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

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