November 2 Offshore Whale Watching & Birding Expedition
A full day exploring the Atlantic aboard Jersey Girl—with birding specialists, offshore wildlife, and just 40 passengers.
Monday, November 2, 2026 • 5:00 AM Departure • Belmar Marina, New Jersey
Our October offshore expedition was postponed because of weather, and we’re ready to try again! Join Jersey Shore Whale Watch on November 2, with a new 5:00 AM departure—an hour later than originally planned.
We’re dedicating the entire day to exploring offshore waters, searching for whales, dolphins, seabirds, and whatever else the Atlantic has in store.
Tickets are $250 now. The price increases to $300 the week of the trip.
Calling All Birders: Bring Your Binoculars—and Your Friends
Birding will be a major part of this expedition. Birding specialists will be onboard to spot birds, call out their locations, and help identify what we’re seeing. Whether you’re an experienced birder building your life list or simply curious about the birds beyond the beach, you’ll have knowledgeable people helping you enjoy the day.
We’ll also be chumming for seabirds with our special blend of menhaden oil and other bird-attracting ingredients—our own little offshore “special potion.” The goal is to draw birds toward the boat and create opportunities for closer observation, identification, and photography.
And yes, we’ll be keeping an eBird checklist to document our sightings.
Have friends who love birding? Share this trip with them. Invite your bird club, your photography buddy, or someone who has always wanted to try an offshore birding adventure. You don’t need to be an expert to join us!
More Than 12 Hours to Explore
Our usual three-hour whale watches focus on coastal waters. This expedition gives us approximately 12–13 hours to travel farther offshore, explore deeper water, and search for wildlife beyond our everyday routes.
Jersey Girl’s cruising speed helps us reach offshore waters efficiently, giving us more time to explore once we’re there. Our captain will choose the route based on conditions and wildlife activity.
There’s something special about spending a full day offshore: scanning the horizon, hearing someone call out a sighting, and watching the whole boat turn toward the next discovery.
Whales, Dolphins, Seabirds—and Possibilities Beyond
Birding is a big part of the day, and we’ll also be searching for the marine wildlife that makes these offshore trips so memorable.
Previous Jersey Girl offshore expeditions have brought encounters with fin whales, minke whales, common dolphins, bluefin tuna, sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, and offshore seabirds.
Every trip is different. November’s sightings will depend on the conditions and wildlife present that day. No particular species or sighting is guaranteed—that’s the adventure of exploring the open ocean.
Just 40 Passengers Aboard Jersey Girl
We’re limiting this expedition to 40 guests, giving everyone more room to enjoy a long day on the water.
Jersey Girl offers indoor seating, outdoor viewing areas, and onboard restrooms. Move outside to scan for wildlife, then take a break inside between sightings.
For birders and photographers, a small passenger group means more room to position yourself for the action and enjoy the experience.
Breakfast Is Included
An early start deserves a good breakfast! Your ticket includes breakfast sandwiches and bagels to get the day underway aboard Jersey Girl.
Bring your own lunch, drinks, and snacks for the remainder of our offshore adventure.
Book Early: $250 Now, $300 the Week of Departure
Reserve now for $250 per person. The price increases to $300 the week of the trip, subject to availability.
Boarding takes place in the order reservations were purchased, so booking early also puts you earlier in the boarding order to choose where you’d like to settle in.
With a maximum of 40 passengers, this is a small-group offshore experience. If you’re planning to join us, reserve ahead.
What to Bring
Pack for a full November day at sea:
- Binoculars and a camera, with spare batteries and memory cards.
- Warm layers, a windproof outer layer, a hat, and gloves.
- Comfortable shoes with good traction.
- Lunch, snacks, and drinks.
You’re welcome whether this is your first birding trip or your fiftieth. Bring your curiosity—we’ll have specialists to help with the identification.
Offshore Weather and Cancellation Policy
Offshore trips require us to evaluate wind, waves, and sea conditions across a much larger area than our coastal whale watches. The captain makes the final decision about whether conditions are suitable.
If weather requires cancellation, we aim to notify passengers at least 24 hours before departure whenever possible.
$250 Tickets
If the captain cancels because of unsafe weather or sea conditions, you may choose a credit for 100% of the amount paid toward a future Jersey Shore Whale Watch trip, or a refund of 75% of the ticket amount to your original payment method.
$300 Tickets
If the captain cancels because of unsafe weather or sea conditions, you may choose full future credit or a 100% refund to your original payment method.
Routes, destinations, and trip duration may change based on weather, sea conditions, wildlife activity, and the captain’s judgment.
November 2 Expedition Details
- Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
- Departure: 5:00 AM
- Location: Belmar Marina, Belmar, New Jersey
- Duration: Approximately 12–13 hours
- Boat: Jersey Girl
- Passenger limit: 40
- Price: $250 now; $300 the week of the trip
- Birding: Onboard specialists, seabird chumming, and an eBird checklist
- Included: Breakfast sandwiches and bagels
- Boarding: In reservation purchase order
- Bring: Binoculars, warm clothing, lunch, snacks, and drinks