A Mother’s Day to Remember Aboard the Jersey Girl – A Whale Watching Review
There’s something magical about celebrating Mother’s Day at sea—leaving the noise of the world behind and trading it for the wide open Atlantic, the scent of salt air, and the thrill of the unknown. That’s exactly what happened aboard the Jersey Girl this past Mother’s Day, on a sold-out trip that left passengers refreshed, smiling, and full of stories.
The day began with perfect weather—bright skies, calm seas, and just a touch of spring breeze that carried the scent of saltwater and blooming beach roses from the coastlines of Belmar, Spring Lake, and Avon-by-the-Sea. Families boarded the Jersey Girl at the Belmar Marina, greeting the friendly crew and securing spots along the railings or in shaded seats with a view.
As the Jersey Girl eased out of the marina, one lucky guest spotted something remarkable under the railroad bridge at the Shark River Inlet—a Yellow-crowned Night Heron. It was a rare sighting, especially during the day, and a good omen for wildlife lovers aboard.
Once we reached the ocean, the captain took us south past the familiar beachfronts of Belmar and Spring Lake, checking for signs of the humpback that had been hanging around the past few days. Though we didn’t spot it, hope remained high. After a quick report from fishermen in the inlet telling us whales were spotted off the Highlands, we turned the bow north and followed the shoreline up the coast.
As we made our way, the calm seas allowed for stunning views of the coastline—families waved from the boardwalk in Avon-by-the-Sea, and Sandy Hook loomed ahead with its iconic lighthouse.
Halfway up, our naturalist Danielle pointed out a pod of dolphins off to the east. They moved effortlessly beside the boat, thrilling the children onboard and offering incredible photo opportunities. It’s hard not to feel joy when dolphins appear—it’s like they bring their own kind of celebration to the ocean.
Then, just when we thought the day might end without a whale sighting, Danielle spotted a blow close to shore—right off the Highlands. We shifted course, and sure enough, a whale surfaced. It was elusive—surfacing only a couple of times before slipping back under, uninterested in our boat or attention. But even those fleeting glimpses were powerful, and passengers crowded the rails for a view. That moment—the sudden rush, the excitement, the possibility—is what makes whale watching unforgettable.
We made our way back to Belmar in the late afternoon sun, passing again the peaceful beach towns and rolling waves. Children napped in their parents’ arms. Friends laughed over snacks. And mothers—on their special day—smiled at the ocean, the sky, and the memories being made.
The Jersey Girl didn’t just take us on a tour that day. She delivered an experience—one full of beauty, surprise, and connection with nature. Even without a full whale show, the dolphins, birdlife, ocean breeze, and camaraderie made it a perfect day on the water.
Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, there’s nothing like spending Mother’s Day with Jersey Shore Whale Watch.
