perfect time for a whale-watching trip, with mild weather and clear skies making for ideal viewing conditions.
– **Winter (December-February)**: Although winter is not the busiest season, whales are still out there. In fact, in **February 2023**, we spotted four whales in one day from the beach. The cold weather makes tours less frequent, but the whales don’t disappear entirely.
#### Plan Your 2025 Whale Watching Trip Now!
While 2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic season, it’s never too early to start planning for 2025! If you’re thinking about next year, you’ll want to book your trip early and secure your spot on the **number one whale-watching boat at the Jersey Shore—Jersey Girl**.
**Jersey Girl** is the perfect vessel for a comfortable and memorable whale-watching experience. Here’s why:
– **Two Floors**: Enjoy panoramic views from the upper deck or relax in the spacious seating on the lower deck. With two levels, there’s plenty of room for everyone to enjoy a great view of the ocean and the wildlife.
– **Indoor Air Conditioning and Heating**: Whether you’re whale watching in the summer or on a crisp fall day, Jersey Girl has you covered with climate control. Stay cool in the summer and warm in the fall with both air conditioning and heating in the indoor cabins.
– **Snack Bar**: Feeling hungry while spotting whales? Our snack bar offers a variety of treats and drinks to keep you energized throughout the trip.
– **Comfortable Seating**: We offer plenty of comfortable seating, both indoors and outdoors, so you can enjoy the experience in whichever way suits you best. The upper deck also provides great visibility for photographers and whale watchers alike.
– **Onboard Restrooms**: For your convenience, we have both men’s and ladies’ restrooms on board, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free experience for all passengers.
#### Book Your 2024 and 2025 Whale Watching Adventures!
Whether you’re planning your 2024 whale-watching trip or looking ahead to 2025, **Jersey Shore Whale Watch** has you covered. September and October are the best months for whale watching, with sightings of multiple whales, dolphins, and more. And now is the perfect time to plan your 2025 adventure with us aboard the **Jersey Girl**, the top-rated boat at the Jersey Shore.
For tickets and more information, call **732.592.6400**. Join us for an unforgettable whale-watching adventure and experience the beauty of New Jersey’s coastline while witnessing the wonder of marine wildlife up close!
// by bill mckim
// by bill mckim
whale watching tours nj
Our big multi level boats are dock just 2 mins from the ocean, no one can get you to where the whales are faster than us.
Whale Watching in NJ Where You Can See Whales and Dolphins Up Close! S
pend your next expedition in the waters of the Atlantic watching sea life in its natural beauty call today 732.451.6003
We go whale watching 5 times a week from Belmar and Point Pleasant marinas each trip is about 3 hours and we guarantee you will see a whale.
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.
// by bill mckim
whale watching report 8/12/2020
Well today was interesting all of a sudden it started pouring rain in Monmouth county for 1 hour but we were able to have a nice day whale watching after the rain.We did not get rain on, some people rescheduled to future dates but for many this was there day and they wanted to go so when the captain said it was safe We only left the dock 20 mins late!
We had some children all related on the boat and we let them throw fish bait to the seagulls, they loved it !
A whale louse is a commensal crustacean of the family Cyamidae. Despite the name, they are not true lice (which are insects), but rather are related to the skeleton shrimp, most species of which are found in shallower waters. Whale lice are external parasites, found in skin lesions, genital folds, nostrils and eyes of marine mammals of the order Cetacea. These include not only whales but also dolphins and porpoises
Most species of whale lice are associated with a single species of whale. They remain with their host throughout their development and do not experience a free-swimming phase.[1] Although the relationship between a specific species of whale louse and a specific species of whale is more pronounced with baleen whales than with toothed whales, almost every species of whale has a louse species that is unique to it. With the sperm whale, the parasitic relationship is sex-specific. The whale louse Cyamus catodontis lives exclusively on the skin of the male, while Neocyamus physeteris is found only on females and calves.[2]
Whale lice attach themselves to the host body in places that protect them from water currents, so they can be found in natural body openings and in wounds; with baleen whales they are found primarily on the head and in the ventral pleats. Around 7,500 whale lice live on a single whale.[3]
With some species of whale lice, whale barnacle infestations play an important role. On the right whale, the parasites live mainly on callosities (raised callus-like patches of skin on the whales’ heads). The clusters of white lice contrast with the dark skin of the whale, and help researchers identify individual whales because of the lice clusters’ unique shapes.
The lice predominantly eat algae that settle on the host’s body. They usually feed off the flaking skin of the host and frequent wounds or open areas. They cause minor skin damage, but this does not lead to significant illness.
The development of the whale louse is closely connected with the life pattern of whales. The distribution of various lice species reflects migratory patterns.
// by bill mckim
We go whale watching in New Jersey from April till November, the best months for whale watching on the Jersey Shore.Whales follow the bunker fish and they are now plentiful in our area, join us bring your camera or cellphone, you will get great photos.
Spectacular Marine Wildlife On View For The Lucky Few
Imagine being just feet away from one of the world’s largest mammals in its natural habitat! Onboard our Whale Watching Cruise, you may see humpback whales, bottle-nose dolphins, pelagic birds, sea turtles, and many other species.We have the best Naturalist in the state on board our trips to inform you of the history of whaling in New York and New Jersey. Jersey Shore Whale watch is the leader in whale watching at the Jersey Shore.
// by bill mckim
A lot of people ask the question who has the best, best whale watching east coast. I wiould say we are right near the top with over 80 trips and we usually see one or more whales in fact our record is over 80 trips and only 4 misses in 3 years so we ahace a pretty good idea. The whales are sometimes hard to spot in choppy seas or on a foggy day. We also rely on uour vast array of boat friends who might spot a whale and then tell us where they are. Fishermna seem happy to help whale watching boats as we are not competion for each other. Boats captains always return the favor to each other of all kinds of marine sights and fishing tips!
Join us whale watching we go just a couple miles off shore to where we expect to see the whales. Our trips are 3 hours long and are designed to give us enough time to spot the whales
SO get your family or group together and join us we even have many people that come alone on our trips! Bring your sunscreen and camera dress in layers, the ocean is cooler than inland! Any questions call us at 732.451.6003 so yes you can see whales in New Jersey and New York, join us best whale watching east coast Jersey Shore Whale watch
Whale Watching Trip Report Belmar and Asbury Park NJ Sunday June 14th
// by bill mckim
This is a question many people ask? is there whale watching near me. The answer is yes We go whale watching 4 times a week in Monmouth County and can also book a private whale watching tour for you and your group during these uncertain time. We offer many trips whale watching trips in Ocean and Monmouth county.
whale watching near me
Bring the entire family on this exciting Belmar, NJ whale watching trip that you won’t soon forget! See why this is a great time to view whales off the coast of New Jersey!
call today and book your trip 732.451.6003 or online at
Coney Island, Amagansett, The Hamptons, Fire Island, Jones Beach, Rockaways, Sandy Hook, Long Beach Island, Lavallette and Point Pleasant Beach are not the only places to see whales, of course.
Despite what ANY whale watch company may claim, you can never really guarantee how many whales will be seen, or even if any whales will be seen, when you go whale watching. We can guarantee a free return ticket (aka “rain check”) if you don’t see a whale, but you can’t guarantee the whales themselves.
That being said, the extremely high productivity of the Jersey Shore coastline area means that whales are usually here, often in good numbers, sometimes and that’s why we have seen whales (at least 1) on over 99% of our trips since 2018. In fact w sometimes we go years without “skunking” (a “skunk” is whale watch industry slang for a trip in which no whales were seen). Most of the time we “skunk” it is due to fog rather than lack of whales (it’s hard to find whales when you can’t see!)
So while it is impossible to say for certain how many individual whales you will see when you go whale watching the most likely answer to this question is: probably between 1 and 5. Pretty vague, huh? Well, that’s because these animals are WILD. They are not captive creatures in the confines of a zoo or aquarium, and they certainly don’t perform tricks for our amusement.
These whales are wild animals that come here to feed in the biologically rich waters the New York Bight. Their abundance is determined by the amount of food available to them. At times (many times, actually) there are so many whales in the area that we can’t possibly visit with them all in the limited time we have on the water. But at other times it takes cooperation between all whale watch boats and fishing boats in the area to find just one or two whales. We never know what we will see when we leave the dock but that’s part of the fun of whale watching! It is unscripted and unpredictable.
Okay, so if we can’t predict exactly how many whales we will see, how about the best time to go look? When is that?
Well, once again it is impossible to say what time of day, or even what time of the year is best to go whale watching because the answer to that question also changes based on the amount of food (ie small schooling fish) available to the whales.
But before we get too hung-up on the total number of whales we might see, consider these questions: If whales had not been hunted to the brink of extinction would they be the iconic symbol of endangered wildlife that they are today?
I suspect not. Remember that these whales are endangered! Their numbers are only a small fraction of what existed in the pre-whaling era. One of the most exciting things about seeing a wild whale is simply encountering an animal which still teeters on the brink of extinction. It is estimated that less than 1% of people living on planet Earth will see a whale in their lifetime. Therefore, any time you see a whale, even one whale, you are truly privileged. To see many whales at one time, as we often do, is a sight VERY few people will ever get a chance to see.
// by bill mckim
We have the most experienced whale watching staff, they don’t just explain whales and talk about the great history of our lovely area, they are also very knowledgeable about your safety, our vessel is rated the #1 safest whale watching vessel Jersey Shore , make this the highlight of your summer, take a beautiful ride around the Jersey Shore coastline take a tour with us.
Jersey Shore is one of the most spectacular whale watching places in the world. Many different species of whales can be seen here including the Minke, Humpbacks, and the occasional North American Right Whale . Feeding on bunker, Krill and Squid along the coast between April and November, you can catch a glimpse of majestic mammals breaching the surface of the water and playing along our shores.
In addition to our Spectacular Whales, be prepared to adventure alongside Bald Eagles, Diving Gannets, Gigantic Leatherback Turtles, Sea Loving Guillemots, Sensational Sunfish and much more!
If you dont see a whale you are welcome to come back for a free return trip! We have done over 80 trips and have only missed seeing a whale on 4 trips!
// by bill mckim
We go whale watching from the Belmar Marina , 4 times a week, We have the largest safest boat at the marina to get you to where the whales are feeding just off shore. Here are some photos from our trips. We include a free photo gallery link with every trip that our professional photographer takes, Bring your camera or cell phone whale watching is great photography. We sail every Wednesday Friday Saturday and Sunday from Belmar and We now offer trips from Point Pleasant on Wednesdays and Saturdays
To purchase tickets online for whale watching in Belmar with Bill McKim Jersey shore whale watch click here or call 732.451.6003
// by billmckim
// by bill mckim
You can rebook on any trip we have coming up , just email us reply to your order confirmation and we will send you a new confirmation date , any questions call us 732.451.6003
The Marine Weather Forecast In Detail:
Today…S Winds 10 To 15 Kt, Increasing To 15 To 20 Kt This Afternoon. Gusts Up To 25 Kt. Seas Around 4 Ft. A Slight Chance Of Tstms Early This Morning, Then A Chance Of Tstms Late This Morning. A Slight Chance Of Tstms This Afternoon. Swell Mainly From The S With A Dominant Period Of 10 Seconds. |
Tonight…Sw Winds 15 To 20 Kt With Gusts Up To 25 Kt. Seas Around 5 Ft. Swell Mainly From The S With A Dominant Period Of 6 Seconds. |
Mon…Sw Winds 10 To 15 Kt. Gusts Up To 20 Kt In The Afternoon. Seas 4 To 5 Ft. A Chance Of Showers Early In The Afternoon. A Chance Of Tstms Late. Swell Mainly From The S With A Dominant Period Of 6 Seconds. |
Mon Night…Sw Winds 10 To 15 Kt, Diminishing To 5 To 10 Kt After Midnight. Seas Around 4 Ft. Showers Likely With A Chance Of Tstms. Vsby 1 To 3 Nm After Midnight. Swell Mainly From The S With A Dominant Period Of 6 Seconds. |
Tue…S Winds 5 To 10 Kt, Becoming Se 25 To 30 Kt In The Afternoon. Seas Around 3 Ft, Building To 10 Ft In The Afternoon. A Chance Of Tstms In The Morning. Showers. Vsby 1 To 3 Nm. |
Tue Night…Tropical Storm Conditions Possible. |
Wed…Sw Winds 10 To 15 Kt With Gusts Up To 20 Kt, Diminishing To 5 To 10 Kt In The Afternoon. Seas 4 To 5 Ft. A Chance Of Tstms. Light Swell In The Morning. |
Wed Night…Sw Winds 5 To 10 Kt, Becoming Nw After Midnight. Seas 3 To 4 Ft. A Chance Of Tstms In The Evening. |
Thu…N Winds 5 To 10 Kt, Becoming E In The Afternoon. Seas Around 3 Ft. |
Thu Night…Sw Winds Around 5 Kt. Seas Around 3 Ft In The Evening, Then 2 Ft Or Less. Winds And Seas Higher In And Near Tstms. |
// by bill mckim
A few people have been asking me about groupon deals this year so I figure i would write down my thoughts.
Groupon leads to bad sight lines on a boat by having too many people on board, the boat needs a certain amount of money for each trip I would rather have us all pay a few more dollars person and have less people on the boat and better sight lines for seeing the whales .
Crowded boats sell deals and groupons I do not use groupon deals as i want us all to have a safe enjoyable trip and i believe we price it fairly and we deliver.
We guarantee you will see a whale with us if you dont your next trip is free. We fill our boat with happy customers who tell their friends about the special day and safe relaxed atmosphere we provide on the ocean during these uncertain Covid 19 times We are all living in. Any questions call us at 732.451.6003
I think groupon is great for buying an item but not so great if its just going to lead to a full boat, less is more these days book now.
summer 2020 one none of us will ever forget.
// by bill mckim
A few people have been asking me about groupon deals this year so I figure i would write down my thoughts.
Groupon leads to bad sight lines on a boat by having too many people on board, the boat needs a certain amount of money for each trip I would have us all pay a few more dollars person and have less people on the boat and better sight lines for seeing the whales .
Crowded boats sell deals and groupons I do not use groupon this as i want us all to have a safe enjoyable trip and i believe we price it fairly and we deliver. over 75 trips we have seen a whale on all but three of those trips! We guarantee you will see a whale with us if you dont your next trip is free. We fill our boat with happy customers who tell their friends about the special day and safe relaxed atmosphere we provide on the ocean during these uncertain Covid 19 times We are all living in. Any questions call us at 732.451.6003
// by bill mckim