September 1, 2025 Trip Report – Jersey Girl
Labor Day weekend brought us one of the most memorable trips of the season aboard the best whale watching boat in New Jersey, the Jersey Girl. At 110 feet long, with plenty of room for everyone to move comfortably between the two levels, she’s a beauty in her own right—and on this trip she carried a boat full of eager whale watchers ready for one last adventure before summer’s unofficial end.
The ocean greeted us with choppy conditions, just as the forecast had warned. Our captain and crew, seasoned at navigating the swells, reassured everyone that while the ride would be “sporty,” the chances of finding whales remained excellent. Spirits were high as we set out past the jetties of Belmar, heading first east, then adjusting course south, later west, and even north again, covering all directions as our naturalist scanned the horizon for the tell-tale signs of whale activity.
For a while, the anticipation built with no reward. Guests leaned into the railings, eyes squinting into the sun and wind, wondering if today would be one of those rare days when the whales elude us. Then, at last, came the announcement everyone had been waiting for: “We have a whale!” The words carried across the deck like music, and instantly the boat erupted in cheers and applause. Cameras came out, children pointed toward the sea, and a wave of excitement swept through the passengers.
The first spout appeared in the distance, a misty column against the horizon. Then another, closer this time. As the whale surfaced and prepared for a deep dive, her tail rose high above the waves in a graceful arc. Our naturalist explained that this dramatic lift revealed enough detail for identification—and in doing so confirmed that this was a new whale to our area and, indeed, a female. She was magnificent, her flukes distinct and powerful as she slipped beneath the water.
Over the next hour, the whale treated us to a series of breathtaking encounters. Each surfacing was greeted with gasps and exclamations of “ooh” and “aah” from the crowd. At one point, sunlight struck her spout just right, forming delicate rainbows above the ocean—a magical reminder of how special these moments truly are. Guests rushed from one side of the boat to the other, eager not to miss a second of the action, while our crew helped position the Jersey Girl so everyone had a clear view.
There is something deeply moving about waiting patiently, scanning the seas, and then finally being rewarded with the appearance of such a majestic animal. For many on board, this was their first close-up whale encounter, and the sense of awe was unmistakable. For our seasoned whale watchers, it was equally thrilling to know that this was a brand-new whale never before recorded in our area.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, and we turned for home, passengers buzzed with excitement, swapping photos and videos, reliving each moment of the encounter. Though summer was drawing to a close, the memory of this day will linger for a long time. It was a perfect reminder that whale watching in New Jersey doesn’t end with summer—September, October, and November are peak months, when sightings are at their very best.
This trip, with its new whale, rainbows, and the joy of discovery, was a fitting celebration of the season aboard the Jersey Girl. A beauty, carrying us to beauty.
August 31, 2025 – Trip Report 3 trips with plenty of action
