Sunday Staff Trip Report – August 10, 2025

What an unforgettable day on the water! If you were on board with us today, you know exactly what we mean when we say we had a #BREACHER in our midst. Once again, we had the thrill of encountering humpback whale NYC0358, a familiar visitor from the New York City Humpback Whale Catalog, and this whale was in no mood to keep a low profile.

Our 12:30pm trip started with ideal summer conditions—calm seas, clear skies, and the iconic New York City skyline sparkling in the distance. As we approached the Sandy Hook area, there it was—NYC0358, actively feeding! We watched in awe as this magnificent humpback performed lunge feeding, erupting through the surface with mouth wide open, engulfing massive schools of bait fish. Passengers gasped, cameras clicked, and the crew kept everyone informed about what they were witnessing—a real-time lesson in humpback feeding behavior.

 

If that wasn’t enough, our 4:30pm trip brought the kind of experience every whale watcher dreams about. NYC0358 clearly decided it was showtime, treating us to six full breaches—yes, SIX! Imagine a 40-ton whale launching its entire body out of the water, twisting mid-air, and crashing back with an explosion of spray. Each breach brought cheers and applause from the entire boat. The sound alone—a thunderous slap of the whale’s body against the surface—echoed across the water.

Adding to the magic, these earlier sunsets in August are now transforming our late trip into something truly special. After the whale action, the ride home is like a second trip in itself—warm golden light spilling across the water, skies turning shades of orange, pink, and purple, and the Jersey Girl silhouetted against the horizon. It’s the perfect way to end an afternoon at sea, with views that rival the wildlife in their beauty.

And don’t forget—the Jersey Girl is BYOB. So, while you’re enjoying the peak of whale-watching season, you can also bring along your favorite drink and toast to an incredible day on the ocean. Just picture it: whales breaching against the backdrop of the NYC skyline, followed by a front-row seat to one of the best sunsets on the Jersey Shore.

Our talented interns, Hannah and Will, captured today’s highlights with stunning photographs that truly tell the story. Hannah froze a breach mid-air, droplets scattering like diamonds around the whale, while Will caught the lunge feeding sequence with NYC0358’s pleats fully expanded. We’re proud to say our interns not only assist in spotting and identifying whales, but also document each encounter following Whale SENSE guidelines, ensuring we maintain a respectful distance of at least 100 feet to protect the animals.

Encounters like this are a reminder of why Belmar, NJ, is such a prime whale-watching destination in the summer. Our waters are teeming with life right now—schools of menhaden, dolphins, seabirds—and more humpbacks are showing up close to shore.

Book your peak season whale-watching trip now—these are the moments you don’t want to miss! Phone 732.592.6400

#NJWhaleWatching #HumpbackWhale #Breach #OceanGiants #BelmarBeach #SunsetCruise #BYOB #GothamWhale

August 9, 2025 – Trip Report from Jersey Shore Whale Watch

Today was an absolutely unforgettable day out on the water! From the moment we left the dock in Belmar, we had a feeling it was going to be special. Reports started coming in early this morning that multiple humpback whales had been spotted in our area, and we were ready to find them. By the time we made our way up toward the Sandy Hook shipping channel, we struck gold — or rather, we found one of our favorite regulars!

The whale we encountered today is known as NYC0358 in the New York City Humpback Whale Catalog, maintained by our partners at Gotham Whale. For those new to whale watching, every humpback has unique patterns on the underside of its tail fluke, almost like a fingerprint. These markings allow researchers to identify individual whales and track their movements over the years. NYC0358 is a familiar visitor to our waters, and seeing him again felt like meeting up with an old friend.

And this whale did not disappoint. On both our 12:15 pm and 4:15 pm trips, NYC0358 put on an incredible show! In the afternoon, he breached — launching his massive 30-ton body completely out of the water — sending a giant splash that drew gasps from everyone onboard. Guests rushed to the railings, cameras clicking furiously, as our naturalists explained what we were seeing. Breaching is still something of a mystery in humpback behavior. It could be a form of communication, a way to dislodge parasites, or just pure whale playfulness. Whatever the reason, it’s always thrilling to witness in person.

NYC0358 was also busy lunge feeding, an impressive hunting technique where the whale accelerates toward the surface with its mouth wide open, engulfing huge quantities of water and fish. We could see clouds of bunker (menhaden) scattering at the surface before disappearing into the whale’s enormous jaws. Lunge feeding is one of the most energy-intensive things a whale can do, so it was clear he was in the middle of a big feeding session. Our guests loved watching the teamwork of the ocean — the way seabirds, bait fish, and humpback whales all interact in this coastal ecosystem.

All the incredible photos from today were taken by our Naturalist Intern Will, who is part of our summer internship program for students in marine biology, oceanography, and environmental science. Will’s photography captured the sheer power and grace of NYC0358, from the moment his tail fluke lifted above the surface to the explosive breach that sent water droplets glittering in the sun.

Will we see NYC0358 tomorrow? There’s only one way to find out — join us on one of our whale watching trips tomorrow at 12:15 pm or 4:15 pm. August is an amazing month for whale watching in New Jersey, with plenty of bait fish in our waters attracting humpbacks, dolphins, and other marine life close to shore. Every trip is different, and no two days are ever the same. That’s part of the magic — you never know when you might witness a breach, a tail slap, or even multiple whales feeding together.

As always, Jersey Shore Whale Watch follows Whale SENSE guidelines to ensure safe and responsible viewing of these magnificent animals. That means maintaining a respectful distance of at least 100 feet from whales, approaching slowly, and never altering their natural behavior. The safety of the whales comes first, and we’re proud to combine exciting passenger experiences with ocean conservation and education.

If you’ve never been whale watching before, here’s what you can expect:

• A comfortable ride aboard our 120-foot boat Jersey Girl, with indoor and outdoor seating, a snack bar, and restrooms.
• Knowledgeable naturalists and crew who share fascinating facts about whales, dolphins, and the Jersey Shore ecosystem.
• The chance to see humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds, and more — all in their natural habitat.
• Our whale sighting guarantee — if you don’t see a whale, you’ll receive a complimentary return trip.

Today’s conditions were perfect — sunny skies, calm seas, and just enough ocean breeze to keep things cool. Guests left the dock with huge smiles, amazing photos, and memories that will last a lifetime. Some even rebooked on the spot for tomorrow, hoping for another chance to see NYC0358 in action.

So, will tomorrow be the day he breaches even closer to the boat? Will we spot another one of our cataloged whales — or maybe a brand-new visitor never seen before in New Jersey waters? The only way to find out is to come aboard. Seats are filling quickly for August trips, so call 732-592-6400 or book online to reserve your spot.

We’ll be ready. Will you?

Belmar Beach, NJ — Jersey Shore Whale Watch

Partnered with Gotham Whale

#whalewatching #whalelife #humpbackwhales #breaching #lungefeeding #belmarnj #marinebiology #SeeASpout #jerseyshore #familyfun #oceanadventure

A Magical Late Afternoon Whale Watching Adventure on Jersey Girl

There are few things as magical as ending your day on the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. This afternoon’s 3-hour whale watching tour aboard our 120-foot boat, Jersey Girl, gave our guests that unforgettable experience. As New Jersey’s only full-time whale watching boat, we take pride in delivering exciting encounters with the ocean’s most incredible wildlife, and today did not disappoint.

The Journey Begins: Cruising North Toward Sandy Hook

As the Jersey Girl departed from Belmar Marina, the late-day sunlight danced across the waves, painting the horizon in gold and blue. A gentle breeze rolled across the upper deck as our guests settled into the adventure, scanning the horizon with excitement.

Our captain and onboard naturalist guided the boat north along the Monmouth County coastline, passing the scenic beaches and seaside towns that make the Jersey Shore famous. With the NYC skyline faintly visible in the distance, we made our way toward Sandy Hook, an area known for its rich marine life and seasonal whale activity.

A Surprise on the Return: Dolphins Join the Journey

The excitement really began as we turned back toward Belmar. Off the coast of Monmouth Beach, a playful pod of bottlenose dolphins appeared, leaping through the waves alongside our boat. Cameras clicked and laughter filled the deck as the dolphins swam in and out of our wake, delighting kids and adults alike.

Seeing dolphins in the wild is always a thrill, and our guests were reminded that every Jersey Shore Whale Watch tour is unique—you never know exactly what you’ll encounter out on the open water.

The Highlight: A Very Active Humpback Whale

The true star of the evening made its appearance shortly after the dolphin encounter. Our spotter called out from the upper deck, and moments later, a massive humpback whale surfaced nearby. This whale was incredibly active, showing off with repeated blows and tail flukes as it moved gracefully through the water.

Guests watched in awe as the whale surfaced, exhaled a cloud of mist, and dove beneath the surface, leaving a glassy trail on the ocean. Our naturalist shared insights about humpback whale feeding habits and migratory patterns, explaining why New Jersey waters are such an important seasonal stop for these gentle giants.

The Perfect Night on the Ocean

As the sun began to set and the ocean glowed with soft evening light, the Jersey Girl cruised back toward Belmar. Guests enjoyed the peaceful ride, snapping last-minute photos and taking in the serene beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

This trip was a perfect reminder that New Jersey is home to incredible marine wildlife, and that a whale watching tour is one of the most unforgettable family activities you can experience at the Jersey Shore.

Join Us for Your Own Whale Watching Adventure

If you’ve been thinking about New Jersey whale watching, there’s no better time to book your trip. Jersey Shore Whale Watch is the only full-time whale watching company in New Jersey, offering:

• Guaranteed whale sightings – or you get a free return trip
• Spacious, 120-foot two-level boat with indoor and outdoor seating
• Friendly crew and onboard naturalist for the ultimate educational experience

Whether you’re visiting the Jersey Shore for the day or looking for a unique local adventure, a 3-hour whale watching tour aboard Jersey Girl is a memory you’ll treasure forever.

Reserve your spot today and experience the thrill of seeing humpback whales, dolphins, and other marine life up close!