Meet the Marine Naturalists of Jersey Shore Whale Watch
More Than a Boat Ride — A Real Marine Science Experience
At Jersey Shore Whale Watch, every trip aboard the Jersey Girl is about more than simply finding whales. It is about understanding the whales, dolphins, sea turtles, seabirds and other marine life found in the waters off New Jersey.
Our trips feature experienced marine naturalists who are actively involved in marine science, research, conservation and education. They interpret wildlife behavior as it happens, answer questions from our passengers and help turn every sighting into an unforgettable learning experience.
Whether this is your first whale-watching trip or your fiftieth, our naturalists help you understand what you are seeing and why it matters.
Meet Dr. Danielle Browne, Ph.D.
Lead Naturalist and Marine Mammal Researcher
Dr. Danielle Browne is a marine mammal researcher and one of the lead naturalists aboard the Jersey Girl.
Through her work with Gotham Whale, Dr. Browne has helped lead long-term research that has identified and cataloged more than 500 individual humpback whales in the waters off New York and New Jersey during the past 15 years.
Scientists can identify individual humpback whales by photographing the unique black-and-white markings on the underside of each whale’s tail, known as its fluke. These markings work much like a human fingerprint.
By comparing photographs collected over many years, researchers can track individual whales, study their movements, document feeding behavior and learn which whales return to the New York and New Jersey region season after season.
When Dr. Browne is aboard, our passengers have the opportunity to hear directly from a scientist who has spent years studying the same humpback whales we may encounter during the trip.
Guests Can Learn About:
- How individual humpback whales are identified
- Whale feeding behavior and hunting techniques
- Why whales are increasingly seen near New Jersey
- Humpback whale migration and seasonal movements
- Whale communication and social behavior
- Marine mammal conservation
- The importance of the New York Bight ecosystem
- Dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, seabirds and other marine wildlife
Marine Science Happening in Real Time
Our naturalists do not simply deliver a memorized presentation. They observe the ocean and interpret what is happening around the boat in real time.
A whale may be feeding beneath a school of bunker, traveling with another whale, resting near the surface, communicating through body movements or preparing for a dramatic breach. Our naturalists explain the behavior passengers are witnessing and help everyone understand the larger story taking place in the ocean.
Because wildlife is never staged, every trip is different. That is one of the things that makes whale watching aboard the Jersey Girl so exciting.
Ask Our Naturalists Questions
Passengers are encouraged to speak with our naturalists and ask questions before, during and after the trip.
You may want to know why whales breach, how long humpback whales can remain underwater, what they eat, how large they become or how researchers recognize a whale that was previously photographed years earlier.
Our naturalists enjoy sharing their knowledge with guests of every age and level of experience.
Aboard the Jersey Girl
The Jersey Girl is the largest whale-watching vessel operating from central New Jersey. Her spacious decks provide excellent viewing areas, giving passengers room to move around and observe marine wildlife from different locations on the boat.
Our experienced captains, deck crew, junior crew members, naturalists and interns work together to provide a safe, educational and memorable day on the Atlantic Ocean.
Every person on the crew plays an important role. From spotting wildlife and documenting whale activity to assisting passengers and keeping the vessel safe, the entire team contributes to the experience.
Educational Whale Watching for Families and Groups
Our educational approach makes Jersey Shore Whale Watch a great choice for families, schools, summer camps, scout groups, homeschool organizations, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and lifelong learners.
Children are not simply watching an animal from a distance. They are hearing from knowledgeable professionals who can explain how scientists study whales and why protecting the ocean is important.
One experience on the water can inspire a lifelong interest in whales, marine biology, conservation or environmental science.
Marine Explorer Camp
Jersey Shore Whale Watch also offers our hands-on Marine Explorer Camp aboard the Jersey Girl.
Young campers learn about boats, navigation, marine mammals, dolphins, whales, seabirds and the coastal environment while spending time on the water with our captains, crew members and marine science educators.
Our Marine Explorer Camp gives children an opportunity to experience marine science outside of a traditional classroom and see the ocean as a living ecosystem.
Whales of New York and New Jersey
The waters off New York and New Jersey have become an increasingly important seasonal feeding area for humpback whales.
Many of the whales visit the region to feed on large schools of Atlantic menhaden, commonly known as bunker. These small fish are an essential food source for whales, dolphins, sharks, tuna, seabirds and many other species.
During a whale-watching trip, passengers may witness humpback whales using several feeding techniques, including lunging through schools of fish with their mouths open. Whales may also slap their tails, strike the water with their fins or work beneath the surface to concentrate their prey.
Our naturalists help passengers recognize these behaviors and understand what they reveal about the whales.
Responsible Whale Watching
Jersey Shore Whale Watch believes that responsible wildlife viewing and marine education go hand in hand.
Our captains and crew are committed to observing whales responsibly, maintaining safe operating practices and giving marine animals the space they need to behave naturally.
The goal is not simply to see a whale. The goal is to create an experience that encourages respect for the animals and the environment they depend upon.
Meet Today’s Naturalist
Because different naturalists may be scheduled on different trips, passengers can look for our Meet Today’s Naturalist display near the boarding area.
The display will introduce the naturalist aboard that day, including their photograph, education, professional background, research experience and areas of expertise.
We are proud of the knowledgeable people who work aboard the Jersey Girl, and we want our guests to know exactly who will be helping guide their experience on the ocean.
Join Us for a New Jersey Whale-Watching Adventure
Come aboard the Jersey Girl and experience whale watching with a team that is passionate about marine science, conservation, education and creating unforgettable memories.
Whether you see your first humpback whale, watch dolphins swimming alongside the boat or hear a child scream with excitement as a whale breaches, these are moments that can stay with you for a lifetime.
Jersey Shore Whale Watch departs from Belmar Marina in Belmar, New Jersey.
View Our Schedule and Reserve Your Trip
Questions? Call 732-592-6400 or email [email protected].