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Belmar Whale Watching Update: Negotiations With Whale 318 Are Going Well
Jersey Shore Whale Watch | September 17, 2026
UPDATE: Negotiations with Whale 318 have made significant progress. 😂🐋
After my request for a business meeting about the whales’ location and our fuel bill, 318 agreed to meet us halfway on Wednesday, September 16.
His idea of “halfway” was about 12 miles up the coast from Belmar, roughly a mile offshore near the southern end of Sandy Hook, with the historic Twin Lights of the Highlands nearby. Apparently, whales measure distance differently.
Our Best Negotiating Tactic? Menhaden.
We sweetened our imaginary offer by promising a tasty treat of menhaden, also known as bunker fish, in the neighborhood of the Twin Lights. A good local seafood recommendation turned out to be our strongest negotiating tactic.
To be clear, the ocean supplies the fish. We just bring the passengers. 😂
His counteroffer went something like this:
“Look, this is where I’m having lunch. Come up, I’ll do some nice dives, show my tail a few times, and give your passengers something to smile about. I feel a little bad about making you go all the way to Coney Island last week. I’ll save you a couple hundred dollars in fuel today and let you get home for dinner.
“But it’s just me. I’m not bringing any dolphins.”
We accepted. 🤝🐋
Calm Seas and 45 Minutes of Whale Watching Near Sandy Hook
And he delivered! Our passengers enjoyed about 45 minutes of whale watching, some beautiful tail views, and an absolutely gorgeous Wednesday afternoon. Flat, calm water—the kind of day that makes you happy you got on the boat.
We traveled at a comfortable speed, enjoyed our time with him, and got back to Belmar ON TIME.
On time. There’s a phrase we haven’t used much lately. 😂
Even our captain said he’d forgotten what it was like to get back and actually keep his dinner plans.
We’re hoping 318 honors the same arrangement today, Thursday, September 17. With a little cooperation, we hope to be yelling “WHALE!” around 1:30, somewhere off Sandy Hook with New York City in the background.
Of course, this agreement was verbal. He has no phone, won’t answer emails, and his signature got wet.
Next Up: Fall Whale Watching Closer to Belmar
Our next round of negotiations will focus on Long Branch and Deal. Then, for October and November, we’re proposing Belmar, Spring Lake, Sea Girt, and Manasquan. Plenty of fish. Lovely neighborhoods. Much more reasonable commute.
Fall has brought us some unforgettable whale watching close to home over the years. The whales follow the food, so their exact location is always their decision—but you can understand why we’re excited about the weeks ahead.
Every trip is unique. Wednesday’s was a reminder that sometimes the weather, the whale, and even the captain’s dinner plans all work out.
Come join Jersey Shore Whale Watch aboard Jersey Girl, departing from Belmar Marina, New Jersey. The negotiations are going well. 😂🐋
