bill mckim

Whale watching from the boardwalk Sunday Dec 10 2023

**Experience the Wonders of Jersey Shore Whale Watch Tours**

Picture this: A Sunday morning, bright and early at 7:30 AM, and the sun is casting a gentle glow on the horizon. What’s unique about this December morning is that it’s a beautiful 55°F on the boardwalk, an uncommon sight for this time of year. As a result, the boardwalk is bustling with people taking in the unusual warmth and enjoying their leisurely strolls. Little did they know that this exceptional morning would gift them with an incredible sight – four whales off the coasts of Belmar and Spring Lake, clearly visible from the boardwalk.

These were not just any whales; they were active humpback whales, engaged in an enthralling display of munch feeding. The proximity of these majestic giants to the beach and boardwalk allowed a fortunate crowd to witness this spectacle firsthand. It was a truly remarkable moment, and it serves as a reminder that these incredible creatures still grace our shores.

The excitement generated by these close encounters was palpable. Curious onlookers had plenty of questions, and Bill McKim, the captain of Jersey Shore Whale Watch, was on hand to provide answers. People in Belmar and Spring Lake were eager to know what kind of whales they were observing, their numbers, and why capturing them with a phone camera can be a challenging task. Bill’s advice to capture the essence of the moment was simple: record videos and savor the beautiful memories they create.

Bill’s own camera, a Canon with the ability to shoot 30 frames per second, allowed him to capture these magnificent creatures in action. It’s a reminder of the incredible moments one can witness on a whale-watching expedition.

Looking ahead, Jersey Shore Whale Watch is gearing up for an exciting year. In the spring and summer of 2024, you can join us for an unforgettable whale-watching adventure aboard the “Jersey Girl.” This fully narrated tour is led by scientists who possess a wealth of knowledge about these marine giants. Expect to leave with a newfound appreciation for the ocean’s wonders and a treasure trove of memories.

But the excitement doesn’t end there. Jersey Shore Whale Watch is committed to sharing more of these breathtaking moments with you. We’ll be capturing more pictures of the whales from the boardwalks, aerial shots from our drones, and close-ups from our boats. We’re also planning a few trips for late winter and eagerly anticipating more whale watching and birdwatching excursions.

Furthermore, keep an eye out for seals on the beach. If you happen to spot these seals, remember to maintain a respectful distance. These animals often come ashore to rest, so giving them the space they need ensures their well-being.

Jersey Shore Whale Watch offers a glimpse into the world of these incredible creatures that grace our shores. We invite you to be part of the adventure, to witness nature’s majesty up close, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. The ocean has so much to offer, and we can’t wait to share it with you on our upcoming tours.

December 8th whale watching trip report Fin Whale

During our recent boat trip, we had the incredible opportunity to witness the majestic presence of two magnificent whale species: the humpback whale and the fin whale. Our memorable encounter with the fin whale took place just off the shores of Long Beach Island, specifically near the charming coastal resort town of Beach Haven, situated north of Atlantic City. The beauty of the coastal landscape added to the awe-inspiring experience.

As we reflect on this remarkable outing, we’re excited to share that there are more adventures on the horizon. In the upcoming fall season and throughout the following year, we plan to embark on longer, more immersive journeys. These excursions will take us further south, exploring areas renowned for their rich marine life. Our upcoming trips will typically last between 4 to 6 hours, offering a delightful half-day of whale watching. It’s important to clarify that when we mention “half day,” we refer to the daylight portion of the day, not half of the 24-hour day.

We are eager to share the incredible moments we capture through photographs with you, and we hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Should you be interested in joining us on one of our upcoming trips or gifting the experience to a friend or family member, we offer gift certificates through Jersey Shore Whale Watch.

If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 732-592-6400. Our team at Jersey Shore Whale Watch, led by Bill McKim, looks forward to welcoming you aboard and sharing more unforgettable moments in the future. Thank you for your support, and we can’t wait to see you soon!

We had a rare no whale sightings Sunday and we cut the trip a little short as it was raining pretty well, so everyone that was on the trip gets a free trip next spring in 2024

On Saturday, November 25, we embarked on another eventful whale watching trip. Initially, we headed south towards Bayhead but unfortunately did not encounter any whales there. We then changed course and moved north, where we were rewarded with the sight of a very active humpback whale near Bradley Beach. We invite you to join us this Sunday for one of the final trips of the year. Our future outings will be highly dependent on the weather, especially with the colder temperatures, so don’t miss this opportunity to come out with us on Sunday, November 26, for whale watching.

As the season draws to a close, we extend our heartfelt thanks for making it a great one. To show our appreciation, we’re offering gift certificates along with a fantastic selection of sweatshirts. Keep an eye out in the coming week for some special deals that we’ll be announcing. Make sure to follow us and check your emails regularly, as we will have amazing specials on T-shirts, sweatshirts, and our popular hooded T-shirts.

A big thank you from Bill, Danielle, and the entire crew of the boat, the Jersey Girl, and everyone at Jersey Shore Whale Watch. We hope to see you soon and share more incredible whale watching experiences with you. We watched a great sunset and enjoyed our coffees.

Sent from my iPad

 

photos from Anne

We had an incredible whale watching experience on Friday, November 24. Departing from the marina in Belmar, we were unsure of what we might encounter, especially since no whales were spotted from Belmar Beach that morning, which had me slightly apprehensive. However, having witnessed five whales from my home deck on Thanksgiving Day, I remained hopeful.

Our optimism paid off splendidly. Shortly after reaching Manasquan Beach, where other boats had reported whale sightings, we quickly found ourselves amidst three whales. Over the next three hours, we were fortunate to follow four different whales, making for an exceptional and exciting trip. Everyone on board captured fantastic photos, and the heated cabin with its large windows provided a cozy spot to watch the whales and then step outside to hear their blows and see their magnificent lunch feeding and tail displays.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this trip was that all the whales we encountered were new to us, different from those seen the previous Sunday. This variety highlights how each whale watching day offers a unique experience.

We’re thrilled to announce two more trips this weekend, on Saturday and Sunday. As a special holiday treat, everyone joining us this weekend will receive a complimentary Jersey Shore Whale Watch T-shirt.

We’re excited to welcome you aboard the Jersey Girl and share more unforgettable moments. With the longest whale watching season on the East Coast, running from April through December, there’s always an opportunity to join us for a memorable adventure.

Happy holidays and looking forward to seeing you soon,
Bill and the crew at Jersey Shore Whale Watch.

Happy Thanksgiving to the entire Jersey Shore Whale Watch community!

As we gather to celebrate this season of gratitude, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of you who have joined us on the water. Your enthusiasm and support for marine life and ocean adventures have made this year unforgettable.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we’re offering a special “Thankful for Whales” promotion. Join us for a whale watching tour and receive a 10% discount as our way of saying thanks for choosing to spend your time with us and the whales.

We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share the wonders of the sea with such passionate individuals. Here’s to many more shared adventures on the horizon.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with joy, warmth, and the company of those who mean the most to you.

Warmest regards,
The Jersey Shore Whale Watch Team

 

“Our Sunday Funday reached new heights as we encountered five different humpback whales, an experience beyond my expectations. Our location was between Bradley Beach and 16th Ave. Belmar. Witnessing whales from my deck all morning had set my hopes high, but I never imagined we’d see such an extraordinary display. We observed these magnificent creatures feeding, lunging, rolling around, tail slapping, and performing a bubble roll. It was truly amazing and a reminder that with whales, you can never predict what will happen next.”

We headed south towards Island Beach State Park today

It was a beautiful, sunny day with a calm ocean, making it the perfect opportunity for an enjoyable whale watching trip. We dressed in layers to stay comfortable and set off towards the area where we had previously spotted whales. However, before reaching our destination, we came across a lively group of dolphins, which provided us with a lot of entertainment.

After our delightful dolphin encounter, we continued our journey south, passing by Sea Side without any luck in spotting whales. Disappointed but not discouraged, we decided to turn back. To our delight, near Lavalette, we encountered the same whale we had seen last weekend. While we didn’t witness any feeding behavior this time, we had the chance to see its tail several times during deep dives. There were also some splashes in the vicinity that may have been caused by bluefin tuna, adding to the excitement.

The trip was very enjoyable, and some of our fellow passengers chose to stay inside the cabin with heaters, while others preferred to stay outside. The colors of the clouds with the sun shining through were truly breathtaking, adding to the overall beauty of the experience. Another memorable trip was added to our collection, and we eagerly look forward to our next adventure.

 

next trip is Sunday November 12 1pm