July 27, 2025 – Whale Watch Trip Report | Belmar, NJ
Three Humpback Whales and Over 50 Dolphins Spotted Today!
Today was another unforgettable day at sea aboard the Jersey Girl with Jersey Shore Whale Watch, and we are still buzzing with excitement! Our guests were treated to thrilling sightings of marine wildlife during both our 9:30am dolphin watch and 12:30pm whale watch trips. The ocean was calm, the skies were clear, and marine life showed up in full force!
Let’s start with the morning dolphin trip. At around 10:00am, just a few miles offshore from Belmar Beach, we spotted two large pods of bottlenose dolphins. In total, we estimate that we saw about 50–60 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, swimming, jumping, and playing in the waves beside our boat. There’s nothing quite like seeing dolphins in the wild—especially when they’re riding the wake of the Jersey Girl and surfing the waves alongside us. It’s a moment that brings out pure joy from both kids and adults on board. The smiles were nonstop!
These dolphins are resident to the Jersey Shore, and July is one of the best times to see them in action. They were incredibly active today, showing off their sleek, shiny backs and playful nature. Our naturalist team shared fun facts with guests about dolphin behavior, communication, and how they hunt together using teamwork.
But the real show was just getting started.
Midday Whale Watch: A Double Encounter!
At 12:30pm, we headed back out from the Belmar Marina for our guaranteed whale-watching trip—and the ocean did not disappoint! We traveled north toward Sandy Hook, a common hotspot for whale activity this time of year, especially when the baitfish are schooling near the surface. And that’s exactly what we found—a pair of humpback whales feeding together!
Guests watched in awe as these two humpback whales worked in tandem, using bubble clouds to corral fish toward the surface. It was like a live episode of National Geographic, just a few miles off the Jersey Shore. The whales surfaced side-by-side several times, giving us great views of their flukes (tail fins) and even a few playful fin slaps. Our naturalist interns were busy taking notes and snapping photos—we even got some incredible shots of both whales surfacing at the same time!
What made this sighting extra special was how close it was to Sandy Hook. The NYC skyline was in the background, and the water was alive with movement. This is exactly why Jersey Shore Whale Watch is the only full-time whale watching company in New Jersey—we go the distance and know where to find the whales.
Surprise Humpback Whale Near Asbury Park
Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, we got a huge surprise on the way back to the dock. As we cruised south past the Asbury Park Boardwalk, our crew spotted a third humpback whale, completely unexpected! This lone whale gave us one final, unforgettable encounter before the end of our trip. It surfaced just 300 feet from the boat and stayed nearby for several minutes, giving guests one last chance to get amazing photos and videos.
This bonus whale was the perfect end to an already incredible day on the water. Our passengers couldn’t believe their luck—three humpback whales and over 50 dolphins all in one day!
Photos by Naturalist Intern Nicole 📸
“Amazing sighting! A humpback whale surfaces just offshore near a paddleboarder while beachgoers watch from Belmar Beach. Summer whale watching at its finest!”
All of today’s photos were taken by Naturalist Intern Nicole, who is currently studying marine biology and completing her summer internship with us. Her eye for wildlife and passion for conservation help us document these special moments and share them with the public. Check out the photo gallery below—these are real, unfiltered shots from today’s trip!
Only 5 Weeks Left in Summer 2025!
As we wrap up July and head into August, the time to book your New Jersey whale watching trip is now! There are only five more weeks left in the summer season, and this is peak time for humpback whale sightings off the Jersey Shore. We’ve had whales on nearly every trip this month—and the great weather forecast for the coming days means more amazing trips ahead.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a local looking for something unforgettable to do, or celebrating a birthday or anniversary, Jersey Shore Whale Watch offers something for everyone. Our boat, the Jersey Girl, is 120 feet long, with two levels of outdoor and indoor seating, clean restrooms, and a full snack bar. We’re handicap accessible, family-friendly, and our crew includes experienced marine naturalists, educators, and wildlife photographers.
And don’t forget—we guarantee whale sightings or you come back for free! No other whale watching company in New Jersey offers that level of confidence or commitment.
Book Now Before the Season Ends!
July 27th was proof that the ocean is full of life—and the best way to experience it is by getting out on the water with us. We’re proud to be the most trusted name in whale watching in New Jersey, and we can’t wait to share these moments with you.
📍 Departing daily from Belmar Marina, NJ
🛥️ Full-time whale watching boat – Jersey Girl
🐋 Guaranteed sightings – or come back free
🎟️ Book now at jerseyshorewhalewatch.com
#WhaleWatching #NJWhales #JerseyShore #HumpbackWhales #BelmarBeach #DolphinTour #Summer2025 #MarineLife #NationalGeographicMoments #JerseyShoreWhaleWatch
