Trip Report – August 6, 2026: Spectacular Lunge-Feeding Humpback Whale Off Sandy Hook
Today’s whale watching adventure aboard Jersey Shore Whale Watch was one of those unforgettable summer trips that reminds us why the New Jersey coast has become one of the East Coast’s premier whale watching destinations.
We were especially honored to welcome a wonderful group from Bradley Food Pantry, and it was our pleasure to share an incredible day on the Atlantic Ocean with them. Seeing the excitement on everyone’s faces as we encountered a young humpback whale made the trip even more rewarding.
After departing Belmar and heading north toward Sandy Hook, it didn’t take long before we located our whale. At first, the young humpback was steadily traveling south along the Jersey Shore, surfacing every few minutes to breathe before continuing on its journey. Everyone on board enjoyed watching the whale’s graceful movements as our naturalist explained humpback whale behavior, migration patterns, and the growing importance of New Jersey’s coastal waters for marine wildlife.
Then something exciting happened.
Without much warning, the whale changed its behavior completely. Instead of continuing south, it began lunge feeding, one of the most dramatic feeding behaviors seen in baleen whales. The humpback accelerated upward through a dense school of baitfish, opening its enormous mouth to engulf thousands of gallons of seawater along with its prey. Moments later, the whale forced the water back out through its baleen plates, trapping the fish inside before swallowing them.
Watching a humpback whale lunge feed is always breathtaking. It demonstrates the incredible power, precision, and intelligence of these magnificent marine mammals. Every feeding event is a reminder of just how healthy the food supply has become off the New Jersey coast in recent years.
The increase in baitfish—including Atlantic menhaden (bunker)—has attracted more humpback whales to the waters off Sandy Hook, Asbury Park, Long Branch, Belmar, and the surrounding Jersey Shore. As ocean conditions continue to support abundant marine life, whale sightings have become increasingly common throughout our season, giving guests an opportunity to witness wildlife experiences that were once considered rare along the New Jersey coastline.
Throughout the encounter, our captain maintained a safe, respectful distance while allowing everyone aboard excellent viewing opportunities. Responsible whale watching helps protect these incredible animals while giving passengers amazing photographic opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime.
Trips like today’s also highlight why education is such an important part of every excursion. Our naturalists help guests understand not only what they are seeing, but why whales are feeding here, how they communicate, and what everyone can do to help protect marine ecosystems for future generations.
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone from Bradley Food Pantry for joining us today. We hope your time aboard the Jersey Girl was filled with lasting memories and that you’ll visit us again soon.
If you’ve never experienced a humpback whale feeding just a few miles off the New Jersey coast, now is the perfect time. Every trip is different, every whale has its own personality, and you never know what incredible behavior you might witness next.
Book your next adventure with Jersey Shore Whale Watch departing from Belmar Marina and discover why thousands of guests return year after year to experience the incredible whales of the Jersey Shore.
