🐬 Dolphins, a Humpback Whale, and Ocean Conditions Like a Lake!
Jersey Shore Whale Watch Trip Report | September 8, 2026
What a beautiful afternoon to be out on the water! Today’s Jersey Shore Whale Watch trip aboard Jersey Girl brought together calm seas, bottlenose dolphins, and a memorable visit with humpback whale NYC0188. The ocean was as flat and smooth as a lake, giving our guests a wonderful setting for watching wildlife and enjoying September at the Jersey Shore.
Our first wildlife encounter was with a fun group of bottlenose dolphins. There is something special about seeing dolphins in the ocean, especially when the surface is so calm. Their appearances gave everyone a reason to keep looking across the water, cameras ready and eyes searching for the next fin. It was a lovely way to begin an afternoon that still had another highlight waiting for us.
Next, we spent time watching the handsome humpback whale known as NYC0188. This whale gave us many close looks and showed those beautiful tail flukes several times throughout our encounter. For anyone hoping to photograph a whale’s tail, today offered some fantastic opportunities!
Those flukes are more than a beautiful sight. The patterns on the underside of a humpback whale’s tail help researchers identify individual whales. Each encounter can offer an opportunity to recognize a familiar animal and add to our understanding of the whales using these waters. For our passengers, knowing we were watching an identified whale made the experience feel even more personal.
Between the dolphins, the repeated fluke sightings, and that smooth ocean, there was plenty to appreciate today. Sometimes the most memorable part of a whale watching trip is simply being there: watching the surface, seeing a whale appear, and sharing that moment with the people beside you. Photographs are wonderful souvenirs, but the experience itself is what stays with you.
And here is your reminder: fall does NOT mean the end of whale watching!
September, October, and November are very much part of our whale watching season. Summer vacation might be over, but there are still adventures waiting offshore. Before you settle completely into pumpkin spice season, make room for some salt air, ocean views, and the chance to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat.
Every trip is different. Today’s exceptionally calm conditions and encounters were a wonderful combination, and we are grateful to everyone who joined us aboard Jersey Girl. Whether this was your first whale watching trip or you have sailed with us before, thank you for spending your afternoon with Jersey Shore Whale Watch.
We sail from Belmar, New Jersey, and would love to welcome you aboard this fall. Bring your camera, bring an extra layer, and bring your curiosity. The beach season may be changing, but our whale watching season continues!
Check available dates and book your next adventure at whalesnj.com. Come enjoy local summer with us and see what the ocean has in store.
Belmar Beach NJ | Jersey Shore Whale Watch | Jersey Girl
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